tampa bay saltwater

[plantman1028]

I was wondering if anyone here ever ordered anything from Tampa Bay Saltwater.Their online catalog packages seem too good to be true.Does it really arrive ALIVE?How was the shipping?I live in NJ and it is COLD here now,are the heat packs enough?Sorry about all the questions,I've never ordered livestock over the net.The horror stories I have heard.I appreciate any help you guys can give me.THANX.....CHRIS

[mogurnda]

I had a great experience with them. The rock was fantastic, as was the service. I went with the airport pickup, so it went from their tanks to mine in less than 12 hours.

Here's a thread I wrote on reef central about it:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=195898

cearbhaill has a writeup and links to more photos here:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21721

[plantman1028]

Thanks for the info.After seeing your article in RC and the pics,i'm definately gonna order from them.Quick ?.Did all the stuff in the article come on the rock or was some already in the tank.Lots of diversity ,thats why I switched to SW.Thanks for the info Mogurnda.Great looking tank..LIVELY.

[mogurnda]

Everything in my RC post came with the rock. If you follow the thread, you'll notice that some of the people also got cool stuff like small brain corals as well.

Since then, I have added a lot of corals, but the hitchhikers are still some of my favorites.

[plantman1028]

Stop, your gettin me all tingly.Just the thought of getting all that biodiversity in one easy shipment is too much.I can't wait, i'm gonna hop on over to their site and place an order.. thanks for the help...chris

[Cearbhaill]

I'm just one week into this whole thing, but I did a whole lot of investigation before I definitely decided to go with Tampa Bay Saltwater.
I wanted rocks with diversity- I feel like the more critters I have going in there the better. Why buy extra "seeding kits" when you can get your basic biodiversity right there on your rock and in your sand? I made the rounds to my local shops and the rocks there were just barren compared to the TBS rock, not to mention much more expensive- even after shipping was factored in.

The folks at TBS are more than happy to answer any questions and help you out- we ended up trading phone calls for a couple of days until Richard was satisfied that my water/salt mix was stable enough to begin adding life. They want things to go well for you and have done just about everything in their power to see that their rock gets to your tank in fine shape.

My first half has been in the tank for one week today. I have not had ammonia or nitrite readings over 0.5 so far but did a water change today just to be on the safe side. I'm seeing more critters every day- although most of it is parts of critters- a tentacle, a pair of antennae, or a shifting piece of rock.

I'm sure I'll be just as happy with my second half when it is time. Then I feel as if I'm off to a great start in this fascinating hobby.

[che2003]

Go for it !! I picked my 2nd shipment about a week and a half ago from Newark EWR on the coldest day, my rocks are doing great! Richard and Mary from TBS will take good care of you! check out some pics of my tank;
my tank with TBS rocks! (http://www.geocities.com/reefaquarist2002/index.htm) :D

[BrianH]

Che2003,

I have to say, that is one beautiful set up you have there.

Brian

[Slatts]

Yea - Nice pool table

[mogurnda]

That is one sweet room.