February Free Frags Meeting
Tuesday February 13th @ 7:30pm
Well it's that time of year again for the annual February Fragging Meeting! This is where the Atlanta Reef Club (http://atlantareefclub.org/forums/arcsignup.php?&do=join) brings in several colonies of corals and demonstrates different fragging techniques from an expert in the field. Members get to keep the frags FREE OF CHARGE!!!

Phillip Root from Coral Garden (http://www.thecoralgardens.com/mambo/index.php) will be giving the demonstration and will be able to answer all of your fragging questions. He will also be covering mounting options for different species. We're working on getting some live video feed to a projector so that everyone will have a clear view of what's happening on the tables. We usually have well over 100 people show up. This is a great time to sign-up, renew your membership and find information about the upcoming SWU3 (http://www.saltwateru.com/)!

Atlanta Reef Club 2007 Calendars
The ARC Calendars will also be available at this meeting for $15 each. All images were submitted by and voted on from our own members!

More frags!
There's already been alot of talk about additional frag trading at this meeting so bring whatever you have for trades... you'll be acclimating your free frags anyway! Check out this thread (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2411) for the talk around the reef...

We hope that we can break a new attendance record with this one so be sure to make it out to pick up your FREE FRAGS!

Meeting location:
We'll be holding the meeting at Steve's office building again (same as last month)
We will be working on posting a detailed map in the next couple days so that we don't have anyone getting lost. Here's basic directions for those that haven't made it out to this location before:

From I-75 South-bound:

Take Exit #255, West Paces Ferry and Northside Parkway. Turn left off the exit ramp. You will pass under I-75. Turn right at the first light onto Northside Parkway. Go to the second light, and turn right on Howell Mill Road. Go up the hill, and turn left on the first street, Downwood Circle. Go straight on Downwood Circle into the parking deck (all the way down the road). The building will be on your left.

From I-75 North-bound:

Take Exit #255, West Paces Ferry and Northside Parkway. Turn right off the exit onto Northside Parkway. Take an immediate right onto Howell Mill Road. Go up the hill, and turn left on the first street, Downwood Circle. Go straight on Downwood Circle into the parking deck (all the way down the road). The building will be on your left.

Or MapQuest directions can be found here (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?address=%5b3100%2d3274%5d%20Downwood%20Cir %20Nw&city=Atlanta&state=GA&zipcode=30327&country=US&title=%3cb%3e%5b3100%2d3274%5d%20Downwood%20Cir%20 Nw%3c%2fb%3e%3cbr%20%2f%3e%20Atlanta%2c%20GA%20303 27%2c%20%20US&cid=lfmaplink2&name=).


Here are a couple of the colonies that we will be fragging for our members! With more to come!

Be on the lookout on this thread for pictures of the colonies that we will be demonstrating on! We will have several species to choose from for all levels of reef... SPS, softies and zoa's!

I can't wait! Free!!!! This is going to be awsome!

Just in case you do better with visuals...

If someone has a video camera, this seems like a great event to record and upload to the site.

I am really looking forward to this event! This will be so educational I need to take notes. It would be nice if we could buy DVD's of the presentation.

Thanks to all the people at ARC that was able to make this happen for us!!!

I am really looking forward to this event! This will be so educational I need to take notes. It would be nice if we could buy DVD's of the presentation.Not a bad way for the club to bring in some extra revenue either.

What day and at what time will this meeting occur? Also, about how long will it last?

February 13, 2007 at 7:30 PM

The meetings are always the 2nd Tuesday each month at 7:30 PM

What day and at what time will this meeting occur? Also, about how long will it last?

February 13, 2007 at 7:30 PM

The meetings are always the 2nd Tuesday each month at 7:30 PM


HHAAHA... oops! Thanks Kevin.
Meetings typically last about an hour and a half... tho they can run longer depending on the meeting. I expect this is probably one of those meetings.
Be sure to show up early so that you can get signed in and get settled. We've got a pretty large room but it's expected to get crowded.

If someone has a video camera, this seems like a great event to record and upload to the site.

We're going to have a camcorder hooked up to the projector for the live video feed. I was planning on hitting the record button too :)
The difficult part will be getting the software to get the correct format for computer / DVD. I'll see what we can come up with...

Once again for a rook, how do you best transport the frags? Do you bring some of your own tank water and a cooler maybe?! Any suggestions?

A cooler would be a great idea to bring the frags home. NO need to bring your own tank water.

This is what I plan to do with the few frags I'll be bringing:

Small Bags (ziplocs or LFS bags)
Water from Tank
Insulated Shipping Box

Temp will be the main concern, keeping it stable as possible. I wil pack them like the frags sent to me from online sellers. Thier packaging worked for overnight shipping and should work fine for one evenings transportation!

For those coming up from south of the city make sure you take the second Northside exit. There is a Howell Mill/Northside exit then if you go up about a mile further you will find the West Paces/Nortside exit. I goofed and did that last time so if you aren't familiar with the area, you can take the wrong exit.

We're going to have a camcorder hooked up to the projector for the live video feed. I was planning on hitting the record button too :)
The difficult part will be getting the software to get the correct format for computer / DVD. I'll see what we can come up with...I have a media PC that can accept and encode using an ATI All in Wonder video card. It isn't plugged in right now and you can borrow it if you like.

I also think places like Wolf Camera can do it for a small fee.

Small Bags (ziplocs or LFS bags)
Water from Tank
Insulated Shipping BoxSeveral people have recommended going to your LFS and asking for a styrofoam box and bags. You can then pick up hand warmers from WalMart that apparently work well to keep everything warm.

:eek: There will also be some Awesome Door Prizes and Raffle items at this meeting.:eek:

Possibilities include:
- Anthony Calfo Posters (possibly signed)
- Autographed copy of Anthony Calfo's new Publication "C"
- Fiji Mudd
- Books
- Additives
- etc.

:eek: There will also be some Awesome Door Prizes and Raffle items at this meeting.:eek:

Possibilities include:
- Anthony Calfo Posters (possibly signed)
- Autographed copy of Anthony Calfo's new Publication "C"
- Fiji Mudd
- Books
- Additives
- etc.


as well as some that we're keeping a secret! You have to come to the meeting to find out what they are!!! :thumbs:

We're going to have a camcorder hooked up to the projector for the live video feed. I was planning on hitting the record button too :)
The difficult part will be getting the software to get the correct format for computer / DVD. I'll see what we can come up with...
I have the software to do this already at home.

I already have the calcium presentation from last year ripped onto my HDD and was planing to convert it to Podcast format for the website. I've been dragging my butt on buying Quicktime Pro which seems to be the only way to reliably and decently encode for podcasts. All other software I've found (including Adobe Premiere Elements which is what I use to rip from the camcorder) turns it into a grainy mess.

I can do DVD's already, however.

Tony, if you'd like to make a regular rotation of videos, let me know. I have 3 computers at home and only one is needed to play Warcraft, so I can crunch movies pretty easily.

Temp will be the main concern, keeping it stable as possible. I wil pack them like the frags sent to me from online sellers.
Even if you're just running to the LFS, something like an Igloo Playmate Cooler (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=1-8/qid=1169679527/ref=sr_1_8/602-1276356-0759803?ie=UTF8&asin=B000L9DNCC) to transport new acquisitions is invaluable and reusable.

Larger sizes available for Beluga whales ...

I've kept all the insulated boxes that came from online stores. Quite handy when making a run to the LFS!:up:

I want the Anthony Calfo Posters (possibly signed) to go into my room next to my Teen Beat pictures of Brittney Spears!!! Wait, I was hoping it would be a picture of Calfo in a wetsuit holding a crab or something... Now I come to find out it is just of the crabs, no Anthony pictured at all. What a jip. ;) J/K

On second thought, I have seen Anthony in a wet suit ONCE and that was enough for me!

Here's a little teaser for you guys! These are some of the actual colonies we will be fragging at this demo!!!

Beautiful!!! I can't wait to see some frags of those in my reef!!! LOL!!!

There will be several more colonies including some leathers, zoas and more!!!

Tony, I recently joined the AFC and was extremely excited about the upcoming Feb. meeting. I just realized, however, that I'll be in L.A. that entire week on buisness- I'm sick to my stomach! I hate that I'll miss the fragging demos. There are plans to video tape these, right? Also, if I work out plans with another member, could he pick up the free frag in my stead? Ahh- maybe we could reschedule the meeting? -LOL-
-Sigh- Maybe I'll send my wife -Sigh-

what format did you start with when you imported the video? i wouldnt go out and buy quicktime pro, its a real rip off.

Please give a physical address of the meeting location so that I can do a mapquest search. Thanks!

MapQuest directions can be found here (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?address=%5b3100%2d3274%5d%20Downwood%20Cir %20Nw&city=Atlanta&state=GA&zipcode=30327&country=US&title=%3cb%3e%5b3100%2d3274%5d%20Downwood%20Cir%20 Nw%3c%2fb%3e%3cbr%20%2f%3e%20Atlanta%2c%20GA%20303 27%2c%20%20US&cid=lfmaplink2&name=)

See link above. The meeting is held in the conference room... you can check with security at the front desk if you have trouble finding it.

I would just like to point out that this meeting is held in an office building. Once you arrive, there is a guard post within the glass cylindrical entry way. Once you go in, you will need to take the elevator down to the floor where the meeting will be held. Last time I went there were no signs to point out that there was going to be a meeting, just saw some people and asked them if they were there for the ARC meeting.

Wow!!! What a color on those corals!!!!!! I love them all!!!!!! I don't usually go to the meeting but I'm comming to this one. I'm ready to trade.

Wow!!! What a color on those corals!!!!!! I love them all!!!!!! I don't usually go to the meeting but I'm comming to this one. I'm ready to trade.

There will be more than that as well... we just haven't been able to get all the pics yet.

There will be more than that as well... pics yet.

And, we can't ruin ALL OF THE SUPRISES:yay:

I would just like to point out that this meeting is held in an office building. Once you arrive, there is a guard post within the glass cylindrical entry way. Once you go in, you will need to take the elevator down to the floor where the meeting will be held. Last time I went there were no signs to point out that there was going to be a meeting, just saw some people and asked them if they were there for the ARC meeting.

Thanks for pointing that out!! One of my ideas for this year was to make some signage for meetings and "portable billboards" to place out by the road on meeting nights. Hopefully we'll get someone to help us make them soon.

I am not going to write the signs b/c no one will be able to read them, LOL

I'm very inexperienced with corals, so could someone please tell me what corals were pictured in Tony's post?

Thanks.

I'm very inexperienced with corals, so could someone please tell me what corals were pictured in Tony's post?

Thanks.

I believe they are:
Pic #1 - Chalis (aka Echiniphyllia sp)
Pic #2 - Maze Brain (Leptoria sp)
Pic #3 - Montipora nana
Pic #4 - Acropora

I am a new member and I don't expect my membership card to get to me before the February meeting. I plan on attending, will I be on a list of members there or should I print out my profile from this site or print out a paypal page? I am in Macon and new to reef tanks. I have done Angels and Discus' for years and I'm really getting into this salty stuff. Jeff

Your name should be on the list, unless the list are update before you join. Make a cope of our paypal page with you anyhow. You can use it to get store discount from our sponsor until you get your card.

Thanks, I'm hoping to make the meeting, I do have a prior commitment and I'm working to get out of it.

Can I join at the meeting and still participate in the free goodies?

Cannot wait for the meeting. I have some frags that I would like to bring and trade with others... I assume that this would be a good meeting for this correct?

that is correct :)

Can I join at the meeting and still participate in the free goodies?

Yes... we will have a table setup for new member signup (and renewals). Everyone that is a member at this meeting will go home with a free frag.

sweet! I'll be there!

it is gonna be great

Are the meetings simi-kid friendly?!?

wow, that brain is amazing!

Thanks for pointing that out!! One of my ideas for this year was to make some signage for meetings and "portable billboards" to place out by the road on meeting nights. Hopefully we'll get someone to help us make them soon.

and you might want to check with a guy on here, GordoB (his name is Brad) i know his dad owns the sign mart on 41 at butler creek, so he may be able to do the signs and stuff

Are the meetings simi-kid friendly?!?

This meeting will be a lot of people moving around and there will be sharp instruments. I wouldn't recommend young children.

I don't know Kevin, you don't bother us....:)


It always depends on supervision. Running amok (a real psychological disorder by the way, I think in Malaysia, where typically a young depondent male will take a machete and hack at people in a crowded place...but I digress) is not good, but with good parental care, it would be easier. Babysitting can get expensive.

Steve

I don't know Kevin, you don't bother us....:)

Thanks Steve.

I was saying this meeting may not be the best with all these people moving around. Normally I don't think it would be a problem. I agree, that with good supervision, children should be ok, even this meeting.

I work at a sign shop in Senoia but due to my school and tests next week I won't be able to make the meeting. I would be willing to do some signs for the meeting. Not sure on how the signs would get to the meeting but as long as they are simple and not lot of different colors we can do them. But I am willing to help.

more teasers... who's coming to the meeting?

btw, I don't think Im going to be able to get the signs ready for this meeting. If any of you have contacts or the ability to make us some weather-proof signs, please PM me.
Thanks!

OK, this sounds like the perfect meeting for me to finally come and join the club.

I agree!!! Welcome to the ARC! :)

so, about how many frags are there going to be of that amazing brain? and what are the chances of getting one?

so, about how many frags are there going to be of that amazing brain?

"x"

and what are the chances of getting one?

"y"

:shades:

dang... stupid variables... never did like me

I'll definitely be there. I'll be the guy with the huge wad of cash, buying everyone's frags.

Registration will begin at 7:00PM (or earlier if our help arrives early)

A "special gift" will be given out to the first 25members to arrive!!!

If I leave now, will you be there to give me my prize?

Special SaltwaterU Incentives for those registerting at the Meeting. Come to the SWU registration table for more information.

I have a customer with Quicktime Pro, next time I am in their office, I will rip it and you can have a copy.... PM me for more details




I have the software to do this already at home.

I already have the calcium presentation from last year ripped onto my HDD and was planing to convert it to Podcast format for the website. I've been dragging my butt on buying Quicktime Pro which seems to be the only way to reliably and decently encode for podcasts. All other software I've found (including Adobe Premiere Elements which is what I use to rip from the camcorder) turns it into a grainy mess.

I can do DVD's already, however.

Tony, if you'd like to make a regular rotation of videos, let me know. I have 3 computers at home and only one is needed to play Warcraft, so I can crunch movies pretty easily.

Looking forward to meeting everyone tonight! I'll be the one with a red cooler and a lovely lady on by my side! Getting her more interested in the hobby and hopefully easing the frustration about my reefing addiction! :roll:

how about an acutal address/suite number that kinda thing?

If you click on the MapQuest link on the first page, it comes up with:

3100 Downwood Cir Nw
Atlanta, GA 30327

Exit Northside drive from I-75 - OK Cafe is at that exit. You'll go south on Northside for a bit, and up around to the left. Downwood will be a little road on the left hand side - easy to miss. Go all the way down to the parking deck.

Park in the parking deck. The meeting will be in the attached office building. If you go into the ground level, then go to the elevators and down to the lowest-most floor (3rd garage level?). You'll see the group of people outside.

Actually it is 3200 Downwood Circle.

Looking forward to meeting everyone tonight! I'll be the one with a red cooler and a lovely lady on by my side! Getting her more interested in the hobby and hopefully easing the frustration about my reefing addiction! :roll:

Good I will be there with my other half and maybe once you convence/ease yours, you can work on mine!

Just to keep everything listed in one place, there were followup threads here (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2870) (with pictures), and here (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2872).