Microscope Safari and Coral Auction 5/19/07

[Reefcherie]

"Microscope Safari through Desert Reef"


SEABay is pleased to welcome Sandy Shoup as our guest speaker/workshop leader this Saturday, May 19th at 7pm.

First, Sandy (speaker at the recent 2006 MACNA conference) will guide us through many of the fascinating microscopic flora and fauna found in her own reef tank at home (Arizona). Included in this tour will be many of the critters found in the sandbed, sump debris, refugium and even hair algae (yes, you heard right). Next, through use of a video microscope setup, Sandy will take sand, detritus and/or nuisance algae samples from attendee's tanks and explore these microcosms and the denizens found there for everyone to see - projected up on our big screen if all goes well.

Last, but not least, we will have a Members-only Coral Auction!! 20-24 choice coral colonies and frags will be auctioned off during the evening to SEABay members. Not a member? Sign up at the meeting and join the fun. Will accept cash or check only as payment.

Hope to see a few of you there (with your sample) - think about carpooling!

[Reefcherie]

If you would like to see the critters in your sand, be sure and bring a sample to the meeting on Sat. Using a ¼ tsp. measuring spoon, take small samples from the upper layers of the sand in several different locations. We don’t need more than a teaspoon or two. The first 1cm of sand has the highest population of animals…usually. Avoid taking samples within two inches of the aquarium glass. The last part is due to a much lower count of animals near the glass.

As always - refreshments will be served.

For a look at the photos of the coral colonies and frags that will be up for auction, please check out www.seabay.org.