[Melanie]

Dr. Hank: I will probably one day proceed to a reef tank. Because I think a reef tank is a little more sensitive and perhaps a bit harder (and expensive!) to maintain, I'd like to be successful with my fish-only tank before I move onto the reef. Believe me, my hubby always asks me why I don't buy an anemone/clown combo and I have to tell him that my one-strip floursecent fixture and crappy test readings just won't do for ANY anemone. I know he'd like to see a reef tank, therefor I bought the rubber corals. It'll keep him satisfied as long as I clean off the brown algae every week. Hubby LOVES "clownies" and I will hopefully buy a pair again during this tank stocking.

If you have been looking at my test results, nitrates never seem to be too high. It's just the ammonia and nitrites that keep that "just-above-zero" level that is driving me crazy.

I'm wondering if my test kit is too old. I can't even remember when I got it. Sometime in the last 4 years. There is no expiration date on it, so I'm hoping it's actually correct. Lynn told me to check my tests by having it done at the LFS to compare results.

BTW, my tank inhabitants are doing great today. Everyone looks happy and healthy. New firefish is a little skittish, but otherwise beautiful and doesn't look at all stressed.

P.S. I'm searching all over for the cheapest live rock. I met some guys about 7 years ago that were starting a live-rock business and they gave me their numbers. I'm trying to reach them to see if I can get a discount. I've also looked on Craig's List to see if anyone will part-off their saltwater to me. I have a pretty good lead so far on a guy that will sell me 100+ lbs for $100. He lives close to me. He has more stuff, but I have a 72 gallon and he has a 250 gallon so I don't know if any of it will work for me.

Also have been reading up on maritime law to see if I can harvest live rock anywhere myself. So far, no luck. Florida law says NO harvesting and federal waters default to FL law. I can't find international law because I'm apparently google-retarded. If anyone knows how far from coast international waters start, I will Karma you like no one's business. Extra Karma if you send me the link with with international water live-rock collection law. I might even KISS you (if you want.)