• That didn't take long! Welcome to the new site (April Fools)

    Three months in, we sure didn't see this one coming... You probably noticed the new look of our site already. Let me bring you up to speed. With our continuing efforts to bring you current information, answer questions, release articles and podcasts, it was quickly noticed by others that we were on to something. Over the past 10 days, negotiations took place which resulted in our site being acquired by ReefCentral.com

    You'll note the whimsical logo at the top of our site. That's on purpose because we like to have fun here, and they knew it. Our agreement allows for us to not only continue to entertain you addicts, but also puts up the funding for some pretty cool expansions in the near future. The new URL will be www.ReefAddictsCentral.com, but for the next few weeks this address will work. Once we've officially moved over to the bigger faster servers, we will install an auto-forwarding script to get you there of course.

    With the signed paperwork, a lot of money changed hands and I'm excited to show you some of the changes I'm making personally.

    First of all, my house is up for sale. It's a nice little place: 4 roomy bedrooms, 3 baths, large kitchen, dining room, den, game-room, walk-in closets, solar power panels, slightly used fishroom, 3 car garage, pool and bathhouse on a half-acre. I'm taking offers, so if you're interested in a gently used home in good condition, email me at melev@reefaddicts.com. I'd like to get $695,000 for it.



    I'm putting in a bid on this new place, which was so big you can't even see the left and right sides. It's awesome. Not only is it completely wired for WIFI and tv in every room, it has a wine cellar. I'm no stranger to wine, so that's a cool addition and I'll be able to bring in pallets of Crown Royal and store them in the cool environment. More importantly, it has a basement, something unheard of in Texas. When I found that out, I was sold. It also has the auto-switching backup-generator, which I'm excited to get. I love the huge entry way, which will be perfect when people come over to see my new tank (more about that in a bit)!



    This one is located in Irving, so I'm going to be a Dallas guy now, I guess. Since I work from home, I might as well enjoy it right? It's in escrow now, but in a mere 30 days, I'll move some of my stuff in. Much of what I own will be sold or donated to charity so I can enjoy some newer furniture and goodies. For those reef hotties out there that would like to help me decorate the new place, be sure to drop me a line or leave me a message at 1 (682) 233-4284 and I'll call you back.

    With my bank account full, I went shopping. I've done the sensible car thing, the mini-van and later the SUV. It was long overdue that I finally get a nice sports car. I found this baby at Nissan for a mere $82k. It's a 2010 GTR. I couldn't wait to show it to you guys, so it isn't detailed for these pictures; it's was lined up with the other vehicles to get customer-ready. I'll be picking it up tomorrow.




    I'm interested in some other stuff, so I stopped by Yamaha as well. I had a motorcycle years ago, and need to renew that part of my drivers license before I can start riding again. This bike beckoned to me the moment I walked into the showroom. The sign I'm holding up states not to sit on it because it's sold.



    While I was there, I saw a jetski and a four wheeler. I'm still haggling with them on this one because I like it, but I'm not entirely convinced I need it. Yet. We have lakes nearby, but I'd rather be on the ocean if I got one. Having this much money all of a sudden sure makes the mind wander though.


    As I was heading back, Guitar Center caught my eye. My son plays the guitar, so he can teach me a few things for sure. This guitar was pretty hot, but I'm not as convinced that used amps are a good choice. I'll probably just get some new ones with a warranty. Do I look like a guitar hero yet?



    Making my daily stop by Starbucks, it struck me that I really need to invest some of the new income received from Reef Central. I love coffee, and the staff at this store have always treated me well, so I may just franchise this location. Not only will I finally get my $5-a-cup Venti Peppermint Mocha Latte for free, but I'll even make a little money from the bean-addicted people. Win win!



    Now I need your help. With my ginormous house, I'm looking at getting a really big reef tank. $50,000 is what I'm going to start with, but I need your ideas. It doesn't take much high-end gear to eat up that money, so try to be reasonable. I've been following the 13,500 L-shaped tank in Canada, and that's pretty neat. There's an awesome 3-meter cube in Germany that is lit with daylight that impressed me as well. But I don't want to copy others, I want it to be unique. At the same time, I'd like to share it with all of you, and I'd like you to feel like it is partly yours. Future articles and blog entries will come from this project, posted on www.reefaddictscentral.com. So post your ideas below and perhaps yours will be used in my biggest challenge yet. If we need to spend a little more, so be it. Keep in mind that I like to really think things through and have back ups in place in case gear fails, so money has to be allocated to a closet full of extra equipment to have on hand.

    Be sure to check out the new ReefAddictsCentral Podcast. We want to thank ReefCentral for putting their faith in our site and backing us with their full support. With their financial backing, all of you can expect to see bigger prizes, more features, and tons of interviews in the future. Saying 'stay tuned' seems to be an understatement - this is going to be epic.
    Comments 74 Comments
    1. johnbanks's Avatar
      johnbanks -
      Nicely Done Guys, I had an idea but was compelled to carry on reading.

      You've set a high bar to beat next year though...

      John
    1. agsansoo's Avatar
      agsansoo -
      How long is the ban for ?
    1. Tumbleweed's Avatar
      Tumbleweed -
      I think Marc needs to start a new tank blog here for his tank.
    1. VitalApparatuz's Avatar
      VitalApparatuz -
      Thanks for the yukks Well done
    1. melev's Avatar
      melev -
      Probably forever, from what I saw on my screen.

      I did start blogging about my tank here. Here's the summation: http://www.reefaddicts.com/entry.php...s-and-counting If you subscribe to my blog (it's an option on the right side of the screen under my avatar, each time I create a new blog entry, you'll get an email notification. Follow your friends here on the site and those notifications will keep you current whenever they add new thoughts.
    1. Tumbleweed's Avatar
      Tumbleweed -
      That sucks Marc. But that is Reef Centrals lost. They take them selves way to seriously
    1. Blennymower's Avatar
      Blennymower -
      marc, I can't believe RC banned you. What a bunch of crap; if it's like that I'm going to stop patronizing them because it's so stuuuuupid. Not to mention your thread was a guiding light for me since I got into this hobby. Reef Addicts all the way...yeeeiiiya
    1. OneReef's Avatar
      OneReef -
      I am still in disbelieve. I always thought of RC as being synonymous with melev, and ReefKeeping Mag for that matter. By the way, I noticed the last issue of RK mag was Oct09. Did they discontinue that? Also, All the posts in your RC tank thread in support of you got deleted last night or this morning. This is lunacy.
    1. OneReef's Avatar
      OneReef -
      Bah, the thread is now locked.
    1. melev's Avatar
      melev -
      Sanitized for your protection, I suppose.
    1. Jessy's Avatar
      Jessy -
      WOW they locked marc's thread!?!?! I wonder if mine is still around... Anyway, not worth dwelling over. Marc, you have Reef Addicts now and we all love you here.
    1. Robb in Austin's Avatar
      Robb in Austin -
      I can't believe they locked Marc's thread!

      I'm kinda glad I never paid for the membership.

      My first round offer still stands next time you are down this way.

      Robb
    1. melev's Avatar
      melev -
      Thanks Robb. I never turn down a drink - well, I did for 30 days after some emergency surgery a year ago, but on Day 30 I restocked the liquor cabinet.
    1. Jaxom's Avatar
      Jaxom -
      I am still trying to understand what happened on RC, I guess it's because Marc used the RC Logo on his April Fools joke. It wasn't done in a malicious way so I believe RC at least owes Marc, someone who took the time to make over 48 thousand posts, mostly to help other reefers and the thousands of RC patrons that faithfully follow Marc’s threads an explanation on why they did what they did instead of just locking his threads and putting moved on under his name. I second the comment, glad I didn’t pay for a membership on RC, I have been a member for over 2 ½ years and have never been able to post, even though I sent several emails asking the mods to fix the problem. I am enjoying my new reef home and am looking forward to sharing the adventures of all the patrons of Reef Addicts. I will bring over a bottle of Crown (small bottle) when we seal the deal on my sump Marc.

      Jeff
    1. ghurlag's Avatar
      ghurlag -
      Marc, RC reminds me of another club I am a member of... I think RC will quickly come to regret their decision. It would have been very easy to "play along" or just laugh it off. I'm sure they're just jealous of your success with your new site. I've been in the hobby mere months. My tank is a 29g (sound familiar?). melevsreef.com has been a common stop of mine. Not only do you have a knack for the hobby, but you are able to share your love and expertise in a way that others can understand and ultimately enjoy.
    1. Jessy's Avatar
      Jessy -
      Quote Originally Posted by Jaxom View Post
      I am still trying to understand what happened on RC, I guess it's because Marc used the RC Logo on his April Fools joke.
      Just for the record. It was not Reef Central's logo. It was a spoof logo of similar color and similar font but not the same. But it was not a exact replica. There were no copyright violations as they so accuse.
    1. Hop's Avatar
      Hop -
      "mutantur omnia nos et mutamur in illis"... All things change and we change with them!

      If anything over the last few years I have learned that things happen for a reason... But I must admit I'm enjoying the site Marc. Good info and the layout makes it a new experience over a traditional forum!

    1. Snakebyt's Avatar
      Snakebyt -
      i have been out of town for the weekend and i guess i missed all the drama, I cant believe they banned Marc and Jesse as well, come on, what a bunch of crap,
      I took a couple year off from the hobby and was over at RC one night and saw his thread was still going, i got to reading it again and i can honestly say that sparked the intrest and got me back into the hobby ( damn that thread). it will be sad to see it gone, but it was a damn fun ride for 5 years.

      I am still getting used to the layout here, but i am really liking it and would like to say thanks to Marc and Jesse for setting this up for us. I dont post alot, but i do read alot and enjoy it all.

      thanks guys
    1. Jnarowe's Avatar
      Jnarowe -
      unbelievable discussion about how Marc used the RC logo for his own profit, yet they don't talk about using Marc to attract members, increase page views and advertising income, nor the endless hours spent helping out RC members. You are in good company Jessy.

      Hot topic on DR BTW!!!
    1. OneReef's Avatar
      OneReef -
      This was left by the mod 'beerguy' on RC: "Sorry, but Marc was removed from TRC and ReefKeeping magazine for using RC's copyrighted logo for his own monetary gain. His "prank" was the last straw."