• 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. OneReef's Avatar
      OneReef -
      Also, who is going to start the "Free Melev" Facebook page?
    1. melev's Avatar
      melev -
      One prank a year should be allowed.
    1. San Juan's Avatar
      San Juan -
      I never knew Melev that you were a fan of the Crown Royal, that's some good rye
    1. agsansoo's Avatar
      agsansoo -
      Hey ! I want a "Free Melev" T-shirt to wear at MAX this weekend ! This could be a good thing, marketing wise ... "Free Melev" T-shirts, stickers, hats, coffee mugs and Crown Royal glasses. Heck we should get Crown Royal to sponsor this campaign.
    1. Alaska_Phil's Avatar
      Alaska_Phil -
      Quote Originally Posted by OneReef View Post
      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."
      Huh? Marc, you making money off this site? I sure haven't given you a cent.
    1. Tumbleweed's Avatar
      Tumbleweed -
      Reef Central just doesn't like pwople who don't do what they say and when they say it. They have forgotten that this is a hobby and everyone here is trying to learn and enjoy what we do. The main reason I would go to there is to see Marc's tank thread but now I don't have to. So my time on RC is very limited and sparse.
    1. johnbanks's Avatar
      johnbanks -
      I will be starting the free Melev Site, stay tuned
    1. johnbanks's Avatar
      johnbanks -
      http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112396318786993
    1. thejuggernaut's Avatar
      thejuggernaut -
      Well if I was Marc I would be angry beyond belief. He spends countless thousands of hours on their site helping their patrons. Then they kick him to the curb over something stupid. These people need to start worrying about things that need worrying about. Like their search engine! Well it made me so mad that they banned him and closed is thread that I sent them a email to cancel my premium membership, I'm not going to send money to people who care so little about the people that actually make their site what it is. As far as I'm concerned they are a bunch of A**holes and they can close down the site for all I care.
    1. Jnarowe's Avatar
      Jnarowe -
      Quote Originally Posted by Jnarowe View Post
      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!!!
      And who assigned me a bubble aglae avatar??? That ain't right!
    1. Jessy's Avatar
      Jessy -
      Quote Originally Posted by Jnarowe View Post
      And who assigned me a bubble aglae avatar??? That ain't right!
      LOL that was my doing. I got tired of people not making custom avatars and profile pics so I put something up that would make people want to change it from default
    1. Jnarowe's Avatar
      Jnarowe -
      Quote Originally Posted by Jessy View Post
      LOL that was my doing. I got tired of people not making custom avatars and profile pics so I put something up that would make people want to change it from default
      Well your evil plan would work if I could figure out how to do it... Don't laugh, I have brain damage (and not the good kind like Marc!)
    1. agsansoo's Avatar
      agsansoo -
      Quote Originally Posted by Jessy View Post
      LOL that was my doing. I got tired of people not making custom avatars and profile pics so I put something up that would make people want to change it from default
      We all don't have faces as pretty as your's !
    1. Jnarowe's Avatar
      Jnarowe -
      I figured it out...have to go to "messages" rather than "profile"!
    1. Jnarowe's Avatar
      Jnarowe -
      btw, the links in email notifications go to a blank page...
    1. Snakebyt's Avatar
      Snakebyt -
      Someone over at RC was asking about contacting Marc so i PM them the url here, RC freggin edited my PM. I can see them editing my posts, but a PM come on, thats going a little too far, but have no fear, he got the address... guess reefaddicts.com is a 4 letter word to them folks over there
    1. revhtree's Avatar
      revhtree -
      I am bubble algae!
    1. Lukinrats's Avatar
      Lukinrats -
      I have no use for Reefcentral anymore. Like everyone else said, all it is good for is taking Donations, and getting people over to Marc's thread. I just have one question. Where shall I sell my "Used equipment and drygoods" now?
    1. Jessy's Avatar
      Jessy -
      Quote Originally Posted by Lukinrats View Post
      I have no use for Reefcentral anymore. Like everyone else said, all it is good for is taking Donations, and getting people over to Marc's thread. I just have one question. Where shall I sell my "Used equipment and drygoods" now?
      Since we don't have anything at the moment my suggestion would be to sell on Reef2Reef.com. Its run by the bubble algae located right above this comment. :P
    1. Snakebyt's Avatar
      Snakebyt -
      guess i was banned as well....maybe we should start a club or somthing