Tampa Bay Saltwater

[VirginReefer]

As a newbie in the field of reef keeping I've done a fair amount of research and understand to be weary of much especially when it comes to buying product(s) and whom you buy them from.

After much deliberation and a few (non pushy) email responses to my virgin (pardon the pun) questions from Richard @ Tampa Bay Saltwater; I decided to purchase additional Live (I really mean LIVE as in LIVING) Rock from them.

Words truly don't begin to paint the picture of satisfaction in my first transaction with this company! After months of investigation I couldn't come up with a bad review on them and trust me I looked for it but evenso, I still was skeptical because of the old adage "too good to be true" as well my concerns about the BP Oil spillage and any effects thereof. However; I am now an official witness & satisfied customer of Tampa Bay Saltwater.

Richard delivers and he remains in communication before; during; and after the transaction which only goes to confirm his dedication to his craft; his customers obviously are not just dollars and cents (pardon the pun) but comrads in the happy reef! He shows this not only with communication but delivery for he certainly sends more than what's ordered; I ordered 60lbs and received about 115lbs - 120lbs of pristine rock.

Again; the LIFE on the rock that was delivered is so vast and being a virgin in this trade I have much research to do just to learn not only of all the things that I am seeing but in how to care for them properly. I am sure to post again with questions to all in order to gain as much guidance as possible.

Thanks in advance....................

[jb61264]

I have rock in my 75 that I bought from him 3 years ago...was very happy with what I received...I wonder if his rock farm is anywhere near any oil plumes from the BP oil disaster...hope not

[anbosu]

Well, assuming it is anywhere near Tampa Bay he is ok for now. Long term who knows.

[techreef]

wow, hadn't even thought about the oil spill and TBS. that's really tough. i think it's only a matter of time, unfortunately, before it affects him. they're talking about the spill even affecting the Atlantic. it is vast.

Good luck Richard! You are a class act, and I still have my TBS rock going.

[anbosu]

Supposedly there are currents that will keep most of the oil away from this area.

Unfortunately those same currents will push the oil down through the Keys and into the Atlantic.

[noahm]

Yes, it is great rock and great service. His newer source of seed rock is ridiculous (super light and awesome shapes) and future TBSers will really be stoked. It is not for everyone, as you will for sure get some pests, but that is what their dry rock is for. Glad to see you are enjoying it.

[liverock]

Thanks for the kind words everybody, I really appreciate it!

With Armageddon on our doorstep, is nice to hear happy folks. Update on the oil is....there is not any here on the west coast of Florida. The panhandle area has suffered some hits, but NOTHING like is happening in Louisiana. Those poor people are not just out of a job, but out of a lifetime, and a culture as who can survive, especially in this economy with no income as all their fishing waters are closed.

If what they tell us does happen, the oil will get caught up in the 'loop' current out in the middle of the Gulf, and be swept to the Florida keys, right up along the top of the reef in Hawks Channel as that is where this current flows.

Then it will round Miami caught in the Gulf stream and go all the way up the coast to North Carolina, then out into the Atlantic towards Europe. I fear this will end up being a global event if this hole is not plugged.

It makes me very sad to see all the marine animals dying. and nothing they or we can do about it.

But I am keeping the faith, and will be diving tomorrow for another load of rock and critters.....Thanks everybody for the good thoughts...

Richard TBS

[jchase1970]

Keep on Rocking Richard.

[liverock]

Did that...today...got the killer rock....will post some pics tomorrow....was a gorgeous..HOT...day!

sea ya
Richard TBS

[SpencerG]

The folks over here in Louisiana really appreciate the good will and wishes from our neighbors. Louisiana is probably going to be hurting for some time.

That said, one small way folks can help is to buy seafood from Louisiana and the other Gulf states. We are still producing fresh and safe seafood, just not as much obviously.

[JG777]

This thing is gushing 2.5 m gallons a day, that's an exxon valdez every 4 days, it's just a matter of time before it gets here to the keys, this is much bigger than what there telling us, so sad, and how I love the keys.