Lets get Melissa back into Discus

[Second Hand Pat]

I have enjoyed having Melissa (DiscusMama) as an active member here with her enthusiastic and passion for her beloved discus. Currently she has no discus and little chance of acquiring any in the near future.

I invite you guys to join me in buying a ticket (5 dollars) to the current NADA raffle in her name. With a little luck maybe she will win. ;)

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?91555-Kenny-s-Discus-Raffle-5-for-NADA-2012-show-Hurry-Limited-Time-1-week-Only!!!&p=813160#post813160

[Melissa]

Pat, you just made me cry.


You're the best discus friend I've ever had you sweet lady. I can't imagine anyone that would want to miss the chance to win that group from Kenny... And I know the odds are someone else is going to get lucky. But you just made my day so much brighter by posting this.
But damn it you made me cry! Lol

[Second Hand Pat]

Yea I knew I would Melissa...but if a few people join me maaaybe we stand a chance ;)

[TNT77]

I'm in. :)

[Second Hand Pat]

I'm in. :)

Cool, just tell Larry (Bugman) that it is in her name and he will handle the rest...thanks.
Pat

[laborelch]

me too. Go Melissa!

[Second Hand Pat]

me too. Go Melissa!

Yes, Yes and thank you.

[TNT77]

Cool, just tell Larry (Bugman) that it is in her name and he will handle the rest...thanks.
Pat
Just pmed him Pat ty. I really do hope you win Melissa. I got one those scorpians last shipment and I have to say they are NICE. Best of luck to you. :)

[Larry Bugg]

Ok, I got them from Tara and Stefanie. If you are in on this then shoot me a PM so I will know to credit them to Melissa. I'm in for two.

[Second Hand Pat]

Ok, I got them from Tara and Stefanie. If you are in on this then shoot me a PM so I will know to credit them to Melissa. I'm in for two.

Sweet Larry and thanks...later I will owe you some wild fry if I ever get that far ;)

[Melissa]

Gaaaaaah! Guuuuuys! LOL!!! It's not nice to make a prego lady cry! :) :) :) :)

All I can say is wow. And thank you from the bottom of my heart for donating to NADA in my name. I've never known better people than discus people. I love you guys.

[Chad Hughes]

Melissa,

I'd set up the tank! :D

Hope you are well.

[Melissa]

Hey Chad! Doing well here. Hope you are well too.

Trying not to get my hopes up. :P I have plenty of empty tanks at the moment anyway just in case I do win.

I am just so touched that you guys would do this.

[wendy9722]

Hey Chad! Doing well here. Hope you are well too.

Trying not to get my hopes up. :P I have plenty of empty tanks at the moment anyway just in case I do win.

I am just so touched that you guys would do this.


I havent been on in awhile so what happened to all your fish????

[Melissa]

Hey Wendy! I've been wondering where you've been lately. Nice to see you on here :)

Originally I went through the whole ordeal and wrote this long response describing what happened... But to sum it up in a nut shell all of my fish came down with this whirling and darting thing. It was the strangest thing I've ever encountered... Had no idea how to treat it and all fish went down hill quickly. What had not already died on it's own I eventually euthanized... It left me no way of starting up again because I lost them all.

The gorgeous Red Alenquer in my avatar was the first one that died, he was my favorite OF COURSE lol favorites always die first. And my breeding pair bit the dust too.

[wendy9722]

awwwhhh that is so sad. I had that happen to about 4-500.00 worth of angels. I tried me darnedest but I couldnt save them. I just started a 3rd shift job a little while ago and it takes everything out of me. Pritty much anymore its work, sleep, feed fish, tell the hunny do list to hubby and kids, then back to work. Saturdays is the only days I'm really able to get anything done. It really sucks!!!!! But congrats on the pregnancy!!!!!

[Melissa]

Thanks Wendy!

Sounds like you're busy as hell, I bet your fishes miss ya LOL

[ZX10R]

You just got some more tickets from me I hope you win :thumbsup:

[Melissa]

;) you rock Sean! And I just read your sig for the first time LOL I wish my hubby named my fish! Hahaha

[ZX10R]

;) you rock Sean! And I just read your sig for the first time LOL I wish my hubby named my fish! Hahaha

Well my wife kept naming them when I first started keeping discus but I kept getting more and more soon she gave up and ran out of names :)

[Second Hand Pat]

Yes Sean, you rock ;)

[ericatdallas]

Hey Wendy! I've been wondering where you've been lately. Nice to see you on here :)

Originally I went through the whole ordeal and wrote this long response describing what happened... But to sum it up in a nut shell all of my fish came down with this whirling and darting thing. It was the strangest thing I've ever encountered... Had no idea how to treat it and all fish went down hill quickly. What had not already died on it's own I eventually euthanized... It left me no way of starting up again because I lost them all.

The gorgeous Red Alenquer in my avatar was the first one that died, he was my favorite OF COURSE lol favorites always die first. And my breeding pair bit the dust too.

Awww? I totally missed that story and this is the first I heard of it. I thought it was because you got pregnant and that was all :(


Ok, I got them from Tara and Stefanie. If you are in on this then shoot me a PM so I will know to credit them to Melissa. I'm in for two.

Can I just transfer the ticket I already bought to Melissa? IF not, then if my name is drawn, Melissa can have them.

[Larry Bugg]

Awww? I totally missed that story and this is the first I heard of it. I thought it was because you got pregnant and that was all :(



Can I just transfer the ticket I already bought to Melissa? IF not, then if my name is drawn, Melissa can have them.

Your ticket is now in her name.

[Second Hand Pat]

Eric and Larry...both of you are sweethearts.

[Bill63SG]

I'm not so sweet,I'm keeping my ticket,but may the best ticket win,lol.

[Second Hand Pat]

Totally Bill

[wdeleon01]

I'm in. You just got some more tickets from me. Hope everything is good with you Melissa.

Good Luck
Walter

[Melissa]

Wow Eric, you are a sweet heart! You too Walter! How you been?

Bill- you're still sweet I'm sure. It amazes me how many people are donating in my name and giving up their chance to win those gorgeous fish! Definitely surprised me. May the best ticket win! Lol :) :)

[wdeleon01]

I've been really good. Would love to see you winning this auction and back into discus.

[Melissa]

:) thank you so much Walter. I'm glad to hear you're doing well too!

Still trying not to get my hopes up guys! Lol but it's hard not to feel so thrilled about this unexpected support. : D

[TNT77]

:) thank you so much Walter. I'm glad to hear you're doing well too!

Still trying not to get my hopes up guys! Lol but it's hard not to feel so thrilled about this unexpected support. : D
Well we could do away ;) with the other tickets and not have to worry about the competition.

[Melissa]

Lol! It's kind of fun with competition though haha I may not win the fish, and I'll certainly be happy for whoever does. Albeit, jealous... But still happy lol

[Disgirl]

Got my fingers crossed that you win them Melissa!
Barb

[Melissa]

:) thank you Barb!

[ericatdallas]

Whoever wins the raffle, everyone wins by supporting NADA ;)

[Second Hand Pat]

Whoever wins the raffle, everyone wins by supporting NADA ;)

Exactly...a win all the way around.

[Melissa]

:)! Exactly!

[Bill63SG]

I just had a tank crash this week.Lost around 20 blue diamonds I,my wife,were raising up.Working long hours and trying to solve the problems over the phone.I sympathize with your discus loss.But an empty tank is a world of possibilities.Good luck to everyone with a ticket.

[Second Hand Pat]

Ouch Bill, sorry to hear

[ericatdallas]

Ouch, sorry Bill. Do you know what happened?

[Bill63SG]

Nope.Running 10 tanks in the basement,only one that it happened to.And not all at once,it was like 1 every two days.And when it first started,you know,you sometimes lose a fish here or there when your growing them out.The only saving grace,if you want to call it that,is I bought them off a friend closing out his fish room,wanted to give him some cash,and he sold them cheap,so they weren't,I hate to say it,my "favorites".But,they were a $1 size+ and I was starting to warm up to them.Throwing out the sponges and bleaching everything else this week end.

[Melissa]

Oh man Bill, that's awful! Maybe a bacterial issue?
And had you ever treated for flukes or anything? Any course of action taken to try to save them? If you have other young fish, it's important to get to the bottom of what happened to that group...

[jimg]

Don't feel alone Bill I got results from pathologist and last couple weeks wiped out years of favorites.

[Melissa]

Holy moly Jim!! What did the results show??

[jimg]

cryptobia and possible microsporidia

[Melissa]

Ohh man Jim, thats devastating!! and scary! Do you think youre clear of it now? Have you sterilized everything? Did you have to cull all of your stock??

[jimg]

Everything!
I sterilized with bleach, alcohol then betadine and all filter material new, all wood I baked in the oven for 1/2hr at 350.
It was in the wilds but after having to cull the $500.00 pair I was not taking any chances.

[Bill63SG]

Everything!
I sterilized with bleach, alcohol then betadine and all filter material new, all wood I baked in the oven for 1/2hr at 350.
It was in the wilds but after having to cull the $500.00 pair I was not taking any chances.Mine doesn't seem so bad now.I have three pythons hung from hooks and my tanks are numbered,and kind of in quardrents,certain hose for certain tanks.Thought I was over-doing it,but glad I did now.Then I start thinking like Howard Hughes,and they're all on a "quick-disconnect" all using the same faucet.Told my wife last night going to get some permits and go all native,lol.To get this a little back on track,when I purchased the ticket,I was even thinkng if I won,I have no room for new fish.Would have gladly given up my ticket then.Now...empty 75 just waiting.

[Melissa]

I've done some reading on cryptobia- wanted to share what I just learned for those reading this unaware of what it is.
The University of Florida has been doing some research on it, there are something like 52 different identified species of it. Of those 52 species of crptobia, 40 are classified as hemoflagellates, which infect the bloodstream... But the most interesting tidbits in the article I just read it says this:

"It seems to be widespread in East African cichlids and has been found in Pseudotropheus zebra immediately following importation from Lake Malawi, suggesting that it occurs naturally in wild fish. It has also been found in some South American cichlids, most notably, discus. The parasite usually causes a granulomatous gastritis and may be associated with chronic low-level mortality. A systemic form of the disease has been reported in captive East African and Central American cichlids. This form was associated with acute mortalities and loss of 50% of affected animals. Currently there is no effective treatment for Cryptobia. Water quality, stocking density and diet may all effect the severity of infection. Work is in progress at the University of Florida to learn more about this common, but important, cichlid parasite."

And...

"Veterinarians at Shedd aquarium wanted to see how many species in their collection carried the parasite so they sacrificed 60 apparently healthy fish, and found evidence of Cryptobia iubilans in all but one (98% prevalence). These fish had granulomatous gastritis (the tissue reaction in the stomach) but no evidence of the systemic disease. "


Scary stuff. Makes one think twice about wilds eh?


Jim- my heart goes out to you! That's the most devastating thing that can happen to a hobbyist.

Also in reading, they say they aren't sure how it transfers from organ to organ in the fish, but they have found evidence of cryptobia in the liver, gall bladder, kidney, ovary, brain, and eye ... I wonder what symptoms would be of a fish with cryptobia in the brain?

[jimg]

higher risk of parasites/pathogens are the chance we take getting wilds.
It's not only wilds. many have it including domestics, it just don't show until it's stressed or shows as other symptoms.
there is no cure for it only control. the hard one is the microsporidia too, spores are very resilient.
I know supposedly every lfs in the world has high #'s of mycobacterium too.

it is kinda fun in a way, restocking and trying new puts the past behind pretty quick
I just went back to heckles again(coming soon), got some rams,long fin ancistrus,wild sterbi, silver angels and my first at altums. also setting up the planted tank again so I've been busy!

[Melissa]

Nice! Altums are a favorite of mine! I'm Jealous!
What size is your planted tank going to be??

[jimg]

I plant the 90's. the two I had planted before are in some of my pics. They're a nice size.

[Maria Ashton]

I've done some reading on cryptobia- wanted to share what I just learned for those reading this unaware of what it is.
The University of Florida has been doing some research on it, there are something like 52 different identified species of it. Of those 52 species of crptobia, 40 are classified as hemoflagellates, which infect the bloodstream... But the most interesting tidbits in the article I just read it says this:

"It seems to be widespread in East African cichlids and has been found in Pseudotropheus zebra immediately following importation from Lake Malawi, suggesting that it occurs naturally in wild fish. It has also been found in some South American cichlids, most notably, discus. The parasite usually causes a granulomatous gastritis and may be associated with chronic low-level mortality. A systemic form of the disease has been reported in captive East African and Central American cichlids. This form was associated with acute mortalities and loss of 50% of affected animals. Currently there is no effective treatment for Cryptobia. Water quality, stocking density and diet may all effect the severity of infection. Work is in progress at the University of Florida to learn more about this common, but important, cichlid parasite."

And...

"Veterinarians at Shedd aquarium wanted to see how many species in their collection carried the parasite so they sacrificed 60 apparently healthy fish, and found evidence of Cryptobia iubilans in all but one (98% prevalence). These fish had granulomatous gastritis (the tissue reaction in the stomach) but no evidence of the systemic disease. "


Scary stuff. Makes one think twice about wilds eh?


Jim- my heart goes out to you! That's the most devastating thing that can happen to a hobbyist.

Also in reading, they say they aren't sure how it transfers from organ to organ in the fish, but they have found evidence of cryptobia in the liver, gall bladder, kidney, ovary, brain, and eye ... I wonder what symptoms would be of a fish with cryptobia in the brain?

Really interesting Melissa, re the effect on organs I had a domestic whirling post water poisoning and my aquarium specialist said it had most probably sustained liver and or gill damage. I wondered how they knew without seeing the fish. The fish in question did recover but is now the runt, frequently bullied and often goes black. Every morning I wonder if I will find it dead but three months on its still here, lights up when I approach the tank and feeds okay. I really want wilds but am going to give myself a year with domestics first.

[yogi]

I'm in I bought tickets to help DiscusMama.

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Jerry

[Chad Adams]

I'm in too Melissa. Baby needs a new pair of Discus!!!!
Chad

[Melissa]

I plant the 90's. the two I had planted before are in some of my pics. They're a nice size.
i like 90's as well. Looking forward to pics when you get things set up again! Its exciting to start with a clean slate.



Really interesting Melissa, re the effect on organs I had a domestic whirling post water poisoning and my aquarium specialist said it had most probably sustained liver and or gill damage. I wondered how they knew without seeing the fish. The fish in question did recover but is now the runt, frequently bullied and often goes black. Every morning I wonder if I will find it dead but three months on its still here, lights up when I approach the tank and feeds okay. I really want wilds but am going to give myself a year with domestics first.
Hi Malga :) Interesting about your runted fish. How did you knowthere was some kind of poisoning that occurred in its tank? It does sound reasonable that perhaps the whirling was a result of damage caused by any poisoning episode, but i would wonder if there could be some other issue going on. Was it the only one to demonstrate symptoms of whirling?



I'm in I bought tickets to help DiscusMama.
YOGI! I like your SN lol Thank you so much!!!


I'm in too Melissa. Baby needs a new pair of Discus!!!!
Chad

LOL!!! Chad- really made me laugh. Thank you so much :)

[Melissa]

Geeez.... all of this talk about Cryptobia and microorganisms and disease and death is making me wonder... did i really clean everything ENOUGH.. is everything REALLY sterilized?! Im going to just pour a little PP in the 125g and turn everything on... let it run like that. PP should be good right? Then maybe spray everything down with Alcohol again... Bleach is too rough for this prego girl to handle. Do you guys think i should enlist the help of someone ese and do bleach too? Im feelingso paranoid. Even if i dont win these fish, i WILL get fish again some day and it would be terrible if things werent sterile!

[TNT77]

Geeez.... all of this talk about Cryptobia and microorganisms and disease and death is making me wonder... did i really clean everything ENOUGH.. is everything REALLY sterilized?! Im going to just pour a little PP in the 125g and turn everything on... let it run like that. PP should be good right? Then maybe spray everything down with Alcohol again... Bleach is too rough for this prego girl to handle. Do you guys think i should enlist the help of someone ese and do bleach too? Im feelingso paranoid. Even if i dont win these fish, i WILL get fish again some day and it would be terrible if things werent sterile!
Wonder how long it can live without a host. How long has the tank been empty? You might be good on the fact you have no living hosts in the house to keep it going. But I dont know about these things but its a good thought and question if anyone knows the answer.

[ericatdallas]

Melissa, you surpassed me in posting and now look at how WAAAAAY behind you are. Get some discus and get back on the forums, you have a LOT of catching up to do ;)

Buy some $10 juvie discus if you have to and raise them and breed them if you have to :)

Just make sure you sanitize the tanks a few times with a high concentration of bleach...

[ericatdallas]

BTW, something else you can use to sanitize your tank might be glutaraldehyde. It's what hospitals use. If you buy a gallon, only mix half of the glutaraldehyde and the additive. The other half of the untreated (no additive) glutaraldehyde will work similar to Seachem Excel. So you can use it for gardening or a planted tank.

Just to get an extra good cleaning...

[Melissa]

Heeey thats a good point about the no living hosts thing... Very good point i had not thought of. Unless it was some kind of virus, i would imagine after a couple of months with no fish not much would probably survive...


Eric! Youre right! AGH! You've pulled ahead significantly in the number of posts you have LOL GRR Ill catch up, just watch.

[ericatdallas]

Eric! Youre right! AGH! You've pulled ahead significantly in the number of posts you have LOL GRR Ill catch up, just watch.

What? Who said that? I couldn't see the person from all the dust between us... but I could have sworn I heard a faint whisper behind me ;)

[Melissa]

LMAO Ahhh funny guy over here! LOL!!!!

[Melissa]

Someone better warn Skip... He's not the only comedian round these parts anymore.

[Maria Ashton]

Melissa - yes it was the only fish to react that way, the poisoning was evident when I came down one morning to find all thirteen discus in real trouble struggling at the surface either upside down or on their sides, loosing colour and fading fast. After panicing and dragging my husband out of bed to help, we turned on the air-stones and started a water change and they all came back slowly, that evening I did another water change and tried to work out why my water was suddenly so hard. It seemed it was a combination of my filter not being properly cycled and some rocks (which came with the tank) that were chalk or something, anyway lesson learned for me was to monitor the water regularly and change it frequently. Rocks were removed, filter taken apart and cleaned, additional filter in place now.

Anyway I hope you win, I wouldn't use bleach in your condition, I think hot water and a good scrub should suffice - the Dutch are reputedly the best at keeping MRSA at bay in hospitals, they simply keep things super clean.

[Melissa]

70034

You guys rock. Thank you everyone for supporting NADA through your donations :D

[Second Hand Pat]

Well Melissa, about down to the wire. Good luck kiddo, My fingers are crossed for ya ;) and thanks everyone who generously buy tickets in Melissa's name. You guys rock :)

[Sean Buehrle]

What time is the drawing? 9 pm?

[Second Hand Pat]

No clue lol

[Bill63SG]

Hey!!!I still have an empty 75g.Good luck to everyone.

[Sean Buehrle]

I wonder if Melissa has any fingernails left :)
The suspense is killing me!

[Melissa]

Sean- fingernails are gone!

[wdeleon01]

Fingers crossed for you Melissa!!! I keep checking to see if you won.

[Melissa]

Haha thanks Walter!!


I just tried to go to bed... Couldn't........ This is bad! Lol

[Second Hand Pat]

So they did not announce the winner...ok

[Melissa]

Yup...

I think I can finally go to bed now lol

I'm sure they will in the morning!...

[ZX10R]

Sorry Melissa I was really pulling for you :(

[laborelch]

:(

hopefully next time.

[Second Hand Pat]

We tried so maybe next.time.

[ericatdallas]

Melissa, get back in. IF you have to go buy 20 discus fry from a local breeder and get back into it! :)

[Chad Adams]

Haha thanks Walter!!
I just tried to go to bed... Couldn't........ This is bad! Lol

Melissa,
So sorry to make you wait. This was my fault. Had a problem with my internet/email last night.
Sorry you didn't win. All the best to you & your baby.
Chad

[Melissa]

Aww no worries guys! It was pretty exciting and a lot of fun even if we didn't win!

I'm still taking away something very valuable from this- you guys really are amazing for giving up your chance at those beautiful fish to try to help me out. I'll never forget this feeling! - you are all wonderful people and good discus friends. And we all still helped NADA! :) thank you all from the bottom of my heart for doing what you did.

[Second Hand Pat]

So received a PM from Lenver this morning about taking up a collection for Melissa. So this is his idea and I think it is a grand one. Anyone interested? I figured I could contact a sponsor of Melissa's choice and see if they will work with us. What do you think. I'm in for $50.

Melissa, if you object then I understand.

[wdeleon01]

I was about to PM you the same thing to you Pat. Im in

[Lenin]

I'm in for another $50

[Cambik]

I will Contribute $50. So looks like about $200 so far. Maybe we can get her one of Discus Hans May-be Pairs....If she wanted that is.

[Lenin]

Well wdeleon01, didn't say he was going to give $50, so let's not put him in an akward position, it's whatever you're able to, anything is apreciated, so if you want to place $5, $10, just post here and we can go from there.

I'm hoping this is OK with you Melissa.

[Cambik]

Lenver you are right......sorry I am doing about 5 different things at once. Didn't meant assume the amount. Any amount would be great.

[Melissa]

I read this a little bit ago, and I haven't stopped weeping like a little baby since lmao Not crying only because I'm so happy there's a renewed possibility of getting fish again, crying because I've never experienced this type of generosity before. I'm speechless and feel like anything I'm saying right now sounds stupid LOL what can I say? I don't know how to express the gratitude I'm feeling in words. Damn there I go again crying and scaring the kids LMAO

I just don't know what to say, other than thank you for the enormous generosity you've all shown me.
I'm freaking out LOL

Stephen, Lenver, Pat and Walter- This forum and I are lucky to have people like you here. Your generosity is inspiring and humbling...

[Lenin]

OK, so to me that's a yes, if anyone wants to join in, please place your donation post, Pat let us know how we're going to do this so we're ready, I can help if you need it.

I knew we weren't going down like that. It's on

[Chad Hughes]

Melissa,

You clearly have made a positive impact on your forum friends here.

I'm not sure what you are looking for in regard to replacement stock but, to get you started again, I would be happy to offer anything that I have in stock at 40% off.

Since you are local, no shipping. :D

Let me know if you are interested.

Best wishes!

[wdeleon01]

sorry about that guys. I guess i didnt post the amount im in for $50

Walter

[Second Hand Pat]

Wow Chad, very generous of you. You rock ;)

[Chad Hughes]

Thanks Pat!

It's the least I could do. You guys/gals are amazing.

[Second Hand Pat]

Same applies to you Chad. Can you list your current stock list? or would visiting your site be a better option?

[Chad Hughes]

Pat,

A visit to the site would be easier on me. :D

It's up to date as of right now.

[Melissa]

Still can't get over this- kind of consumed my whole day. I couldn't stop smilin LOL and WOW Chad.... Your offer is incredible. Just can't pass that up! I love your new website btw. Probably already said that, but it's pretty nice.

Looking forward to seeing how many of what you have in stock... I feel like a kid on Christmas morning LOL! Better yet, I feel like a Discus addict about to get her fix of fishes!!!! :o

[Second Hand Pat]

Well, I am going to suggest this if Melissa, Chad and everyone else is ok with it. I thinking each of us could send Chad our contribution via paypal in Melissa's name and it will be there when Melissa is ready to select and receive her fish. What do you guys think?

[cjr8420]

ok melissa i know about you losing ur fish.im just curious have u not bought more because you are pregnant and not really wanting the responsiblity of discus with a baby on the way and just a lack of time i have a daughter due on thanksgiving so that i can fully understand or is it just a lack of money thing that i also understand to well lol.and are these donations for adults only or something im sure there is a local breeder where you could buy 10 1"-2" fish for a 100 bucks or so which should be more than enough to keep ur discus fix in check.just curious on the end game.

[Melissa]

Hey Mike :)

Haven't bought anymore fish for a few reasons. But the biggest thing preventing me from getting more fish after losing my stock a month or so ago is money now. I made the biggest investment in fish I have ever made earlier this year after saving my 'fish money' for a long time. There's a rule in our house, no new money into the fish (which was really made a rule when I began breeding them and was able to pay for things through selling babies, which was short lived LOL)... So after saving for a long time, I bought the 'best' wild Red Alenquers you could get at the time. My dream fish in my dream tank... Aqua terra 3 d BG and the works LOL As is the case when buying wilds, there is a certain risk you take because you never know if they're really clean... Even if the seller claims they are, you assume the risk. And a longer story short- here we are now. I lost everything, even my domestic breeding pair, and I have no way of starting up again.... Well, except now I do LOL it's still sinking in......

As for a local breeder, there are only 2 local breeders/ importers that I know of and trust. Chad Hughes at SD Discus, and Bill at Inland Empire Discus. Both are sponsors on here, and I know I can trust what they sell. I haven't found any small time local breeders like I used to be in our area... But that being said the sponsors prices are almost the same as someone selling privately... Youre right, A 2" fish can go for 10-15.00... So I could find a group of small fry, but
After growing out many a fry/juvie, Im reluctant to go with smaller fish... If i could I would buy sub- adults or adults to avoid the work of growing them out. But for now, I think 3-4" fish would be manageable, and perfect for the amount of time-effort I'm looking to spend on raising them.
It's true having kiddos and fish can be hard to juggle, because kiddos will always come first and require my all- but I 'need' the fish as my hobby. They're my distraction, my relaxation at the end of the day... They're more than just fish, they give us all something we're looking for huh? Otherwise they wouldn't be worth all of the work LOL Maybe that's a big part of it too... Being a parent can sometimes be a thankless job. Being successful at keeping Discus is rewarding in a different way than successfully raising children LOL!!!

Wow I'm rambling.... I hope that all makes sense.

[Darrell Ward]

If I were working regular and not so damn broke, I would gladly contribute to this cause. I feel kinda left out!:(

[Melissa]

Lol! Oh Darrell you contribute plenty already!!! You and your comments, input and knowledge make SD a little more fun ;)

[cjr8420]

They're my distraction, my relaxation at the end of the day... They're more than just fish, they give us all something we're looking for huh
that i got and ditto just didnt know about the house rule part. and yes fully understandable to want bigger as oposed to smaller ones them 1st 3 months are the most important and hardest in my book.so u made perfect sense.im also one of those broke discus keepers so cant help but good luck on an early x-mas present

[Melissa]

:) thank you for the question and I'm glad my response made sense. lol

First 3months in pregnancy are definitely the roughest- And in raising fish too! Lol 3 months 3 months.... Nearly done with it, and I'm starting to feel better! Lol my first thought the first day I realized I wasn't feeling so awful was about fish... How crazy is that. I think it just made it harder to have this break from fish after they died the way they did... Made me a little more anxious to get back into it I guess. I don't like quitting when I'm down!

[Melissa]

Oh and the money rule part is a must I've found when you have other priorities to look out for like young children... I have 2 toddlers and another on the way and if I gave in to every whim to buy a fish we would be broke by next week LOL the fish money stays fish money thing keeps things from getting out of hand and from affecting finances for the family.

[Lenin]

Well, I am going to suggest this if Melissa, Chad and everyone else is ok with it. I thinking each of us could send Chad our contribution via paypal in Melissa's name and it will be there when Melissa is ready to select and receive her fish. What do you guys think?

Sounds good to me, Chad if you want to send me the email I need to send the money to, that way she might be able to pick her fish by the weekend.

[Cambik]

Yep just let me know were I need to send the money to. That works for me as well.

[Chad Hughes]

Pat/Lenver/Stephen,

Again, you all are amazing!

Your initial intention was to raise funds to give to Melissa for a fish pruchase to get back in to the hobby. I would feel more comfortable if you sent funds directly to Melissa. Once she has her funds in place and is ready to proceed with her purchase, she is free to come pick out her new fish at the 40% off rate. We've already discussed what strain(s) she has interest in and I've set those aside for her. If for any reason she has a change of heart and decides that she'd like to purchase from another sponsor/vendor, the decision is hers. I just don't want to lock down her options.

I hope this sits well with everyone!

Best wishes!



Well, I am going to suggest this if Melissa, Chad and everyone else is ok with it. I thinking each of us could send Chad our contribution via paypal in Melissa's name and it will be there when Melissa is ready to select and receive her fish. What do you guys think?


Sounds good to me, Chad if you want to send me the email I need to send the money to, that way she might be able to pick her fish by the weekend.

[Second Hand Pat]

Totally understand Chad.

Melissa, how would you like to proceed? Maybe PM us your paypal email?

[Melissa]

Let me see if this will work... Mike is pretty savvy when it comes to stuff like this and he tried to create a "donate" button through PayPal...

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7CCKZXGGYH5VL

[Lenin]

Done, ok guys go right ahead just click on the link, if anyone else that has not been in the thread wants to they can go ahead and also donate, no amount is too small.

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Lenver, will tonight from the home computer.

[Cambik]

Sent mine

[Melissa]

WOW GUYS! It's sinking in now!! LOL!!! Chad! Tell the fishes to pack their bags soon! Lol

[Bill63SG]

Ah what the hell.I'm in for a taste.

[laborelch]

:-)

[Melissa]

Thank you to everyone!!!

Every little bit is adding up and I'm just so excited!!! Each one of you will have a fish named after you! LOL LOL I wish there was some way I could say thank you better... If ever I get to breeding again- I will repay your generosity with fish money or baby fish, your choice :) this is simply amazing. You all are very special people to be so generous. I'm so proud to be part of this community.

[Second Hand Pat]

Done Melissa, have a discus or two on me ;)

Oh yea, one condition on these guys....lots of pictures ;)

[Cambik]

Done Melissa, have a discus or two on me ;)

Oh yea, one condition on these guys....lots of pictures ;)

Oh yes forgot to mention the pictures.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

[Melissa]

You betcha guys.... I'm dreaming of a tank full of blues ;) ;) ;) AHHHHHHHHHHH I'm so freaking excited!!!

[TNT77]

AHHHHHHHHHHH I'm so freaking excited!!!
LOL...I'm lovin this.

[Second Hand Pat]

LOL...I'm lovin this.

Me too :):):)...I smile every time I think of the excitement on the other side of the country. :):):)

Bet the neighbors are tired of the bouncing and screaming.

[TNT77]

Me too :):):)...I smile every time I think of the excitement on the other side of the country. :):):)

Bet the neighbors are tired of the bouncing and screaming.
Don't forget the crying.

[Melissa]

LMAO how'd you know?!!?

It's been an emotional roller coaster.. First I was crying all of the time, then i was okay for a while... It wasnt really real yet, i couldnt wrap my mind around what was happening... now I can't stop smiling. Definitely an amazing feeling. I'll never forget this.

[Melissa]

:bounce:

[TNT77]

Just be yourself. The people who matter, won't mind.
And the people who mind, won't matter.
Love that saying btw. It's so true.

[Melissa]

Don't forget the crying.

LOL!! Plenty of that... Poor Pat got an ear full of it at work yesterday.

[Second Hand Pat]

LOL!! Plenty of that... Poor Pat got an ear full of it at work yesterday.

I didn't mind Melissa...some of it was a bit warblery (not a great cell signal at work) and definitely left me smiling...love the excitement all this has generated.

[Chad Hughes]

Melissa,

You've got mail! :D

How's Mike taking all of this?

Best wishes!

[Melissa]

Lol you know Mike :/ he's happy I'm happy I think... Not thrilled I'll have fish again though HAHAHAHAAHA

Isn't that awful! Lol!!! Who doesn't love these fish?! I mean really?! Lol

I think he was even more surprised than I was that you all would do this. This is simply amazing.

[Second Hand Pat]

Melissa, I am just happy he went along with it ;)

[Chad Hughes]

LOL!

If I remember correctly, he began to warm up to Discus a bit. I know, still not his thing though. It took Jesse a couple of years. :D

[Second Hand Pat]

Chad, Jesse your spouse?

[Melissa]

Lol! I only hope someday Mike warms up to them as much as Jesse has... But I wont hold my breath :P

I don't think I could EVER get Michael to do WCs... I could be laid up with 2 broken legs and in a coma and that man wouldn't do a WC for me LMAO ok maybe he would... But only in an extreme case like that! Hahaha

[Chad Hughes]

Pat,

Yes, Jesse = Spouse. ;)


Chad, Jesse your spouse?

I bet you could train the girls! :D


Lol! I only hope someday Mike warms up to them as much as Jesse has... But I wont hold my breath :P

I don't think I could EVER get Michael to do WCs... I could be laid up with 2 broken legs and in a coma and that man wouldn't do a WC for me LMAO ok maybe he would... But only in an extreme case like that! Hahaha

[Melissa]

Now there's an idea!!! They're only 2 and 3 1/2... And the third one isn't even born yet... But some day I will have my little helpers for sure. They're super excited we're getting fishies for the empty fish tank. They loved the video of your stock Chad!

[Chad Hughes]

Train the oldest and make it known that she's responsible for training her subordinates. LOL! Too military?

When I was a kid I LOVED my fish tank. Couldn't keep my hands out of it. :D

Glad they liked the video! You'll have a full tank in no time.

[Maria Ashton]

Melissa - when is the third due and are you going to find out what it is? Glad someone else was as crazy as me having three so close, mine are 18 months apart. I thought it was a great idea at the start... :) actually it is great, just hard work but I think you will have it easier with two girls who will want to help, I had two boys and then a girl and its the girl who helps me the most :)

please post a video of your fish once they are settled, really happy for you.

[Melissa]

Maria- baby #3 is due in June :) Yes it is hard work when they're close isn't it! Lol but I wouldn't have it any other way. My girls are 20 months apart and I can tell already they're going to be fantastic big sisters. We have friends with little babies, and the girls always ogle and fuss over them trying to play and trying to make them laugh.
Also, my girls are like best friends already. Very sweet to each other and I couldn't be more proud of them and how they get along. I'm sure when they're older there will be fights about this or that, or sharing make up or whatever lol but for now- so proud LOL
I think we are going to find out the sex of the baby at our next ultrasound apt. I'm not able to wait. :)




I wanted to say a special thank you again to everyone who has donated. There are some names I can put to screen names on here, but some donations I'm not sure who they are from on here! It's incredible the generosity you all have shown me, I feel such an imense sense of gratitude and awe at the outpouring of support. Words cannot express to you what you all have done for me. I am so Proud to be a member of SD.

[Melissa]

Ok guys!!!


All I have to say is WOW. That was so fast, you all came through in like a single day and I'm amazed at how generous you all are!!!!!!!
Just placed my order with Chad!!! Should I tell you guys what I ended up getting or should I wait and just post pictures when I get them??

[Melissa]

Omg omg omg omg omg!!!!!!!!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Second Hand Pat]

Melissa, your call kiddo

[Melissa]

Lol I can't help but spill the beans :)

Getting BDs and Cobalts :D!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

:bounce:

[judy]

I just now clicked on this thread for the first time. The people on this forum are just, bar none, the best bunch ever. Congrats, Melissa!

[Second Hand Pat]

Woohoo Melissa, the blue crew ;)

[Melissa]

I still have moments of disbelief this even happened Judy.

Such an amazing thing... I'm actually getting 6 of each!!! Between Chads enormous discount, and the generosity of everyone else we had juuuust enough. I'll be putting them in the 125g tank in our living room to grow out.

[Maria Ashton]

:) This is such a great community

[TNT77]

Grats Melissa. :) I'm so happy everything worked out so well.

[Disgirl]

What a great story here Melissa! I am happy for you, my favorite discus are the blues too, I have the ones you are getting plus Flatchen Snakes, you will love them like I do. Pictures needed for sure!
Barb

[wdeleon01]

Congrats Melissa. :) Im so happy for you!!!! Looking forward to pictures of them.

[Chunks]

Wow you are special having everybody pitch in an help you out like that. Well done SD community!

Looking forward to pictures :)

[ZX10R]

Hey Hey Hey wait a minute I know I don't get on here much anymore but I can't believe I just missed the rest of this amazing thread. I looked and seen it went from 5 pages to 11 and thought I must have missed something good and as I see it I did. I know I am not on facebook and get to chat to other members as much as some do but I always enjoyed your excitment for these fish on here. A huge congrats from me on getting the new fish :D And for Chad and the rest of simply who donated I can't say enough what a wondeful thing to do for Melissa :thumbsup:

[TNT77]

I think I'm getting as excited as you are Melissa. :D When do you pick them up? LOLs discus day is sooo exciting. I can't wait to see pics of your new crew.

[Melissa]

Grats Melissa. :) I'm so happy everything worked out so well.
I feel so strange that it worked out so well. Things never work out this awesome LOL! Hard to keep my head wrapped around this really happening!!!

Congrats Melissa. :) Im so happy for you!!!! Looking forward to pictures of them.
WALTER!! Thank you!!!!!!


Wow you are special having everybody pitch in an help you out like that. Well done SD community!

Looking forward to pictures :)
Omg, I feel special but I don't think I deserve it LOL I think it's not about me at all really.... Just goes to show how wonderful these people are on here... Simply amazing.


Hey Hey Hey wait a minute I know I don't get on here much anymore but I can't believe I just missed the rest of this amazing thread. I looked and seen it went from 5 pages to 11 and thought I must have missed something good and as I see it I did. I know I am not on facebook and get to chat to other members as much as some do but I always enjoyed your excitment for these fish on here. A huge congrats from me on getting the new fish :D And for Chad and the rest of simply who donated I can't say enough what a wondeful thing to do for Melissa :thumbsup:
I know it happened so fast huh!!! One day I lost the raffle then wham bam I'm getting fish?!? LOL!!!


I think I'm getting as excited as you are Melissa. :D When do you pick them up? LOLs discus day is sooo exciting. I can't wait to see pics of your new crew.

I pick them up Sunday!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! :bounce:

[Melissa]

Btw... So scared of anything still lurking in my tank or equipment... So I've enlisted the help of a friend and everything got a good round of bleach and is air drying today. Will fill up tonight with a heavy dose of dechlor to sit til tomorrow night, then I'll drain and fill with fresh water. Should be thorough enough I think. I hope I never see a fish whirl again in my life.

[Sean Buehrle]

Btw... So scared of anything still lurking in my tank or equipment... So I've enlisted the help of a friend and everything got a good round of bleach and is air drying today. Will fill up tonight with a heavy dose of dechlor to sit til tomorrow night, then I'll drain and fill with fresh water. Should be thorough enough I think. I hope I never see a fish whirl again in my life.

Did you do your filters and any tubing too?

[Second Hand Pat]

Sean, knowing Melissa she did it all...yea Melissa, filters and any tubing too?? ;)

Woot on Sunday

[Melissa]

Lol I'm getting 2 cycled sponge filters from Chad. The fx5 filter from this tank has been through the ringer with both PP and bleach... And I will be using brand new replacement hoses on it when I get it up and running again... Ran it while the tank was full of each. Don't have any media for it because i threw it all out, but will eventually get new ceramic rings. I'm using brand new air stones, brand new air line etc :) I've thrown out so much stuff just to be safe it's depressing LOL
I know you can boil certain things but I didnt want to chance it with anything.

For the new fish, I'm keeping it simple... BB ( it looks good that way anyway because I pray painted the bottom of this tank with a speckled sand color... Looks like sand ) and sponge filters, 2 big air stones and thats all.
The other thing I worried about was the aging barrel I use for this tank. I've done the same for it. PP over night, and then bleach. It's filling up with clean water right now actually, and I'll put a heavy dose of dechlor in it to sit over night.

I am using the Jäger heaters I used before- those were disinfected the same as the tank and barrel... What do you guys think? Should I toss them out or should they be good?

[Keith Perkins]

Good grief girl, PP and bleach? A bug flying over any of that equipment would be dead. I would use the heaters again, but I'm a cheap accountant so don't forget to factor that into the equation. A big congrats on the soon to be new additions.

[Bill63SG]

I had just put a new sponge in my BD tank before the disaster happened.Instead of throwing it out,it was one of the newer pro series,I figured "What the f@@k,I'll bleach it too."I had priviouslly bleached a sponge before,and it had turned into a blob of jelly.Well,it held up,and due to work,things in the basement have been on hold,but the 75 has had bleach in it for a week,and this weekend will get drained,and filled and sponges put back in.

[Melissa]

Wow a week! Lol I bet there's nothing left to worry about in there lol
I left the PP running in the tank/filter for a few days. It eventually went from a dark dark dark purple to a dark dark dark purple pink which was interesting...

I'm so excited to have fish back in this tank... I painted the back of it black with sparkles in it ;) LOL!!!! Can't see the sparkles very well though- it was Martha Stewart paint... But I still like it. And the bottom of the tank really looks like sand. I should take a picture to show you guys :) hell, I had to do something to it after ripping out the Aqua Terra Amazona BG :(

Maybe in the future I'll go with a potted plant look.

[Melissa]

Good grief girl, PP and bleach? A bug flying over any of that equipment would be dead. I would use the heaters again, but I'm a cheap accountant so don't forget to factor that into the equation. A big congrats on the soon to be new additions.

:) :) :) thanks Keith!!!

[Second Hand Pat]

Melissa, what happened to the Aqua Terra Amazona BG?

[Melissa]

When the wilds had the first whirling episode about a month after I got them, I tore it out to go BB and hospital tank status with them... I still have it in pieces... But I think I should toss it. It's foam, and I don't know how I would ever sterilize it.

[Second Hand Pat]

Submerge it in bleach for a couple of days. The water would get into all accessible places I would think if you decide you want to keep it.

[Melissa]

it was NIIICE... i would love to keep it for a different tank someday...
70126
70127

[Second Hand Pat]

I think you should keep it. ;) There will be a time when you will want to use it. In the meantime only two more days until discus day ;)

[Melissa]

HAhahaha Pat!!! I've been losing sleep over it I'm so excited!! Seriously, I wake up at night to take care of the girls or something and if I happen to think about it I can not get back to sleep LOL it's bad. And I suspect when they're here and in the tank, I'll be waking up and going back to sleep on the couch to watch them haha I used to do that sometimes anyway.., what can I say? I'm an addict!

[Second Hand Pat]

Melissa, aren't we all ;)

[Melissa]

Ohhh just looked outside and it's raining pretty good tonight here! Just to give y'all an update on the weather ;) lol

[Second Hand Pat]

Aw geez

[wdeleon01]

:D One more day for Discus Day Melissa!!!!!! :D :D

[Second Hand Pat]

So when do you pick them up :)

[LizStreithorst]

I'm so very happy for you, Melissa. I bought tickets for you, but since I'm kinda poor didn't donate to the new thing. I can see that you truely have the passion.

Chad is a gem as is everyone who helped you.

[Darrell Ward]

I wouldn't worry too much about "bugs" in the tank at this point. If the stuff has been dry for a while, any water living creature is long dead by now anyway.

[Sean Buehrle]

I wouldn't worry too much about "bugs" in the tank at this point. If the stuff has been dry for a while, any water living creature is long dead by now anyway.

I've been looking into this and that's not entirely true.
There is a case that's documented about lizards getting tuberculosis from an old fish tank.

It's up in the air how long fluke eggs can survive also.

Flaggelates can survive dry, there are thousands of different types, a lot of them survive in dirt or soil that is bone dry.

If you take into consideration how little research has been done in aquaria and about diseases, bacteria and just fish diseases in general that a pretty reaching conclusion.

[Darrell Ward]

I still think it's a little far fetched that aquatic organisms can survive without water for weeks or months. I've personally never seen it anyway.

[dbfzurowski]

Isn't this forum great? Full of knowledge and awesome people! I assume we shall see some pictures soon:)

[Melissa]

:D One more day for Discus Day Melissa!!!!!! :D :D
:D!!!!!!!! Hehehheheehe

So when do you pick them up :)
not sure what time. It's going to depend on when I get car privileges LOL Chads place is about 30 minutes away... I'll probably make it in 20 when we finally do get out the door! ;) lol


I'm so very happy for you, Melissa. I bought tickets for you, but since I'm kinda poor didn't donate to the new thing. I can see that you truely have the passion.

Chad is a gem as is everyone who helped you.
Aw Liz, thank you for the support!! I'm honored you would buy tickets in my name :) :) :)
isn't this whole thing just incredible? Between Chads enormous discount and everyone else pitching in, I can't believe I'm getting 12 fish tomorrow!


I've been looking into this and that's not entirely true.
There is a case that's documented about lizards getting tuberculosis from an old fish tank.

It's up in the air how long fluke eggs can survive also.

Flaggelates can survive dry, there are thousands of different types, a lot of them survive in dirt or soil that is bone dry.

If you take into consideration how little research has been done in aquaria and about diseases, bacteria and just fish diseases in general that a pretty reaching conclusion.
Oh damn Sean, now I'm freaked out again! LOL!!! This disease business has changed the way I look at my tank :/ makes me think for a sec every time I reach in the water.


I still think it's a little far fetched that aquatic organisms can survive without water for weeks or months. I've personally never seen it anyway.
Thank you for the input Darrell. I did leave the tank dry for a little while, but had filled it and left air stones running in it for a couple weeks with no fish after the first time I PPd it :/ probably wasn't a good idea, not sure why I did it. I guess I just liked looking at the bubbles.



Isn't this forum great? Full of knowledge and awesome people! I assume we shall see some pictures soon:)

This forum is unreal! :) :) I'll post pictures as soon as we get em, even if they're not ready for pictures yet LOL

[TNT77]

DISCUS DAY TOMMOROW..Are you excited? :D

[Melissa]

LOL!!!! It's killin me! Michael is going to have the car in the am, then in the afternoon we take the kids for our Sunday play group... After that I'm racing over to Chads place!!!!! It's going to be so hard to be patient. Lol its worse than waiting on fedex to get to the house lol

[Second Hand Pat]

I bet she is bursting at the seams ;) No sleep for Melissa tonight.

Melissa, I am so happy we were all able to help make this a reality for you and a special thanks to Chad and all who helped. Makes me smile thinking you must be feeling like a kid on X-mas eve.

[Melissa]

Like a kid who still believes in Santa on Christmas eve for sure!!!! LOL!!!
AHHHHHHH!!!! :bounce:

[TNT77]

AHHHHHHH!!!! :bounce:
LOL you have to tell me if you actually do that going in to pick them up.

[Melissa]

LOL!!!!!! I'm probably going to cry. Its so touching the kindness and generosity you've all shown me, it's overwhelming for a prego like me LOL

[TNT77]

Just no hugging the fish. LOL

[Sean Buehrle]

:D!!!!!!!! Hehehheheehe

not sure what time. It's going to depend on when I get car privileges LOL Chads place is about 30 minutes away... I'll probably make it in 20 when we finally do get out the door! ;) lol


Aw Liz, thank you for the support!! I'm honored you would buy tickets in my name :) :) :)
isn't this whole thing just incredible? Between Chads enormous discount and everyone else pitching in, I can't believe I'm getting 12 fish tomorrow!


Oh damn Sean, now I'm freaked out again! LOL!!! This disease business has changed the way I look at my tank :/ makes me think for a sec every time I reach in the water.


Thank you for the input Darrell. I did leave the tank dry for a little while, but had filled it and left air stones running in it for a couple weeks with no fish after the first time I PPd it :/ probably wasn't a good idea, not sure why I did it. I guess I just liked looking at the bubbles.




This forum is unreal! :) :) I'll post pictures as soon as we get em, even if they're not ready for pictures yet LOL

Don't get all freeked out, darryl is correct about what he said. I spoke to a professor at a college in my town here and she could only name 1 disease that can be transferred after drying out and that was the 1 I mentioned.

I have been looking at fish diseases a lot lately and you would not believe how many there are that the main symptom is whirling :/
There is a very common disease here in the united states called big mouth bass disease that is almost 100 percent fatal when the fish is under any stress .
It's everywhere and contagious as heck, you should look it up, it sounds sinister. But fishing has never been better. since losing fish like you did I looked on quite a few fish disease websites and the treatments for a few diseases is just not in the cards.

The biologists always suggest washing out infected tanks and tools with bleach and destroying the fish.

Bleach might not be needed in 99 % of cases but I'm willing to bet you will sleep better knowing for sure that your fish won't die from some disease that makes them whirl.

Nobody knows much about fish diseases, nobody. A virus is a virus and in most cases there's no cure, if there was we wouldn't get colds and people wouldn't be dying from the flu.

Think anyone has done any research for fish diseases? Heck no, there's no money in it.

[Maria Ashton]

Old article but interesting reading re whirling http://www.discusnews.com/article/cat-02/whirling1.shtml

[Darrell Ward]

I guess the point I was trying to make was, if you clean out the tank and use new media, there should be nothing to fear, since the drying out of stuff, plus the cleaning should insure everything is "clean". Thinking about it, probably the most likely spread of pathogens would be in the bio media anyway.

[Maria Ashton]

I guess the point I was trying to make was, if you clean out the tank and use new media, there should be nothing to fear, since the drying out of stuff, plus the cleaning should insure everything is "clean". Thinking about it, probably the most likely spread of pathogens would be in the bio media anyway.

another couple of articles, not about it in discus but about the parasite's ability to survive, note the bit about a dry pond. I think I would go with bleach and new media, substrate etc.
http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=ab-freshaquaria&tid=14997

am really worried now as I have been feeding frozen blood worm.

[hedut]

don't forget some picture Melissa :)

[TNT77]

don't forget some picture Melissa :)
+1

[Keith Perkins]

Hmm, I wonder when play time ends? It's 5:00 on the coast.

[Second Hand Pat]

Maybe she is still acclimating them

[wdeleon01]

we're all waiting to see them!!!!!!

[Melissa]

Juuuuust got them home and in the tank guys!! Its been a looong day LOL waiting to go get them was HELL. my kidddos are still awake and really cranky. will get them in bed and come back and post pictures!! They are everything i thought they would be and more!! And Chad- Thanks for the cinnamon rolls!!!!! yum

[Melissa]

Quickly- i hope this link works... here is a dark video i just took... cant see their awesomeness though. Lights will be on tomorrow!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2361240123552

[Second Hand Pat]

Awesome Melissa...happy discus day :)

[Darrell Ward]

That's great! They look good, even if not wild. ;) I know they will probably be the most spoiled domestics in SoCal!

[Melissa]

HAHA!! Thank you guys!!!

They have such great color and shape- i LOVE these guys. Ive never had a nice domestic group like this before! AND they just ate. Mobbed some frozen CBWs i got from Chad. Very very very nice group... 12 is so many! LOL I am sitting in heavn right now... On the couch in the dark watching them explore their new tank for the first time with their night lights on <3

[Melissa]

Just threw another small slice of Frozen CBWs in the tank and sure enough- gobbled it up. :) :) :)

Hehehe theyre little piggies! Youd never know they just went through any kind of ordeal. Theres tail slapping and pecking going on. Business as usual LOL Im excited to get the lights on in the morning!!

[Maria Ashton]

:)

[Chad Hughes]

Hey Melissa!

Glad to hear that the trip home and the intro to the new tank went off without a hitch. You've definately got a beautiful, healthy group there that I am certain will produce some fantastic adults and eventually pairs for you. I told you they were pigs! Knowing you, you've selected 6 pairs. How were the cinnamon rolls? :D

Keep those pictures comming! ;)

Best wishes!

[Melissa]

With just the night lights on this morning they came right up to me begging for food! I fed them and they all scarfed it down- then i turned the lights on LOL now theyre adjusting again. Tough love today- they have to get used to the lights, they look amazing with them on! LOL
With their appetites, i think ill be needing to order some more frozen CBWs SOON :D

The Cinnamon Rolls were YUMMY Chad! LOL Thanks for the hospitality yesterday and thank you for everything! Im so glad i was able to actualy hug one of you amazing folks that made this possible!!!!

[wdeleon01]

They look amazing Melissa!!! Happy for you.

[Chad Hughes]

Nice!

These guys will eat beefheart just as agressively. Definately a healthy, growing bunch. I'll likely be ordering frozen foods from Dan again soon so let me know if you want me to tack on a couple of extra pounds of anything for you.

I'm glad the cinnamon rolls were a hit. It was great to see you, Mike and the kids. You're kids are growing like a weed! So cute. :D

Enjoy!

[Cambik]

Umm where are the picture updates? Just saying we want more pictures....with the lights on of course......

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

[Second Hand Pat]

Hi Stephen, I think there is a lack of camera problem.

[Melissa]

Lack of a camera with flash! The lights were just too much too soon so they have been off unfortunately, andim working on getting our good camera back from a family member :-[ ill post some pictures ive got this evening, even if they are a little dark lol

[Skip]

GOOD GAWD!!! HOW DID I MISS THIS!!! Lenver just told me about this..

CONGRATS MOMMA!!!!

[Keith Perkins]

Good grief Skip, you're slipping. Now if someone would just retrieve their camera and posts some pictures!!!

[Skip]

I KNOW!! LOL

[DLock3d]

Pictures?

[Darrell Ward]

She seems to be missing in action. Let's hope everything is OK with her.

[Lenin]

yeah, I was wondering how things went, hopefully it all went well

[Melissa]

Fish are doing well. So glad I have them right now- sitting in front of the tank as I type this just fed them.

Had an ultrasound today and the baby had no heart beat. From what they could tell, it died a couple of days ago.
Still was to soon to tell if it was a boy or girl, I'm only 11 wks along. Well.... I was.
I can't really wrap my mind around it that this is happening.
It's nice to be able to watch the fish tank.

[jarret8x]

Fish are doing well. So glad I have them right now- sitting in front of the tank as I type this just fed them.

Had an ultrasound today and the baby had no heart beat. From what they could tell, it died a couple of days ago.
Still was to soon to tell if it was a boy or girl, I'm only 11 wks along. Well.... I was.
I can't really wrap my mind around it that this is happening.
It's nice to be able to watch the fish tank.

Sorry to hear this melissa wish you the best.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[wdeleon01]

AAAAAwwww Melissa im so so so so sorry to hear that. My prayers are with you guys.

[Second Hand Pat]

Prayers and hugs Melissa, so sorry sweetie. I lost my first one at 12 weeks. Call me if you need to talk :(
Pat

[DLock3d]

Nothing said can express my sorrow Melissa.

[nwehrman]

So sorry...prayers.

[Darrell Ward]

Damn! Sorry to hear this. This also happened to my wife back in 1983. It's a tough deal to accept.
Take care.

[Lenin]

Sorry, been there with my wife 11 years ago, hughs....

[zimmjeff]

sorry to hear about your loss. prayers are with you.

[Keith Perkins]

Hugs Melissa...and I'm a great hugger, so that should DEFINITELY make you feel a little better. :) God be with you, I'll keep you in my prayers.

[Disgirl]

Big hug from me too Melissa. So sorry. Will be thinking of you and your family.
Barb

[Skip]

:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(

[Chad Hughes]

Oh my God Melissa!

I'm so sorry to hear this horrible news. If you need anything, let me know.

Thoughts are with you and your family during this holiday season.

Shocked!

[seanyuki]

Hugs Melissa......so sad to hear the bad news......take care my friend.

[ericatdallas]

:( <virtual hug>

[hedut]

Sorry to hear this

[shoveltrash]

I'm new here, but read this & wanted to express my condolences......you are obviously a well-loved and respected member here, so take heart from the huge support (((HUGS))).
so so sorry for you.

[Chad Adams]

Melissa,
So sorry to hear.
Blessings,
Chad

[Melissa]

Thank you to everyone for the well wishes and prayers :) It all must be working because I feel much better tonight. It helps having 2 cute funny little ones already running around the house, and something like this certainly makes one appreciate the miracle of life. How blessed we are to have had our two daughters with no problems at all!
Also a blessing, is having an awesome group of fishies to relax and watch. Going to have my first drink in the past 3 months tonight.Not sure what it will be... Maybe a nice Heff with a lemon! lol We are going to let things settle down for a few months before trying again... its a daunting thought at the moment though.
You know, I actually had someone say to me today that this is the reason why people shouldnt tell they're pregnant before the first trimester is over but i totally disagree. I think its better that everyone knows and understands whats going on now that something bad has happened. But thats just my personal preference.
Again thanks to everyone for the support. And i promise, i wont let you down i WILL post pictures sooner or later of this AWESOME group of fish :D

[Second Hand Pat]

Melissa, we will be here when you are ready. Most important to take care of you and yours :)
Pat

[Keith Perkins]

I second Second Hand Pat's comments. :) Funny you should mention that drink Melissa, I had that thought for you somewhere in the middle of my two glasses of red wine tonight. Speaking of two, maybe next time it'll be twins!! :D Ready for that drink yet?

Seriously, I'm thinking of you kid. I agree with your outlook on announcing early too. I'd think the support, even as remote as we are, has to help a little. The prayers can't hurt either. All my best...Keith

[Bill63SG]

Melissa,my thoughts are with you.

[Second Hand Pat]

Melissa, enjoy that drink and have another. Keith and I will join you. I'm on my first glass of white merlot. Here's to you kiddo :)

[seanyuki]

Also joining Pat & Keith across the border.....just had a shot of Vodka to keep me warm.....Vodka from the med cabinet .

[Melissa]

For anyone that had been following this thread, i wanted to let you guys know I've posted a few pictures of my awesome group in my homestead section here:
Melissa's Blue Crew (http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?92778-Melissa-s-Blue-Crew-lt-3)

I hope everyone is having a great Holiday Season! :) :) :)
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/405344_2642166146527_1626790161_2396453_585412523_ n.jpg

[Keith Perkins]

Hot damn, here's a nice Christmas present. Thanks for posting the pics Melissa, looking good.

[Melissa]

I know right! This group was the best Early Christmas present I've ever received! Purdy aren't they? ;)

[Melissa]

Dominik, Walter, Pat, Keith, Richard, Stef, Adam, Bill, Stephen, Tara, Chad and whoever donated from "Hippojumps Huttocakes".... And to everyone I'm forgetting and their supportive words... I just re-read this entire thread from not too long ago and I am so humbled. I love you all for what you did for me. If it wasn't for what you all did, I know I wouldn't be getting back into the hobby right now after a brief time away. It's more than about an obsession with fish. It's the fish PEOPLE too. LOL Fish people are the best people. For sure. Sorry to drudge such an old thread up. Just needed to say thank you again. I think of this so often... love to everyone!

[Allwin]

Interesting time machine.

[Second Hand Pat]

Dominik, Walter, Pat, Keith, Richard, Stef, Adam, Bill, Stephen, Tara, Chad and whoever donated from "Hippojumps Huttocakes".... And to everyone I'm forgetting and their supportive words... I just re-read this entire thread from not too long ago and I am so humbled. I love you all for what you did for me. If it wasn't for what you all did, I know I wouldn't be getting back into the hobby right now after a brief time away. It's more than about an obsession with fish. It's the fish PEOPLE too. LOL Fish people are the best people. For sure. Sorry to drudge such an old thread up. Just needed to say thank you again. I think of this so often... love to everyone!

Melissa, it was fun doing this for you and awesome the way we came together and made this happen. If I recall Chad played a most important part here.
Pat

[Melissa]

Definitely. And you played an important part by starting this thread!

When I see you at NADA this year I'm giving you a big hug. Hope ur a hugger lol

[Second Hand Pat]

I am :o

[Keith Perkins]

Maybe I need to go to Austin after all.

[Second Hand Pat]

That would give you two reasons to go to Austin Keith :D