I am totally stunned!

[Ardan]

Thank you Al!!!!
Yes, I can’t believe it, but I have some discus!
Where do I start? Well about 18 months ago, I lost all of my discus due to a water problem. Ever since Al has made very generous offers to help me get back into discus. I have waited. He contacted me again just last weekend. “Hey, are you ready for discus yet? (its in my blood, and patience I am not good at.) Well my birthday is in a couple wks and I told my wife I’d like to try to get a few discus.
So I told Al that I didn’t have a lot of money (what else is new , 3 great kids, 2 of them in college), but if it works out I’d like to get a few discus.
I told him my favorite types of discus, including domestics and wilds, but said I wouldn’t be too particular at this point, starter discus would be great! I would let it up to him to see what we might be able to work out or if I should just sit tight.
He said “leave it up to me, I will not tell you what I am going to send, get 2 tanks ready, I will send you some wilds and some domestics! What day this wk is good for you?”
I said I have no tanks ready, no cycled sponges!
He said, “NO Problem, I will send cycled sponges!!” How cool is that??
I also said I have 4 bushynose plecos I got at an lfs almost 2 yrs ago, but no breeding yet, what should I do? Well, he sent a bushynose pleco to add to the group.
I know how Al takes care of his discus and have read about his quarantine and “deworming procedures” so I know they are in great health.

Well, I worked hard last Sunday and all wk getting things cleaned, filled, tested, rechecked, retested…… took a vacation day today. Wondered all wk what might be coming, and if I was ready.
Today, right on time they arrived at the Fedex pickup point. Pulse racing, I picked them up and now have discus!
He sent way more than I could have imagined. He sent a Large Cobalt, a Large Turq, 4 wild browns (4 “?), and 4 smaller green turqs. (3 “?) , and a bushynose pleco and 2 big aquaclear cycled sponges. These fish are Awesome! Many people do not know the quality of domestic and wild discus that Al handles. This is the first time I have seen any of his discus in person, and I will say they are fantastic!
I am going to tell the truth, It is the most awesome feeling in the world, I know he sent from the heart! What a sight to see discus swimming in the tanks.
Thank You Al!! Simply an amazing person!

I will try to get some pics of the discus later today. I need to run out quick.
Discus are calling me to watch them swim!
Thanks a whole lot, Al!

Ardan

[Ardan]

cycled sponges!

[hexed]

Al,
You are the man! Way to go!
WELCOME BACK TO KEEPING DISCUS ARDAN! You have always been a BIG help here and to see you back with discus is FANTASTIC!
Those will be cared for, for years to come!
CONGRATS,
Frank

[ronrca]

:bouncegre :guitarist

Party Time! That is just awesomely fabulous great! I am so happy to hear that you have discus again Ardan! Sweet, sweet and a big huge thanks to Al. You da man!

[brewmaster15]

Ardan ,
You are more than welcome! I am just thrilled that you have Discus once again. I remember how devastated you were 2 years ago.. I hope these discus bring you as much happiness as those others. You have always been there for the site, its members and me as a friend.... just returning the favor.. If I have them.... Theres more when you need them

-AL
PS..
Think i should probably move this thread to the photo gallery so we can keep general clear of picture posts and experiences like this.

[Jarrod]

Wow!!...now that's what I call awesome...Al you are too much my man...and Ardan congrats on having a friend like Al...

[Ardan]

I am really thrilled, all are swimming all over the tanks
here is a few pics from my old 1 megapixel camera, hope they show up 1/2 as nice as the fish are. Hope you like them. I think the colors are awesome.

Ardan

1st wild browns, turq and cobalt group

[Ardan]

another

[Ardan]

A quick pic of one of the green turks

[Namreg]

Congrats Ardan. Those fish really look nice and from what I read they are in good hands too.

And Congrats to Brewmaster also for this great gesture.

[White Worm]

Very Very Cool. Nice to have some friends like that! mike

[richgrenfell]

Very nice! hey Al, my birthday is Sunday....what time should I come over?

[Beth]

Ardan...

I am totally stunned!

It's about time.... I know how hard it is to be without Discus when you're on the forum reading and admiring other peoples Discus

Al!! ....... as always...... you're one of a kind

Beth

[pcsb23]

Ardan, having known you and Al but briefly I am delighted this has happened. I really can feel the thrill and passion you feel towrds this great hobby. Al - you've gotta be careful, you're gonna lose the tough guy image if you keep doing this!!

The fish do look stunning, particularly considering they are straight out of transport!!

I'm absolutely delighted for you - and a little bit jealous!!

Enjoy them.
Paul.

[Timbo]

Al, no wonder the discus market is under price pressure...now they're free!!

hehe, you are a class act and generous Al