CR Sponsor Tour - Sponsor Appreciation Month - May 2010

[jimsflies]

http://www.captivereefs.com/misc_images/sponsor-tour-lg.jpg


To show our appreciation for to the sponsors, the staff thought it would be nice to put together a "Sponsor Tour". A group of us will carpool/caravan to each of the "brick and mortar" sponsors in the southeast and central Michigan area. Because of the number of sponsors and wanting to give the most time possible at each shop, I have divided this between two days as follows (this won't be the driving order...we'll announce that soon ;)

Saturday - May 8, 2010
Amazon Stingrays
Aquarium Shine
Choice Aquariums
Reef Solutions
The Fish Doctors
Tropicorium

Saturday - May 15, 2010
Preuss Pets
Reef Paradise

Each of these sponsors will have special CR exclusive deals for us that week/weekend. You will not have to be part of the "caravan" to take advantage of the sale....so if you want to go on your own to one of the sponsors the sale will still be offered. (You may need to print something out to validate the sale...but I will leave the specifics to sponsors to communicate what they have in mind for us.)

Not to leave anyone out, for the members that cannot make the tour, if the sponsor has a website, they will likely honor the CR exclusive sale.

For the web-based sponsors, CR will feature a different web-based sponsor each day. Each sponsor will likely offer special sales to CR members the day of their feature or possibly throughout the week. The tentative schedule is as follows:

May 9 - Cherry Corals
May 10- Coral Morphologic
May 11 - Frag Frenzy
May 12 - House of Corals
May 13 - Lucid Propagation
May 14 - Midwest Saltwater
May 15 - (continuation of brick and mortar tour)
May 16 -Rays Reef
May 17 - Reef Filtration
May 18 - Seaside Treasures
May 19 - The Blue Glow
May 20 - Wet Thumb Frags
May 21 - Alterternative Reef
May 22 - Reef Odyssey
May 23 - Nano Customs

[fishdoc1]

Which Fish Doctors?

[jimsflies]

Good question...sent you a pm to discuss.

[thefishgirl]

Thank you sponsors! And thank you Jim for coordinating this!!

[iyachtuxivm]

This sounds like fun!

[jimsflies]

After sorting it out with Tom, the caravan will go to the Ypsi Fish Doc location. I'd like to hit them all, but timing will be tight with all of our stops.

[vega15]

Man this is going to be fun! Count me in for sure!

[taziam10797]

Where will the meeting place be and what time are they leaving. I am looking forward to being a part of it.

[jimsflies]

I think this will be the order:

My thought is this order:
Fish Docs - Ypsilanti
Tropicorium
Choice
Reef Solutions
Amazon Stingrays
Aquarium Shine

Fish Docs has already indicated that they would provide coffee and donuts as the first stop. I'm sure as we get closer sponsors will be announcing their sales and treats.

I need to plan out the time frames a little more, we will need to be at Fish Docs right when they open...10 am...need to verify that for sure. We will probably try to plan on spending at least an hour for each stop....time flies when your staring at livestock. :)

This order is subject to change if I find out a shop closes earlier in the day. But from a driving perspective, I think it makes sense.

[webduece]

All the Fish Docs open at 11. You might want to check that time with Tom

[kgood1]

Sounds like fun.

[reptileblvd]

If there are any groups from the Lapeer/Flint area going I will try to get Saturday May 8th off of work.

[lionhead]

This sounds like a great idea Jim.

[jimsflies]

So looks like 11 am at the Fish Doctors in Ypsilanti will be the first stop. Lets plan on 45-1 hour at each store. Anyone wanting to join late, let me know and I can give you my cell so you know where/when we are.

I added a poll to get an approximate idea of the interest. I think as we get closer, we will see some sponsor specials.

[ec1452]

As of now im in for may 8 and will be a hoot to meet all these reefers and the man the myth the lengend th one and only jimsflies

[Captain]

Wow this sounds awesome, I would have loved to visit choice while the group was in the area, But that saturday is the reptile expo in taylor. :(

[Aquarium Shine]

Members,

We'll look forward on seeing whoever joins the caravan tour to the local lfs. Don't feel rushed on this tour as we'll be open until you guys arrive if indeed AS is the last stop. The AS team will come in with some spectacular deals, so make sure there's some change left for us :big_grin:

I'll look for updated posts with the tour!

Lee Fiema
AS

[jimsflies]

Who all is joining us for the tour? Vote in the poll so we can get an approximate idea. Thanks!

[scubamomma]

i would like to go but id have to bring my daughter so are we doing a caravan kind of follow system im not familiar with any of these stores except trop

[Crow]

As of now im in for may 8 and will be a hoot to meet all these reefers and the man the myth the lengend the one and only CROW
Aww thanks m8! :thumbsup:

[jimsflies]

So are you going on he tour Crow?

[scubamomma]

i lied we are coming! at least for the a while on the 8th!

[Tankster]

Who all is joining us for the tour? Vote in the poll so we can get an approximate idea. Thanks!

Poll is closed. I'm planning on the 15th.

[jimsflies]

Fixed the poll....

[jimsflies]

Less than 1 week! Hope we can get a good size bunch together to do this?

[thefishgirl]

So what was the final date selection? I'm seeing the 8th and 15th in the replies. Ohhh.. Nevermind.. it's BOTH days.

Pfffffft...I cannot make the 8th. First regatta of the year.

[jimsflies]

That's too bad...we're hitting all the SEMi sponsors on the 8th.

[jimsflies]

I'll be posting a map and itinerary soon for Saturday's tour. Hope some folks can make it out!

Sponsor Tour Day 1: Sponsor Tour Day 1:

[Skyhigh]

The trop will have 15% off of non Sale items. live stock only. for all CR members, for the day of the Tour.

[jimsflies]

I have the perfect shirt for everyone to wear on Saturday's tour....any one attending the tour that wants to sport one of the CR shirts, I will knock 30% off the price. So shirts will be $7. I will have them with me...I'm sure you can find a changing room at Fish Docs, or other shops if you hook up with us along the way.


http://www.captivereefs.com/misc_images/tee-shirt-graphic.jpg (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/captive_reefs.php?p=2)

[scubamomma]

ive got mine! im all ready

[Berne]

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo206/ChoiceWeb/internet%20coupons/CRSPONSORTOUR.jpg

[jimsflies]

Here is the itinerary for the Sponsor Tour on Saturday. I would like input if someone knows about construction/backups as to whether my schedule is doable. With 7 shops, we're need to keep on schedule!


x



http://www.captivereefs.com/misc_images/sponsor-tour-route.png

Link to Map and Detailed Directions (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=2703+East+Washtenaw+Avenue,+Ypsilanti,+MI&daddr=20080+Inkster+Road,+Romulus,+MI+to:29551+5+M ile+Road,+Livonia,+MI+to:27861+Orchard+Lake+Road,+ Farmington+Hills,+MI+to:27209+Van+Dyke+Avenue,+War ren,+MI+to:799+Stephenson+Highway+Suite+B,+Troy,+M I+to:1673+Auburn+Road,+Rochester+Hills,+MI&geocode=FXWthAIdgYkD-ylpemaW56g8iDGX2fto5FNJmw%3BFXBIgwIdSdkI-ynvaOK390Y7iDF8DJZeDgFzjw%3B%3B%3B%3B%3B&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=42.249551,-83.659172&sspn=0.055147,0.072527&ie=UTF8&ll=42.257492,-83.524933&spn=0.439091,0.580215&z=11)


A. 11:00 11-45 am
The Fish Doctors
2703 Washtenaw Rd.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-434-1030

B. 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Tropicorium
20080 Inkster Rd.
Romulus, Michigan 48174
734-782-2622


:spork:...little extra time to grab a lunch...:spork:

C. 2:15 pm - 3:00 pm
Pet Connection
29551 5-Mile Rd.
Livonia, MI 48154
(734)525-1270

D. 3:30 - 4:15 pm
Choice Aquariums
27861 Orchard Lake Road
Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334
(248) 553-0414

E. 4:45-5:45 pm
Reef Solutions
27209 Van Dyke Ave
Warren, Michigan 48093
(586) 757-3474

:food:....little extra time to grab dinner....:food:

F. 6:15 - 7:00 pm
Amazon Stingrays
799 Stephenson Hwy, Suite B
Troy, MI 48083
248-840-2135

G. 7:15-8:00 pm
Aquarium Shine
1673 E. Auburn Rd.
Rochester Hills,, Michigan 48307
(248) 299-3474


x

For those that aren't joining or might join us along the tour, I plan to post pictures and updates through out the day via tapatalk probably to this thread.

[pjr]

Hope to possibly join you somewhere during the day....

[pjr]

Note to attendees: I've been conversing with Jim about the I-275 construction. You can avoid it!

So, when coming from Fish Doctors Ypsi:


Take I-94 past I-275... get off on Middlebelt exit.
Take Middlebelt south to Sibley Rd (about 5 miles) and turn left.
Take Sibley one mile to Inkster; turn right.
Trop is 1/2 mi down on the right.

[Casanova Cowboy]

There is a Jimmy Johns in our plaza if any get hungry around that time, Stay on schedule with "Subs so Fast you'll Freak!".

Also if you know you'll be getting something from us you are more than welcome to call ahead to have it bagged and in a styro ready for pick up.

Look forward to talking to everyone, C U Then!

[RedfordReefer]

Is there anyone I can carpool with? I blew a header gasket yesterday and have nothing to drive. :(

PM me here pretty please. I REALLY wanna do this, but my car doesn't want to.

[jimsflies]

I'm looking for a rider...but don't think I could pick you up or drop you off due to timing.

[RedfordReefer]

Yeah. you are a bit far away. It's okay if I miss it. Timing on my car poo'ing out is just bad.

I just REALLY would like to ride along with someone. Is anyone in the Livonia area? I could hitchike to your house.

[RedfordReefer]

Yeah. you are a bit far away. It's okay if I miss it. Timing on my car poo'ing out is just bad.

I just REALLY would like to ride along with someone. Is anyone in the Livonia area? I could hitchike to your house.

[jimsflies]

If you could make it to one of the first stops, you can ride with me for the day...maybe get a pickup home... How far from Ypsi is Redford...I know it's a ways.

[RedfordReefer]

It's 20 mins or so. Maybe a little more. I am 7 miles from 275 and 96.

[Aquarium Shine]

Aquarium Shine your last destination for spectacular savings!!

Here are our SPECIALS for the CR Caravan Tour:

20% off ENTIRE live stock in the store.
25% off ALL frozen food
25% off ALL trace elements - (Brightwell, SeaChem, Tropic Marin)
15% off ALL pumps in stock


For all the travelers cold refreshments :beer:, and a Aquarium Shine grab bag.


We"ll SEA everyone here!

[jimsflies]

First construction of the day ....stuck on us23 :(

[Amazon Stingrays]

For all Captive Reefs Members:

The following specials will be in effect for you on Saturday 5-8-10 for the Sponsor Tour:

Firefish $6.99
Purple Firefish $16.99
True Percula Clowns $15.00
Peppermint Hog $99.00
Crosshatch Trigger Pair $499.00
25% Off (non specials) Livestock Purchase over $100.00

Buy any BashSea Item (Skimmer, Reactor, etc) and get 20% off your livestock purchase!

Pat
Amazon Stingrays
248-840-2135
799 Stephenson Hwy Suite B
Troy, MI 48083

[jimsflies]

Here at Fish Docs....greeted with donuts, juice.....and free frags!

[jimsflies]

Free frags for CR tour....thanks Fish Docs!

[ReeferRob]

Good stuff, wish I could have made the trip.

[jimsflies]

On our way to the trop!

[demonclownfish]

very nice, im gonna try to make the next one with u guys :)

[youngtimothy]

have fun without me, I'm sitting home sick! yuck! keep up the updates and lot of pic's!!!!

[jimsflies]

A few pics from the trop....

[jimsflies]

Great stuff at the trop!

[jimsflies]

Where are you Kev?

[jimsflies]

Leaving trop now....one last cool pic

[jimsflies]

On the way to pet connection now... :road_trip:

[RedfordReefer]

On the way to pet connection now... :road_trip:
2 miles from my house!

Thinking of y'all. Be safe driving.

[pjr]

have fun without me, I'm sitting home sick! yuck! keep up the updates and lot of pic's!!!!

Me too. :(

[jimsflies]

A few pics from pet connection

[jimsflies]

I can pick you up chris....

[jimsflies]

Cool urchins @Pet Connection

[RedfordReefer]

I can pick you up chris....

No idea how I'd get back here. It's okay man. I can see all these places on my own once I get my motorcycle back on the road.

the offer is greatly appreciated though.

[demonclownfish]

looks like a ton of fun jim, lets see some more pics! :highfive3:

[jimsflies]

Chris we're eating at the coney next to pet connection...i can bring you back tonight if you want to join us...

[RedfordReefer]

It's just too far out of your way and I really need to get this car fixed.

I very much appreciate the offer, it is very kind of you.

[jimsflies]

Ok...on our way to choice!

[PolskaReefer]

so jim after choice where are you guys headed :silly:

[jimsflies]

Choice Aquariums sweet display....

[demonclownfish]

cool, you got your eye out for some trimma's?

[jimsflies]

Lots of colorful stock and friendly emloyees here at Choice...

[jimsflies]

Yup got a trimma goby!

[jimsflies]

Heading to reef solutions...

[Casanova Cowboy]

Yup got a trimma goby!

http://i635.photobucket.com/albums/uu79/SXM50/DSC_0053.jpg[/QUOTE]

Nice to talk with ya, hope to C-ya'll again soon! ;)

[jimsflies]

Reef Solutions display tanks....

[jimsflies]

This chalice is nutz!

[demonclownfish]

ya i saw that one the other day. did u see the bluespot stingray?

[jimsflies]

Crazy sponge!

[jimsflies]

You mean this one, Kevin?

[demonclownfish]

yup! those spots on it are like super neon blue

[jimsflies]

Off to amazon stingrays.... :)

[ReeferRob]

Just got home from work, hope you all are having a good time!

[jimsflies]

Yes great time! Here's a pic from amazon stingrays....

[jimsflies]

Cool stuff!

[jimsflies]

Crosshatches.....

[jimsflies]

A complete line of bashsea!

[jimsflies]

Free shirts! Thanks bashsea!

[jimsflies]

Off to Aquarium Shine...

[RedfordReefer]

GAH!!!! I would MURDER my own grandmother for a Bashsea shirt. I am such a HUGE Bashsea fanboy.

[jimsflies]

Lol chris...

[jimsflies]

6 minutes to aquarium shine

[jimsflies]

Aquarium shine.....

[jimsflies]

This guy has a serious apetite!

[demonclownfish]

PRICE?????????????????????????????????????????

[youngtimothy]

thanks for all the updates for those of us that couldnt go, looks like it was a great time! was there a large turn out?

[jimsflies]

Not sure...but he went nut for a ghost shrimp.

Well the tour is over and I doubt I will have much room left in the biocube after today.

Well do another day or two tour next fall for those that missed out.

[jimsflies]

Now the long drive home...

[OneThunder]

Now the long drive home...

What a great idea!

I'm gonna plan on making the next one!

[scubamomma]

thankyou so much to Jim and all the sponsors who made today possible. we had an amazing time and got some really awesome deals. thankyou again!! see you next weeks tour

[BeakerBob]

I was not able to make the road trip tour, but here is what Jim brought back for me:

Strawberry crab:
http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=91&pictureid=450

Cleaner Shrimp:
http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=91&pictureid=449

[jimsflies]

Here is what my tank looked like when I got home last night....

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/sponsor-tour-haul.jpg


...believe it or not, I did leave some nice pieces for the rest of you!

[jimsflies]

I picked up this cool corkscrew coral/gorgonian from the Trop:

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/cork-screw.jpg

I need to get some pics of the other stuff since they weren't open yet last night.

[demonclownfish]

very cool Jim, now go get some more pics!!! :tongue_out:

[jimsflies]

I picked up another pistol shrimp from Reef Solutions....it's been digging like mad already. No mistaking that this one is in the tank. I think it is a tiger pistol.

Also bought a trimma goby from Choice Aquariums. Haven't seen it since releasing it....hopefully it comes out of hiding.

I think everything else I brought home was a zoa/paly of some type. Oh yeah, I also have a strawberry crab like Bob's above. Bob's came from Amazon Stingrays and mine came from Fish Doctors.

[handlevandal]

Looks like you all had a great day! Too bad it was on Mother's Day weekend as I went out to see my mom and had dinner with my daughter and her SO's mom yesterday. I'd love to do the next one. I did stop in at Pet Connection and picked up one of those neon green alveopora with the bright yellow centers. It's looking great in the big tank already and I can see it from across the room.

[fishtal]

I totally forgot about this since I really wasn't in the market for anything. I did end up at 2 of the places that you guys went to, Aquarium Shine and Choice, while I was out delivering MMC brochures. Went to Kee's too. Glad you guys had fun!

[jimsflies]

Hope you were thinking on your feet and told them you were "with" the tour? They had some nice discounts (and free frags at Aquarium Shine).