Folks, if you've recently upgraded or renewed your annual club membership but it's still not active, please reach out to the BOD or a moderator. The PayPal system has a slight bug which it doesn't allow it to activate the account on it's own.
You have no problem making friends. Family and friends are a phone call away, and the tank should not be your concern you can always put another together because you have experience. The important thing to think about is what kind of opportunity are you giving up by not going to Dallas? You are...
Granulated Ferric Oxide, it's used to lower and control phosphates by running your tank water through a reactor with an amount that gives you the result you want.
I'm always happy to see them out there and happier when they keep me on my toes by random inspections. They are the ones who will still come and help when everyone else is afraid.
I did this with a 10 gallon tank with the kids. Each time we went to the beach we brought home something. We have a fine collection on snails, hermits, a mole crab, clam and a killifish. The kids love it.