I have a 60 gallon saltwater tank that I set up about 3 months ago. I started off with Damsels, and gradually added other species until I had an nice colorful mix once the tank was well established and had cycled properly. We lost 2 damsels and a tomato clown in 2 weeks, then things went well for about 3 weeks. Everybody was happy and friendly, including the damsels (3 small) tomato clowns (2 small), horseshoe crabs (3) small dog-face puffer, yellow tang, fire fish (2) and one peppermint shrimp. Now they are dying at an alarming rate. We did get a reddish colored algae of some sort showing up on the glass, and I treated for it. The instructions said to remove my carbon filters and turn off my protein skimmer, so I did. Even with the treatment and limiting filtration, i am still losing fish. The only thing that is different as far as I can figure out is that I bought my saltwater from the fish store rather than making my own using instant ocean. We are running a 350 and 200 bio-wheels (carbon filters changed every 2 weeks), and a good quality protein skimmer. Any guesses or suggestions? I have tested and the ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and ph are all reading really excellent (the best readings I have gotten since I set up the tanks with colors exactly matching the comparison cards). Please help? I only have my puffer, 2 damsels, 2 horseshoe crabs and my peppermint shrimp left and they are starting to look poorly!All the fish in my tank are dying, why?
How often do you perform water changes? What's your temp at? I'd perform a 30%-50% water change immediately. Are you sure to wash your carbon filters after every change? Was your tank cycled?
EDIT!
-At once every two weeks, you're changing your filter cartridges a *bit* early, but I doubt that's the problem here (unless you are cleaning so well the biological bacteria are being killed on any decor, in the gravel, and on the filter media). What are your water parameters (nitrate, ammonia, nitrite)? Airation may be an issue here, though I can't be positive. Make sure that when you are cleaning any part of your tank (except the glass outside!) to never use regular, untreated tap water or any sort of cleaner.
They might not be liking the sudden change of water (from instant ocean to ready-bought)
Big big big nono :) Option? If you ahvent already tried, I would try throwing back in 50% instant ocean one day, and again the next day, and again the next day.
Make sure you use a siphoning technique to get water in and out to avoid stressing the fish out.All the fish in my tank are dying, why?
some fish may not need to be in saltwater and maybe your not feeding your fish properly. you don't need to change the filters a lot. once per 3 months would do. u may also need those long tubes you put into the water. my fish die a lot too but after i put the long tube you put into the water my fish didn't die anymore.
1. I can't tell if you're saying the tank has had fish the whole 3 months, or just about 5 weeks, either way, this is a salt water tank, and rules that are easy to break with freshwater, are not going to be as easy to get away with now.
2. tank will eventually be too small for the puffer
3. red algae is actually a bacteria, and means you have or had too much waste, the treatment sometimes can screw up your biologic filtration. And turning off the protein skimmer only makes matters worse. Yea, I know that's how the treatment goes. But reducing the waste would have been the first thing to do.
4. shouldn't even need carbon all the time and if there's any ammonia removing filter material (white rocks) stop using it. I never ever use the ammonia removing filter materials, they all cause problems.
5. and turn your skimmer back on.
6. do a small water change, and pay attention to the salinity and your choice of water conditioners, it's the one thing you didn't mention. I use Kordon brand, Amquel and Novaqua. Don't use Ammolock.
7. unless this is a reef tank, don't get shrimp or other crustaceans, I'm still surprised you even have a shrimp, perhaps you're overfeeding so much that the puffer hasn't noticed him yet. But a puffer will eat the shrimp first, and eventually start chewing legs off the horshoes.
8. yea that too, are you overfeeding? I thought so.
9. 60 gallon with regular petstore filters is not going to be easy, the tank is small, and even bio wheels are not always up to handling a salt water tank, especially without regular water changes.
10. So, rethink what you expect out of this tank, and find a more realistic bunch of fish and think less fish and less food, especially until you have some better success, then you might have a chance.
edit, I re-read your question, and you had fire fish too? yea, ok, you really need to slow down there and get really hardy fish only. You've already tried at least 3 or 4 completely wrong fish for a 60 gallon and a couple that only routinely live in the healthiest of reef tanks. Either you weren't listening to the fish guy/gal at the store, or they were idiots. Try again when the tank settles down.All the fish in my tank are dying, why?
Peetr is on the right track.
The tank is still new, barely cycled and you are stuffing all sorts of random fish in there.
The red algae is a sign of things in the tank not being in "balance", excess nutrients are feeding the bloom of algae or bacteria. Sure you can add chemicals to kill that off, but that is only treating the symptoms, not the underlying cause of the problem. The chemical treatment and lack of the protein skimmer then make the water quality even worse.
No more fish, work on getting the tank stable and stocked properly, do some extra water changes etc. It's not a competition to see how many fish you can stuff in the tank
Ian
Dont wash ur tank with soap
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Please help my dog?!...?
i was gone for the weekend and when i came back she was really skinny and seems life-less and boring she seems to have almost no expresions and she kind of gets happy when you pet and love her and when my 2 year old brother rides his trycicle around the house(she loves to chase and bite the wheels) but what could be wrong with her i fill her bowl twice a day she hasent eaten anything stange i am going to take her into the vet but i just wanted to know some possobilitys thanks soo much!Please help my dog?!...?
There is definitely something wrong with your dog, I think I have an idea on what's wrong with your dog, but it might not be it. Still yes, you should take your pet to the vet, they will know what to do best.
depressed.Please help my dog?!...?
wouldnt know; best thing to do is to take her to the vet
There's a million possibilities, your VET will know best.Please help my dog?!...?
Wonder if she develops a thirod issue?
you left you dog for the weekend? Alone?? I hope not!! It probably hates you for leaving him alone!!
i dog cant get really skinny over 2 days. that takes time. perhaps you didnt notice it until you were gone? sounds medical i hope the vet is very thorough
Why are you asking people online when you could be TAKING HER TO THE VET RIGHT NOW??!!!
There is definitely something wrong with your dog, I think I have an idea on what's wrong with your dog, but it might not be it. Still yes, you should take your pet to the vet, they will know what to do best.
depressed.Please help my dog?!...?
wouldnt know; best thing to do is to take her to the vet
There's a million possibilities, your VET will know best.Please help my dog?!...?
Wonder if she develops a thirod issue?
you left you dog for the weekend? Alone?? I hope not!! It probably hates you for leaving him alone!!
i dog cant get really skinny over 2 days. that takes time. perhaps you didnt notice it until you were gone? sounds medical i hope the vet is very thorough
Why are you asking people online when you could be TAKING HER TO THE VET RIGHT NOW??!!!
Why is my 1998 Malibu such a Hassle!?
When I first got it I had to pay for the O2 Sensor, EGR Valve, Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, Front Wheel Barren, and now I have to get a Thermostat, Coolant Flush and Sealant. I need to know if I did the right thing. I will be leaving my car to go out of town for 2 months, when they told me that I would have to spend 300 because I have an air bubble in my Dex-Cool line. I decided that I had enough and took it home. I put some Dex-Cool in their because it was completely empty (can u believe Midas did not tell me when they changed my oil) and I let my car run with the cap off of the antifreeze. Long story short, the Dex-Cool boiled over and then went down. I filled it back up to the cool fill line and now my heat works and my car is happy. Do u think the problem will come back and do u think I should get a flush and thermostat? Note if u are thinking about buying one of these cars think again I put near 2,000 in it already and I still pay a note! This is my first car and my first lesson!Why is my 1998 Malibu such a Hassle!?
do not go to Midas..bottom line. wow, its kinda hard to believe that your car needed all that maintenance!!! you must have spent a chunk of change for that. yes flush and thermostat. if you like Midas than go for it. I've just heard to many horror stories about that companyWhy is my 1998 Malibu such a Hassle!?
because chevy suckssonic electronix
do not go to Midas..bottom line. wow, its kinda hard to believe that your car needed all that maintenance!!! you must have spent a chunk of change for that. yes flush and thermostat. if you like Midas than go for it. I've just heard to many horror stories about that companyWhy is my 1998 Malibu such a Hassle!?
because chevy sucks
Would you go back to her?
My girlfriend and I have been together or 2 years now - the whole time we've been together she has been married still but has been separated from her ex. We've had our ups and downs. In December last year I proposed to her by writing a book of poetry for her, with the last line in the last poem, asking her to be my wife, she said yes and I was thrilled.
In March this year, where she was living with her 20 year old daughter, in an apartment, her rental agreement expired and as such she had to move out - she was offered the choice of living with me at my house (I am renting a house), moving in with her older brother or living with her ex who had just bought a house with inheritance money. She chose to live with her ex, saying that it would be cheaper and easier as when she sought a formal divorce, in her view, it would help her case to get a 50-50 split of assets - I should mention, about 30% of the money used to buy the house was my girlfriends who her ex had taken from a joint account.
Anyway, I was not happy at all about this as the ex is very controlling and still thought they were together. Against my better judgement, I agreed to her moving in on two conditions, 1) she would tell him not to interfere with us as a couple, 2) she would put the wheels in motion for a divorce... not unreasonable I thought. For about 2 weeks this worked, then the ex began to steadily gain more and more control over her, making demands and she gave in, first not seeing me as much (we used to see each other about 5 nights a week, this dropped to 2 or so), then not able to call or txt when she was at home and he was around, then not seeing her at all as it annoyed the ex... I was not a happy camper! At the end of April, finally, she and I went to see a solicitor about a divorce - I took time off work to be there for her. That night, she said that she wanted to be with me and stand up to him - it didn't last and that night when having dinner, he called and made threats to her and I - we both went to our respective homes but I reported this to the police, partially to cause trouble for him and also because he had no right to threaten me. The next day I took my engagement ring off and told her clearly that I would not see her or put the ring back on until she left him once and for all - what it was doing to our relationship was so destructive.
She then said she understood and agreed but had to stay in the house a bit longer as her daughter was living there and it was her 21st birthday at the end of May and she was worried that the ex would stop her being involved with that if she left now. Again, against my better judgement, I said fine - I did not see her at all during the month of May but we still txt'ed.
The end of May came and went and I said, well, come on then, and she then said, oh it's complex, I need to do this and that, give me a week. So I did. Then that came and went and she did come to me, saying this is it, I'm with you, stayed the night, then promptly went home back to him and that home the next day. I was hurt and crushed and felt so betrayed. She said she was sorry and wasn't sure why she went back - I then pretty much was ready to, with great pain, walk away but she begged me to give her another two weeks and then, she promised, she would find the strength to leave... so, again, I out of love for her, gave her that time. She came back to me again, this time again staying the night... I left for work that morning and when I came home she had left, again.... I was not happy, was again crushed and betrayed and this time was ready to walk away.
I said, enough is enough, you are where you want to be clearly, and I've had enough of being jerked around. She then said she was going to Melbourne to be with her Mother and other brother for a week and would, she promised, come to me when she came back... being the idiot that I am, I gave her that time.
Well, she went to Melbourne, sending me lovey messages and saying how much she loved me and when she came back, after a few days stuffing around, did come to me, this time "for good" - guess what happened? She stayed the night, then went back to him, saying he's dying of cancer and she had to do the moral thing and stay there for a year, which is how long he has left. Not this time I said, and this is where I'm at now, I've walked away, tired, weary, exhausted, betrayed - she is begging me to forgive her, txting, even came to my office today in tears.
I am torn, I know I must sound like a complete fool for thinking she is genuine but seeing her so sad today in tears, saying how she stuffed up and promised not to leave this time makes me feel a bit unsure.
I should add, we're both grown adults, she's 42, I'm 29 (yeah yeah, older woman, get over it) and she assures me that she isn't in love with the ex - for me that doesn't matter as she still can't seem to leave him.
What |||I would like to preface my response by saying I am so sorry you are going through this I know this must be heartbreaking.
If she is 42 and is just now going through this divorce, I would assume the 2 of them were married somewhere within a 15-20 year span, maybe longer and even though they are going through a divorce, she does love and care for him. You can't possibly expect her not to still love a man that is the father of her children and that she was with for so long. In a perfect world she could just get over him and y'all would live happily ever after, but that's just not plausible. She obviously isn't able to let go, especially now if he has cancer, she will be by his side. If you do give her a second chance it will just be a vicious circle, she wants to be with you but she feels like she can't, especially if he uses her kids as leverage. A mother will always choose her children over anything. You will just get hurt over and over again. I wish I could assure you that I see a glimmer of hope in this story, but I don't. I'm so sorry.|||Give her one more week, and if she doesn't do it, ask her why. And then if you truly believe she isn't with you, then you have to do what your heart tells you.|||:( That's So Sad... There's Only So much One Person Can Put Up With For love! If that's where she'd rather be then I wouldn't... And wow making threats? He couldn't just man up and talk like a grown up?! I delt with the same thing myself almost three years ago... But he wasn't married and she was horrible to him... She'd only call him when she wanted money or just to get mad at him take her anger out on him... And he kept going back... So I just said one day "if that's where you're heart lies and that's how you want to be treated then it's your loss" it hurt like he'll to do that but I had to it's too hard to live like that but it's going to be three years for us next year and she is no longer bothering us and were happy so I do Belive in the saying "If you really love something let it go And if it comes back then it's yers forever" I just wish it worked all the time...|||No. Don't do it. Honestly, she is not going to leave him for you, and she's proven that time and time again. You need to explain to her you are not willing to deal with being played around with, and I don't even know you, but I can't help but feel mad at her for you. Just let her go. You'll find someone better, who isn't married, and who will love you completely and be there for you.
And I somehow get the feeling you want her to be with you because you feel pity out of her and her bad relationship and want to give her something better because you care. But if she truly loved you, she'd leave him and have the guts to.|||NO you have given her enough time. she had all that time with him when they were married this is sopposed to be your time. leave her and make her chase you like she did today. make her feel the hurt that you feel, go out with other girls and enjoy the rest of your life without her. sorry dude but se sounds likea total "you know what". just move on and forget about her. oh yeah and go whooped her ex's butt. like foreal cant see you or call you when he's around, cuz hes jelouse well he had his chance and messed it up. dont go back to her shes obv. not over her ex.
In March this year, where she was living with her 20 year old daughter, in an apartment, her rental agreement expired and as such she had to move out - she was offered the choice of living with me at my house (I am renting a house), moving in with her older brother or living with her ex who had just bought a house with inheritance money. She chose to live with her ex, saying that it would be cheaper and easier as when she sought a formal divorce, in her view, it would help her case to get a 50-50 split of assets - I should mention, about 30% of the money used to buy the house was my girlfriends who her ex had taken from a joint account.
Anyway, I was not happy at all about this as the ex is very controlling and still thought they were together. Against my better judgement, I agreed to her moving in on two conditions, 1) she would tell him not to interfere with us as a couple, 2) she would put the wheels in motion for a divorce... not unreasonable I thought. For about 2 weeks this worked, then the ex began to steadily gain more and more control over her, making demands and she gave in, first not seeing me as much (we used to see each other about 5 nights a week, this dropped to 2 or so), then not able to call or txt when she was at home and he was around, then not seeing her at all as it annoyed the ex... I was not a happy camper! At the end of April, finally, she and I went to see a solicitor about a divorce - I took time off work to be there for her. That night, she said that she wanted to be with me and stand up to him - it didn't last and that night when having dinner, he called and made threats to her and I - we both went to our respective homes but I reported this to the police, partially to cause trouble for him and also because he had no right to threaten me. The next day I took my engagement ring off and told her clearly that I would not see her or put the ring back on until she left him once and for all - what it was doing to our relationship was so destructive.
She then said she understood and agreed but had to stay in the house a bit longer as her daughter was living there and it was her 21st birthday at the end of May and she was worried that the ex would stop her being involved with that if she left now. Again, against my better judgement, I said fine - I did not see her at all during the month of May but we still txt'ed.
The end of May came and went and I said, well, come on then, and she then said, oh it's complex, I need to do this and that, give me a week. So I did. Then that came and went and she did come to me, saying this is it, I'm with you, stayed the night, then promptly went home back to him and that home the next day. I was hurt and crushed and felt so betrayed. She said she was sorry and wasn't sure why she went back - I then pretty much was ready to, with great pain, walk away but she begged me to give her another two weeks and then, she promised, she would find the strength to leave... so, again, I out of love for her, gave her that time. She came back to me again, this time again staying the night... I left for work that morning and when I came home she had left, again.... I was not happy, was again crushed and betrayed and this time was ready to walk away.
I said, enough is enough, you are where you want to be clearly, and I've had enough of being jerked around. She then said she was going to Melbourne to be with her Mother and other brother for a week and would, she promised, come to me when she came back... being the idiot that I am, I gave her that time.
Well, she went to Melbourne, sending me lovey messages and saying how much she loved me and when she came back, after a few days stuffing around, did come to me, this time "for good" - guess what happened? She stayed the night, then went back to him, saying he's dying of cancer and she had to do the moral thing and stay there for a year, which is how long he has left. Not this time I said, and this is where I'm at now, I've walked away, tired, weary, exhausted, betrayed - she is begging me to forgive her, txting, even came to my office today in tears.
I am torn, I know I must sound like a complete fool for thinking she is genuine but seeing her so sad today in tears, saying how she stuffed up and promised not to leave this time makes me feel a bit unsure.
I should add, we're both grown adults, she's 42, I'm 29 (yeah yeah, older woman, get over it) and she assures me that she isn't in love with the ex - for me that doesn't matter as she still can't seem to leave him.
What |||I would like to preface my response by saying I am so sorry you are going through this I know this must be heartbreaking.
If she is 42 and is just now going through this divorce, I would assume the 2 of them were married somewhere within a 15-20 year span, maybe longer and even though they are going through a divorce, she does love and care for him. You can't possibly expect her not to still love a man that is the father of her children and that she was with for so long. In a perfect world she could just get over him and y'all would live happily ever after, but that's just not plausible. She obviously isn't able to let go, especially now if he has cancer, she will be by his side. If you do give her a second chance it will just be a vicious circle, she wants to be with you but she feels like she can't, especially if he uses her kids as leverage. A mother will always choose her children over anything. You will just get hurt over and over again. I wish I could assure you that I see a glimmer of hope in this story, but I don't. I'm so sorry.|||Give her one more week, and if she doesn't do it, ask her why. And then if you truly believe she isn't with you, then you have to do what your heart tells you.|||:( That's So Sad... There's Only So much One Person Can Put Up With For love! If that's where she'd rather be then I wouldn't... And wow making threats? He couldn't just man up and talk like a grown up?! I delt with the same thing myself almost three years ago... But he wasn't married and she was horrible to him... She'd only call him when she wanted money or just to get mad at him take her anger out on him... And he kept going back... So I just said one day "if that's where you're heart lies and that's how you want to be treated then it's your loss" it hurt like he'll to do that but I had to it's too hard to live like that but it's going to be three years for us next year and she is no longer bothering us and were happy so I do Belive in the saying "If you really love something let it go And if it comes back then it's yers forever" I just wish it worked all the time...|||No. Don't do it. Honestly, she is not going to leave him for you, and she's proven that time and time again. You need to explain to her you are not willing to deal with being played around with, and I don't even know you, but I can't help but feel mad at her for you. Just let her go. You'll find someone better, who isn't married, and who will love you completely and be there for you.
And I somehow get the feeling you want her to be with you because you feel pity out of her and her bad relationship and want to give her something better because you care. But if she truly loved you, she'd leave him and have the guts to.|||NO you have given her enough time. she had all that time with him when they were married this is sopposed to be your time. leave her and make her chase you like she did today. make her feel the hurt that you feel, go out with other girls and enjoy the rest of your life without her. sorry dude but se sounds likea total "you know what". just move on and forget about her. oh yeah and go whooped her ex's butt. like foreal cant see you or call you when he's around, cuz hes jelouse well he had his chance and messed it up. dont go back to her shes obv. not over her ex.
Driving across country.. Washington to NC. Any tips, pointers, etc? ANYTHING HELPS!!?
Husband is getting outta the Army, he got 80% disability. We're doing the Dity move. We will have around 7-9k pounds of stuff. We're probably going to go with Budget rental. We were quoted for the 24' truck and the all four tires off the ground car pull at around 1600, My mom is looking at pricing because she thinks she can get it a little cheaper than that, so hopefully around 1300ish or something.. and then with gas I'm assuming that'll be anywhere from 1k to 1500 which is what I'm also getting quoted at. We don't plan on doing hotel trips often. Probably every 2 days? Just to save money. Just to shower up and get back on the road. My husband is trying to avoid the mountains so we may go down towards CA and then across.. We honestly need ideas.
We DO have 2 pugs, they are obviously smaller dogs. With the car pull, its all 4 wheels off the ground, would it be safe to get a kennel and put them in the back of the car along with like the cooler with food, etc.
MY QUESTIONS ARE;
1. Is there any good like deals on truck rentals?
2. Would the 2 wheels off the ground of 4 wheels off the ground be safer, or does it matter? The reason I'm thinking 4 is so we can put things in the car.. and also, it won't hurt the tires, etc.
3. My husband is afraid of driving the truck, literally afraid. Any tips or is it really as hard or as easy as people are saying?
4. Food ideas to take with us? Whats things we can put in the cooler that will be like cheaper than stopping at Mcdonalds, Taco bell, etc?
5. Is there any easier way to travel with dogs? I'm being told that I could put them in the front with us because its able to fit 3-4 adults in the bigger trucks, so I may do that.. but any tips traveling almost 3500 miles with 2 pugs? Any medicine for them? Any tips for peeing and pooping, etc?
6. Any ideas how to make this trip cheaper?
7. Any people that have done the Dity move that can tell me how much they got, etc?
I just need a lot of help and the person with the best answer gets "best answer", and itll make me really happy. ANY advise would be amazing. We plan on taking turns with driving, but driving as much as possible a day.. any things that may make the drive better? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
-The "Nervous" family.Driving across country.. Washington to NC. Any tips, pointers, etc? ANYTHING HELPS!!?
From an expert....driven many trips, worked as a truck rental agent too....
1. You will get the best deal (and best truck) from Budget. Here is a secret.....don't tell ANYONE about this cause it's a secret...really.........Budget will make deep cuts in their price but you need to negotiate. Start by going to Uhaul and tell them your Budget rate, then see if they will beat it. Not by a few bucks, you are looking at a $1600 rental. Get it knocked down a couple hundred (yes you can!!). Then take your deal to Penski and do the same thing. Work these two guys until you get the best deal.
THEN.....now here is the REAL secret part...call your LOCAL Budget dealer. Don't mess with the website or call center, call the dealer. And not the big corporate owned ones, but the affiliate dealer that also runs a storage facility or some other business. Try to schedule your pickup for a weekday, when things are slow and they are desperate for business. They have a special phone number they can call to get special rates in order to beat the competitors. If you do this, you can easily knock that $1600 bill down 20%.
2. The car hauler is always better if you are taking a car more then 300 miles (my opinion). Advantage is it's more secure to carry, will do less damage to the unit then the tow dolly, and you don't need to disconnect the driveshaft (some vehicles). Disadvantage is they are more expensive, can be tricky for inexperienced driver to maneuver (especially with a 24' truck). Being automatic drive, they can be difficult in mountains. They are slow going up steep grades, you don't want to ride the break going down hills....downshift!!! The key to your trip is taking lots of breaks, swapping drivers frequently, and never drive when you start to get tired. I have a small dvd player so I can watch (well...listen) to something if nothing good is on the radio.
3. It's understandable to be nervous. You are use to driving a car 17' long, now you are in front of a huge truck and trailer. My wife was the same way, but after a while she looks forward to it. You just need to drill it into your head that you have 50 feet of truck/trailer behind you, and you need to make VERY wide turns, and leave a lot of room in front of you to allow for stopping. In urban areas this can really be a challenge (driving in the northeast is a nightmare). But you will be on open roads, not a problem. Take your time...don't go over 60. You are going to get drivers passing you and flicking a finger at you because you are holding them up. Not a problem, get a hand sign telling those drivers to F*** O**.
4. Food and drinks = more bathroom breaks. Guys don't have a problem..women do (I don't go into those details...). On my trips I have a cooler with sandwiches and vegi-snacks. But after a couple days of that you will look forward to a decent restaurant dinner.
5. Budget trucks have a "bench" seat that runs across the cab. There is plenty of room to let your dogs run loose without confining them to a kennel (as long as you aren't packing a lot of stuff in the cab area. I would discourage putting them in your car while it's on the trailer. And unless they are a very hyper dog, or have a tendency to get motion sick from riding in cars, you should not have to medicate them. You should stop every 2-3 hours to give them (and you) a break.
6. You said you plan on stopping at a hotel every couple of days? Where/how are you going to sleep in between? The truck is not going to be very comfortable or practical. Do your research and you should be able to find some dirt-cheap rooms. Still gonna do the "sleep in the truck" thing? On one trip I simply left a few feet of space in the back, packed a sleeping bag and inflatable bed. After doing this a few times I chose the $29 motel room.
7. Spend a few dollars for a GPS....plan on making an occasional wrong turn and trying to figure out where the heck you are at. Decent ones are as low as $60. When you get to your destination sell it (if you don't think you need it any longer). Find a friend who is a AAA member to get you a package of maps and info (for free to members).
Hope this helps.Driving across country.. Washington to NC. Any tips, pointers, etc? ANYTHING HELPS!!?
Did it for Global van lines, 40s alright during the winter, if summer you want to stick to 80 not so damn hot, AZ ain't no fun in the summer, and the Rockies and Sierras ain't that bad anyway. actually very nice sights, nothing to see on 40. dogs will be fine in the cab with you, my pit bull was in the million mile club, RIP, take advantage of the vista points and rest stops for rest room breaks and remember truck stops are the best place for food and a shower then back on the road, I had the luxury of a sleeper cab though, if you can leave a spot in the back of the van to lay your mattress down you now have a place to sleep, yea I'm a cheapskate.Driving across country.. Washington to NC. Any tips, pointers, etc? ANYTHING HELPS!!?
I just drove from Oregon back to California with a new kitten so I can maybe offer some advice on the dogs. Go to every other to every third rest stop and walk/poop them so they're not as antsy but chances are they're going to sleep in the car but exercising them every 100-200 miles will keep them happier.
If you've got the room for a cage in the cab of the truck that would be much better than back in your car. Not that it's going to but if the car broke free or got hit, they would sustain more injuries than if they're up with you.
If they're not used to being in the car except for the vet I'd drive them around a bit before you left so they got sort of used to being in a vehicle.
As far as driving the truck, I've done that 4 times a year for the past 10 years. It's not really difficult as they're automatics. You just have to remember that you need a larger turning radius when you turn and you can't stop as quickly. After about 20 minutes he'll be fine. Just make sure that you adjust the mirrors properly so that he can see.
If you've got the dogs with you in the cab I'd keep the food back in the car and eat when you got hungry. There's only so much room in the cab.
Lastly as far as hotels, make sure they're pet friendly if you're going to stay overnight. Most places charge a small fee for pets but check first.
Good luck!
We DO have 2 pugs, they are obviously smaller dogs. With the car pull, its all 4 wheels off the ground, would it be safe to get a kennel and put them in the back of the car along with like the cooler with food, etc.
MY QUESTIONS ARE;
1. Is there any good like deals on truck rentals?
2. Would the 2 wheels off the ground of 4 wheels off the ground be safer, or does it matter? The reason I'm thinking 4 is so we can put things in the car.. and also, it won't hurt the tires, etc.
3. My husband is afraid of driving the truck, literally afraid. Any tips or is it really as hard or as easy as people are saying?
4. Food ideas to take with us? Whats things we can put in the cooler that will be like cheaper than stopping at Mcdonalds, Taco bell, etc?
5. Is there any easier way to travel with dogs? I'm being told that I could put them in the front with us because its able to fit 3-4 adults in the bigger trucks, so I may do that.. but any tips traveling almost 3500 miles with 2 pugs? Any medicine for them? Any tips for peeing and pooping, etc?
6. Any ideas how to make this trip cheaper?
7. Any people that have done the Dity move that can tell me how much they got, etc?
I just need a lot of help and the person with the best answer gets "best answer", and itll make me really happy. ANY advise would be amazing. We plan on taking turns with driving, but driving as much as possible a day.. any things that may make the drive better? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
-The "Nervous" family.Driving across country.. Washington to NC. Any tips, pointers, etc? ANYTHING HELPS!!?
From an expert....driven many trips, worked as a truck rental agent too....
1. You will get the best deal (and best truck) from Budget. Here is a secret.....don't tell ANYONE about this cause it's a secret...really.........Budget will make deep cuts in their price but you need to negotiate. Start by going to Uhaul and tell them your Budget rate, then see if they will beat it. Not by a few bucks, you are looking at a $1600 rental. Get it knocked down a couple hundred (yes you can!!). Then take your deal to Penski and do the same thing. Work these two guys until you get the best deal.
THEN.....now here is the REAL secret part...call your LOCAL Budget dealer. Don't mess with the website or call center, call the dealer. And not the big corporate owned ones, but the affiliate dealer that also runs a storage facility or some other business. Try to schedule your pickup for a weekday, when things are slow and they are desperate for business. They have a special phone number they can call to get special rates in order to beat the competitors. If you do this, you can easily knock that $1600 bill down 20%.
2. The car hauler is always better if you are taking a car more then 300 miles (my opinion). Advantage is it's more secure to carry, will do less damage to the unit then the tow dolly, and you don't need to disconnect the driveshaft (some vehicles). Disadvantage is they are more expensive, can be tricky for inexperienced driver to maneuver (especially with a 24' truck). Being automatic drive, they can be difficult in mountains. They are slow going up steep grades, you don't want to ride the break going down hills....downshift!!! The key to your trip is taking lots of breaks, swapping drivers frequently, and never drive when you start to get tired. I have a small dvd player so I can watch (well...listen) to something if nothing good is on the radio.
3. It's understandable to be nervous. You are use to driving a car 17' long, now you are in front of a huge truck and trailer. My wife was the same way, but after a while she looks forward to it. You just need to drill it into your head that you have 50 feet of truck/trailer behind you, and you need to make VERY wide turns, and leave a lot of room in front of you to allow for stopping. In urban areas this can really be a challenge (driving in the northeast is a nightmare). But you will be on open roads, not a problem. Take your time...don't go over 60. You are going to get drivers passing you and flicking a finger at you because you are holding them up. Not a problem, get a hand sign telling those drivers to F*** O**.
4. Food and drinks = more bathroom breaks. Guys don't have a problem..women do (I don't go into those details...). On my trips I have a cooler with sandwiches and vegi-snacks. But after a couple days of that you will look forward to a decent restaurant dinner.
5. Budget trucks have a "bench" seat that runs across the cab. There is plenty of room to let your dogs run loose without confining them to a kennel (as long as you aren't packing a lot of stuff in the cab area. I would discourage putting them in your car while it's on the trailer. And unless they are a very hyper dog, or have a tendency to get motion sick from riding in cars, you should not have to medicate them. You should stop every 2-3 hours to give them (and you) a break.
6. You said you plan on stopping at a hotel every couple of days? Where/how are you going to sleep in between? The truck is not going to be very comfortable or practical. Do your research and you should be able to find some dirt-cheap rooms. Still gonna do the "sleep in the truck" thing? On one trip I simply left a few feet of space in the back, packed a sleeping bag and inflatable bed. After doing this a few times I chose the $29 motel room.
7. Spend a few dollars for a GPS....plan on making an occasional wrong turn and trying to figure out where the heck you are at. Decent ones are as low as $60. When you get to your destination sell it (if you don't think you need it any longer). Find a friend who is a AAA member to get you a package of maps and info (for free to members).
Hope this helps.Driving across country.. Washington to NC. Any tips, pointers, etc? ANYTHING HELPS!!?
Did it for Global van lines, 40s alright during the winter, if summer you want to stick to 80 not so damn hot, AZ ain't no fun in the summer, and the Rockies and Sierras ain't that bad anyway. actually very nice sights, nothing to see on 40. dogs will be fine in the cab with you, my pit bull was in the million mile club, RIP, take advantage of the vista points and rest stops for rest room breaks and remember truck stops are the best place for food and a shower then back on the road, I had the luxury of a sleeper cab though, if you can leave a spot in the back of the van to lay your mattress down you now have a place to sleep, yea I'm a cheapskate.Driving across country.. Washington to NC. Any tips, pointers, etc? ANYTHING HELPS!!?
I just drove from Oregon back to California with a new kitten so I can maybe offer some advice on the dogs. Go to every other to every third rest stop and walk/poop them so they're not as antsy but chances are they're going to sleep in the car but exercising them every 100-200 miles will keep them happier.
If you've got the room for a cage in the cab of the truck that would be much better than back in your car. Not that it's going to but if the car broke free or got hit, they would sustain more injuries than if they're up with you.
If they're not used to being in the car except for the vet I'd drive them around a bit before you left so they got sort of used to being in a vehicle.
As far as driving the truck, I've done that 4 times a year for the past 10 years. It's not really difficult as they're automatics. You just have to remember that you need a larger turning radius when you turn and you can't stop as quickly. After about 20 minutes he'll be fine. Just make sure that you adjust the mirrors properly so that he can see.
If you've got the dogs with you in the cab I'd keep the food back in the car and eat when you got hungry. There's only so much room in the cab.
Lastly as far as hotels, make sure they're pet friendly if you're going to stay overnight. Most places charge a small fee for pets but check first.
Good luck!
Cars like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Denali, but with better gas milage? Used? Where to look?
My father is having me look around for prices on a used Chevrolet Tahoe or Denali, 2008 - 2010, V8 Engine, 4-Wheel-Drive, and "Captains Chairs" not "Bucket Seats".
What I've seen online so far shows REALLY bad gas milage and really high prices.
I'm NOT a car person... If it has wheels and gets me from Point A to Point B, I'm happy... So I REALLY need help on where to look for good deals on a Tahoe or Denali TYPE of vehicle, so I guess my question is 2 fold...
1. Where should I look for good prices on used Tahoe or Denali trucks?
2. Is there another, similar, vehicle that has better milage or price?
My father keeps a car until it stops running... He has never had a vehicle that has lasted under 10 years, so I need a quality but cost effective vehicle.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!Cars like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Denali, but with better gas milage? Used? Where to look?
1. Shop around for prices at autotrader.com and edmunds.com. It will be difficult to get great prices on used SUVs and Pickup trucks as there is a high demand for them and low supply in the used market. This is due to the price of gas going under $3 per gallon and everyone trading back in the 4cyl car they got when gas was $4.50 a gallon!
2. If looking at a full size SUV, gas mileage is all going to be similar, because they will all have a V8 to help log around the weight of the vehicle. If looking for better gas mileage out of a large SUV, maybe the Tahoe Hybrid, if not would need to go to smaller SUV.Cars like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Denali, but with better gas milage? Used? Where to look?
Hello there!
To answer your questions...
1) I would check out Edmunds.com for shopping for car prices both in your area and nationally. You'll also be able to check out reviews on several light truck/SUVs by actual owners. In my area, I always check out Johnny Londoff Chevrolet (http://www.londoff.com). Great prices and service...and good internet specials.
2) Have you looked at the Chevy Traverse or even the Equinox? Those get 'decent' mileage but are smaller than size you're looking for...
I hope that helps...
What I've seen online so far shows REALLY bad gas milage and really high prices.
I'm NOT a car person... If it has wheels and gets me from Point A to Point B, I'm happy... So I REALLY need help on where to look for good deals on a Tahoe or Denali TYPE of vehicle, so I guess my question is 2 fold...
1. Where should I look for good prices on used Tahoe or Denali trucks?
2. Is there another, similar, vehicle that has better milage or price?
My father keeps a car until it stops running... He has never had a vehicle that has lasted under 10 years, so I need a quality but cost effective vehicle.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!Cars like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Denali, but with better gas milage? Used? Where to look?
1. Shop around for prices at autotrader.com and edmunds.com. It will be difficult to get great prices on used SUVs and Pickup trucks as there is a high demand for them and low supply in the used market. This is due to the price of gas going under $3 per gallon and everyone trading back in the 4cyl car they got when gas was $4.50 a gallon!
2. If looking at a full size SUV, gas mileage is all going to be similar, because they will all have a V8 to help log around the weight of the vehicle. If looking for better gas mileage out of a large SUV, maybe the Tahoe Hybrid, if not would need to go to smaller SUV.Cars like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Denali, but with better gas milage? Used? Where to look?
Hello there!
To answer your questions...
1) I would check out Edmunds.com for shopping for car prices both in your area and nationally. You'll also be able to check out reviews on several light truck/SUVs by actual owners. In my area, I always check out Johnny Londoff Chevrolet (http://www.londoff.com). Great prices and service...and good internet specials.
2) Have you looked at the Chevy Traverse or even the Equinox? Those get 'decent' mileage but are smaller than size you're looking for...
I hope that helps...
Two skatebourd hotties+Element skatebourd=one confused Melissa?
Me and my friend were skatebourding at the skatepark/YMCA/park. And the YMCA was making a new baseball field so there was some rock and dirt piles. Well, at the corner of my eye I see a skatebourd sticking out of a rock pile. When I took it out it was an ELEMENT skatebourd with no wheels or trunks(sorry if I spelt that wrong). I was so happy that not only I've always wanted an element skatebourd but my birthday is 9 days away. So I thought of it as my own early sweet sixteen gift. BUT, on monday(2 days ago) Jarrod tells me from across my Algerbra class that he wanted his skatebourd back. O.O Then on Tuesday at dismissel JarrET tells me that it's Chris's skatebourd and he wants it back. o__O So right now I have two skatebourding hotties asking for a skatebourd that I've always wanted. Should I do the right thing and figure out who's skatebourd it is and give it back? Or should I keep it for myself? Or maybe if you have a better idea please tell me.Two skatebourd hotties+Element skatebourd=one confused Melissa?
thorw it away it'll be funny to see they're faces when you tell them that its trashed. but seriously figure out whose it is. then maybe you can ask them if you can keep it for your birthday. that way you can get the whole "hottie" thing under your thumb.
thorw it away it'll be funny to see they're faces when you tell them that its trashed. but seriously figure out whose it is. then maybe you can ask them if you can keep it for your birthday. that way you can get the whole "hottie" thing under your thumb.
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