Volume 8, Issue I                                                                                                                                Spring 2000

SOMETHING FISHY

Have you rejected the idea of having pets because you are not particularly wild about the idea of walking them, cleaning up hair around the house, or having them climb up into bed with you? Well, you are in luck. Some of the most beautiful creatures on this earth require very little maintenance. The neighbors will have no reason to make disparaging remarks due to pet noise or unwelcome visits across the property line.

Few pets can compete with the beauty of those found in saltwater aquariums. While the initial cost to join this unusual club is not cheap, the overall expense of owning and maintaining an aquarium compares favorably with that of those pets with legs. Such exotic swimmers as yellow tangs, butterflies, damsels, angelfish, sharks, clownfish and triggerfish are available for your selection and enjoyment.

Getting started can cost as little as $500 for a relatively small 55 gallon tank or $1,200 for a larger 90 gallon size. These prices include a tank, stand, salt, sand, gravel, an air pump, heater, filter and supply of fish. If a coral reef outfit is in your plans, expect the price to double. While the above prices are inclusive of fish, a closer look at the cost of fish can be an eye and wallet opener. Depending upon where you shop prices can range from an estimated $5 for Damsels, $20 for Tangs and Clowns, $120 for Butterflies and $250 for Sharks. Maintenance cost to the contrary is not very high. An estimated budget of $20 to $30 per month should cover salt, etc., depending upon the tank size.

Here are a few tips for saltwater aquarium beginners. Educate yourself prior to purchasing anything. Locate a knowledgeable and trustworthy vendor and listen to his advise. Purchase only hardy and economical fish early on, and do not overcrowd the tank. A couple of good websites for beginners are www.masla.com and www.saltaquarium.about.com.

ELLIOTT® Serves All of Georgia, The Carolinas and Tennessee

Effective immediately ELLIOTT® & Company Appraisers is offering appraisal services in all counties in the states of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. "Many of our clients have a need for services in areas outside the major cities where most of our offices are located," states Charlie Elliott, company President. "In the past we have been unable to offer service in some areas; however, today we have the system and the network of appraisers to reach all of the counties within these states," says Elliott. ELLIOTT® & Company Appraisers currently has 13 real estate appraisal offices and a client base of 3,000 clients. ELLIOTT® accepts orders directly at each of its offices for service in the local area. A directory of offices listing all contact information is included in this publication. Orders are also accepted electronically through the company's web site at www.elliottco.com, or via fax at 336-854-7734 through the central office. For additional information contact the central office at 800-854-5889.

Clients having appraisal needs in the Richmond area will find Dale eager to serve their needs. Contact information is listed in the company directory contained herein.