Sorry, Clebketeers. I know you've been lonesome for me lately.
Well, I'm back with a very special post. I got an email today that really struck me. It's from an organization called Brian's Lights, which is addressing a problem most of us would prefer to ignore. Here is the email in its entirety:
The Problem
At 7:55 am Brian sat, hunched over his concoction of nonfat yogurt, granola, and sweetened condensed milk. He stared ahead at the 55 gallon marine aquarium in his living room. It was glorious. A labor of love, he basked in its gentle blue glow like a newborn plant on the first day of spring. But there was also a look of melancholy on his face, what some might refer to as a pallor. When his girlfriend/caretaker of 8 years inquired as to his downcast appearance, his reply was heartbreaking: "This is my only tank time of the day."
TT/WT Conflict
You see, Brian had an affliction that affects so many of us in the marine aquarium community: tank time/work time (TT/WT)conflict. Brian was already late for work, yet the swirling mini-sea of life inside his tank had only begun to rouse itself. He had no choice but to console himself with the few stolen minutes that he could grab before work. By the time he returned home, huffing and puffing on his bicycle at 6:00 pm, the lights would be off and the majestic fruit of his labors, the corals and fish and marine invertebrates that he worked so hard for, would be tucked in to bed, fast asleep for another long night. Oh, sure, the fuge lights were on a reverse timer and would come on at 11:00, but who wanted to party down there? That chaeto always seemed like it was coming on to him, and as for those slimeball pods...well, 'nuff said.
The Plain Facts
Consider this: over 90% of amateur marine aquarists have jobs. This statistic alone is staggering. Now consider this fact: many of us have to go to our jobs during what would normally be prime tank time. Because there is so much shame associated with this conflict, the problem often goes underreported. Nevertheless, TT/WT conflict is rampant throughout our community. That's why Brian decided to do something about it, not only for himself, but for all who suffer TT/WT conflict. A charity had to be started, and it had to have Brian's name in it.
Brian's Lights (tm)
For every $30 you contribute to Brian's Lights (tm), a moonlight setup will be installed in a deserving aquarium. With every $40, you can help replace a pair of sick and/or damaged actinic lights. For those in our "Seahorse" category ($80 or more), you can rest assured that Brian and others like him will have metal halides for years to come. But a special place will be reserved in all of our hearts for the "Light of My Life" givers, who donate the opportunity cost of a day's work ($160) to allow Brian and so many other sufferers the simple chance to stay home and stare at our tanks all day.
Not able to afford such a sizable donation? Wait, you can still contribute. For each $10 you give, ("Bubble Algae" class) you can defray the energy costs of running the lights for another hour, giving Brian (and others) precious moments with the tank after work.
From Problem to Solution
There is a way out. All across the country, and indeed the world, people are looking towards their tanks not in sadness, but in hope. I'm asking you to be a part of this change. Reach down, deep down, into your heart and your wallet, and pull out something big.
Brian's Lights (tm) is a nonprofit charity specializing in meeting and solving the lighting needs of today's modern aquarist.
