Nice. I like the black sand. I got a $30 tripod, and you know...it's really all I need for the time being. Sure, a 200-300 dollar one would be nice, but I wouldn't have a tripod now either. A tripod's main purpose (for me at least) is to steady the camera, which will give you must clearer shots. My $30 dollar one will pretty much give me any angle I need. You can even get by without a remote by just pushing the timer button. I like the remote though. You said you have two other hobbies, obviously reefkeeping is one, what is the other? This may be off subject, but I notice you have two Seio's. I need better flow in my tank. I'm considering either Seio's or Tunzes (maybe a maximod). But for the price of one Tunze I could get 2 Seio's. How do you like your Seio's?