MACNA 2015! Washington, DC

[slosht]

If you just have a few corals in a bag and are carrying them on, some people were also getting a fish or two for the bag. TSA will allow you to carry on as long as they know and see there is a live animal swimming in the bag.

Just be polite and ask for a supervisor if they give you a hassle. The bag will require hand inspection. You will probably have your hands swabbed for explosive residue. The bag with fish and corals cannot go through the x-ray machine.

 

[rlpardue]

I like the idea of adding a fish to the bag. Thanks also to TBS! (Their live rock is still awesome after two years - all sorts of cool stuff growing on it).

 

[Rwinfrey]

Did you see the MASNA membership drive they are going to be doing at MACNA..... It's a sweet red sea reefer 170

 

[wattos-reef]

TSA will allow you to carry on as long as they know and see there is a live animal swimming in the bag.

Assuming the bag is more than 3oz, I'd be interested in chapter and verse on this policy? In my experience, common sense doesn't always prevail when dealing with some TSA personnel.

Very easy to do....pack them in a box...check it as one of your baggage...we do that all the time...no issues.

I'm curious what you tell them when they ask "what's in the box?"

I've squeaked by a few times but would often get the baseless "water leakage could damage the aircraft" argument. Would sometimes get the "it'll have to go via air cargo" after explaining how live fish are shipped to pet stores.

Even had a security officer pull me off the plane once to question me about the contents of a box containing several frags. Fortunately after providing a brief education on the hobby and visual inspection of contents, I was allowed back on, but did get the evil-eye from flight attendants during the flight. I should point out this was shortly after 9/11 so I was understanding of the scrutiny.

However, I've also had boxes confiscated at LAX and DTW at the AA checked bag counter when I tried to check insulated and plastic lined boxes containing fish and coral. Unfortunately, I haven't risked losing any more until I can refer agents to an official policy statement.

 

[TonyB13]

so would these shows be a good place to get tanks and equipment?

 

[DaveMorris]

so would these shows be a good place to get tanks and equipment?

There are usually several distributors and/or retailers that are exhibiting at MACNA and yes there are deals to be had. It is well worth attending.

 

[TonyB13]

Thanks Dave

 

[Jason1979g]

looking for 2 one day passes for the 5th. anyone that can't go now i will buy them from you. PM ME!

 

[Mtaters]

Is it a good idea to bring cash with me or will most venders accept credit cards?

 

[Rwinfrey]

Most will take a credit card .....but cash is always king

 

[SushiGirl]

Sign went up on the lobby today!

 

[emedock]

Tell them that the frag is your Emotional Support Animal.

Lol!!

 

[Copod RC]

Wife and I are here for the full show.
I'll be wearing' a T with The Reef Tank on front....'Dave's Not Here's AVATAR on back.

 

[oldbones]

All right folks, looks like the gates should open to the unwashed masses here in 10 minutes or so. I'll be expecting reports on all the cool new toys in 15.

Get busy!!!

 

[soulpatch]

and all of you going today and tomorrow leave some things for us coming on Sunday...

 

[leemosh]

15 min till they draw for the grand prize; a trip for 2 to Fiji. Anyone else feeling lucky?

 

[TrenchToast]

My lfs owners went there this weekend. I happened to be at their store getting water when they got back. They had 5 coolers full of goodies they brought back. I'll have to check them out in a few weeks after they have taken them out of quarantine. If you live in central Virginia, I highly recommend Tiki Corals The owners are husband and wife and have been in the saltwater hobby for 35+ years. Have a ton of knowledge and -only- sell saltwater items at their store. They have a really nice selection of corals to choose from.

I picked up my first Zoa from them today! :thumbsup:

Zoanthid - Bloody Long Lashes by Paul Stevenson Jr., on Flickr

 

[rlpardue]

I ended up putting all my little bagged-up corals in a half-gallon thermos and putting the thermos in my checked bag. Corals went through safely and are now in my frag tank.

 

[Deton8it]

What were the coral costs like? Were they LFS prices?

 

[rlpardue]

Coral was a little cheaper than LFS prices, on average.

I spent so much time in the vendor hall that I missed many good lectures! Does anyone know if BRS is going to post the MACNA lectures again this year?