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Opae ula shrimp are tiny brackish-water “volcano shrimp” that live for years with almost no maintenance. Here’s what they look like in small jar set-ups, how to care for them, and where we bought ours in Indiana. Ōpae ula shrimp as pets These are Ōpae ula shrimp, also called volcano shrimp. They live in small brackish-water jars and stay healthy for years with almost no maintenance. Ōpae ula shrimp are tiny brackish-water shrimp from Hawaii that people keep in small jars or nano tanks because they’re extremely hardy and low maintenance. They’re also called volcano shrimp, lava shrimp, or their scientific name, Halocaridina rubra , and they’re known for being slow-growing, long-lived, and basically unfazed by most beginner mistakes. Volcano shrimp jars We first saw them in person at the Goshen Reptile Expo, where a seller named Andrea Foxx had a full display with different jar sizes and set-ups. Her table was put together in a way that made you want to stop and look without feeling pressured to buy anything. You could pick up the jars, look at the tiny shrimp, and just explore. We had never seen these before, so it was surprisingly fun to stand there and watch how small they are. We ended up buying one of the smaller jars she had pre-made. One year later, this is what the jar looks like: the shrimp are alive and fine, there’s some algae growth, and the whole thing has basically taken care of itself. You can clean the sides of the jar if you want it clearer again, but the actual “care” part is extremely minimal. That’s been the interesting part, just how stable they are even for total beginners. What are Opae Ula shrimp? Opae ula shrimp are native to anchialine pools in Hawaii, which are pockets of water fed by a mix of freshwater and saltwater. These pools are stable, low-nutrient environments, so the shrimp evolved to be slow metabolism, low waste, and extremely tolerant of different conditions.They change color based on mood, age, light, and food availability. When relaxed or well-fed, they get a deeper red. They can live 15–20 years and breed slowly, which is why people treat them more like a long-term ecosystem project instead of a typical aquarium pet. They are not the same as cherry shrimp or other freshwater species. They’re brackish and need a very specific salinity range, but once it’s set, it barely needs adjusting. Opae Ula care basics If you’re keeping them in a small ecosystem jar like the ones at Andrea’s table, the main things you need are: brackish water (around 1.008–1.018 SG) lava rock crushed coral or aragonite sand a little natural light patience for the algae to build their food source They don’t need filters, heaters, or constant feeding. A tiny amount of spirulina every few weeks is enough, and algae usually does the heavy lifting. Too much food is worse than too little. Excess algae This isn't a problem, but if your jar grows algae faster than you'd like, and you can't see clearly, you can clean it by wiping the inside of the container. After a year with almost no intervention, our jar has algae on the sides and the rocks, but the shrimp are healthy and still moving around. Opae Ula shrimp in Indiana At the Goshen Reptile Expo, Andrea Foxx sells Opae ula shrimp in pre-made jars. Some with larger decorative set-ups and some with small starter jars. Her display is easy to understand even if you’ve never heard of these shrimp before. Everything was clearly labeled, and she had different bundle prices, spirulina powder, and little ecosystem jars ready to go. A lot of people stopped at her table because it stood out and the jars looked interesting. Kids and adults kept picking them up to look closely at the shrimp, which tells you how approachable the whole set-up is. It’s a nice “first tiny pet” experience because there’s no intimidation factor. Jar one year later The small jar we bought last year is still running with almost no maintenance. There’s algae growth, which is normal and expected, and the shrimp are very easy to see once you clean the sides of the container. If you like the look of a clear jar, you’ll probably want to wipe the sides every month or two. If you don’t care, you can just let the algae build up because the shrimp eat it. The rocks, sand, and salinity have never been changed. We’ve only topped off evaporated water with fresh water. These shrimp really do behave like slow, self-sustaining ecosystems. Why Opae Ula are popular They’re appealing because they are: quiet tiny low maintenance long-lived interesting to watch hard to accidentally kill People keep them on desks, in classrooms, or in kitchens because they don’t need equipment. They also don’t smell, which is part of why they’re starting to show up on search engines for tiny ecosystems and “Opae Ula shrimp tank” ideas. Help from the seller If you want detailed care instructions directly from the person we bought ours from, here’s her guide and social links: Full care guide: https://linktr.ee/foxxae Instagram with updates and photos: https://www.instagram.com/opae_ula_shrimp/ Corky Lorenz November 29, 2025

This is a powder meant to be mixed with water and dye, to thicken the dye. Alginate supply This is a powder meant to be mixed with water and dye, to thicken the dye. Some people like to use this with black so they can add some contrast without the color bleeding too far into the shirt. Tie dye links See all glossary items See tutorials for flowy ice dye and geode tie dye .

If your RV water heater isn’t working in cold weather, the water may be too cold to heat. Use heat tape on the inlet line to prewarm the water and restore normal function. Why is my RV water heater not working? If temperatures drop near freezing, and your RV water heater suddenly stops working, the heater itself isn’t broken, it just can’t heat water that’s nearly freezing as it enters the system. Applying heat tape to the incoming water line is necessary in cold climates. When this usually happens Most calls come when outdoor temperatures fall to around 35°F (1–2°C). At this point, the water in the supply line isn’t frozen, but it’s cold enough to disrupt the heater’s operation. Because water still flows normally, it’s easy to assume the heater has failed, when in reality it’s reacting to the low inlet temperature. Why cold inlet water causes the issue Water heaters in RVs are designed to raise water temperature by a specific range. When the inlet water is already near freezing, the heater can’t make up the difference quickly enough. This may trigger safety shutdowns or simply result in water that never reaches hot temperature. How to prevent the problem To restore normal function, preheat the incoming water before it reaches the heater. Wrap heat tape (or a thermostatically controlled heat cable) around the cold-water line leading from the spigot to the water heater. This keeps the water above freezing and allows the heater to operate as designed. Important: Do not apply heat tape directly to the water heater or the hot-water outlet line. Use only heat tape rated for exterior plumbing and plug it into a grounded outlet. Add insulation over the wrapped line for better efficiency in freezing weather. Where to find heat tape RecPro does not sell heat tape, but it’s commonly available at most hardware or home improvement stores. It’s best to install it before a cold snap because once the line is already cold, the heater may not recover quickly. Summary If your RV water heater stops heating when it’s cold outside, it’s likely because the incoming water is too cold, not because the heater is defective. Keeping the inlet line warm with heat tape prevents future shutdowns and protects your system from possible damage. Corky Lorenz November 7, 2025

A Josh’s Frogs employee offers water to a chameleon during the NARBC Tinley Park reptile expo. A calm, close-up look at reptile care in action. Josh’s Frogs at NARBC As I was passing the display, for Josh’s frogs, at the Tinley Park Expo, I noticed a delightful interaction. A chameleon happily catching drops of water from a paper towel being squeezed. At the Tinley Park Reptile Expo, in October of 2025, I saw this adorable animale care moment. The employee at the Josh's Frogs booth was giving the cameleon water by squeezing a wet paper towel above it's mouth. It was nice to see the animal behaving comfortably around the care of the empolyee. Corky Lorenz October 13, 2025

Pleating fold for symmetry or stripes. Accordion fold A structured folding method where fabric is folded back and forth in straight, even lines, like a paper fan, often used for symmetry or stripes. Tie dye links See all glossary items See tutorials for flowy ice dye and geode tie dye .

Even after peak flower season, Fernwood Botanical Gardens in Niles, Michigan is worth visiting for its fall leaves, late blooms, and scenic walking trails. A quiet, colorful place for anyone who enjoys trees and seasonal change. Is it worth visiting Fernwood after the flowers are done blooming, in the fall? Even after the flowers fade, Fernwood Botanical Gardens stays alive with color. The trails are lined with bright leaves, textured bark, and a few late blooms that prove how well the gardens are cared for. Surprisingly, for November 1st, there were still a few flowers in bloom at Fernwood Botanical Gardens which is a testament to how well they maintain the foliage and gardens. Plants don’t last long if they’re dehydrated or neglected, so having anything blooming right now is incredible. But mostly, what you go for this time of year are the fall leaves and changing colors. It’s genuinely enjoyable to walk the trails and see the variety of tree species, noticing how each one changes differently. Some leaves go from green to yellow to orange to red, while others stay green longer. The shapes and colors make it feel like a living field guide to trees. If you enjoy trees, this is a great time to visit. The few flowers that remain are just a bonus. There are also other attractions like the train displays, art exhibits, and indoor collections, more than enough to fill a visit even when the main blooms are gone. Corky Lorenz November 2, 2025

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Acronyms, insider jargon, and beginner terms to know for tie dye and ice dye. A glossary for dye steps, tools, and folds. Dye Glossary design fabric fold method problem process supply tool Accordion fold < Back to Color List A structured folding method where fabric is folded back and forth in straight, even lines, like a paper fan, often used for symmetry or stripes. Analogous design < Back to Color List Colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel. Usually blend well together. Bin tool < Back to Color List A container used for holding fabric, ice, or dye runoff. Usually plastic and shallow. Clips tool < Back to Color List Small clamps used to hold folds in place during dyeing or drying. Complementary design < Back to Color List Colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel, like purple and yellow. Cotton jersey fabric < Back to Color List A soft, stretchy knit fabric made from cotton. Common for T-shirts and ideal for tie-dye due to its absorbency and drape. Direct dye supply < Back to Color List A type of dye that doesn’t require a chemical reaction to bond. Often less permanent. Elastic tool < Back to Color List A stretchy band used to bind fabric tightly. Creates strong resist lines. Fine tip bottle tool < Back to Color List A small metal tipped squirt bottle used for intricate liquid dye application. These bottles allow for really precise color placement, but usually require a lot of time spent finishing the design. Funnel tool < Back to Color List A cone-shaped tool used to pour dye or chemicals into narrow containers without spilling. Glaubers salt supply < Back to Color List A chemical additive that slows how fast dye strikes, allowing for smoother blends. Hot water irrigation method < Back to Color List Refers to the use of sprayers with hot water, to wet and set powdered dye. The dye is sprinkled directly onto the shirt. Incline process < Back to Color List A setup where fabric is positioned at a slope to control how dye and ice melt travel. Low water immersion method < Back to Color List A dye technique where fabric is soaked in just enough liquid to create mottled, textured color effects. Muck dye method < Back to Color List The leftover, muddy colored dye water that collects as ice melts during ice dyeing. Some artists have the shirt sit in the muck. PH process < Back to Color List A scale that measures how acidic or alkaline a liquid is. Affects how dye bonds to fabric. Polyester fabric < Back to Color List A synthetic fabric that doesn’t bond with fiber reactive dye unless treated or coated. Primary design < Back to Color List Refers to the colors red, yellow, and blue. These can be mixed to make all other colors. Rayon fabric < Back to Color List A semi-synthetic fiber made from cellulose, known for its silky drape and intense color payoff when dyed, though it can be fragile when wet. Reverse process < Back to Color List When color is removed from parts of the fabric, usually with bleach or discharge chemicals. Scale tool < Back to Color List A digital or analog tool used to measure dye powders or chemicals by weight. Sinew tool < Back to Color List A thick, waxy thread used to tightly bind fabric when creating resist patterns like geodes. Spiral fold < Back to Color List A common fold where fabric is twisted into a circular shape to create radiating lines. Synthrapol supply < Back to Color List A specialized detergent used in pre- and post-wash steps to remove oils, loose dye, and prevent backstaining on dyed items. Urea supply < Back to Color List Optional chemical that helps dyes stay wet longer and penetrate fabric. Acid dye supply < Back to Color List A dye type used on animal fibers like wool or silk. Requires heat and acid to set. Basket tool < Back to Color List A container used to hold fabric during dyeing or draining. Often used with racks or bins. Bleeding problem < Back to Color List Colors (often reds or blacks) that migrate aggressively during batching or rinsing, staining nearby areas or changing the design unintentionally. Cold mist dye method < Back to Color List A dye application method where powdered dye is applied to dry fabric, then misted with water to activate the dye slowly. This technique produces ringed or halo-like effects and allows for more color control. Contrast design < Back to Color List The level of visual difference between areas of a design, usually through color or saturation. Cure time process < Back to Color List How long the dye color takes to fully set in the fiber and be full vibrancy. Blue takes longer. Dye over ice process < Back to Color List When someone sprinkles powdered dye over the ice, when ice dyeing. Exhaust process < Back to Color List Refers to how much dye is absorbed by fabric versus left in the water. Fixer process < Back to Color List A general term often used to refer to soda ash or other chemicals that help dye adhere to fabric during the batching process. GSM weight fabric < Back to Color List Grams per square meter. Describes how thick or heavy a fabric is. Gloves tool < Back to Color List Protective hand coverings used to avoid contact with dye powders or chemicals. Ice dye method < Back to Color List Dye powder is applied over ice placed on fabric. As ice melts, dye seeps in. Kitestring tool < Back to Color List Thin cotton string often used for binding fabric. Doesn’t stretch. MX dye supply < Back to Color List Short for fiber reactive dyes, often seen in Dharma/ProChem brands. Natural fiber fabric < Back to Color List Any fabric made from plant-based sources. Includes cotton, hemp, and linen. Used with fiber reactive dyes. Patience problem < Back to Color List Refers to the need to wait 24+ hours while batching for maximum color payoff. Especially with cold temps or deep colors. Presoak process < Back to Color List Fabric is soaked in soda ash solution before applying dye. Activates permanent bonding and color vibrancy. Puller tool < Back to Color List A tool used to grip and pull sinew tightly after it's wrapped around fabric. Can be made from 3D printed material, PVC, or other repurposed objects. Respirator mask tool < Back to Color List Protective mask worn while handling powdered dye to prevent inhalation. Especially important when working with multiple colors. Reverse dye method < Back to Color List A process where color is removed from dark garments using bleach or discharge agents, then re-dyed with brighter colors for contrast. Scrunch fold < Back to Color List A casual tie-dye folding technique where the fabric is crumpled randomly to produce a marbled, organic pattern. Often used with ice or liquid dye for texture. Soda ash supply < Back to Color List A powdered form of sodium carbonate that raises the pH level of fabric, allowing fiber reactive dyes to chemically bond with cotton and other cellulose fibers. Sprinkle process < Back to Color List An approach where dry dye powder or soda ash is sprinkled directly onto fabric without using liquid dye bottles. Often used in ice dyeing for spontaneous color placement. Syringe bottle tool < Back to Color List A squeeze bottle with a narrow tip used to apply liquid dye with precision. Common in traditional tie-dye kits. Alginate supply < Back to Color List This is a powder meant to be mixed with water and dye, to thicken the dye. Some people like to use this with black so they can add some contrast without the color bleeding too far into the shirt. Batching process < Back to Color List The process of letting a dyed item sit undisturbed, often in a warm environment, so the dye reacts with the fabric and becomes permanent. Chem water process < Back to Color List Water with urea (and sometimes other additives) dissolved in it. Used to keep dye wet longer or prepare for certain applications. Cold water dye supply < Back to Color List Dye that works without heat. Most fiber reactive dyes fall into this category. Cotton fabric < Back to Color List A plant-based fiber that bonds well with fiber reactive dye. Common in shirts and towels. Dip method < Back to Color List A dyeing method where fabric is lowered into liquid dye, usually to control placement and intensity. Dye under ice process < Back to Color List When someone sprinkles powdered dye directly on the shirt, under the ice, when ice dyeing. Fiber reactive dye supply < Back to Color List A permanent, wash-fast dye that chemically bonds to natural fibers like cotton when used with soda ash. Common brands include Procion MX, Dharma, and ProChem. Flowy ice dye method < Back to Color List Uses poly fleece to create smoother lines and folds during ice dyeing. Geode fold < Back to Color List A tie-dye technique that creates layered, ringed patterns resembling the interior of geode crystals. Typically involves tight circular folds and multiple color applications. Hemp fabric < Back to Color List A natural fiber made from the hemp plant. Strong and absorbent, but can be rougher than cotton. Ice mound process < Back to Color List A tall pile of ice built over the fabric to slow melting and create complex, layered color effects as dye travels through the melt. Linen fabric < Back to Color List A natural fiber made from flax. It absorbs dye differently than cotton and can wrinkle easily. Mirror fold < Back to Color List A symmetrical fold where one half of the fabric is folded over the other like a book. Overdye process < Back to Color List Adding a second layer of dye on top of an existing one to shift or deepen the color. Poly fleece tool < Back to Color List A thick, synthetic fabric made from polyester. Used behind fabric in the flowy ice dye method to mimic the structure of thicker folds. Prewash process < Back to Color List Washing fabric before dyeing to remove finishes or residues that might block dye absorption. Rack tool < Back to Color List Fabric is elevated using a rack to allow ice to melt through the shirt instead of pooling underneath. Reveal process < Back to Color List A photo or video of a freshly rinsed tie-dye piece, often posted online to show off the final design. A key moment in the process. Saturation design < Back to Color List This word is used in two ways. Refers to how deep the dye penetrates into the fabric. Or how bright the color sets. Shibori fold < Back to Color List A traditional Japanese folding and binding method used to create repeating patterns in fabric. Soda ash soak process < Back to Color List A process of soaking fabric in a soda ash solution before dyeing to help dye adhere better. Strike rate process < Back to Color List How fast dye begins to bond with fabric once it gets wet. Faster strike = less blending. Tall deep scrunch fold < Back to Color List Creating tall peaks in the fabric in order to have long flowing lines when ice dyeing.

Historic performing arts theatre in downtown Elkhart Indiana hosting concerts, touring shows, comedy, and live events. Built in 1924 and fully restored. The Lerner Theatre The Lerner Theatre is a historic performing arts venue in downtown Elkhart, originally opened in 1924 and restored to its original detail. It hosts concerts, touring productions, comedy shows, and community events throughout the year. Address 410 S Main St, Elkhart Contact 574-293-4469 thelerner.com Tickets & info The offical website advises that you only purchase tickets through their website, not 3rd party sites. Bags have a size limit of 14" x 14" x 6" and there is no storage area for bags larger than this.