Live Maps

[wpgmza id="1"]

I sprang for a WordPress plugin that lets me place live maps or satellite imagery in the website. There are three choices:

  • OpenMaps - excellent free street maps
  • GoogleMaps - street maps from Google that may not be free
  • GoogleEarth - satellite imagery from Google that may not be free

I say may not be free because Google's terms are complicated and depend on the amount of traffic you get. I'm guessing it will be free, but I can't be sure yet. So far Google has not cost me anything.

The plugin is: WP Google Maps - wpgmaps.com

I looked at a bunch of plugins, and this turned out to be the best. In fact, it was one of the few that actually worked, and the only one that offered an alternative to Google. You can make one map with the free version, unlimited maps with the paid version, which starts at $40 for 3 websites. Ironically, this was the first mapping solution I tried, and the rest was a waste of time.

The first live map I made on this site was Shark River, above.


Tropical Aquaria

Tropical aquaria should generally be maintained at 75-80°F. In hot weather, temperatures up to 85°F are easily tolerated as long as adequate aeration is maintained. The addition of an air stone and a small air pump during these periods is helpful. At 90 F things start to get dangerous, and the tank should be cooled by floating ice packs or blocks of ice in it. Temperatures down to 70°F will generally do little harm, but the fish will be uncomfortable, and the temperature should be raised. Below 65°F is again dangerous for tropical fishes.