I think the tub probably is cast iron. When I tap on the slope of the back, I hear more of a bell sound. The tiling on the apron may be muffling any sound when I tap on the sides of the tub. On the drain cover, it says "Made in Taiwan," and it looks like cast iron tubs may have been imported from Taiwan in the 80's. The main incentive for the bathroom remodel is a serious leakage problem with the shower pan in the stall shower. A secondary reason is that the entire layout has never been ideal. Third reason is that all the small tile and grout is a pain to clean. Fourth reason is the decor (tile) is dated. I don't know if it's possible or cost-effective to remove the tiling around the tub without damaging it. It would be challenging to design a new bathroom around the old tub with the existing tile. I need to operate the window; it is the only source of ventilation in the bathroom. Changing the layout would provide easier access to the window. I've thought of several alternatives - add a fan, add another window, change the window configuration (awning-type window), or find a window treatment that provides privacy without sacrificing ventilation. While the exterior length of the tub is 66", the interior length is 44". The depth is 15". I'm 5'1" and this size works for me, but probably not for the average-size adult. My teenage son likes to take baths. He's a foot taller than me and has long legs. I took him with me to try out some longer tubs - even some of the 72" tubs are too short for him, depending on the slope of the sides. Given that I'm accustomed to a cast iron tub, will I be disappointed if I replace it with a new acrylic / fiberglass tub? There are some other types of materials, such as Victoria & Albert tubs and WetStyle tubs; I'm thinking about looking at these.

I read your post with curiosity. All unvented and vented gas logs are listed with BTU output and are for heat especially in the case of power outages, The part about the oxygen sensor is correct although today many ventless gas logs come with both and I have added a carbon monixide sensor next to mine as everyone should do if they have any gas appliance in the home. Also some smell is normal, read the description near the end of the article. You are correct when you say that your not suppose to operate too long but you left out the end of the sentence, where it says before opening a window. Again near the end of the article. This is basically what my instructions say. Your gas log instructions must be 25 years old. This comparison is virtually the same as I had seen on every manufactures web site I looked at. This is copied from The Peterson Gas Log web site. Vented vs. Ventless Gas Logs - BACK TO PETERSON GAS LOGS When shopping for gas logs, you'll be asked to choose whether you want vented or vent-free logs. This decision comes down to several factors including looks vs. efficiency, local building codes and placement of the fireplace. With vented logs, you'll enjoy a large, realistic-looking flame that operates with an open chimney flue, or damper. These logs, which simulate a wood-burning fire, are more decorative than they are efficient as a heat source because much of the generated heat goes up the chimney. Vent-free logs, which operate with the chimney flue closed, will not give you that roaring fire effectthe flame is not as realistic or as high as you'll find with vented logs. But, vent-free logs are an efficient heat source because 100% of the heat generated stays in your home. You'll often see vent-free logs referred to as "vent-free heaters" because that is essentially what they are. They consist of U-shaped burners with cement logs stacked on top of the heating element. Most sets have a thermostatic control that helps maintain a consistent room temperature. Vent-free heaters add moisture to the air, so it's important to install them in a room with proper ventilation to avoid formation of mildew. Before installing any gas log system, check your local and state codes. In some localities, vent-free heaters are not permitted. Vent-free heaters are not permitted in bedrooms, bathrooms or recreational vehicles, and must be installed in an area where curtains, furniture, clothing or other flammable objects are at least 36 inches away from the perimeter of the heater. Vent-free heater installation also is not recommended in high traffic, windy or drafty areas. Vented Gas Logs: Positive Features of Vented Gas Logs: * Extremely realistic flame pattern that looks like a wood fire. * Flame is much taller than vent-free logs * Flame dances and wraps around logs like real wood. * Does not require a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector Since the damper is open, most of the smell will go up the chimney Negative Features of Vented Gas Logs: * Less heat than vent-free logs (probably won't heat your room) * Uses slightly more gas than vent-free logs Ventless Gas Logs: Positive Features of Vent-Free Gas Logs: * Much better heat output than vented gas logs * Less pollution * Slightly less gas consumption Negative Features of Vent-Frees Gas Logs: * Since the byproduct of burning gas cleanly is water, vent-free logs will introduce excess moisture into your home which can result in mold or mildew. * You must be careful not to burn your vent-free logs for extended periods of time with windows closed, otherwise they will deplete the oxygen in your home. * If you burn your vent-free logs for more than an hour or so, you must crack open a window to allow air into your home to replace the oxygen burned by the vent-free gas logs. This will introduce cold air into the room and offset some of the heating benefits that vent-free logs claim to have. * Vent-free gas logs produce an odor that many people equate to the smell of burning kerosene. So if you have a sensitive nose, you may not be able to handle the smell and will be greatly dissatisfied with vent-free logs. On the other hand, we've heard some people who like the smell because it reminds them of their childhood days at Grandma's house. * Vent-free logs are not legal in California as well as some cities and municipalities. Please check your local regulations. Please note that it is not illegal to use Vent-free log sets if they are used with the vent open. * Vent-free gas logs are required to have an ODS (oxygen depletion system) as well as a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector. * The flame pattern with vent-free logs pails in comparison to vented logs. Because the gas must burn cleanly, the flame height is very low and most of it is blue. Also, you will find that the flame does not dance around like a real wood fire and very little of the flame actually touches the logs. The reason for this is that when the flame touches the logs, it gets cooled off and does not burn cleanly and starts to produce soot and exhaust gases.

If you take the time to glance through some of the posts in this forum you'll probably discover that even though yours is a heating product fireplace inserts are not generally discussed here. Its geared more towards conventional means of heating and cooling such as furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and the like. You should have a toll free number that came with that insert though, maybe they have a tech dept. that can assist you better.

IME experience, if it was pollinated, the flower petals will dry and fall off but if you look closely the small green ovule remains. If not pollinated the whole bloom browns and falls off from where it was attached to the pedicle. Not easy to distinguish unless you know what to look for so sadly it's mostly wait and see. Best insurance is to hand pollinate the blooms yourself. That way you know. Dave