Tell us about yourself:

I am a Business Development Manager for a overhead crane company in Erie, PA. I live in a small town in NE Ohio on Lake Erie. I am single (oh yea, that's why I can afford this hobby), I have 3 grown children. I also fly radio controlled helicopters, enjoy time on the lake jet skiing or boating.

How did you get involved in the saltwater hobby?

Started with some freshwater tanks, then to salt water fish and about 4 years ago, seen some GSP at one of the local stores. Bought a compact florescent, the GSP and off I went. As many on here, I had no idea what I was getting into or the expense that it involved. I think I crossed the threshold when I spent $400 on my first MH light, that opened the door for much more than GSP.

Tell us about your tank

My current tank is a 75 gallon mixed reef. I have 500 watts of MH lighting, Remora Skimmer, fans and heaters are controlled with a Ranco Duel Controller . Water movement is done with 3 Koralias. About 60 lbs. of LR. My 20 gal sump I built about 3 years ago out of acrylic. I am about 4 weeks away from transferring everything over to a 125.

How did you become involved with Reef Frontiers?

Not really sure, I believe it was just from a Google search for reef help. If it wasn't for RF, I probably would have bailed out of the hobby do to frustration Most of the local shops have a "reef section" of their shop. There is really no place local for much of anything. There are a couple of nice shops in Buffalo NY about 2 hours away.

What is your reef keeping philosophy?

I try and keep it simple. I do not dose anything. I do 15-20% water changes every week.

What is your dream tank?

I started with a 55, then my current 75 and soon to be my 125. My 125 has drilled corners for the over flows, return pump is a Reeflo Black Fin 2500 gph. A custom built sump refrugium, a custom built stand. Lighting will be 500 watts MH and 160 watts of T5s. My skimmer is a Octopus NW 200. Tank has 180 lb of LR. Maybe not a dream tank but it will be mine, big enough without having to marry it.

Do you have any advice for others?

Read and research. There are no short cuts and no magic elixirs to speed up and or fix a reef. The oceans were not born overnight and they didn't use any magic potions to make it work. With lighting, skimmers and pumps, buy more than you need, it will same you money in the future. Use a controller for your heaters, you can lose a entire tank with a $30 heater that gets stuck or shorts out.