Tell us about yourself: 

I was born in 73, my first real job was as a sonarman on nuclear submarines for the US Navy. I got out of the navy and started to work on semi-tractors and trailers. I was offered a job if I could pass the tests to be an investment broker. I passed, but shortly found that I hated it. I was helping out weekends at the LFS for experience, and free coral. I kept hearing people tell me that they wanted a fish tank, corals, clams, amemone, and everything else. They just didnt have time to take care of them. I got the idea to start Serene Aquatics in May of 2004, in June I quit my job with Source Capitol. I used all of my savings, and borrowed $2500 from a friend and started my own business. It has been very scary at times but so far it has worked out well. I get to play with fish all day, and use other peoples money to do what I love, and they pay me to do it. How good is that? LOL

How did you get involved in the saltwater hobby?

I had always had freshwater fish. My last fresh water tank was a 44 gallon corner hex with alunacara nagasse chiclids. I had got them to breed several times and sold and traded the young. I decided to set up a salt tank and see how that went. I traded my fish off, and set up my first tank. Did I do it right? NO!!!!!! I was just extraordinarly lucky. It worked and I learned more. I bought the Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Mr. Bob Fenner. And set up another tank a 29 gallon. It went well from the start.

Tell us about your tank? 

It is a 75 gallon with a 20 long as a sump. I use a cpr overflow, a prizm pro converted to sump application, my return pump is a quiet one 6000 to 4 locklines on a manifold. I have 77 lbs of tonga branch live rock. The live rock, fish and coral are from Dave at www.vividaquariums.com I use instant ocean salt and a aquasafe systems rodi unit. I have a coralife lunar aqualight plus with 4x96 watt compacts, and 3x.75 watt moonlights. My clean up crew is from www.reeftopia.com

How did you become involved with Reef Frontiers? 

A google search and pure luck. I love this place, and the people here. I started posting questions and people would answer mine. When I had an answer I would post it back. I have learned more here than any other resource I have found. I love to look at your tanks and share mine with you all.

What is your reef keeping philosophy? 

I believe that fish and coral are tough, they live in a very hostile world, with danger at every turn. I think that as long as I provide them with light, clean water, the right kind of food, and a stability. They will thrive. I believe the best thing I can do for my tanks is frequent partial water changes.

What is your dream tank? 

I will have a 300 gallon reef. It will have the deep sand bed/plenum method. It will have 200 lbs of Tonga branch live rock. A closed loop system with ocean motions. A ASM AquaG skimmer. 4x400 watt MH, 2x250 MH one at each end. 4x110 VHOs for atinics. I will keep mainly montipora with some acros, clams, and anemones. It will have a 75 gallon sump and a 40 gallon refugium. It will have an auto top off system and a kalk stirrer. I will keep tangs and angels, with a school of green chromis, lots of shrimp and a mated pair of pink skunk clowns.

Do you have any advice for others? 

Put a chair in front of your tank. Sit down and watch it. I can learn more in 30 minutes of in tank meditation than hours of reading and testing. I can feel my mind and body relax as I watch my fish. Another thing that is important to me is to share my hobby with kids. I believe a kid hooked on corals wont get hooked on drugs. Have Fun, You only get to live one day at a time, and Dont take yourself to seriously.

Thank you for this honor, I love this place and hope you keep coming back. Steve