Tell us about yourself: 

My name is Matt Krom, I live in Puyallup Wa, but was born in Great Bend Kansas. I'm 24 years old. I'm a siding contractor and I am married to Niki and we have two children; Dylan (7yrs) and Jocelyn (3yrs).

How did you get involved in the saltwater hobby?

I have always had a profound interest in marine life every since I was very young. I still remember the first time my parents took me to the city aquarium (Point Defiance in Tacoma). I was so intrigued by the fish and corals that ever since I moved out on my own I had dreamed of owning a saltwater tank. However with 4 moves back and fourth from Kansas from when I was 17 I didn't really have the time to settle down and get into it. I now own my house and I took advantage of it and went out and got a 55 gallon tank (my first tank). I made lots of mistakes but couldn't help but want more and more! I have now been into it for about 3 years!!!

Tell us about your tank 

I have two saltwater tanks, one in my family room (The reef 120 gallon cube ) has 200 lbs live rock in it, mostly sps corals, some lps and softies too. The fish are: Naso Tang, Sixline Wrasse, Blue Throat Trigger, 5 reef Chromis and a Pair of Oscelaris clowns. I have a custom built Beckett skimmer, 25 gallon sump/fuge 4000gph closed loop ran by a dolphin ampmaster, 1000 gph return pump, single 400 watt 15k XM halide lighting, custom built Mahogany stand and canopy. Upstairs in my loft I custom built a 100 gallon in-wall aggressive FOWLR. The fowlr is a simple setup, just rock and fish. I have an 8 inch Vlamingi Tang, large Volitan Lionfish, Baby Banded Cat Shark and a Snowflake eel. Equipment wise it has a closed loop running on a Gen-ex Mak-5 pump, a custom built Beckett skimmer and a 30 gallon sump/fuge.

How did you become involved with Reef Frontiers? 

I was refereed by Paul at Indoor Reef, I do most of my local shopping there and he told me about the forum. I looked it up and quickly realized that it was a great place to read and chat. I learned mostly everything I know from reading the forums.

What is your reef keeping philosophy? 

My philosophy? Hmmm... I would say that it would be to study everything before you try to keep it, even the simple creatures still can have special needs and/or requirements.

What is your dream tank? 

My dream tank is a very large fully automated sps/fish tank. I would want 360 gallon plus so I can keep a Sohal and other tangs like my Naso (one day I will build my dream tank!).

Do you have any advice for others?