Tell us about yourself: 

Born in Cleveland, OH I graduated the Science Award Winner from Collinwood High school then attended Ohio State University (OSU) where I earned two degrees: Microbiology and Chemistry.  I love science.  I couldn’t decide what I liked more – the biological or physical sciences.  Adding to my confusion is a drive to try and help people.  I’ve volunteered my personal time to help the blind and others.

I worked for the OSU Quantitative Chemistry Department, writing student laboratory procedures and experiments, managing the student laboratories.

Moved to Southern CA in the early ‘70's and worked in medical diagnostic research and development.  Currently work in product liability and industry compliance for high pressure gas containers.  Not a geek, I have worked with people on committees around the world and in the United Nations to reach political and technical harmonization between differing international perspectives and procedures.  So in a way, I’ve combined my innate people skills with technology.

How did you get involved in the saltwater hobby?

My father’s place of business was next door to an aquarium store.  Since age 6 I worked at my father’s business on Saturday’s and spent no less than two hours a week at the LFS.  If my father couldn’t find me, he’d call the LFS and tell them to send me back to my father’s shop.

I gained mobility as I grew older, only to expand my visits to LFSs in the Cleveland area.  Then, in 1968 I found an LFS that sold saltwater marine life and systems. I was hooked.  Gave up all my freshwater equipment and tanks and began my first saltwater system in 1968.

In 1970 thru 1973 I studied Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) and various marine fish issues including: dips, anesthetics, acclimation, foods, collection procedures, various treatments, etc.  During this time I became part owner of an LFS and made marine fish foods which were sold at the LFS.

I’ve drifted towards marine fish diseases and their treatment, using my educational background over the recent years.  I’ve attended extended college courses on ornamental fish husbandry, care, and cures.

Keeping FO and FOWLR only I have ‘specialized’ in marine fish systems, fish nutritional requirements and the effects of various stressors on fish.

Tell us about your tank 

Currently I have a single 700 gallon system which includes a 300 gallon, a 180 gallon, a 100 gallon display aquarium, and a 70 gallon refugium.  In addition, I have a 70 gallon quarantine aquarium system.  Everything is for fish.  I have some invertebrates – if they support my fishes.  I own about 65 fishes distributed throughout these aquarium systems.  My favorites are Butterflyfishes, Tangs, Angelfishes, and Wrasses (in that order of preference).  My oldest fish, a Tomato Clown, is about 18 years old now.

There are two identical system pumps on the same line (if one fails, at least the system continues to circulate),  I do chemical filtration (phosphates and organics) and a minimum of mechanical filtration.  There is a 1 hp chiller, 80W Emperor UV sterilizer, and aquarium lighting suited to the fish and the refugium.

I process city tap water by DI, and then RO, and then Carbon treat up to 100 gallons per day.  There is a multiple unit system outside my home with an 80 gallon storage container of processed water.  Inside, my home is plumbed to the storage tank at two sinks and a fast flowing spout that fills mixing containers to prepare fresh saltwater.

One system supports two aquariums in my home office.  Another room is totally devoted to support equipment, additional aquariums, refugium, etc.  The chiller is outside.

My limiting factor is electricity.  I couldn’t expand anymore without more amps from the city.  I’d put in my own windmill if was allowed.

Fish List

How did you become involved with Reef Frontiers? 

Disillusioned by the draconian operations of a different reef discussion forum, I was looking to find an informative Internet site where I could contribute my knowledge, experience and expertise to help other marine aquarists.  I was happy to find the RF family where I could support the current moderators with additional information.

What is your reef keeping philosophy? 

The hobby should expand with competent new aquarists. Expanding the hobby provides the public with an appreciation of marine life, which should lead to additional conservation methods to assure the future of such life.

Much of the ‘bad press’ our activity gets is from the outside perspective that we are ‘wasting marine life.’  To some extent this perspective is correct.  A lot of marine life is ‘wasted’ through ignorance of how to properly provide for their captive well being.  The loss of captive marine life can be lessened through a well informed, prepared, and knowledgeable aquarist practicing good husbandry.  I think such places, like RF, is a means towards the improvement of knowledge and the support of achieving this goal.  While encouraging more to become involved, we need to help ensure they are well informed and prepared to provide the proper environment for these life forms, and reduce the mortality and apparent waste.

What is your dream tank? 

More than just a tank, since I already have tanks.  I want to win the Lottery!  (Who doesn’t?)  With available funds I would establish a private aquarium where research can be done on ornamental fishes and marine life, their captive breeding/propagation and husbandry, reef systems are displayed, and to advance marine systems.  This would create jobs, expand our knowledge in marine fish husbandry, create research projects, test product claims, and improve the public’s appreciation of marine life.

Do you have any advice for others? 

Be patient.  Be prepared and knowledgeable for the needs of any life form you invite into your care BEFORE you acquire it.