 |
Come on back to the fold!
Steve Allen
Bob:
<Steve>
It was great to finally meet you in Pleasanton & Milpitas. I am glad that
my medical seminar trip to SF coincided with your visit. My brothers enjoyed
meeting you as well. Perhaps Jeff will be your neighbor someday. He is going
to begin preliminary scouting for a place on the Kona coast in a few months.
<Greatly enjoyed meeting you>
Sorry to take so long to get back to you about WWM. It's been hectic. I
wonder sometimes why I every take time off. It's such a chore getting ready
and then catching up afterward, that it hardly seems worth it.
<Start coming on dive/adventure trips with us instead... you will do a 180
on your subjective evaluations of whether such always are "worth it"!>
I am honored that Ananda suggests I be considered to answer questions.
<I am making the same request>
There are two issues for me to consider here. The first is, of course,
time. In addition to being a pediatrician, I also have 4 children ranging
from 7-15 years old.
<Yikes... when do you sleep?>
My offer to proofread stands, as this is something that I can find the
time to do. I will also very much enjoy reading & learning in advance of the
general public. However, a daily schedule of answering inquiries is a bit
more challenging.
<Yes>
Issue number two is my relative lack of experience. I have only been at
this SW hobby for a year now. I have to admit that I pretty much sleepwalked
through FW for 30 years before that. On the other hand, I am an eager
learner. I have acquired numerous books, including yours, Anthony's, Eric
Borneman's, Fossa and Nielsen's, Julian Sprung's, Scott Michael's & Nick
Daikin's. (It's genetic, my mother was a librarian and is still a voracious
reader.) I subscribe to FAMA, TFH and Aquarium Fish. I read the FAQs daily.
<Oh my... a strong case for having folks read, read in front of and to
their children if ever there was>
We doctors usually have a knack for lifelong learning and finding the info
we need. I have learned over the years that incorrect memory is a major
source of medical error (along with bad handwriting). I tell residents I am
teaching that after they pass their boards, they should never memorize
"facts" that they can look up in a more current book or journal. The point
is, I have readily available the tools I need to find info to help people.
<Yes>
Of course, I also agree with Anthony that one should avoid spoon-feeding
people. ("Give a man a fish & you feed him for a day; teach him to fish and
you feed him fore a lifetime." That is until the oceans are emptied by
over-fishing.) If the answer is readily available on WWM, then I would refer
the questioner to the location to read personally.
<Agreed>
My biggest concern here is that I lack the credibility that the long-time
aquarists of the crew have.
<Mmm, having met and spoken with you for several minutes I don't have this
concern. Sir, there is a requisite "attitude" toward what we do as WWM Crew
beyond knowledge of the subjects, capacity for relating pertinent
facts/experiences/guesses... that is "approach"... in an "equals" aspect,
relating what we know as such... not ever expressing speculation as wisdom
or anything other than "what we would/might do" in similar circumstances. It
is my opinion you possess (or at least appear to express) this quality.
'Sides, we have a "stop-gap" measure or two re unfamiliar queries. We (the
WWM Crew), "move" them into each others "in-boxes" or back to the general
in-box if we feel someone else might be better-suited to respond>
There are areas that I would be weak on, such as fluid dynamics and
plumbing (as demonstrated by a panicked call from my wife brining the kids
and I rushing home from Chili's to find 20 gallons of water on the floor of
my basement the other night). Other areas I might have some trouble are
lighting, complicated chemistry, advanced coral care, and unusual inverts. I
am learning as fast as I can though. I am aware that much in the aquarium
hobby is opinion as it is in medicine and I have learned to accept such
ambiguities long ago. Otherwise, I would not be able to survive in
pediatrics. I am willing to present more than one view for the inquirer to
consider if there is not compelling evidence that one particular way of
doing things is best.
<I understand and expect that all of us (myself of course included) are
not comfortable, competent or well-versed on many subject areas of
ornamental aquatics. Indeed, such breadth and depth is not a human
capability IMO... there is simply too much engineering, math, biology,
organismal coverage... to be embodied in single individuals... What we do is
"divide and offer" where we can, refer or "throw up our hands" where we
can't>
If you feel that I would be a good addition to the crew, I could take some
questions. If you would like to cc some to me and have me answer them and
send them back so you can see what you think of my answers (sort of a skill
test), I would be happy to do this. Someone else ought to provide the actual
answer while you decide if my answers are the sort of thing you need.
<Ahh!>
What is the daily traffic? Weekdays are a problem because I work 10+ hours
per day. How about if I answered SW questions on weekends? Sundays are
particularly good because I have a few hours to myself.
<Let us try by adding you to our Crew, I am making a "Folder" for you...
you are: Steve
We have a few conventions re responding, mainly in formatting. Am sure
Anthony will chime in here with a link to previous statements recorded re.>
Sorry to be so long-winded, but I want you to understand where I'm coming
form on this.
Steve Allen
<I do... and appreciate your offer of proof-reading, responding. In
particular I welcome your help on the few "medical", "scientific" queries we
receive... and will likely see more of with the growing awareness of your
help on WWM. Please do log-in when you have time (on the weekends), and make
it known if I can be of assistance. Bob Fenner> |
 |
Ian Behnk Makes Contact 10/18/05
Robert
<Ian!>
I haven't spoken with any of you guys in a while so I am trying to email
everyone to catch up on things. The last six months- a year I have been
foolish...trying so hardly to do things that others have wanted me to.
<Mmm, as long as you're trying to do the things you want to do...>
I have been busy with school, work, etc. But I like helping other fellow
aquarists out with the problems that I have had and others that I can help
them solve with the knowledge I have acquired over the years. If you could
please add me back on the WWM website so I can start helping ASAP it would
be greatly appreciated.
<Please add yourself... make an infolder... you have the site, contact
info? Will add your name on the active list on WWM's dailies when you are
responding>
I finally realized that this is what I enjoy doing in life and it is what I
will continue to do. My major is an MBA masters in business administration
but marine science is my one true love. I thank you for everything and If I
can be of any help, anytime just let me know. Thanks again for everything.
Ian Behnk
<Thank you. BobF>
I was wondering when everyone is getting together? Do you guys have any
plans, etc. Let me know and I will most likely be able to go.
<Mmm, a few things coming up... the May 06 Interzoo and Red Sea trip/s
(Germany, Egypt), and the next Western Marine Conference (in Sacramento)...
and there's always the possibility of coming out to HI (Sabrina and I are
there now, with EricR on the way)... or....? B>
Dear Wet Web Media crew,
<Ian>
Hello my name is Ian Behnk, I am 16 years old and I live in Altamonte
Springs, FL. I plan on going to Eckerd College in St. Petersburg/Tampa and
becoming an ichthyologist. This has been a dream/goal of mine for sometime
now and is slowly becoming reality, since I will be a senior in high school
next year and applying for college. I have been keeping marine/freshwater
fish for about 5 years now and am very hungry for knowledge. I was
wondering if I could join your team of very knowledgeable people. I have
been wanting to do so ever since I saw this magnificent site. I want to be
able to help fellow hobbyists and learn at the same time. Your response
will be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
Sincerely, Ian Behnk
<Thank you for your offer of help. Would you please tell us a bit about your
background in the field, capacity for responding to queries. Do you have the
time (likely an hour or so a day) to commit to this work? Please do check
with your parents/guardian re this... we do not want to cut into other time
(school, vocation, other avocations) you have, might develop. Be chatting,
Bob Fenner>
Crew Help
Mr. Fenner
My questions that I feel more comfortable answering are more like
compatibility issues with fish-marine and fresh-had freshwater fish long
before I even thought about salt. Marine Angelfish and Tangs I have been
studying Genus, Species behavior etc. Fish wise I should be ok. Corals on
the other hand I have to read more about at WetWebMedia.com.
Crustaceans-have read all the pages pertaining to them and all the
FAQs. Water quality issues I should be ok with- had to deal with a lot of
that while working at the LFS-compatibility issues also. Marine fish
diseases-know how to treat many of them, signs etc. If you think of any
other questions just email me back. thanks, Ian
<Jason, please indoctrinate Ian as to WWM responding. Welcome my friend. Bob
Fenner> |
Return of a prodigal son
– 07/16/08
Hey
Since I am finishing up with school full time I was wondering If I could
come back and help you guys on wetwebmedia.com. Please let me know
Ian Behnk
PS this is my new email addy
<Ahh, welcome back Ian... I hope/trust the intervening years have seen you
happy, healthy, progressing. The new log-in for WWM is:
BobF>
|
Emerson Blewett and WWM 9/29/06
It would be an honor and a privilege to help others the way the WWM crew has
helped me in the past.
I can contribute at least a few hours a week to spreading the good word of
quarantine, proper livestock selection and water quality.
Thanks again,
Emerson
<Ahhh... welcome to our association>
|
|
Ryan Bowen
Hey guys!
I have 1 hour per day in which I will respond to queries. General, basic
questions about freshwater, brackish and marine are all within my realm.
I really enjoy helping novice aquarists. It was the great advice I
acquired in my first few years that has kept me in the hobby. My
personal history with aquaria, as many, started with fishing, and
bringing home fish native to California. I've kept many freshwater
Basses, trout, cichlids, native eels-even a freshwater Striped Bass from
Lake Mendocino. Now, I have a few tanks, and a reef. I enjoy biotopic
set-ups the most. I have a good working knowledge of reefs, FOWLR, and
FO saltwater. I've kept a large amount of Africans Cichlids,
predominantly from Lake Malawi. I've recently been shopping for my
newest 75 gal reef, so I am up to date on equipment. I also maintain a
Nano-reef at work. You could say I'm addicted! My personal goal in this
hobby is to educate others about the joys of aquaria. If fishkeeping has
taught me anything, it's that everything is inter-dependant. For every
action, there is a reaction. We, as aquarists, have an awesome
responsibility towards the biotopes we recreate. Bottom line, I'd love
to help. In this forum, I truly feel that there is "a shared admiration
of the sea."
Regards- Ryan Bowen |
We still have no idea
what
Ryan looks like. |
Lisa Brown - 01/12/2006
Hello Mr. Fenner!
I believe Justin (Jager) was in contact with you about my desire to join
the WWM Crew. I've always admired what you have going on here, and would
love to help. My primary love concerning aquaria is puffers. I am
comfortable in answering questions about fresh, brackish or marine
puffers, their systems and maladies, and posses the knowledge to do so
accurately. I also personally maintain a saltwater reef tank, and I am
quite familiar with SW systems, livestock compatibility and disease
treatment. Like many, my first aquarium was a freshwater community, so
if need be, I am comfortable fielding questions in that area as well. I
am currently a moderator on the puffer forum. I read the daily FAQ's on
WWM nearly everyday, and love learning new things, as I feel it's
impossible to ever know everything in this great hobby of ours
Just so you know me a bit better, I'm a 23 year old student, studying
architecture. I also work full-time at an insurance brokerage in
Toronto. I travel as often as I can to dive as much as possible. Well, I
digress! Thank you for considering me for the crew, hope to hear from
you soon.
Lisa.
|
|
Mike Bryant and WWM Crew, Fritz job/s
Mr. Fenner,
Hello, my name is Mike Bryant and I am a friend of Jeni Tyrell. I was an
employee at a local fish store that she used to frequent (currently employed by
FEMA). She has told me about the wetwebmedia site and I have found it very
interesting. She has suggested that I email you in regards to volunteering my
services as a point of contact for various aquatic questions. I have been
working in the pet industry for 4 years and have a B.S. in Earth Science. I have
bred everything from discus, angelfish and various African cichlids. My main
focus and love being with saltwater fish, corals (propagation) and aquatic
chemistry. I could continue on about what I have done but I think the list would
be too long. If you would like I could draft a list of my experiences but I
would like to defer at this time.
Also, I saw your post about Fritz looking for sales representatives for their
business. I tried to look on their site but could not find any additional
information. Any additional information would be appreciated.
Please find the attached resume for your review and consideration.
Thank you, Mike Bryant
<The Fritz (Pets, Industries) post is quite old (a few years) buy you might
contact them just the same:
http://www.fritzpet.com/index.html re your interest in employment. By your
description of experience, relation to Jeni you are welcome to join our crew in
responding to queries. |
 |
Richard Bullard's Bio
Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity! I only hope I can live up
to expectations!
I was born at Tripler Army hospital on Oahu, December 25th, 1970. After four
years, the family moved to Columbia, SC. Due to unexplained circumstances,
my parents divorced when I was six. Mom moved to Lakeland, FL, while dad
stayed in SC. I pretty much played ping pong between them for most of my
schooling. This gave me a wide exposure to different monetary and ethical
views. I do not have any hard feelings for their break-up. It has definitely
made them happier.
I first started keeping fish in 1989. A friend sold me a 29 gallon with
equipment and fish, without giving me any real instructions. After wiping
those fish out, I began to shop the local stores in Columbia. It was the
same everywhere I went, they would all gladly take my money, without regard
to the fishes needs or my abilities. Needless to say I was on a three month
tear, nuking everything I touched.
Eventually, this was too much to bear, so I decided to do something about
it...I took a job at a fish only store called Blue Lagoon. There I was
introduced to the proper methods of selecting and caring for fish. My
mortalities decreased. Now this was becoming fun, the way a hobby should be.
As I was there, I realized my true gift was communication. Not only did I
have, (and still do!) passion for the hobby, I could easily break "complex"
ideas down into something more digestible to the layman. I truly believe my
diverse background helped here. I was comfortable with the upper echelon as
well as the lowly street thug, and even more importantly, I could make them
feel better about what they were doing.
As the days progressed, I found myself working in various fish stores, all
with similar results. I was building a following. Friends would tell each
other about this guy who would tell the truth. It may have, (and still
does!) cost me some initial sales, but the loyalty it built was/is
priceless. Seventeen years had passed.
Today, I am co-owner of a fish only store in Sumter, SC. My partner Chevis
and I strive to offer customer service and satisfaction implicitly. We would
rather lose a sale than lose trust. If a fish/coral is not healthy, we will
not sell it. If a piece of equipment is not necessary, we will attempt to
talk the customer out of it. By taking the time to explain fully the
reasoning and function behind the product, not only do we gain and keep the
trust, we also further the hobby. By educating them as much as we can, we
send them out into the world, armed with understanding, to be able to help
themselves and others. It is this mentality that has people driving from
over 100 miles just to see us and the store.
On July 15th, I am to be wed. My bride to be, Alicia, has renewed my passion
or the hobby even more. She actually raised wolf eels! Her first saltwater
fish. Watching her pleasure and excitement only furthers mine!
I do not consider myself to be an expert. I learn more everyday. That is
what makes me dangerous!
Again, thank you for this opportunity!
Richard Bullard |
|
Anthony Rosario Calfo
was born in Hawaii and lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a lifelong
aquarist and an aquarium industry professional that has worked the better
part of the last decade as a commercial coral farmer and wholesaler,
producing cultured reef invertebrates for the ornamental and zoological
trade. In a greenhouse environment, he has witnessed such blessed wonders as
spawning Tridacnid clams and Cassiopeia jellyfish growing from
medusae to adulthood. After selling his mariculture facilities, he has
worked as a writer publishing fiction and non-fiction material. He has
authored the reef aquariology title,
Book of Coral Propagation, Vol. 1 Reef Gardening for Aquarists (450
pages,
www.readingtrees.com) and will
release the second volume of the series in 2003. He
co-founded the Pittsburgh Marine Aquarist Society with the inimitable Bob
Dolan. He was schooled at Carnegie-Mellon University and U. Pitt, and has a
BA in English Literature. Other interests include African felids, music and
studio arts.
"I have thirty-two years on this planet and I'm very grateful to be
apprenticed to life. Wise and kind friends like Bob Fenner and the WWM crew
make the journey ever so much more enjoyable!" March 2002
|
Here's Antoine and friends and his old greenhouse
culture facility in PA
The Xeniid fruits of Anthony's labors.
|
| Peter Catterick; Tony man about the
world, general rub of most jokes. Pete's originally from York (kinda looks
like a Roman gene-drift about... spent 15 years with brother in Swaziland,
southern Africa... has lived with Bob and Di for a decade and a half or so (we keep
moving, but somehow he manages to find us). He dives, keys as fast, well as
Miguel... oh and is our principal videographer... Now if we could only
manage to edit, get some of the footage on WWF's giganto server... |
Peter wishes he could get this camera removed from his
head.
|
Adam Cesnales
Hi all,
I was only going to send this to Bob for the crew section of WWM, but
since most of you don't know me at all and those that do pretty much
only know that I like sushi and beer, I decided to use this opportunity
to introduce myself.
For the site:
My name is Adam Cesnales. I live near Pittsburgh, Pa and have been
keeping marine aquaria for about 15 years, and a reef tank (or a few)
for about five. I have a BS in biology with a minor in chemistry and
work as a perfusionist (we're the folks that take over while your heart
is stopped during open heart surgery). I have always been obsessed with
all things marine. I take enormous pleasure in having a little slice of
the reef in my home, and consider the well being of the animals that are
in captivity for my pleasure to be a tremendous responsibility. I am
grateful for the opportunity to be here at WWM helping folks who share
that sense of joy and responsibility. I'm funny looking. Reef tanks are
pretty, so attached is a photo of part of my 135 mixed reef. I also have
a 92 corner reef that is hopefully destined to become a dedicated
Heteractis magnifica/A. Ocellaris display, and a small dedicated system
for rearing Banggai cardinal fish.
|
Mmm, Adam's tank... not him per se |
John (aka Magnus) Champlin
I recently have been contacted by an acquaintance of mine, Jeni
(lovingly referred to as Pufferpunk). She had thought that I would be able
to help your awesome site with answering questions. I guess the help i have
given Jeni in the past makes her think that I'd be right up your alley. I
must say that the thought of helping out such an impressive site is
extremely exciting. I have visited your site for many years and gained quite
a bit of knowledge myself, and would love to be able to give something back
to your for all the help over the years.
<Outstanding>
I'm 25 years old, and have been keeping tanks for close to a decade now.
Started the way many people start into this hobby, i purchased a dollar
goldfish and a 10 gallon tank. Well The goldfish is still alive and well
(about 10 inches long now), and since the 10 gallon tank, I've expanded to
at one point having over 15 tanks going between my home and my office. With
the economy taking a weird turn, I was forced to cut back on many of my
tanks. But, I still have 7 tanks (ranging in size from 3 gallons to 150
gallons) going at home, with my 8th being a 100 gallon marine puffer tank
due to be set up within the next month.
I've kept Freshwater, Brackish, and marine tanks over the years. Focusing
on two varieties of fish (not kept in the same tanks mind you). But, I used
to raise many different varieties of knifefish (glass, African, royal clown,
albino clowns). My largest and most impressive knife was my 24 inch long
female clown knife. Which was given her own 150 gallon tank. But, my true
love was caring for Pufferfish. hence the reason i had gotten into brackish
(for my figure 8's and my Green spotted puffers) thus leading me into my
marine tanks. I've kept Emeralds, South Americans, Green spotted, figure
eights, dogface, porcs, Burrfish for many years. Many of these fish were
given to me, I kept them for months, cared for them nursed them to health
and found them suitable homes. I have also cared for many other fish and
animals over the years. I've kept Eels, lungfish (which was adopted by my
brother and his coworkers as their company mascot), barbs, bettas, catfish,
happy community fish (tetras, gouramis, etc...), Scats, Gobies, saltwater
fish like triggers, morays, Clowns, and much more. I realize a long sentence
with fish names isn't that exciting, so lets leave it at.. I've cared for
quite an assortment of fish.
<Yes, and more to go>
I'm currently in the middle of setting up my one website, but at least I
do have some photos up online if you would like to see them. (please excuse
the mess... just placed them online until I finished the layout and style
sheets for the future site)
a few random pics thrown on a table. Here you can see my large clown
knife.
http://xanadu.ambrosiasw.com/~jchamplin/table.html
<Very nice>
I currently haunt quite a few forums answering questions for people in
fresh, brackish, and saltwater areas. But, more specifically I'm moderating
a great new website called Reefnut (www.reefnut.com).
Where I was contacted by the site owner to write an article dealing
specifically with pufferfish. You can see the article at:
http://www.reefnut.com/Puffer%20Article.htm
I had turned him towards puffers the previous months, and he was quite
impressed with my knowledge, and was honored to be asked to write a featured
article on his site.
I'm an animal lover, I live on a farm, have a small herd of cows, a horse,
a cat, lost my dog to cancer sadly, and a home full of fish tanks. I'm more
than willing to send you a bio and references about my experience and
knowledge.
<This will suffice John. You obviously are learned, passionate re the
hobby, desirous to share>
|
Above: The Man
Below: His Tank
|
Jason (Jas) Chodakowski, born in Washington D.C. and lived in
London, England; Florida; Massachusetts; and now San Diego, California. Through
the years I've tried multiple times to get a college degree but always seem to
end up working instead. Have spent many years exemplifying the phrase Jack of
all trades, and master of none.
Most recently worked as a network and systems engineer for Connecticut
Telephone.
My fascination with marine fish began in the early 80's and have kept
marine tanks on and off since that time. Have spent my time here in San Diego
learning the ropes of fish business. Currently have a fish-only system [I'm a
fish person, and less of a reef-person] and am always looking for ways to get a
larger tank into my limited amount of available space.
Thanks to Bob Fenner's encouragement, I became a certified diver in May of
2002, and since then have moved through the PADI ranks to become a rescue diver
in addition to a couple of other merit badges they offer. Although I've been a
photo-bug for most of my life, I've developed a fascination with underwater
photography. I take just about every opportunity I can find to put on the scuba
gear and hone the photography skills. Speaking of which... when are we going out
again?
Hey man, my mailbox is gone! JasonC returns 6/14/06
Have I really been absent that long?
<Heeeee! There you are!>
Well, lookie here... I've just finished up what I like to call my "Wet Web Media
Live" show at the Barrier Reef in Boca Raton, FL and have returned to private
life.
<Enjoying it?>
If you'll have me back, I'll be more than happy to start answering questions
again.
Cheers,
J --
<Oh yes... Be chatting. BobF>
|
"Does this T-Shirt make me look fat?"
|
Donald Clarke
Hi Bob,
<Don>
Don Clarke (aka Fish Soup) here. Sabrina emailed me about joining the WWM crew.
I would be happy to help. Kind of new to all this myself. My father and I shared
the hobby when I was younger. We had a dozen FW tanks around the house. I
started breeding birds at age 20 and continued until last year. Almost 30 years.
I traded the last of my breeders for a 55 gallon tank and started doing research
on fish, mostly plecos.
I would feel most comfortable helping new people with cycling, and answering
questions concerning catfish and South American cichlids. General FW stuff. I'm
weak on African cichlids, medications and have no SW experience.
<Ahh, we have many more questions, need for inspiration in your fields>
If you feel I could be a help I'd love to give it a shot.
Don Clarke
Hi! Another new member here. I hail from the Philly suburbs, lived in
this area my entire life. I'm 49, will hit the big 50 at the end of the year.
<Ugg, I'm still older... but a smaller percentage so every moment!>
My "Fish life" started before I can remember. My father and I shared about a
dozen tanks, mostly SA cichlids, a few West African, plecos, Corys and some
assorted community fish. We bred a number of them including Dempseys, Jewel
Cichlids, Peacocks, Convicts. Also some bubble nesters, dwarf Gourami, paradise
and Bettas.
<Neat>
I have also had a lifetime love of birds. I left the fish hobby at age 20
when I married. Petless and in a small apartment, I talked my wife into a small
cage
<Wasn't it cramped? Heee!>
and a pair of Zebra Finches. I was hooked after my first clutch of eggs
hatched. I got serious with it after the death of my parents when we moved back
into the home I grew up in. Peaked at 25 cages in two spare bedrooms, had 17
going when my wife and I divorced. (Go figure!) I was working six days a week
and the seventh was spent clearing cages. That got old quick, so about a year
ago I sold off all my breeders and set up a 55 gallon fish tank. I found this
site while researching cycling and was helped by Sabrina. Since then I have
added a ten gallon QT, but I'm resisting the urge to greatly expand my number of
tanks.
So most of my hands on experience is about 30 years old. But I have spent
many hours searching the net and getting up to speed on all the new technology
and info that did not exist in the 60's and 70's. Wow, were my eyes opened! I
couldn't get enough! Things my father had taught me (water changes, a primitive
form of cycling, using UGF's before bio wheels) were now explained. Most
exciting of all were these "new" plecos! I had both Commons and Royals as a kid,
but never the info to keep them properly. Now I do, or at least I hope so. I
currently have 3 Albino Bristlenose and 3 LDA33, Big spot Plecos. They were
bought small and the plan is to set up a pair of each in a breeding tank and
leave the odd man out in the 55. Also 4 C. sterbae, 2 SAE and about a 18
assorted small dither fish. I change A LOT of water!
<Some loricariids now!>
I feel most comfortable helping newcomers with cycling questions, species
compatibility, SA cichlids, catfish and some general maintenance issues. I'm a
freak on water quality and tend to blame most problems on poor upkeep and
planning. "My hood fell in the tank and electrocuted my fish" "What's the
ammonia reading?" That's me!
<Great!>
Other interests include hunting, fishing, downhill skiing, chess and poker.
I also started collecting rocks as a kid. As I got older, the rocks got better
and now I have a very tiny eBay business selling colored gemstone ear studs. I
use any profits to buy more gems and have started a small collection. Nothing
real valuable, no diamonds or anything. Mostly small sapphires, a few opals and
some very nice garnets. I do it for fun, not money. I just fill the adds with
"Stud" jokes and snap a picture. I've met a number of ladies this way! Like I
said, I do it for the fun!
I really want to thank Sabrina and Bob for this opportunity to share what I
have learned. But mostly I'm looking forward to learning more myself.
<Ho ho! Let's see what you say a few months, years from now!>
Don Clarke (aka Fish Soup)
ps Picture attached. I'm the one in the glasses.
<Thanks again Don. Bob F> |
Don and his human! |
Heather Cooan aka Linearchaos
Hi there,
<Hello Heather>
I have been recruited by PufferPunk to help answer questions concerning my
favorite fish, the puffer!
I began keeping fish in 2001 and fell in love with puffers shortly
after. I have kept most fresh and brackish water species and have begun to keep
saltwater puffers in last couple of years. I’m currently running seven tanks for
a total of 536 gallons of water and am keeping ten different species of puffer
fish.
<That's a lot of puffers!>
I have been answering questions concerning puffer behavior, disease,
identification, compatibility, environment, water quality, diet, and general
care for the past couple years. I answer these questions as a staff member on
http://www.thepufferforum.com/
http://www.thepufferforum.com
http://www.aqua-addiction.com/
http://www.aqua-addiction.com and
http://www.grimreefers.com/
<To your credit you have likely saved MANY fishes, hobbyists>
I am familiar with answering questions on such parasites and bacterial
infections as Cryptocaryon irritans (marine ick), Amyloodinium ocellatum (marine
velvet), Ichthyophthirius multifilis (freshwater ich), Dactylogyrus (gill
fluke), Gyrodactylus (skin fluke), and their appropriate remedies regarding the
sensitivity of puffer fish.
<Perhaps you can help take some pressure from ScottF who handles the bulk of
marine disease queries>
My only publication to this date is The Arrowhead Puffer: Maliciously Miraculous
published on WWM 2/28/04. I do have other articles in the works and I hope to
publish them in the next few months.
<Real good>
My current projects include observing the Takifugu ocellatus, a marine puffer
that is rumored to be rare and difficult to maintain in captivity and composing
the information into an article.
I hope I can be of help!
Heather Cooan |
|
Which fish drink beer? New to the Crew, Roy Crumrine - 4/24/2006
Bob:
<Roy>
It was a real pleasure meeting you and getting to hang out for awhile and talk
detritus.
<Indeed!>
Hopefully, we'll have an opportunity to bump into each other soon.
<I have seen the future... well, parts of it... blearily... and yes, many good
times ahead>
Meanwhile, I look forward to helping you with WWM.
<And... welcome to it!>
Best of luck,
Roy
<Bob Fenner>
|
|
Mike Dandaneau
Dear Bob;
I've tried to send this e-mail twice to the crew@WetWebMedia.com address and
each time it's come back as undeliverable, so I'm going to paste it here one
more time and hope it goes through. You may want to take a nap if you doze off
half-way through.**grin**
Sincerely,
Mike Dandaneau
<Am concerned re the WWM mail server... Zo has sparked an alarm this AM re some
hacking activity that might be going on>
Dear Bob and All;
Mike Dandaneau here, and first off thanks for the compliments on the
photos.....I also saw your comment about possibly joining your team in answering
Q&A's and frankly, would be flattered.
<Actually, just a note of surprise at how much you've obviously been doing in
the hobby... and that you haven't, perhaps "written up" your experiences,
particularly with the spawning of "oddball" marines, the collection, keeping of
some of your animals like the stargazer.>
This, of course, leads to how and where. I'm fairly computer literate, but not
versed in HTML (perhaps the old dog thing, or even just a tad intimidated and
lazy) .
<Mmm, a few folks "here" are "real computer types"... I barely speak, write
English...>
As you may have seen in my profile, I'm a disability retired ex-police officer
(spinal injury w/severe chronic pain) since 1987 and have been residing here in
Clearwater, a suburb of Tampa, Florida, since 1980.
<Yes, I did read this on WWF>
I started in FW as a young child and spawned my first egg layers (Blue Gouramis)
when 7 years old and have had at least one aquarium ever since, often MANY more
(up to 150 personal tanks at one time). Although always interested in marine
zoology, my introduction to the sea was in 1967 when the USAF sent me to Eglin
AFB at Ft. Walton Beach Fl. for Survival training prior to being shipped to Viet
Nam, where I learned to NEVER pick up a medium conch shell and place it in a
front trouser pocket....this was also my introduction to hermit crabs.
<Yowch>
Upon returning stateside, I spent my last two years in the Air Force at Eglin
AFB again, and had set up my first tank within 2 weeks of arriving and have
never gotten the salt out of my shoes since.
From 1970-1980 I returned to Michigan, where I managed a pet shop for a couple
of years that was early on into marine aquariums before finally going into law
enforcement as a patrol officer.
<A good introduction to human tolerance 0;>
For the past 24 years I've avidly collected and studied local marine life with
my two biggest frustrations being that there was little to nothing written about
much of what I encountered, particularly from an aquarist/husbandry point of
view, thus much of my experience was experimental, aided by as many books as I
could find on the subject(s).
Which brings me to my second field of inquiry.....what is the
suggested/recommended length for articles submitted to your site?
<Oh, will cc Scott.F and Adam.C here re... they're the co-editors of CA>
In the FAQs I saw that Word Pad was an accepted format, but saw no indication of
other parameters. I was introduced to your site, by the way, by Leslie Leddo,
although I'd frequently run across your Q&A's previously whenever I was
researching a
particular species or genus and was impressed by your knowledge as well as your
occasional sense of humor.
My favorite original quote is: " I tried being serious once and they
locked me up for depression, so I quit!"
Well, ALMOST quit.**grin** Any assistance would be appreciated and if I get out
of line in any of your member forums, please let me know.
<Don't know as there are limits here... perhaps general civility>
Since I don't travel well, I'm pretty well housebound when I'm not in the water
collecting, thus spend a LOT of time on the PC.
As I've mentioned in my profile, I LOVE meeting fellow marine hobbyists and have
a three bedroom home here with a guest room always open for someone who would
enjoy BSing about the sea and the hobby and possibly try their hand at local
shallow water collecting. The reason the invitation is to singles or couples
ONLY by the way, is not because I don't enjoy children, but rather because
another of my hobbies, a tribal bladed weapons collection occupies several walls
and is definitely NOT child safe!**grin** Although I've probably left out many
things you feel are important to know, I also feel that I'm approaching the
point where I need a publisher now so will simply close by saying that you have
a WONDERFUL site and that I'd appreciate any and all information that you think
I need to know or wish
to volunteer.
Sincerely,
Michael (Mike) J. Dandaneau
Clearwater, Florida
<Mmm, make it known if I may be of service... am facile at introducing folks to
the print side of the hobby and business of content provision in our interest...
and if you should have the time, notion to help respond to queries, would
greatly enjoy what time you can share with us. Bob Fenner><Oh! Mike, shall I
"sign you up"... Other than most topics in marine fields, what categories of
questions do you feel interested, confident in responding to? Bob F> |
|
Marie
Dempsey – 6/12/07
Hi Bob,
So glad to get a chance to talk with you and your crew at IMAC. I had a
great time and was honored that Michelle and Scott suggested that I could
possibly help out. I have only been in the hobby since 2002 and within that
short time have become completely addicted! Currently I have a 160-gallon
reef tank, which is primarily SPS coral. The system was set up in March of
2003 and has been a terrific learning experience. I have had the pleasure of
serving on the BOD of the Marine Aquarium Society of Michigan as past vice
president and current secretary.
As far as a bio…I live in West Bloomfield, Michigan with my husband (Steve)
and kids Nicky (7) Jackie (13) and Ryan (19). I have a Bachelor of Science
in Nursing and a Master of Science in Anesthesia. As a Nurse Anesthetist I
practice at several of the local hospitals and surgery centers. I love
teaching and coordinate the Continuing Education program for Crittenton
Hospital in Rochester, MI. and have taught pharmacology at Mercy College,
Detroit, MI.
Recently, I set up a 29-gallon saltwater reef tank at Twin Beach Elementary
School. It is both amazing and wonderful to see how fascinated the kids are
in learning about the tanks inhabitants. My goal is to have set up tanks in
both the middle and high school by next year and implement an educational
program.
For fun I play guitar and keyboards (and am awful at it), kick box (great
for frustration), dive, ski and travel….. love to travel!
Once again, thank you for this opportunity,
Sincerely,
Marie Dempsey
<Outstanding Marie. And welcome to our Crew.> |
|
Mr.
Firemouth/Rich Dietz bio. 12/29/07
Hi Bob,
<Mr. F>
Well a new year is upon us and I hope that yours is filled with sunny days
and great dives!
I wish I had the funds to travel! Hawaii is at the top of the list with
Australia trailing right behind!
<I say come on out!>
It has been a great honor to help WWM this past year! This site is great and
helps so many!
I look forward to 2008!
<Me too>
I thought I would drop you a bio of me and some pics...
<Ah, good>
My name is Rich Dietz and I have been in the hobby for over 25 years. I have
kept hundreds of tanks and bred many freshwater species of fish and
propagated many corals. I currently maintain a fish room with about 1,000
gallons of fish and corals in separate systems.
<Wow!>
I have bred thousands of Firemouth Cichlids in the last 25 years and have
been line-breeding these fish for size and color for the last decade. My
lifetime goal is to produce a true Albino Firemouth mutation. Thorichtys
meeki have been my lifetime addiction!
I am an Administrator at www.uberfrags.net and advise many on saltwater
topics, I am also a 'Mentor' at www.tropicalresources.net which is directly
affiliated with Tropical Fish Hobbyist magazine, and I am a Moderator of
www.aquamojo.com a site dedicated to cichlids.
I belong to many clubs including the American cichlid Association, 2 local
St. Louis reef clubs, a Chicago reef club, and several other cichlid
societies/clubs across the United States. I believe that joining a local
aquarium club/society is one of the best things any hobbyist can do to
continue to mature in this great hobby!
Hopefully I will be an asset to the Crew!
Rich-aka-Mr. Firemouth
<Real good Rich. Will post. Thank you again for your help. BobF>
Here are some bio pics...
My wife Nicole and I underwater at Coral World, St. Thomas U.S.V.I.
Note the dive helmets as I am a non-swimmer.
And our cruise pic after dinner. Great time in the Caribbean!
Thanks again,
Rich |
 |
Welcome Brandon Foster to the Crew 3/3/07
All, Brandon has been trying to help me "make real" our rotating
banner...
Turns out he is also able and willing to help us in responding to queries!
Thank you for sharing, BobF
Here is the bio that you requested, it is kind of funny they make you do
this stuff in school, and right now I am completely drawing a blank. I
guess the obvious applies, I am 25, I was born in Clayton County, Georgia.
This is Metro Atlanta if you are curious. I joined the Army in August of
2000 and moved to Columbus Georgia. In retrospect I should have picked
Seattle. When I got out of the Army I met my wife, and stayed here. I
started working for a pet store in 2003, and after about six months I could
not handle it anymore. The I want it now, I don't care if it is a bad idea
syndrome really bothered me. It did not help that I was reprimanded several
times by management for refusing sales. I think that I am not supposed to
say whom I was working for but I can say that it rhymes with Red's Art.
After this fell through I began spending a lot of time living off of savings
that I had accrued in the Military, and I was reading and reading right here
at Wet Web Media about various fish, and biotopes, when I had a great
Idea.
I decided to start a local Aquatic society. Immediately I began learning
how to put a website together, and before long I found myself hosting the
thing out of my house, and not too long after that, I found myself running a
Web Design business. Before I knew it I was involved in computer
security.
Currently I am working on a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science with a
specialization in Information Assurance, with a minor in Marine Biology.
Currently I am a wine adviser for a local bottle shop, and in my spare time
I run Five tanks. I have a 65 gallon freshwater that I am breeding Discus
in, a 75 gallon saltwater reef, a 55 gallon saltwater fish only, a 29 gallon
saltwater coral grow out tank, and a 10 gallon ghost shrimp tank, that I use
to obtain food for a Dendrochirus biocellatus that lives in my reef. I am
interested in the husbandry, and keeping of fish/cnidarians/decapods that
are difficult to keep. I have a wife that is very supportive of the hobby,
and a daughter named Erin that has more interest in this than anyone I
know. She is three and already knows all of the scientific names to every
creature that we have. I think that her favorite fish would be the Discus
because they will let her pet them. The D. biocellatus will allow me to
touch it too, it will even sit in my hand, but recently I stopped this
activity, because I will almost certainly get envenomated at some point. I
believe that about covers it, in short nice to meet you all.
Brandon |
|
Brenda L. Furtak 1/15/07
Dear Bob,
I have recently become acquainted with Jeni (Pufferpunk) and through our
discussions, she has suggested that I get in contact with you regarding
assisting your Crew in answering questions on your website. I typically
spend a minimum of two hours every evening researching reef related items on
the Internet and would like to offer my assistance.
<Ahh! Pleased to meet you. Jen had mentioned your contacting us>
My fascination with saltwater aquariums began when I was around 8 years
old.
<A prodigy!>
As a child I would read books and visit pet shops as often as I could.
Since salt water aquariums were so difficult to keep in those days, my
mother would only allow me to have freshwater fish. My father built me a
stand so I could keep two 29 gallon tanks in my bedroom with one below the
other. I would always stay up late viewing my aquarium, just like I do
today.
Now that my son has grown I finally was able to start my life long dream.
My first 90 gallon aquarium was soon followed by a 55 gallon and then a 25
gallon nano. I still keep a 48 gallon freshwater aquarium at home in my
office but suspect that will be converted to saltwater someday.
I have experience with propagation of corals such as leathers, xenia,
mushrooms, Zoanthids, yellow and green star polyps, Anthelia, LPS such as
Candy Cane, Frogspawn, and Torch corals. I have kept SPS corals such as
Montipora for over a year now and have just started keeping Acropora. My
primary love for the hobby is with the Bubble Tip Anemone. I currently keep
five in three different aquariums. I have had the opportunity to watch and
photograph them split. I’ve also had the unfortunate opportunity to see
them near death when I came home to find six inches of water in my 90 gallon
aquarium. I quickly learned that these delicate creatures, with proper
care, could also be strong enough to recover
after being out of water for several hours. The following morning my two
anemones became four--they were tiny and bleached but are now back in good
health.
Since that event, I have always tried to assist others in their BTA
recovery, whether it is a power head incident, expelled zooxanthellae,
chemical war or simply underfed. This year I will be setting up my fourth
saltwater aquarium, which will be dedicated to Rose Bubble Tip Anemones and
a pair of clownfish.
This hobby still fascinates me as it did when I was a child. I continue
to research and expand my knowledge with a wide variety of reef keeping
items every day. If you think my experience is something that would benefit
WetWebMedia, I would be happy to give it a try.
Thank you,
Brenda L. Furtak
<Thank you for coming forward, and welcome to our association.
Bob Fenner> |
|
Mike Giangrasso
A bit about myself, as per request. I am 14 years old, and reside on Long
Island, New York. I have several tanks at the moment, all freshwater breeding
tanks in addition to 1 reef tank, plus numerous Rubbermaid tubs for rearing fry.
I have been keeping glass boxes for about 7 years now.
I have a great interest in freshwater fishes of the family Cichlidae, most
notably the genus Apistogramma. I am intrigued by the complex mating and
behavioral habits of all Cichlid species. At the moment, I have the following
breeding operations going on:
Jellybean Parrots
Rams
Bolivian Rams
Kribensis
Taenius Kribs
Discus
Angelfish
Oscars
Bettas
Dwarf Gouramis
Bristlenose Plecos
Zebra Plecos
Leiurus Pufferfish (no successful raising of fry past 1 month, at this point)
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Laetacara dorsiger
Harlequin Rasboras
Werneri Rainbowfish
Paradise Fish
Chocolate Gouramis (eggs but no fry just yet)
Equally fascinating to me are coral reef ecosystems, namely symbiosis occurring
in coral reefs. My all-time favorite tank is my reef, a 15 gallon long glass
aquarium with 5 gallon Refugium. Innumerous species of coral, fish, and inverts
reside there. I take a lot of pride in the fact that it is only 3 months old,
yet has thriving SPS and clams. I feel that, as long as you fully understand how
an ecosystem works, you can attempt seemingly impossible things. I mentioned
earlier that I was interested in symbiosis. I have nearly every form of
symbiosis in my reef.
Anemone and Clown
Goby and Pistol Shrimp
Christmas Tree Worms
Cleaner Shrimp
Acro Crabs and, of course, Buttfish and Sea Cucumber. I promised to keep it
short and sweet, so I'll sum everything up. I am the founder of
Death byDyeing.org, an organization
geared towards the stopping of dyeing of ornamental aquarium fishes. I am also
the webmaster of PAWS-LI.org, and a
volunteer at my LFS for 4 years. I started out with goldfish, and moved up to
Ritteri Anemones and Tridacnid clams. But didn't we all?
|
|
| Lorenzo (Zo) Gonzalez, WWM/F resident
computer guy. Photographed by JasonC, at about -35 feet, somewhere very near
Cozumel. |
|
|
Welcome Brian Griffin to the Crew Re: Ready
to serve 9/21/08
Added a couple of lines to Bio:
Here's a bio and pic
<Got it! Man! You're old too! B>
Brian
Griffin setup his first saltwater aquarium back in the mid 70’s while
he was attending Florida State University. From that moment on, he fell
in
love with the hobby. Over the years, he has had many reef
aquariums, the
largest being a 8’x4’x2’ lookdown system with a total
of just over 1000
gallons. He became known in the industry when he
started Reefers – A Marine Aquaria Store back in 2000. The company
closed its doors in 2002, but Brian
has stayed in touch with the
industry. His love of this hobby is
unsurpassed. His industry
contacts are above reproach. Brian is an expert
at Internet marketing
and owns a web design business. Recently, he worked with ZeroEdge
Aquarium and helped them bring the ZeroEdge name to a new
level in the industry. Today is "residing" at a LFS located in North
Plainfield, NJ called Ocean Gallery 2
(http://www.oceangalleryii.com). He’ll be sticking with what he
knows best when it comes to answering emails – marina aquaria.
<Will supplant. B>
|
Re: Ready to serve... Lost pic
attached my friend!!
<I'll be... you look younger than your younger pic!
Will place. B>
|
|
WWM Crew: meet Minh Hyunh 12/01/08
Thanks for the touching introduction, Jessy. It's a pleasure, Mr. Fenner.
I do have time throughout the day to contribute to WWM and would like to
give back to the community one way or another. My experience is primarily in
reef tanks, particularly in coral husbandry but I can do my best in other areas
as necessary. If you would like to know more, feel free to ask.
Cheers,
Minh Huynh
<Ahh, please do send along a brief bio. (and pic if you'd like)
for us to
post... so folks can who are interested can know you a little
better.
And... thank you for sharing! Bob Fenner>
WWM Crew meet Minh 12/2/08
Thank you for the kind and warm
welcoming, everyone. I have read many of your responses on WWM over the years
and value your knowledge and experience greatly. I hope to continue to learn
from your expertise as a contributing member of WWM.
I'm usually not very
good at writing about myself but I feel I should not break tradition so here's a
bit of background. I, like many of you, have been keeping aquariums since early
childhood. Before my family immigrated to America, I have fond memories of
helping my grandfather maintain a massive pond of Koi fish in our home in the
central coast of Vietnam. When my family immigrated to America in the early
1990s, I've kept various freshwater, planted and marine aquariums as well as Koi
ponds in hour home in Southern California. At the moment, I am occupied with two
reef aquariums for research in coral husbandry with emphasis on some species
notorious for poor survival in captivity. Some of these species include
Goniopora, Catalaphyllia jardinei and nonphotosynthetic species such as
Dendronephthya and gorgonian (some examples can be viewed here:
http://www.vimeo.com/user853505/videos). I hope my research, along with others
will propel the reef
hobby beyond the frontier of azooxanthellate animal
husbandry. The philosophy I've adopted from some pioneer aquarists place heavy
emphasis on the natural methods like that of the old adage, "More Biology, Less
Technology." Unfortunately, I feel the reef segment of our hobby has
progressively moved away from this philosophy. I hope to be able to offer a
non-contemporary, perhaps retro, spin on the problems facing budding aquarists
today.
I hope to spend some time to get familiarize with WWM and its
intricacies before diving into the deep end so please pardon any silly questions
from this way. Cheers to a great holiday season.
Best wishes,
Minh Huynh
P.S. As requested, attached is a photo of my wife and I at the Aquarium of the
Pacific in Long Beach. Please say "Hi" if you ever see my mug at Scripps Pier.
<Ahh! I do hope to meet you... will you be coming to the SDMAS holiday party
on the 7th? It's at our house in Mira Mesa. Hope to see you here.
BobF>
|
 |
Marina Harding
I have several years of experience in the hobby, retail,
setup/maintenance business, and import/export arenas. First
bitten by "the bug" in 1986, rapidly needed to support my habit. What
soon followed was my employment by an old-timer in the business, who
taught me a great deal. Have experience with freshwater (Africans,
goldies, koi, ponds, livebearers, et al) and saltwater, eventually
becoming the shop's reef specialist, along with some herps/exotics. In
1993 I began working the distribution center of a large retailer. This
is where I met Bob, and after about a ten year hiatus have found myself
here. I also have two sons, now (2004) aged 15 & 17.
And now..
I live in the tiny town of Pioneer, in the lower altitudes of the
California Sierra Nevada Mountains, with my fiancé, youngest son, future
father-in-law, and my "foster" daughter, Frances. We recently
vacationed in Tulamben, Bali, Aug-Sept 2004, where those of us not dive
certified received our PADI certifications. Some photos of our trip can
be seen here:
http://64.202.180.95/Images/images.html
While we're at it, we'd like to greet Ni-Luh, the new daughter of one of
our good friends in Bali, Wayan, and his wife, Ni-Wayan. |
Marina in 2003
Marina at some depth - Tulamben, Bali "The Drop-off".
|
Gage Harford
Wow, this is fun. I am 22, I have an associates degree in computer
technology, used to work web hosting tech support, currently I am in
training for a customer service job.
<Yikes! Another computer type! Well, at least you're customer svc.
oriented (VeryGiantBigG)>
Before college I was a stocker at PetSmart.
<You've been in the pits of Hades!>
I was the aquatics guy for a small pet store in Danville CA (where I grew
up). Up until a week ago I was working at a local fish store in Concord.
<Great! Hey, you're only 22?>
My experience is mainly freshwater tropicals, cichlids, and turtles. I am
working on my first reef tank. I am currently converting my garage into my
fish room.
<Wowzah>
I'm also working on setting up my 125gal freshwater plant tank I have
never been diving, but plan to start someday.
<Ahh, a recruit!>
My current set up includes a 20gal fancy goldfish tank, a 125 gal for my
Mexican musk turtle, a 55 planted freshwater tank, a 55gal for my albino
Oscar (he will be moving to a larger house shortly), a 29gal reef I use the
term reef loosely, more
like a pile of live rock with some mushrooms and leathers hanging around),
and a 72gal pond in the back yard for my three favorite feeder goldfish.
<That about covers all our subject areas...>
So that's me, I have an obsession with this hobby that others could
consider sick, I am sure you understand.
<Umm, you're in good co. here... we're all either similarly "sick" or
others haven't gotten the word yet. Bob F>
|
This is my Mexican Musk turtle "Honey". You could
almost kiss her, well, if you did not mind losing your lips.
|
Mike Haug Bio.
Where do I start, My name is Mike Haug I am 28 years old and I live in
Pittsburgh PA. I got sucked into this hobby about 10 years ago. I first started
out as a hobbyist, then started working for a retail pet store. Then became
manager and now own a online retail store called coral clips. god bless my wife
Nicole for letting me do this!) I can answer questions on advanced reef keeping,
rare fish, and plumbing. I saw too many people give up this hobby due to either
no advice or bad advice. I want to help people, so they do not make the same
mistakes I have made or seen people make over the years. I hope to be a big help
and keep learning myself. Reef keeping is not a hobby but a way of life for me.
|
Hey Mike, send along a pic of your mug, will ya?
|
|
Mike Irving/WWM -02/06/08
Bob,
<Mike>
Have attached 2 pics, but at your discretion the main one called MI (the
other one is just a fun pic!), and the Bio below.
<Ahh, will post>
In addition, you said you were hoping for new help with posting replies to
site. I have a little html knowledge (what do they say about little
knowledge again!) and again, just offer any help I can in that respect.
<As of now, all is copied/pasted... some HTML looking/modifying
format-wise... but for now, we'd just like your help in responding to
queries. Am concerned not to overwhelm folks with the opus est aspects of
WWM. Cheers, BobF>
Cheers, M
BIO
Hey! to all at WWM and its friends, and warm wishes from the UK! My passion
for fish keeping started around 20 years ago, with the humble goldfish,
black moor and shubunkin. I progressed to tropicals after a few years, and
was a fan of the Firemouth! Admittedly, my real experience comes from the
marine side of things and have been a keeper for around 12 years now.
Under-gravel filters, pugnacious damsels, and dead coral – wow, those were
fun days early on. I progressively gathered knowledge with the help of a
very good friend, and the ever increasing forums over here. I’ve since
worked on some of them, and they’ve been a great source of enjoyment to me.
Since those early days, one relationship has continued to stir me; that of
the clownfish and anemone. Having kept some of the most beautiful and rare
species, I’ve had the opportunity to expand my knowledge in all aspects of
the relationship, so don’t mind saying this is where my knowledge excels. In
addition, I also have a passion for cephalopods and in particular, the
cuttlefish. I’ve been lucky enough to be one of the first folks to hatch,
raise, keep, breed (and repeat the process), Sepia bandensis, and supplied
to public aquariums around Europe. Mantis shrimp take my fancy too having
kept a few in my time, but then again, so do a lot of other things in this
hobby; addictive is the word! Anyway, I live in one of the most beautiful
areas of England, with the mountains and lakes just a short journey away;
work for Her Majesty (or at least, her government); and love scuba diving
too! In fact, I’ve enclosed a picture that Bob may be brave enough to share,
from a drift dive I made around Garden reefs in the Red Sea. The other is
from the heart of the Sinai mountains. Looking forward to working with the
rest of the WWM Crew, and all of its followers. Mike
Mike Irving joins the Crew
2-05-08
Warm Greeting, Bob - a wee while...
Hi Bob,
<Mike>
How you doing? Good I hope!
<Fine, thank you>
I have my own site now, really just to give some folks a place to discuss
away from the hustle. It’s not majorly busy, but we get some good
discussions going. Anyway, not here to talk (write!) about that.
I’m here just to offer any service I can to WWM. I’ve lots of experience
this side of the pond in working on the various forums, so there’s that side
of thing, but I do have a number of areas I focus on, which may or may not
be some use to you.
<!>
I claim 2 fields of relative interest and enthusiasm – one you may recall,
being cuttlefish/cephalopods. I hatched, raised, kept, bred and hatched
raised etc a species of cuttle called Sepia bandensis. First here in the UK,
and supplied to Sealife Centres and various specialist keepers. Wrote about
my experiences on a website and have since supplied information and pictures
to publications and articles.
<Ah, yes>
My biggest passion is probably clownfish and anemones. I’m authoring a site
currently, that’s taking longer than I would like, but may illustrate a bit
more (www.clownfishandanemones.com). I’ve kept a fair few pairs in my time,
experimented in some dead-food rearing, and kept some pretty rare clowns (A.
latezonatus) in my time. Same with the anemones.
<Neat... so far so good... Maybe a bit of kibitzing here... but you might
consider adding "other Clownfish pertaining sections of other sites" sort of
links... And I'll gladly send you a copy of the H. malu...>
Don’t know if any of that would come in handy for you, but if it does/could
ever, then it’s at your disposal. If you need some general admin done etc,
menial, give me a shout.
<Will gladly link when you're ready>
Before I go, I took your advice, somewhat belatedly, and learned to dive at
Sharm last year – it was immense!
<Great! We're on our way back there this May... ahead of Interzoo... if
you'd like to come along>
The best thing I have ever done. I was staying in Na'ama bay, and my house
reef was dead, but even then there was all sorts of fish, pipefish, coral
etc. Loved every minute of it, even though I was quite panicky about the
mask removal and replacement exercises, but I soon go those cracked. Dived
at Garden reefs and Sharks reef – you been?
<Oh yes... many times... Always a new experience, things discovered>
Maybe not the best in the Red Sea but it still blew me away. Ended the
course with a nice drift dive at Gardens too. Can’t wait to go back,
hopefully in September this year. Thinking Nuweiba, or maybe the Nabq area
of Sharm. Decisions to make, but those rare ones in life which are nice!
All my best to you, Bob. Hope this finds you well.
Mike Irving.
<Mike, I do hope/trust I am understanding you here. I do welcome your help
on/with WWM... particularly the areas of expertise, topics you feel
comfortable with. If you'd be so kind as to send along a brief bio. for
posting, and a pic (so folks can size you/us up if they're interested)...
I thank you for sharing, helping us all. Bob Fenner |
 |
|
Adam Jackson
Personal Bio: Currently a sophomore in college studying business as my
major, however I am considering switching my major to Marine Biology. I
enjoy a number of activities which all seem to revolve around water,
including swimming, sailing, diving, water polo as well as tending to my
aquariums. I am a self-proclaimed "comedian" and I enjoy using these
abilities to make friends and family laugh.
Hobby Experience: My family has been into freshwater aquariums since
before I was born, however I was never a full participant in the hobby.
My addiction....ummm I mean participation in the Hobby began when an
aprox. 170 gallon aquarium was installed into my families living room
wall and it was decided that it would become a reef tank. The rest is
history and I have spent a large part of my time since then learning and
gaining experience. I have worked in an LFS as the head of marine
livestock and I have also been responsible for the set-up and design of
many private marine aquariums. I guess you could say I am a child of
wetwebmedia having started my "real" research there and gaining the
majority of my information there as well. Now that I have gained my own
experiences I look forward to contributing to the site which has taught
me so much.
|
Re: Tank Questions and Time 1/19/06
Adam,
<Hi.>
My reply may have been a little terse.
Sorry, it wasn't intended to be.
<No worries at all, my friend,
just having fun.>
I understood your reply to be humorous and enjoyed it. I mean honestly, what
person with 6 kids, 1 dog and 2 cats would try to find a hobby for her spare
time??
<Well not that I would ever compare my life to one of that who cares for 6 kids,
I don't have that sort of talent (nor will I ever) but I'm taking 18 units,
working 30 hours a week, trying to balance a new girlfriend, 3 tanks, answer Q's
here and write articles if that makes you feel any better, hehe. Wow didn't know
I was that busy.>
I find the answers on here to be not only informative but entertaining, because
of the humor you all inject into your replies.
<I try my best.>
I won't be relaying your apologies to my husband regarding the grocery money
though-that was NOT a good idea.
<Hehe I understand.>
I don't like to draw attention to
my embezzling activities.
Keep up the good
work.
<Thank you and good luck.>
Cindy
<Adam J.>
|
|
Adam Jenkins
Wet Web Personal bio 6/28/09
Bob,
I noticed I was the only one without a bio. I figure its been a couple of
months. Time to whip one up!
<Yay! Will place>
I'm 31 years old. I currently reside in Ruston, Louisiana. I've kept
freshwater aquariums off and on for most of my life. About 5 years ago I was
introduced to saltwater and was instantly hooked. The last 5 years have been
a blur of reading , research and water changes. Most of my personal
experience is in the nano range( 55 to smaller). I've spent many hours
researching the animals and equipment best suited for them on Wet Web and
other sources. I also have a real interest in macros and true vascular
plants. My current tanks consist of a 30 gallon mixed reef and a 55 seahorse
in the works. 6 Months ago, along with some friends , I started a small
saltwater aquarium forum,
Modern Reef Keeping. Through my site and Wet Web
,I've had the pleasure of meeting some very interesting, knowledgeable
people. It has been a true learning experience. One that I hope will
continue.
Also, my site (MRK )will have will have a booth setup at the Southeastern
Reef Conference in Orlando. One of my sites mod.s will be running it. ( I
can't go. to close to IMAC)
I was wondering if you had the time to maybe stop by the booth for a few? Either way I'm looking
forward to IMAC and meeting you. Adam
<Ahh! Let's do look for each other on the Queen Mary! BobF>
Adam Jenkins 6/30/09
Bob,
I noticed Adam finally sent in a bio, without a pic! So I am taking the
liberty of sending you the only pic of him I have if you wish to post in his
bio. He will no doubt call me later with an opinion on this!
Scott V.
<Real good. Will post. Thank you, BobF>
AdamJ going away 8/24/09
Bob,
It was a pleasure meeting you and some of the other Wet Web guys and
gals at IMAC but with my with other responsibilities I'm afraid I no
longer have time to help out at Wet Web. I have enjoyed my short time
here and greatly appreciated the opportunity to help my fellow reefers.
Hopefully in the future, with time permitting, I can rejoin you guys.
Adam Jenkins
<Ahh! Will look forward to your return Adam. Thank you. BobF>
|
 |
Jorie Johnson
With regards to what type of questions I'd be comfortable answering, I'd
like to stick to mostly FW fish for the time being. I can answer simple
planted aquarium questions, as I do have a 44 gal. planted FW community
tank, but you've already Sabrina, who I consider to be the WWM FW aquarium
plant (and invert, for that matter) "goddess"! And, on that subject, I would
be able to answer relatively simple / standard FW invert questions (I've
kept ghost, Amano, cherry, and Singapore wood shrimp both in the past and
currently), but again, I imagine the more difficult questions would be
directed toward Sabrina. I would consider myself to be most knowledgeable
about 1) rainbowfish (I
currently have 3 big, beautiful boesemanis, and although I don't have any
threadfins at the moment, I've kept them in the past and am looking to get
more. I've done a considerable bit of research on rainbowfish, as I had a
great deal of trouble with the species when I first began); 2) livebearers,
esp. mollies (I personally like the hybrid balloon lyretail varieties, but
Ananda, due to a recent move, was kind enough to give me some of her more
"standard" sailfin ones - they are most beautiful as well and I'm starting
to enjoy them more and more each day!; 3) bettas (I have two and due to
losing their predecessors from old age, have done a fair amount of research
on that species as well). Aside from the really "oddball" FW fish (incl.
puffs, which I haven't had the luxury of being able to keep yet, due to not
having enough tanks - I'm sure everyone at WWM can relate to that!), I think
I'd be able to field beginner to advanced beginner type questions. I'm
probably not ready for super-difficult ones yet, but I'm still learning! I
do have some experience with dosing medications (antibiotics and
antiparasitics), but would not consider myself an expert in that area. In
the future, perhaps I'd be able to help out in the BW community as well.
I'm just in the process of setting up a 29 gal. BW tank, and again, due to
Ananda's recent move, I was lucky enough to inherit two knight / fandance
gobies from her; I plan to do lots and lots of research on caring for the
pair well, as I've grown quite attached to them! I have dabbled in keeping
some of my smaller molly tanks in BW conditions, but mollies, as you know,
are very forgiving fish in a certain sense. So, if there are easy BW
questions you want to lob my way, that should be OK also.
Don't know if you are looking for personal info. to share with the
crew/public as well...really briefly, I'm 30, living in the NW burbs of
Chicago with my boyfriend Chris (and 2 cats!), working during the days as a
litigation paralegal, some evenings and weekends at Starbucks, mainly for
the great discount, and in the process of applying to part-time evening
program law schools for Sept. 2005. I've been keeping fish for about 2 yrs.
now, and I owe the majority of my knowledge to the good folks at WWM who
have taken the time to respond with patience (for the most part!) and
intellect. I've also made some good friends just from the time I've spent on
the internet with you folks, and for that, I'm also grateful. |
I'm not sure if this somehow got lost in the shuffle, but are the
explanations/descriptions below about myself and my fishy "skill set"
sufficient for a bio? If not, let me know and I'll try to give you
something else (just let me know what you are looking for). This seems
to be in line with what many of the other crew members have sent you, so
I figured it was OK.
Also, here's a recent pic. of me with one of my kitties, also called
Bob...
Take care, Jorie
And here's Jor in HI 5/06!
|
Leslie Leddo
Hi Bob,
<Leslie>
I am an avid fan/reader of your web site, books, articles and of course
photography. I recently saw a response in FAQs about your need for some
additional help answering questions. I am not sure how long ago it was
posted or if you are still looking for volunteers but if you are I would
love to help however I can.
<Ahh, "just in the nick of time" as the saying goes... perhaps just enough
margin to "get in a/the groove" before a bunch of us are out to Germany and
Egypt next month>
I have to say that my experience is short in terms of length in the hobby
compared to many of you but it has been filled with many experiences some of
which, at the time, I really would have rather passed on but in retrospect I
can see just how valuable they all were and how much I have learned and
grown. I have been blessed to be guided by a few wonderful mentors who used
to tell me that the 1000's of questions I bombarded them with on a regular
basis would some day be paid forward, so to speak, giving back and sharing
what I have learned to help others. Did you by chance see that amazing movie
Pay It Forward? If not I highly recommend it!! Keep the Kleenex box close
by. I have learned so much from my many mistakes & successes, from you, the
crew here, and from all the wonderful hobbyists who have allowed me to help
them . I have been moderating on the seahorse boards for almost 4 years. I
currently help to administrate www.syngnathid.org as well as moderate
several forums there.
<Ahh, did not see this movie (yet) but will try to on your recommendation.
Am familiar with the concept and abide by it>
I started about 8 years ago or so with a fish bowl. Yup I bought a fish
bowl. I just had to have it. It was a drum shaped 1g bowl that sat inside of
a ceramic frame consisting of 3 adorable little kittens laying around the
bowl. I had a bowl so I had to get a fish right? Funny thing is I used to
have nightmares about fish when I was a kid. I rescued a Betta from one of
those little plastic jars in the LFS. I progressed to fancy goldfish in a
small tank, then a bigger tank, a black ghost knifefish, a Reed fish and on
to Discus and Rams for a short while. One day perusing in the LFS I stumbled
upon captive bred seahorses from Ocean Rider.....I fell in love, have been
enamored ever since. Here I am 8 tears, woops I mean years later. Yes there
have been tears, plenty of them but the pleasure and benefits far outweigh
any sadness or disappointments.
My marine knowledge & experience is limited to basic marine aquarium
keeping, seahorses, specifically seahorse disease and treatment, species
identification, some breeding and rearing, tankmates, more recently (the
last 2 years) puffers and a new Zebra Moray. I am also interested in Anglers
but do not have one yet. I had an amazing Midnight Dogface Puffer and have
learned quite a bit about these wonderful endearing creatures. I recently
lost my first Puffer, who was my all time favorite fish to a hunger strike I
could not persuade him to break. I cried like I had lost one of my best
friends. I still get tearful when I think about it. I have some experience
with dentistry ...Puffer dentistry, that is :), as well as tube feeding
seahorses when all else has failed. I am passionate about these creatures I
care for and would be honored to share that passion with others. My
experience is lacking in some of the more technical aspects of aquarium
keeping like chemistry, lighting, reef keeping and inverts. I currently keep
ONLY captive bred seahorses but have had experience with wild caught
seahorses as well. I have kept both temperate and tropical tanks and almost
all if not all the species currently available. I also have a FOWLR tank and
have set up a new tank for a Warty Frogfish! Can't wait to find one!!!
<Am looking for anglers daily while diving in HI>
I have 2 wonderful Doberman pinchers.....Kali and Willie they are 11 and 8
respectively and have had quite a bit of experience training, specifically
using operant conditioning/clicker training as it is affectionately called.
I assisted a local animal behaviorist with his puppy and obedience classes
for several years. I toy with using some of these techniques deliberately
with my wet pets and actually had begun to work with my puffer to try and
get him to eat get him to eat shelled seafood which he was not to fond of,
as well as to diminish his incessant begging behavior which always made me
feel guilty for not responding and indulging his every whim.
I am a registered nurse since I can remember.....27 or so years, working in
Labor and Delivery and High Risk Obstetrics, in the hospital setting. I take
care of pregnant women with any complication of pregnancy you can imagine
and then some :). I believe that my medical background has been a great
asset in caring for my animals and the reason I seem to delve so deeply for
answers. I have always been intrigued by the how and why of things.
<A full life for sure>
I know my limits and when I am in over my head. I have no trouble asking for
help. I post from my own experiences good and bad as well as research my
responses. I read what ever I can get my hands on. The Conscience Marine
Aquarist was my first and is my favorite marine book. I love your warm light
hearted writing style. It is fun and at the same time informative and easy
to read. I refer to it on a regular basis. In fact I just had to purchase my
second copy because it was so well worn that the pages were falling out and
kept getting mixed up. Drove me nuts.
<I don't even have a copy!>
I had an article published in FAMA called Mycobacteriosis: An Infection You
Could Acquire From Your Aquarium . It is also posted in the Library of
syngnathid.org
http://www.syngnathid.org/ubbthreads/showarticles.php
along with an article on UV and tube feeding seahorses......if you would
like to have a look at my writing style there are also many posts on the
board. I have had the great honor and privilege of working with Pete Giwojna
on his soon to be released book on seahorse husbandry. My love of
photography and my wet pets has in the last few years taken a new twist
which I never in a million years expected. I started receiving requests to
use my photos on the internet first then in FAMA's monthly column Horse
Forum and most recently they have been published by TFH in Alisa Abbott's
book The Complete Guide to Dwarf Seahorses in the Aquarium as well as will
be featured almost exclusively in Pete's new book I mentioned above. My
photos can be seen in the following places if you would like to have a look:
-The Syngnathid.org Species Galleries
http://www.syngnathid.org/ubbthreads/PP/index.php
,
-The Syngnathid.org Member's Gallery
http://www.syngnathid.org/ubbthreads/PP/index.php
,
-syngnathid.org in the rotation of photos on the main page
http://www.syngnathid.org
-Bob Goemans site
http://www.saltcorner.com
-http://www.oceanrider.com
-Reefcentral's Reef Keeping Online magazine
http://www.reefkeeping.com/ has accepted a series of
my photos for use in their Reef Slides monthly column.
-http://www.oceana.org and Gateway
Learning Corporation also purchased one of my photos for educational
purposes
<I wish you could have been out here this go... we've been out with Carol
and Craig (and Dylan and Cooper their twin boys) of Ocean Rider a few times,
and a dinner party or two here... Carol was over to recover her salad bowl
last night... Am sure you would have enjoyed meeting, chatting with them...
perhaps next time>
If you are interested and need photographs of seahorses, puffers or any of
their tankmates I would be also be honored to share my photos on your web
site or for any of your various projects. I shoot both transparencies and
digital.
<Ah, good>
Let me know if the your crew could use another volunteer - it would be a
great honor and privilege to work with you and your crew and share my
experience with your readers.
Thanks so much for your generous commitment to the hobby and for your time
and help over the years.
Sincerely, Leslie
<Thank you for coming forward. I am cc'ing your message here to the WWM Crew
and welcome you to join us. Would it be okay to post much of what is here as
your bio?
Please feel free to "grab" what questions you find in the "general" in-box,
or return ones that end up in your personal folder that you'd rather not
respond to... There are a few conventions that we try to adhere to...
placing a title on the responses, not responding to queries in ALL CAP'S!
What have you. Am sure others will respond/welcome you here. Again, thank
you for sharing. WWM is a wonderful tool for informing and inspiring
others... and a good start at encouraging awareness, stewardship of our
planet. I thank you for being part of it with us. Bob F>
|
Re: Volunteering
Hi Bob!!!
WOW!! I am honored. I am so excited.....just thrilled to have you accept
my offer, to be part of such a wonderful group and have another avenue to
share my passion. Thank you so much. I am glad the timing is right.
<I as well. Please make it known what sorts of categories of questions you
prefer... other than syngnathids>
Germany and Egypt.....sounds like a lot of fun. Please stay safe.
<We will>
I am so sorry I missed Carol and Craig. Were they here in CA or were you in
Hawaii?
<Out here on the Big Island. If you can make it I hope to have some of the
folks, particularly those that aren't coming out next month, come on over
for any part of the first two weeks of July... we have a house here>
I would have loved to have met them and those boys!! Carol sent me a photo
and they are just adorable!! I have spoken to them once or twice on the
phone and have emailed back and forth quite a bit. Yes please feel
free to use whatever you would like from my email for my bio.
<Will do>
I look forward to joining you all and participating in this great journey.
Thank you so much for a wonderful opportunity!!
Leslie
<A pleasure to meet you. Bob F> |
WWM Mac, Lewis attack/joining
Mac Lewis here. I just got back from IMAC and wanted to drop you
guys a note. I wanted to thank you Bob, Anthony and Scott, for the discussions
on breeding the dwarf angelfish. This is something I am very interested in after
two years of research and if you could put me in touch with the right people I
would definitely appreciate it. As you know, I was up there to teach people how
to frag corals. I think it went very successfully and worked out quite well
with several newbies learning how to frag some new corals.
<Great>
Bob, you suggested that I come on board to volunteer so tell me how I can help
you?
<Mmm, a few ways. Help answer queries if you have the time, notion... write (for
pay) articles/content for our new on-line zine...>
I am honored that you guys think I might be of some assistance to you on
WetWebMedia. Let me tell you a little more about myself. I've had fish tanks
since I was ten years old. I began with the standard freshwater tank. But, I
fell in love with fish. In the early 1980's, a friend convinced me to try a
saltwater tank and I've been hooked ever since. During that time I supplemented
my income by breeding some Africans and Cory's, angels, discus and Uaru's. I
worked in a very successful pet store in Lexington Kentucky where I moved up in
the ranks to order the fish and work with the birds. Lansdowne Pets was one of
the first pet stores to bring in live rock. I will NEVER forget the smell of
that 120 gallon curing 200 lbs of Caribbean live rock. Or the sight of my first
wet/dry filter. I've continued with my love of saltwater creatures, but have
expanded what I do with them a bit. We make custom acrylic tanks on a very
limited basis and of course my tank is one of them. I'm currently running a 120
gallon tank with an 18 gallon refugium up above it that feeds into the
tank. There's a 30 gallon wet/dry sump located beneath the tank. I find the
refugium balances the
nitrates. I also have a percula breeding tank that's a 40 square and am setting
up a 180 fish only tank because I miss my fish AND the ones in my reef have to
be moved. I've kept a wide diversity of fish over the years, from hatching
sharks to keeping seahorses. I have a bachelors degree in English and
Government from Centre College of Kentucky.
Once again, just let me know how I can be of help to you guys.
Mac Lewis
<What say you Mac...? Bob Fenner>
Mac's in... Yay!
Count me in. Sounds like fun. Oh and I have a picture of you from IMAC if
you are interested in it?
<... a tough one. Okay. Will be posting your note as your bio. on WWM unless you
have other you'd prefer...
Do you have a state-able preference for topics, categories of queries you'd like
to field? Please state if so... We have a few conventions which you'll soon
learn re responding format... and Thank You for your help, participation.
Bob F>
|
Mac, we'd like to get to know you! |
Gwen Loiselle
Hello folks, thanks for the welcome!
My experience is mostly in freshwater. I am a typical hobbyist and have
been keeping freshwater for over 8 years now. Since I work in retail I have
basic knowledge of many fish species, and have hands-on experience with
everything from guppies to Asian Arowanas. I also have a couple years of
saltwater experience but have only begun keeping marine tanks at home, since
about a year ago. At work I have short-term experience with many different
species of fish and corals, etc. My strengths lie in troubleshooting,
helping people deal with water parameters, cycling, filtration, and
controlling algae problems. I specialize in keeping catfish, oddballs, and
preds. I am currently a member of Toms Place, (the site that hosts the FAAS)
where I moderate the Catfish forum. I have been a member of the Montreal
Aquarium Society for 4 years, and am the secretary and FAAS <Federation of
American Aquarium Societies, a club of clubs> chairperson, also I co-chair
the auction. I also created a simple website for them and I maintain it.
I am honored to be in the company of such experts :) and am happy to help
out. Thanks to you all for the nice welcome.
Marina, special thanks :)
Gwen |
|
Oliver Lucanus - Potential New Crew Member
Dear Bob,
<Chuck>
Hope you are well and not working too hard. Actually, I am writing for three
reasons. One is to let you know that I will be out of town this weekend speaking
at the Cichlid Classic in Chicago and will not be back until late Mon. night so
I will be unavailable for questions.
<Hotay>
Secondly, I may be working out of town for the next month or so and this will
limit my time on WWM to weekends.
<What's your bosses name, number...?>
I will keep you updated. Third is the possibility for a new recruit to the crew.
A couple of weeks ago I had one of our speakers stay at my house and I was
explaining to him what we do at WWM. He very much liked the concept of what we
do and offered his help if needed. His name is Oliver Lucanus from Montreal,
Canada.
<Oh, yes! I know of Oliver>
He has traveled all over the world and is an expert on South American and West
African FW fishes. You can check him out on his website at Belowwater.com. He
does travel quite a bit but I feel that he does have something to offer when he
does have time to answer questions. Let me know what you think. Tell Pete that
Carol and I say Hello. Chuck
<It would be great if he can spare the time. Please do send my message along and
let's sign him up! BobF>
Greetings to Oliver, Newest WWM Member
Chuck says I should write to you directly,
<Yes, please. Either here or fennerrobert@hotmail.com>
I had told him that I could answer some questions if you want. Would love to
get a link to your site.
<Will gladly place this link (think it is already on the FW links page, and
even a freebie "ad" on the FW subweb in grateful exchange for your assistance
here.
We have a few simple conventions in responding that am sure you will recognize,
adapt/adopt... Your inbox: Oliver... but you will find that most all freshwater
queries are placed in the FRESHWATER inbox (or can be sieved from the general
in-box... Please feel free to respond to any, all... Do send along a brief bio.
for posting re our "Crew" page and pic if you'd like... and do make it known
where I can get a banner to post on the FW subweb for your business.
Thank you for sharing, Bob F>
Best Regards,
Oliver Lucanus
Below Water
http://www.belowwater.com
<<Oliver,
Welcome to this craziness! I've briefly perused your site, and am very
impressed. No time at the moment to give you the "custom" welcome, outlining
P&P, etc., but Bob's got one or two of my most recent rundowns somewhere on site
(apologies, Bob, I didn't bookmark 'em).
Quick question - is the Geophagus jurupari no longer a member of this genus? I
see it noted by Chuck as Satanoperca jurupari, no notation in the summary on
fishbase.
Thanks, welcome, stay COOL everyone (summer seems to finally be here!), and
keep on truckin'
Marina >>
Hi Marina,
Yes, it is Satanoperca now (along with the artists formerly known as Geophagus
daemon, leucosticta, lilith and acuticeps), basically all the pointed snout fish
are now Satanoperca. Most of the fish known as S. jurupari in the trade and in
our books are actually S. leucosticta (the real nice ones with the fully spotted
gill plate) - the real jurupari is a less exciting fish.
Best Wishes, O.
PS: Summer here in Canada has been cancelled. It is still cold, rainy and ugly.
|
Oliver videoing UW in Brazil
O. Lucanus born near Munich, Germany has been keeping
fish for over 30 years. He has been wholesaling fish from all over
the world for 15 years and has traveled to many countries to see the
places our aquarium fish come from. His specialty are freshwater fish
from South America, Asia and Africa. |
Michael Maddox
Hello - Michael Maddox here. I'm a student of Marine Biology, soon to be
attending Texas A&M university. I've spent countless tens of hours poring over
anything having to do with marine fish and corals, as well as the archives
regarding dosing, lighting, etc. I've also practically memorized ALL of the
fresh\brackish\marine puffer FAQs (I love puffer fish!). I've read just about
any aquarium book I can get my hands on, and am a member and frequent peruser of
at least 6 aquarium message boards. I've had marine\brackish\freshwater
aquariums for 10 years (got my first marine for my 10th birthday and never
stopped), and I also moderated the American Online aquatic support forums for
two years.
The reason I'm including such information about myself: I recently saw a
response by Glen in the Daily FAQs about you guys being volunteers and being
short handed. The above paragraph is basically a quick resume about my
experience, as I'd like to volunteer some time answering questions. I don't feel
that I know enough about corals and some other reef animals to answer questions
regarding them, but I can definitely answer marine and freshwater fish
care\disease\treatment questions, as well as other more basic questions. If I
felt that I wasn't capable of answering a particular question should the WWM
crew decide to take me on as a volunteer, I could leave it to someone else, I
hope? I have no problems admitting when I'm in over my head!
Let me know if the crew could use another volunteer - I'd be honored.
Michael Maddox - Houston
<Michael, thank you for coming forward. Would you tell us a bit more about your
pet-fish experience? What field/s do you feel comfortable responding to in
general? Fresh, brackish, marine... given groups of organisms, aspects of their
husbandry? Bob Fenner>
Michael Maddox addl. bio. material
Read my other emails first, as this is a follow-up for some things I forgot
to include in the email regarding volunteer work for wetwebmedia.com. As a side
note, I've extensive HTML experience, have created many sites both privately and
professionally. I work as a computer tech while a student majoring in marine
biology, and know as much about computers as I do aquariums - so if you guys
need any help moving FAQs, updating the site, or any other computer related
questions I most likely could answer those as well.
Michael Maddox
<Ahh, all useful skills. Bob Fenner>
Regarding my personal aquarium experience, I've had the following aquariums I
have had set up over the last 10 years:
20 gallon ornamental goldfish
20 gallon percula\anemone tank (mostly for my younger sister, took it down after
3 years when the anemone died and moved the clown fish into my 55)
20 gallon brackish (brackish water puffers, figure 8's are awesome)
55 gallon fish only, in which I housed a 2" porcupine puffer until it grew to 8"
(that took close to 5 years) 40 gallon reef with 10 gallon sump\refugium (pretty
much soft corals only) 10 gallon brackish (housed small brackish water puffers
until they got larger). Not sure if I should include this or not, but a 20
gallon from which I reared a red eared turtle from a 1" baby until it outgrew
the tank at 6" (not all these systems were set up at the same time, never had
more than 2 or 3 aquariums at once due to lack of room)
<Well-rounded aquatic experience indeed>
None of my aquariums have been very large: I share a small room with my brother
and have no place to put them (grr!).
<A blessing>
All I have set up right now is the 40 gallon reef and the 20 gallon brackish
tank. I took down the 55 gallon when my porky died after 5 years due to an
intestinal infection I wasn't able to cure. I had been about to move him into a
90 gallon, but right before the move he got sick and died. I feel I can answer
most questions regarding saltwater fish care\diseases\feeding\disposition, as
well as marine tank basics\set ups\filtration\lighting, etc. I'm familiar with
the common and scientific name of hundreds of marine fish, so I shouldn't be too
bad at identifying fish either. I don't feel I know enough to answer questions
regarding to corals or anemone feeding\diseases. I have my own reef tank, but
as I haven't had it very long (6 months) I don't feel I know enough to answer
specific coral and other invertebrate questions. I can answer reef basics, such
as lighting\skimming\water quality, etc.
<Any queries you feel uncomfortable responding to, please send back to the
general "in-box">
I'm not as familiar with freshwater, but I can definitely answer care, feeding,
disease, disposition questions regarding most of the popular freshwater fish;
such as cichlids, tetras, discus, livebearers, goldfish, and especially
freshwater puffers. Basics such as tank setups, water quality, filtration,
'what should the water quality be for fish X' questions I should have no
problems with. I can definitely answer brackish water questions, especially
regarding brackish water puffers.
<Ah, perhaps Jeni and Ananda can use your assistance>
I'm familiar with the scientific names\life cycles of most aquatic
parasites. Due to my friends working at pet stores and me being there all the
time, I've seen many diseases and their treatments (both what works and what
doesn't). I'd consider myself good at identifying and treating various
parasitic, fungal and bacterial diseases, but not the best.
About me:
I'm Michael Maddox, 20 years old (no gray hairs yet!), live an hour north of
Houston, Texas. I don't have a lot of official aquatic employment, but I'm
friends with people that have been the aquatic specialist for various aquatic
distributors. Most of my friends have 90+ gallon reefs and fish only systems
(someday I'll have my own house...)
<Yes>
I volunteered for the America Online Aquatic Help message board moderator for 2
years, where I answered various fresh and marine fish care and tank care
questions via email and board posts for hobbyists and exporters under the
username YGoM. I transfer to Texas A&M university in Galveston, Texas in two
more semesters with a major in Marine Biology. I would like to be a Curator of
Aquatics at a large public aquarium or Zoo when I "grow up" (my Mom says that
will be a while). Have already completed basic biology and chemistry
classes. I would say I'm familiar with chemistry in general, especially water
chemistry, and can adeptly explain water quality questions (ammonia, nitrite,
nitrates, pH, alkalinity\buffer capacity, DOCs and their removal, etc).
<Good>
If I don't know something, I'm willing to learn it. Spend about 4 hours a night
reading anything I can find about aquariums, especially about corals and puffers
(I love pufferfish). Currently trying to volunteer at various places in hopes
of learning as much as I can (going to have to know a lot about a lot for my
job, like you guys do). I plan on interning at the A&M sea turtle hatchery and
at Moody Gardens in Galveston when I transfer there in two semesters.
<Outstanding>
I also have read\have lots of experience with computers, both Apple and PCs
(though more with PCs). I've read an extensive amount about computers as well,
hold an A+ certification, and have worked in the PC tech field for 4 years. So
if the site or servers needed any troubleshooting\updating, I'd do my best :)
Thanks for taking me into consideration, be an honor to work with you guys.
Michael Maddox
<Michael, welcome to our Crew. We have certain conventions in responding
(making, placing a title to responses, deleting empty lines... and deleting
responded to queries). Much of this you will become familiar with a little
experience, others here will help familiarize you. Thank you for joining with
us. Bob Fenner> |
Mike's Updated Bio... 4/05
Michael Maddox here, 21 now (oh yeah!), live in
Hewston, Tayxes, and have had something wet and alive in my room since I
was six (I've brought my parents much joy, let me tell you). Started
marine FOWLR aquariums when I was 10, and started my first reef only 1.5
years ago. Once I started marine, I never really looked back, as
saltwater life is much more interesting to me. I currently have one 12
gallon nano reef (my dorm tank) that's 90% LPS, with a few softies and
mmyyyyyy PRECIOUSSSSS maxima clams. In
the past, I have kept everything from freshwater
community fish, freshwater invertebrates, brackish
water puffers, and finally marine fish, then corals.
(As well as turtles, salamanders\'waterdogs',
frogs\tadpoles, and whatever else I could catch -
spent half my life in a ditch.)
When I'm not reading about aquariums or staring at my aquarium, I'll stare
at women (hahaha, I mean, nothing...), occasionally study (marine
bio\marine zoology major), and pursue my second favorite pastime, rock
climbing.
Michael M and siblings. That's Michael on the far right.
My areas are fish (anything except maybe
angels and butterflyfish) but especially clownfish and pufferfish,
anemones, and gastropods.
<Will place on your bio... hopeful folks will refer to it. Bob F>
|
Paul Mansur/WWM
It has been my life's ambition to work within the Reef domain since I
was young. As always dreams are put on hold to make a mark in the world.
Only recently have I made the effort into delving into this beautiful,
complex, life sustaining endeavor.
I am currently a student here in the Bay Area enrolled in Marine
Biology/Oceanography courses and plan on pursuing this as my major. I have
been dive certified for a few years now, and I am in process of finishing my
dive mastership by June this year 2003. I have been lagging in this area due
to time constraints. Between course/curriculum diving and recreational
diving I can usually get in roughly 50 dives a year. I have done a great
deal of diving from Monterey to Palau and various areas between. I have a
few very good friends in Palau and have spent over 20 days there, and I have
been lucky enough to go on some amazing dives. Some of my dives were to help
out their local ecology through the Palau Conservation Society's
crown-of-thorn cleanups, which in turn eased the vulnerability of these
suffering reefs due to the '97 El Nino occurrence. Lastly, I am in process
of volunteering in the Coral Husbandry department at the Monterey Bay
Aquarium. I will start in April in what I hope to be a first step in
possibly switching careers.
I have been keeping fresh water 80 and 100 gallon African Cichlid
Aulonocara "peacock" tanks for well over seven years. I have various male
and female pairs of mostly Aulonocara raised from the fry stage. I have also
created various defined breeding profiles for the Iodotropheous sprengerae
"Rusty" and Sciaenochromis fryeri "Electric Blue". In addition, I have
successfully been able to trigger captive egg release of Gold Marble Angel
fish (Pterophyllum scalare) in a 30 gallon Amazon planted tank. (No male to
mate with though) Only recently, I moved into the reef realm of aquarium
keeping. I have 3 tanks, all on the smaller scale of reefscaping: 10 gallon
shallow biotope, a 20 gallon mixed coral (mostly soft), and a 30 gallon that
is in the process of becoming a lagoonal biotope of the Indo Pacific. I am
most proud to state that all coral in the 20 gallon are captive farmed
animals. I am in the process of doing research for the right captive bred
and tank raised fish for each aquarium (if any at all). A 30 gallon captive
bred seahorse tank is in the works as well with more aquariums to come, of
course. I am also working with a leading live marine foods breeder on
experimentation of food sizes/stuffs for varying harder to keep corals and
fish. We are searching for some growth patterns and possible breeding
success to document for future products as well as a longer captive success
of these animals.
Although I am a Marine Biology major, I still know what side my bread is
buttered. I make my living (sellin' my time) as a computer associate for
Hitachi Data Systems. HDS is a fantastic company with a bright future and a
real pleasure to work for with cool technology to boot. I have been in the
computer industry since 96 and mostly self-taught. Better than digging
ditches! (at a - cost per hard physical labor - point of view anyway,
nothing against you ditch diggers, tho').
I look forward to the challenge before me as the many hobbyists will force
me to learn on things I ordinarily would not have any inclination to learn
about. I am appreciative of the chance to work with such esteemed and
knowledgeable volunteers as are here at Wetwebmedia. They have all been very
helpful to me in the past, and it is the least I can do to help out an
industry that has been so forthcoming to me. I am especially grateful for
the chance to work with Bob Fenner and Anthony Calfo who are giants among
men in this industry. Thank you for the chance to serve the great hobbyists
of Wetwebmedia |
PAUL! How long has it been now? Sheesh.
|
Cody May
I live in Kalispell, Montana and I am 14 years old. I was 7 when I got my
first tank (saltwater). I now have a 75 gal. FOWLR, 80 gal. reef and a 240 in
the planning stages. My specialties (or things I sometimes know what I'm
talking about) are marine fish, soft and LPS corals. I currently work at the
only Aquarium shop in town and have been working there for a little over a
year. I discovered WWM about 1 year ago and don't think I've left the computer
since. Let me know if I can be any help, Cody May.
|
Cody, Cody. Where for art thou, Cody?
|
Jim McDavid
Hello Bob, thank you for your invitation, and I look forward to helping out.
Here is my long winded brief bio as per your request. :) I tend to be brevity
challenged, so I'll do my best for you. :) I was born in 1970, and I've been
obsessed with everything fish since I was 3 years old. I started out back then
(and remain to this day) an avid Bass fisherman. That's where it all started I
suppose.
I've been keeping marine and freshwater tanks for around 20 years now.
It started back in high school with my aunt giving me her used 55 gallon tank. I
stocked the tank with a few Oscars and other odds and ends, and read and
devoured everything I could get my hands on about fish. Articles and books by
Martin Moe and Herbert Axelrod filled my book shelf. Soon the 55 became a 135
gallon marine tank, which became a 180.
I cycled through keeping marine fish, and breeding various species of Central
American, South American and African cichlids during the following years. Some
years later I was fortunate for a time to have an indirect link to Stuart Grant,
so I was able to obtain some of the rarer wild African cichlid species right
from the lakes themselves. When I was in junior college I got a job at a large
fish store which had upwards of 200 tanks. I had the responsibility of
maintaining, medicating and stocking these tanks. While working there I became
even more intimately familiar with hundreds marine species. With access to so
many species, I think I kept almost everything at one time or another during
that period. Being able to observe so many fish, many for an extended period of
time gave me invaluable perspective as to their relative hardiness in comparison
to each other. Some of this I had to relearn in following years since collection
methods back then skewed my perspective on certain species. I found out some
were much hardier than my early experiences seemed to indicate due to rampant
cyanide use back then. I've been very pleasantly surprised in that regard with
many species. In the years since, although I've kept up my interest in both
freshwater and marine aquaria, my main interest nowadays is marine tanks for the
most part, for space reasons if nothing else. Just no room for everything I want
to keep! I've been a board member of the Pacific Coast Cichlid Association in
the past, although it's been about 2 years now since I've kept a freshwater tank
of any type. Although I currently maintain reef tanks, and I've been successful
at raising corals and Tridacnid clams, I remain a dyed in the wool fish
geek. I'd say my areas of specialty in the marine fish realm (aside from
general setup, maintenance, stocking, etc) would be groupers, triggers and
angelfish.
Aside from that I can answer in detail questions on other species, with the
exception of gobies and blennies. I really never developed an interest in those
fish, so they represent a hole in my knowledge for the most part.
I currently maintain an in-wall 150 gallon reef which aside from
assorted corals and clams, includes an imperator angel, a pair of maroon clowns
and a snooty Maori wrasse! My next project will be a dedicated 120 gallon
undulatus tank.
Please let me know if you require further information.
Cheers, Jim
|
Oh Jim! We're still waiting for that photo! |
Josh McMillen
Bob... Josh "the edit guy" again, one fish, two squish 9/22/05
Bob,
Time does fly by, and I apologize for my late response here. My wife
and I are actually purchasing our first home and I'm sure you can appreciate
the paperwork/run around there (hopefully we close tomorrow!).
<Congrats!>
I do, however, have some bad news. Apparently I'm not eighteen anymore! This
one
caught me off guard this morning (after about fifteen drinks, four hours
sleep, and my usual 5:30 alarm for work). Engagement parties due have their
place I suppose, but at least I now know mine. Twenty-five is old enough to
stop gallivanting around like an idiot. Now to the answer. Time and
interest I've got in spades! To consider my self proficient in anything
always seems to bring about a laziness I would rather avoid. My areas of
most comfort (and least second guessing) would have to be basic water
chemistry, husbandry, and compatibility (tank size/mates, etc.) of marine
tanks. I feel quite comfortable on the basic ID questions (worms, sponges
and the like) of which I know you get many. I'm not yet comfortable on
anymore than basic coral ID because I've resisted buying them for probably
too long now. I only like to move forward in definite steps without sudden
"What do I do now!?" situations. Mushrooms and zoanthids are all that I've
taken in. If any of this seems useful, then it is yours. If you would like
a more seasoned vet, then you will hear from me yet! (Not meant threateningly of
course:)
Josh
P.S. I didn't mean to sound like Dr. Seuss either!
<Mmm, I hear a Who... and would like it very much, much more than I can touch,
if you'd join us... in responding to what you feel comfortable with, have time
for... What say you Ted (Geisel), I mean Josh? BobF>
|
New WWM Crew member "Joshua McMillen" 9/23/05
Welcome, Joshua! Glad to have you with us!
We actually just welcomed a couple folks last week, so
I'm kinda cutting/pasting what I gave them regarding
"how it works", so please feel free to ask any questions.
Basic conventions to follow: Anything in the inbox,
fresh, marine, brackish, and pond folders that has not
been answered is up for grabs. Move any questions you
wish to answer into your folder before answering them;
this helps to prevent sending multiple replies on one question.
When you reply, try to follow the same "style" that we use
<Your replies in carrots>
Mmmm, carrots....
<Tasty carrots!>
And remove blank spaces and such.
Also, it might be worthwhile to copy/paste into
Microsoft Word so you can use spell-check.
Once you've sent the reply, it should automatically
save a copy in the "Sent" folder. You can then delete
the original message (don't delete the reply that was
saved in the Sent folder; we need that).
Feel free to take any questions that you feel
comfortable with.
Take a look at our Daily FAQs and other related
sections to kinda "get a feel" for it all (links
below) and feel free to ask any questions.
Thank you for your assistance with WWM!
-Sabrina
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/daily_faqs.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/faqsonfaqs.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/faqstips.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com
/QueryCorrsRefPg.htm
<Thank you Sabrina... am saving your input for future others... BobF>
Bob,
I hope your holiday was as fun as mine! My family has left town now and
I'm finally getting back to the normal routine, so I thought I'd finally
send some pics. along. My wife snapped a few of me and I'm adding some
others from my tank. Didn't know which picture of me was best as I never
like my photos (weird phobia of them since I was about 9), so I just sent
them all. Now, if I can just write that bio..... - Josh
<Do so, please. Will post. BobF>
|
|
Justin Miedwig
Born in Elgin, IL, one of the farthest possible places from an
ocean, I somehow found my way to the saltwater addiction that we have
all come to know and love. Having been in the hobby for over thirteen
years, I have kept just about every type of reef setup possible. I have
always been one to experiment with unusual
DIY projects and non-traditional reef keeping methods hence
earning the nickname Dr. J: The Mad Scientist.
I graduated from Judson College in
2002 with a degree in Media Studies and went on to pursue my second love
film. I moved to LA and worked on feature films, television series™,
pilots, music videos you name it. I recently ventured into underwater
videography and was very fortunate to
shoot some footage for Walt and Deb
Smith out in Fiji. I love the fact that I am able to combine these two
worlds to not only keep these amazing creatures, but to also capture
them in their natural environment.
Today, I keep mostly
SPS coral and consider them to be my
expertise. I am very honored to be able to answer questions for
WWM, and I thank Bob and
Jeni for the opportunity.
|
Walt and Deb Smith (looks like Fiji) and Dr. J and wife Corey. |
Travis Mestad... Where did I go??? 11/17/05
Hey Bob,
<Travis... there you are!>
I was gone for awhile due to Chiropractic Board Exams
<<Wishing you were also an acupuncturist, I am in great need! Marina>>
and the beginning of a new trimester here at college. I was also enjoying
time with my 8 month old daughter. I had stopped in a few times to check my
mailbox and make sure things were being kept up with. Granted I did not have
many responses lately, maybe 3-5, but I planned on getting back into the
swing of things once life leveled back out. Well it has now level again and
I am back, yet I am not... Not on the site that is. Please let me know if
this was an innocent mistake or if I have offended someone in some way as I
would like to continue to contribute.
Thank you,
TravisM
<Thanks for the notice, help. Reinstated. Cheers, BobF>
|
|
Alex Miller
Welcome Alex to the WWM Crew!
Thanks Bob! Here's a bio and a couple of pictures. Seems I don't have many
pictures, apparently I am the one taking all the pictures! (the snorkeling is
at Molokini)I live in Birmingham, AL, with my husband Michael and 16 year old
daughter Katie, and our mini zoo. I'm a mechanical engineer, working in
generation planning at an electric utility. I also am a licensed massage
therapist, which makes for a pretty unusual combination. We cycle for excercise
and fun, ride motorcycles, and ski or SCUBA when we get a chance.We have a house
full of animals: 2 cats, 2 dogs, fish of course, a parrot, and 4 reptiles.I grew
up with fresh-water fish, and have usually had at least one tank of some
variety. A decade ago I was bitten by the salt-water bug, and very much enjoyed
learning and experiencing my first FOWLER tank. It has up-sized and evolved
into a reef over the last few years. I have mainly learned by reading bokks and
on-line, experience, and talking to any who can teach me something. As my
library spans a wide range of time and methods, I have seen the evolution in the
best-practices and have tried to keep up. I had a short stint cleaning tanks as
a part-time helper at an LFS, and have seen local businesses come and go. I
appreciate their challenges, and the challenges of hobbyists who get varying
advice from their LFS. I like to keep it simple, and do appreciate your
emphasis on natural sustainable approaches.I am a life-long aquarist, captured
by the challenge, the beauty, and the serenity (in-between crises) offered by
our own little piece of the reef.
Alex Miller |
|
|
Eileen
Ridgeway/Yunachin joins WWM Crew
Hello Bob!<Eileen/Yunachin>
Dear Bob, Greetings from sunny Myrtle Beach.
<In South Carolina I take it>
My name is Eileen but more known as Yunachin. I would like to start off
saying I was referred to through Jeni, AKA- Pufferpunk, via her site:
The Puffer Forum, where I have been visiting for a while. She is a
wonderful person. <Oh yes> My fondest memories of having fish were when
I was a little girl and we had Oscars. I would sit for hours and gaze
into those beef-cake eyes wishing that I might be a fish one day. As I
got older we had several Bettas, tetras, Corys, catfish, guppies etc. I
learned about the spawning process with guppies very early in my keeping
of them. Then I got into larger goldfish care and Koi ponds. I was also
introduced into the spawning of convicts. I had my hands full. When I
met my husband I knew nothing about saltwater fish but that soon
changed. We own a LFS here and I have become quite the aquarium addict.
I divulged my time into learning about every aspect of fish. We are
common sights at local aquariums, sometimes I think they might throw us
out. Over the course of time I have become knowledgeable in marine fish
and identification. I also have begun breeding clownfish and have
studied on this over a year. I currently have 7 tanks in the house,. 4
full saltwater reefs and 3 freshwater tanks. I own 5 puffers; combined
species of, Fahaka, Green-spotted and Hawaiian White Spotted (separate
tanks, of course!). We also have a ribbon eel who has been living in
captivity for over a year and a half and is hand fed. There are various
tangs, blennies, gobies, clowns, wrasse and others in our collection. We
also own a full discus tank. Hands still full. Ha ha. I love caring for
these fish and I love learning about new things. I am not an aquarium
expert but I don't consider myself a beginner either. I dedicate every
waking moment to the fish and the learning process. I am a young and
vibrant aquarist with good information and I am not afraid to admit when
I am wrong. I would love to be a member of your Crew & I hope I can
become an asset to your team.
Have a fantastic day!-Eileen Ridgeway
<Am sure you've considered whether you have time for sharing/helping
here... That Jen/PP has mentioned what we do, how we do it. I do welcome
you to our association therefore.
Again, thank you for coming forward, sharing. Bob Fenner> |
 |
Richard Ross
Thanks for the welcome guys! Happy to be here, and please, if you see me
doing anything un WWM like let me know. Ryan, Still need that stand? Still wanna
do the article? And, Marina mentioned submitting pics for the WWM Crew info page
- any formatting desires?
<Jpegs, bmps... tiffs... most any format is convertible>
About me:
I have been keeping aquariums since I was a kid, working at different LFS during
high school and even helping to build a new one. In college (University of
California, Davis - BA Philosophy) I got into reptiles because they were easier
to move from dorm to dorm than fish tanks. I got back into aquariums in 1998 and
was happy to see all the advances in methodology.
Currently, I have a 150 gallon reef tank (with a 180 gallon sump) that was the
featured aquarium in the July 2004 edition Advanced Aquarist
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2004/aquarium.htm I am also
breeding the Sepia bandensis cuttlefish which I am quasi-documenting at
http://www.daisyhillcuttlefarm.com
I am good for most cephalopod questions and most reefing questions, feeling
confident about tank set up, remote sumps, current trends, reef pests,
cuttlefish and snake oil products. I am weak on fish diseases, Latin names and
anything freshwater (its been a long time!). In my non reefing life I am an
avid scuba diver, a stay at home dad and husband, a professional juggler, a
semi-retired professional glass blower, a web designer, a black belt in the
martial art of Kuk Sool Won, and a video maker - all of which are featured on my
website http://www.stickycricket.com
<Thank you for sharing. Bob F> |
WWM crew member photo
Heya, Bob :)
our friend/crew member Richard Ross was working with Eddie H of TP
in Tonga on that coral farm too (sadly, we passed each other in
transit and did not get to see/visit with each other!)
But we seem to have got a fine crew member photo out of it.
That's not a cephalopod on his head... he's just happy to see us.
Anthony
<Heee hee. Great. Will post. RMF> |
|
Jen SaFranko Bio: 3/21/06
As corny as this sounds I started my love affair with everything
oceanic when I was in 8th grade. I had a widely known obsession with
the show Sea Quest DSV and won an essay contest to fly to Universal to
meet the cast and crew. TV sets soon turned into a genuine interest in
the science behind
the show – an interest that stuck with me all through high school and
swept me towards a BS in Marine Science from Rider University. I had
the opportunity to attend a few different schools and learn much about
different marine environments. I currently live in NJ (but I believe I
left my heart in Maui) and hope to work one day in the field I love so
much. I would love
to share what I know (believe me, I am no expert, but I know some) and
learn as I go along. I am 25 and live with my boyfriend of 10 years
(yeah I know… do the math.) Right now I have a nano-reef tank (mostly
softies) with just added sump/refugium (thanks to the plumbing designs
on WWM and the bf willing to do the plumbing!), but I have worked with
1,000s of gallons in marine labs. I’m new, still learning, and very
eager – sometimes I’m even told I’m too info hungry and over
enthusiastic (for example the 5th hour at the state aquarium with the
family pulling me out by my belt loops!!)
I adore WWM and read it often, so to be apart of the crew flatters me
immensely. To be able to have just a little piece of such a beautiful
ecosystem in our homes is one of the greatest joys I’ve ever experienced
(can’t wait until I dive). I believe everyone should share, experience,
and have fun with what we call home. One of my favorite quotes (and the
one that won me the contest many years ago haha) is “We don’t inherit
the Earth
from our parents; we borrow it from our children.” I look forward to
helping and growing with WWM. |
 |
|
Kevin Sliech
I’ve had a reef aquarium since the beginning of 2000 have had community
freshwater aquariums for several years before that. I’ve worked at Aqua
Dreams in Feeding Hills, MA for over three years where I was first
turned on to this overly addicting hobby. Given the opportunity to head
on over to Aruba after graduation, I received my open water scuba
certification in the summer of ‘02. Since then I have acquired a few
more certifications and had the opportunity to more Caribbean diving. I
also LOVE New England diving and go any chance I get.
In real life I’m a full time undergraduate mechanical engineering student
at Western New England College and still manage to work part-time at
Aqua Dreams. I have a 120g mixed reef that’s been up since fall of ‘01.
I regularly propagate both soft and stony coral as well as zoanthids and
have reared a couple of fry from my breeding pair of Banggai
cardinalfish. |
Feeling a little cold in Cancun
|
Graham Stephan
I've always been interested in marine life since I was very young. The
vivid coloration and shape of graceful saltwater fish has always
mesmerized me. I've currently been in the hobby for 4 years and have
kept (and studied, as far as identification goes) many species of small
polyped scleractinians (SPS), soft corals, LPS, as well as Tridacna
clams. I currently am "working" as an Assist. Manager of an
online livestock retailer,
www.reefermadness.us, which gives me a good experience with seeing
hundreds -- if not thousands -- of corals on a daily basis from around
the world. My current tank is a total of 300 gallons. This includes a
150 gallon show tank (5x2x2) and a 150 gallon propagation tank. For
filtration, the tank mainly depends on a large Euro-Reef protien
skimmer, an ozonizer, as well as biological filtration via the rockwork.
This tank is deticated to Acropora. Almost every coral in my tank is
unusual and exotic. The tank is lit with 4x 400wt 20,000k Radiums on two
dual PFO HQI ballasts. I currently have roughly 5500gph running through
the main tank by an Amp Master 3000 (connected to two 1" seaswirls) and
a Mag 24. My tank is also dominated to one other species --
Pseudanthias bartlettorum, otherwise known as Bartletts Anthias. I
currently have 11 individuals which form a loose school in the tank. Any
questions regarding corals or algae problems can be sent my way. I've
gone through just about every type of algae (good and bad) since I
started back in 2001. Some pictures can be viewed here:
http://community.webshots.com/user/pineapplehouse
Take Care, Graham.
|
A view of Graham's "old" tank |
My name is Graham Tasker, and I'm a marine-aholic. "Hi Graham." 1/2/07
I live in East Baldwin, Maine. That's about 25 miles from Portland,
and about 20 miles from Westbrook, where I grew up.
My first foray into the world of aquatics was when I was 8 yrs-old.
(1988) I had a little 10-gal with one of those famous Penn Plax starter
kits, including that hallmark of freshwater filtration: the air-driven
floss-filled corner filter. Wow! My little tetras and gouramis were so lucky
to have me. My local video store had just been bought and transformed into a
pet store called Westbrook Aquarium. (The herps section was actually where
the old adult section had been, hehe.) The owner soon realized he couldn't
compete with the Kennel Shop chain on all fronts, and went from rodents,
birds, herps and freshwater to just herps and freshwater. For the next 3 or
so years, the shop grew a customer base with their experienced staff and
they also dropped the herps altogether. My interest shifted from freshwater
community livestock to the "beginner cichlids": Jack Dempseys (sp?) and
Oscars. Of course, this meant my 10-gal was a little too small. My brand new
30gal was my salvation. The only thing I couldn't quite get into, was that
the Oscars were so cute when you bought 'em, but they grew up so fast and
you had to get rid of 'em. Plus, decorations get moved, water quality gets
all fouled up with my juvenile propensity for watching them eat. And eat and
eat. That led me back to the community fishes. For years, my 30gal was
setup, with no major changes to the community nature, except that my LFS
started carrying more aquatic plants and I was interested in them a little.
I can't remember exactly when, but my interest had waned in freshwater
aquariums in favor of social tropical birds. By the time I was 14-yrs old, I
had been out of the hobby for two or more years and missed the swap of my
LFS from "Westbrook Aquarium" to "Westbrook Aquarists". I had been friends
with a fellow that had a 55-gallon - that was still the biggest tank I'd
ever seen privately owned back then - and I participated in his hobby with
him, too.
I was a sophomore in high school and one fortuitous day in biology
class, I met my would-be mentor for the next four years (and still, really).
Rick Oellers came to lecture in my classroom about the diversity of the
reef, the complexity and inherent simplicity in it's makeup, and - the
clincher - that per capita, inch for inch, the reef has more life than
anywhere else in the world! I was hooked. My teacher harnessed my enthusiasm
and made me ambassador to the LFS (of which Rick was a 50% partner and
operator of the marine section) and gave me free reign to design and stock a
90-gallon micro-reef (w/ fish) in our classroom. I got class-credit goofing
off and exemption from quizzes, too! Rick had "classes" for all levels of
hobbyist that he conducted in the store after closing, and I was there for
every one of them. Within two months, he offered me a job (I later found out
that one of the original employees that was there when I brought in rolled
pennies to buy fish endorsed me) in the marine section, and 5 months after
that, I had a key to the store and the responsibility of opening up on
Saturday and Sunday. I loved my job so much, and Rick knew it. I would go
out with him on service days and work on $50k reef setups in million dollar
mansions, some of which were transferred to our store for display when the
owners tired of them. We prospered under the influence of our dedicated
customers and staff, and Rick bought the entire business, and expanded into
the neighboring building. We had customers drive to us from out of state as
far away as New York for special orders and advice.
Finally, after four years and my exit from high school, I left to try my
hand at a job in the computer field, but always missed the marine trade. I
still maintained a 40gal (breeder) composed of a Rhinecanthus aculeatus,
Lysmata amboinensis, Odonus niger, Premnas biaculeatus & Heteractis crispa,
and Synchiropus picturatus. This tank was pristine and perfect for four
whole years while I was away from retail and preoccupied by my personal
life. Unfortunately, when I moved into a different water district, the
practices that had worked so well for me before (De-ionization with an
apparently used-up cartridge) my tank started to slip away. Eventually, I
gave my specimens back to the LFS so they could live and I disassembled my
system. (My mother cried that day) Over the following winter, my 40gal broke
in storage and I was further discouraged and distanced from the hobby. I
even lost touch with Rick for almost 10 years!
Finally, this November (2006) my wife-to-be and I moved into a house
that had a 20-high built into the wall in the dining-room/kitchen. The
entire time we were moving in, we had the doors wide open and the tank
dropped into the fifties, but we thought it was empty. Once we were settled
a bit, I couldn't help but do some water tests and see where we stood. I
didn't realize it looking at it at first, but when I got in there and
started poking around, I realized it was a marine setup, but the previous
owners had removed their pumps, heaters, and all but a few pieces of LR. I
did a 75% W.C. and dug up my old equipment, consisting of a Ebo-Jager 75w,
two Hagen 402 pumps, one 802, four Rio 600/400/200, and a pair of mini power
filters left over from my freshwater days. Within a day, two Humbug
Dascyllus showed their faces that I didn't know were there (They went to the
LFS as soon as possible)!
Now I'm back in touch with Rick and we hang out as much as possible. He
operates his service company still, but got out of the retail gig when it
burned him out and he yelled at a customer that thought he should be able to
keep buying fish that he didn't have the capacity to care for. In addition
to his service, he has a mariculture of the Aiptasia-eating Nudibranchs
going in the upstairs, and a huge LR. curing facility in the basement. He
works within fifty feet of an acrylic habitat designer called Marine Eco
Habitats and so, when a customer has a special order for a tank, he just
walks across the hall and hands the designer a P.O. and within a day a brand
new 300gal Jelly tank or 600gal touch tank is ready to go. They design and
build lobster tanks for restaurants, too, and when they need to send... well
never mind that. Suffice to say, their operation is a match made in heaven.
I will be back with Rick in short time, but for now, I am a SAAB & Volvo
technician in Portland. My current employer has been very good to me, so I
will give him a year's notice before I take my leave of him and pursue my
real passion again. Actually, I love the marine hobby for the same reasons I
love working on my BMW (and to a lesser degree, other peoples' cars): I love
solving problems and making things work. I take great satisfaction in seeing
something improved by my hand.
So. There you have it. That's a truncated version of my live as related
to Fish. I am knowledgeable about water quality parameters, heaters, lights,
biological filtration (except for fluidized beds), protein skimming (and
it's necessity), Chiller service/repair, stocking limits and selection for
given volume, and repair of all things electrical and otherwise. One of my
strengths is with triggerfish, and how to keep them from eating your
crustaceans and other inverts. There isn't a single trigger I haven't been
bitten by. I stay away from Freshwater now, as I decided I wanted to focus
on Marine when I was 15, and have stayed out of the fresh circle since then.
I don't have any pond experience whatever. My invert knowledge is also
limited, though I just need a refresher course, as I used to retail them.
Finally, any questions that I want to be able to answer, but can't will be
fielded through Rick via me as proxy. Rick has Julian Sprung and Martin Moe
on his speed-dial, among others, and wants to contribute, but has to keep
his involvement remote for now. (He has enough stress in his life already).
Hope you're still awake! I'm happy to be a part of this community, and
hope to see some of you at my first MACNA in Pittsburg this year.
Graham F. Tasker (AKA Gcracker)
Graham F. Tasker (Gcracker) 12/29/06
Thanks for the personal reply Bob! (I wonder what/where the mysterious
gastro's will be.) I have to ask, do you offer everyone with a background in
marine aquatics a position at WWM or do I stand out for some reason? ;) I am
absolutely flattered, and would love to do whatever I can to help. Honestly,
I can't imagine I am of the caliber you require for the incredibly detailed
answers people quest for here.
I think I am quite under-qualified, actually. Is there some sort of entrance
exam?
<Heeee! I hope not>
I would absolutely love an opportunity to dive with you in HI! (Did I read
that correctly? It seemed like an offer to join you both at WWM and on the
reef...) My fiancé and I are thinking of somewhere tropical to honeymoon
without the kids, and Hawaii would definitely qualify.
Maybe a barter system could be arranged? Seriously tho, If there is any way
I can help, I'll do my best. I could even try to get Rick involved through
me, since he is awful about replying to e-mails and the like.
<You are welcome to join me in HI most anytime... I go there frequently to
work on the properties, dive, chat with friends, enjoy myself>
Speaking of Rick, have you two ever met? I mentioned your name and he
certainly knew who you were, but not that you operate WWM. I didn't think to
inquire further on your acquaintance.
<Mmm, not as far as I recall, no>
At any rate, let me now how you want to proceed. I'm not averse to answering
some questions, but I warn you: I'm just getting reacquainted with the hobby
after a hiatus - so I might be rather mediocre.
<No worries. All we ask is that you look at, respond to what you feel
comfortable with>
I'll finish with a quick report on Rhinecanthus aculeatus: When they go
hungry for a day, they may greedily devour every piece of grape Caulerpa in
sight! (I just wanted to withhold food until my P. Skimmer goes online this
Sunday...)
At your service,
Graham F. Tasker (Gcracker)
P.S. I attached a shot of each of my triggerfish, and subsequently thought
of a good use for me! I can take pictures of any fish that I can get my eyes
on and contribute to the library... if that seems useful, Lemme know.
Some notes re conventions we use:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/crewsupwebmail.htm
Please send along a brief bio. to post, and a pic of yourself if you'd
like... and thank you for sharing. Bob Fenner>
|
Bio shot for Graham
Bob,
<Big G!>
Finally got around to getting in front of a camera for my bio. Stunning,
huh? BTW, do you have nay specifics on the possible Bonaire trip? Am
getting my passport anyway, but was wondering what else was required for
me...
-Graham
<Mmm, am likely hauling out there next month... and the Crew in... was
it in May? When would you like to go? Are you dive-certified? In good
shape!? BobF>
Mas mejor! |
|
Welcome Jessica Timko to the WWM Crew
9/23/08
Bob, It would be my pleasure to assist you
with any ventures, ESPECIALLY WWM. I myself, have benefited from the
wealth of information offered there. Since I’ve started my own business,
I found myself having lots of free time. I got a part time job at Custom
Aquatics in Oceanside,
<Ahh, Todd Gabriel, a fine fellow>
but
other than those 20 hrs a week, I can be free for most anything. Just
let me know the next step. Jessy<Easily and gladly! Our log in for WWM
Mail is: ...
Please send along a pic and brief bio. for us to post/share on WWM...
And thank you for sharing!
BobF.>
Jessica's Bio
I live in San Diego, California, by way of
Tampa, Florida, by way of Warren,
Ohio. I¹ve always been easily
enraptured by different subjects in my life.
Finding myself immersed
in the study of world religions one year to the
mastering of digital
art the next. Each new frontier teaches me something
amazing about
the world around me and helps me to view it in a new and
exciting
light. I started college at 16 and finished with my MBA at 21. I¹ve
traveled the world on various humanitarian missions and on vacations
alike,
and I like to think that seeing the world at its best and at
its worst has
helped give me a broader perspective on how I live my everyday life. I
entered the absolutely addicting hobby of reef keeping at the age of 23
and
quickly fell into my old habits of researching and reading
everything I
could get my hands on. Saltwater aquariums and the
surrounding community is
my passion in my off hours, my profession is
running my marketing and
advertising company. I¹m on the Board of
Directors for the San Diego Marine
Aquarium Society and have helped
more than a few vendors in this industry
with their marketing
efforts. I have a 150 gallon mixed reef that takes all
my money and I
couldn¹t be any happier with it. I am excited to help out
other
reefers who need guidance, just as I came to this site when I was at
wits end with a few of my tank issues.
I've attached two pictures as
well. One just seemed so apropos and the other
is just a recent
headshot.
Regards,
Jessy
|
MarcM, BobF, and JessT
|
Ted Truex, IMAC and WWM 6-28-05
Hi Bob,
<Ah Ted, there you are!>
It was nice seeing you IMAC. I never got the chance to tell you that I
really enjoyed the presentation. The slides (and video) reminded me of the
diving I did last February in Palau.
<And trips to come...>
I am interested in helping with WWM. Please let me know what I can do to
help. See you at MACNA?
<Yes my friend.>
Ted
|
Ted Truex 6/31/05
Bob,
A little about me. I blame Jacques Cousteau for everything! At some point while
reading his book or his adventures as documented in National Geographic magazine
or while watching one of his many documentaries, I realized that the sea
enthralled me. I tried my hand at fish only marine
aquariums many years ago but gave up when I couldn't justify the failures
that resulted in the deaths of the livestock. Many moons later, I took scuba
lessons and realized that my time in the water only partially satisfied me.
I did some research and discovered that the hobby had changed and that people
were keeping corals and fish for extended (years!) periods of time in very
beautiful settings. I was hooked again. I now have two reef systems successfully
running (a 90g and a 325g system). I look forward to helping out on WWM by
answering questions so that others can enjoy this fascinating
hobby
Ted |
Twothless (Paul Vaughn) Bio and Photo
7/28/07
Hello to everyone!
My name is Paul Vaughn and I am 33 years old. I was born and raised here in
Florida and have lived in Key West, Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Bradenton, Venice
and Jacksonville. I lived in Freeport, Texas a couple times and was in
Vermont for a year. I am a 3rd generation shrimper and was pretty much
raised in the Caribbean, Atlantic and Gulf. I've been through hurricanes in
the middle of the gulf , seen Mola Mola as large as a queen sized bed, water
spouts raining fish onto the deck and countless species of fish, turtles and
crustaceans/inverts. I consider myself a very lucky man to have been able to
experience life on the ocean. It truly is the greatest wonder of nature I
have ever known. I currently live in Jacksonville Beach where I've been
located for about 15 years. I miss the pristine, emerald waters of the Keys
but there isn't much surf to be caught so I remain here in Jax Bch. Heh,
those of us from Jax Beach fondly refer to our home as "The Armpit of
America". The dingy brown water from the St. Johns River tends to justify
our nickname for this little stretch of coast. I started keeping freshwater
aquatic animals, responsibly, a little over ten years ago and throughout the
years, it has grown into a full fledged obsession. I am well learned in
parasite identification/eradication. I also excel at DIY and love nothing
more than to tweak existing products to make them better as well as
designing and fabricating filters, tanks and mechanical devices of all
sorts. I currently keep Fancy Goldfish, Shubunkins, Loaches, Corydoras,
Fancy Plecos, Danios, Tetras, Sailfin Mollies, F8 Puffers, Apple Snails,
Fancy Guppies, A river Cooter, A Razorback Musk Turtle (female), A Veiled
Chameleon (male), Oriental Fire Belly Toads and the list grows..... I build
houses and everything under its roof. I specialize in framing from the slab
to the peak and very much like the challenge of conventional roof framing.
Currently, I am a tile-setter and hardwood floor installer as I was given an
offer I couldn't refuse, indoor work for the same income. I have been
skateboarding for twenty years and surfing for 15. In my free time, that is,
when I am not performing water changes, working, surfing or skateboarding, I
enjoy reading books on Cosmology, Geology, Physics, Sociobiology, Evolution,
Evo/Devo, Evo/Psycho, Microbiology and a few other topics. I owe my
insatiable hunger for knowledge to my early years on the ocean and a close
friend who handed me a beat-up copy of Carl Sagan's "Dragons of Eden". I've
been in love with science ever since. I'm looking forward to being a part of
WWM as I have used its massive resources countless times in the past and I'd
love to contribute in any way I can.
<Will post... for he who speaks does not know and he who knows does not
speak> |
 |
|
Pufferpunk (Jeni)
Hi Bob,
<Hello Jeni>
I have been keeping fish for over 25 years. I have had my own cat & dog grooming
business for over 18 years. I worked in the aquarium industry for over 8 years.
<Sounds like you've "paid your dues".>
In the end of that career, I was managing the fish dept of a major million
dollar pet shop. I was responsible for stocking, cleaning, medicating & selling
fish for 70 tanks. Presently, I have 10 tanks. 6 are puffer tanks. I have
extensive knowledge of FW (mostly oddballs) & BW fish & their care. I have
moved some of my BW fish into a 55g SW tank along w/clownfish & damsels, but am
new to that end of the hobby. I have a 90g w/several rare Plecos, rainbowfish,
synodontis, Corys, Leaffish, purple spotted gudgeons (spawning pair), loaches &
my prized, yellow-finned Chalceus. I have a total of 14 puffers. A 12" Fahaka
puffer (Tetraodon lineatus) in a 125g, living with 10" Adonis & 10" gold spotted
Plecos, 2 (6") green spotted puffers (t nigroviridis), a 5" Ceylon puffer (t
fluviatilis) in a 55g living w/a clownfish & several
damsels, 2 South American puffers (Colomesus asellus) & a dwarf puffer (c
travancoricus), living in a 50g w/a blood parrot, frontosa cichlid & royal pleco
& 3 figure 8s (t biocellatus) . I just got 4 new SA puffers that are in a 10g
quarantine. I have a 15g cycled tank waiting for an ambush predator puffer (not
sure what kind yet) I have had experience with several other puffers also. I
co-own a pufferfish website: THE PUFFER FORUM. I have been a scuba diver for
over 5 years, logged over 200 dives & am an underwater photographer. I ride my
own 1982 custom Shovelhead Harley-Davidson. My Jack Russell Terrier (Lulu the
Wonderdog) rides on the back. I love to garden.
<We "had" a Jack Russell (Rudy)... he unfortunately took one long stay too many
in the canyon in the back... am still hoping he "walked out" with someone rather
than being consumed by coyotes>
If you are interested in seeing my tanks, I have a lot of photos recently posted
at WWF.
<Yes! The WWF did come up (finally) and I saw and posted your bio. materials
with your offer on WWM this AM>
Thanks for your interest in me! Jeni (Pufferpunk)
<Jeni, I thank you for volunteering. Will you try answering freshwater as well
as brackish questions?
Will cc the existing WWM Crew here to welcome you aboard... there are some
conventions on how we respond (a title on the response) if you'd take a look in
the "sent" folder on the WWM mail... and am sure Antoine will direct you to an
accumulation of input on what we do. Again, thank you for sharing. Bob F>
Re: Volunteering My Services
Bob, Thank you for bringing me into your Crew!
<Thank you>
Will you try answering freshwater as well as brackish questions? I would prefer
to answer questions on puffers & BW fish, as these are my present expertise.
<Okay>
Do you have a preference for how folks respond to you at WWM, perhaps a last
name or just Jeni or Pufferpunk? I'm kind of partial to Pufferpunk
<Okay, will add you on the Dailies as such>
We "had" a Jack Russell (Rudy)... I hope too that he is safe & happy somewhere!
Jeni (Pufferpunk)
<Be seeing you, Bob F>
|
Our (sexy) Easy Rider!
The one, the only, Pufferpunk (and her little dog, Lulu, too)!
|
Matt Wandell
Well I just completed my BS in Marine Biology here at UC Davis. At RDO I'm
the Nanos forum moderator, and I have a lot of experience with very small
tanks (under 10 gallons) and their design and equipment. I help maintain the
marine tanks on campus at UCD that are used for our undergraduate biology
labs. These are mostly local animals from the N.CA coast. I also run a tank
maintenance business here in Davis and have experience with larger tropical
tanks (in the 300 gallon range) as well.
<A good mix of experiences>
I've kept all the common genera of corals and fish in the trade at one point
or another. I'm a big fan of octopods and have kept 3 over the years. I
think I can answer questions of a biological/behavioral nature well.
Admittedly I'm a bit of a rookie when conversations turn to hardcore
chemistry and lighting issues.
Hope this helps,
Matt Wandell
PS I know virtually nothing about freshwater tanks. Just realized that your
site deals with that too :D |
 |
Craig's Watson
A little about myself.
<Okay>
I live on a small farm on Harstine Island in the Puget Sound of Washington
State with my wife of twenty-five years, Stephanie. Our Daughter Elan is
twenty-two and is a Graduate of Washington State University with a BA in
Zoology.
<Yikes... same as my undergrad. degree>
I was born in Van Nuys, California in 1955. I lived in Canoga Park, (now
West Hills) for twenty two years where I attended elementary through High
School, several years of College and a machinist apprenticeship.
My list of jobs, hobbies, interests and passions reflects what I prefer to
call my "Renaissance" style. Others might describe this more like "doer of
all, master of none".
As a kid I dug ponds with my friend Rick in his parents backyard. We
stocked it with Crappie, Blue Gill and Bullhead Cats we caught at places
like Reseda Park.
This lead to more ponds at my house and aquariums with blue gill, crappie
and bullhead at Ricks house. As a kid I also kept snakes, lizards, frogs,
toads, horned toads, Tiger Whip-tails, mice, rats, rabbits, pigeons, hawks,
owls, etc. My dear old Mother was known as "Noah" at the vet. No kidding.
<I believe it>
I started keeping fish, Cichlids, in the late 70's when undergravel
filters, powerheads and cartridge filters were introduced, with one or two
interruptions along the way.
I raced bicycles, was a motorcycle mechanic for a top ranked Motocross
racer, been a bicycle mechanic, bicycle distributor warehouseman, machinist,
Tool and Die Maker, maintenance machinist/welder/electrician/plumber for a
major abrasives firm, machined landing gear struts and wing webs for Boeing
jets, been a carpenter, a foreman, owned a Horticultural business growing
annual and perennial bedding plants, a mixed specialty soils business,
finish carpentry and cabinet work, AKC Herding Trial Judge and Dog trainer.
My involvement with dogs is extensive. I served as Vice-president and as
Director of the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America, inc.
<Oh, we have one of these... Sydney... dissimilarly colored eyes...>
for seven years, was Vice-president for a regional club, founding
President of an AKC All-Breed Herding Club, wrote several sets of Bylaws and
Constitutions for all of the clubs, established a 501C, 3. non-profit dog
rescue corporation, and served as the ACDCA Delegate to the 2000-2001 AKC
Herding Advisory Committee. I have written many articles on herding dogs,
trialing and training, which have been published in the AKC Gazette, The AKC
Herdsman, Dog News, Dog World, Ranch Dog Trainer, and several other
publications. We still board and train herding dogs and currently have
thirteen Australian Cattle Dogs and a small flock of sheep.
<Yowzah! You must have a lot of energy!>
I am a PADI advanced open water diver with rescue and underwater
photography certifications.
<Mmm, we may have to find someone to take your place soon.. while you're
out dive/traveling with us...>
I became re-addicted to fish keeping, more specifically reef keeping, when
my daughter returned from college with a sick pleco and I was forced to go
to the local fish store for treatments. Boy had things changed since the
first undergravels and cartridges! First it was a simple little 20 gallon
acrylic. My daughter has it now.
I am currently retrofitting one of the greenhouses to mariculture while
starting a rock, sand and captive coral concern in the basement of my home
that will relocate to the greenhouses when ready. Right now I have a 40
gallon mixed reef in the living room, a 55 SPS/LPS tank (Rick's old 55), a
250 gallon tiered system (60 refugium into 60 frag tank, into 100 gallon
grow out, into 30 gallon sump), and several 200 gallon rock curing/aragonite
sand culture vats in the basement.
<Neat.>
It is my hope that I can share my experience and knowledge to help others
have the fun, excitement, discovery, interaction and success with their
critters that I have enjoyed over the years. Craig
<Outstanding. Hope to meet you "in the flesh" someday soon. And, ca-rack,
you have a question waiting to be answered! Bob Fenner.> |
Craig and one of his 13 dogs, Sassy
|
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