A: Working at Aquarium Co-Op has been quite different than my last couple jobs which were in more of a corporate setting. The amazing people that I work with each day is one of my favourite aspects. Every day is a new adventure, with brand ambassadors, local club representatives and co-workers. I love making people happy with what they do, and seeing the reactions of people who are surprised by my goodies. I enjoy the laid back attitude of everyone. Although we accomplish a lot, it’s wonderful to be surrounded with friends.
I received my bachelor’s degree from Lebanon Valley College, Pennsylvania. It was a Bachelor of Science (Digital Communications). As far as the hobby, I primarily aquascape, but I have only competed once so far. I finished sixth in Aquatic Experience’s Nano Aquascaping Competition. I will continue to compete as much as possible!
A: I’m sure I’ll have many more since I’ve only been around a short time… But, my favorite so far was watching our brand ambassadors open their first care package. It was amazing to see their excitement and surprise!
A In my day job, I complete many of the ongoing projects and programs. It includes improving the product pages, sending care packages to members and ambassadors, and coordinating with local aquarium clubs for donations. I also do many other tasks that Cory needs so that he can concentrate on bigger picture items. Although I’m still learning, I want to complete as many projects as possible to keep the business moving forward.
A: My absolute favorite fish are Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows. They are so amazing. They are happy in tanks that don’t have heaters. I prefer them to be in an aquarium with no equipment. They’re just so cool to me!
A My dream aquarium would be a huge aquascape with a natural aquarium style. I have always wanted to see Florestas Submersas, Takashi Amano’s largest aquascape. I would like something like that in my house with a couple thousand nano fish schooling around, preferably ones to go with the native habitat of the plants in my giant aquascape. And I would hire staff to take care of it for me
– Tanks Type: It’s a high tech planted aquascape – How long has it been setup? 2 years! However, it was re-scaped once. – List the fish in it: Right now, I have green neon tetras, celestial pearl danios, blue dream neocaridina and black rose neocaridina shrimp, Amano shrimp and a couple nerite snails. What was the greatest challenge or goal you had with your aquarium? It was difficult to avoid algae when it was first set up. It wasn’t difficult once my cycle was established. However, there are still occasional outbreaks when the right balance between nutrients, light and CO2 has been adjusted. Most recently, staghorn algae caused by too much light.
A I have yet to meet an Aquarium Co-Op product I wouldn’t recommend. The sponge filter is one of my favorite products. I have a small size one and it’s perfect for my betta fish, he is never bothered by flow and his water stays really oxygen rich, so he doesn’t have to swim to the surface for air continuously. Easy Green is also a favorite of mine. It has been used on my aquascapes for many years. I do a couple pumps with each water change and my plants are extremely healthy and lush. They are actually growing like weeds.
Do not rush! This is true for all aspects of aquascaping: spawning, cycling, and growing plants. This hobby is not instantly gratifying, in order to properly take care of your fish buddies and plants, take your time! Avoiding slowing down can lead to costly equipment and livestock being lost. – Research, research, research. Seriously, before buying anything on a whim, investigate it first and make sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew. The internet is your best friend – also, generally take your LFS’s advise with a grain of salt and do your own research at home. They’re not always wrong, but they also have a vested interest to make money, so keep that in mind. Do what makes your heart happy. If you want artificial plants, get them! If you want rainbow gravel, go for it. Not everyone has the same style and your aquarium should match you. Do not listen to the internet about what is appropriate and inappropriate for your tank. You should let your imagination take over! – Don’t jump to conclusions about your fish. Although this is hard for me to do, if something seems wrong with your fish, don’t assume that you have the right answer. Always consider all possible causes, research and speak to others to learn from their experiences. It’s highly likely that someone else out there has had the exact same issue or experience, learn first and make a well-informed decision afterwards. – Increase your water intake. This is one of my biggest pieces of advice. Your fish, plants and other livestock appreciate nice, clean water. Don’t you? Less waste/nutrient buildup = less algae too.