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Come on back to the fold!
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Merritt Adkins and the Crew
2/4/08
My Bio
Dear Bob,
Michael said you didn't mind me volunteering on WWM and that you needed a
bio and a picture.
Merritt Adkins
Hello! I am a senior at Texas A&M University at Galveston getting a B.S in
Marine Biology. I received my first freshwater aquarium at age 12. It was a
simple setup including the blue gravel, plastic plants and a penguin
bio-wheel filter. Now, eight years later I have become an avid aquarist with
my planted freshwater tanks specializing in small (10 gallons or less)
planted tanks. Some of my personal favorite fish are Bettas, Corys, glass
catfish, kuhli loaches, and freshwater/brackish puffers. These are just my
favorites but I have kept many other species of freshwater fish through the
years. Right now I have two 15 gallon community tanks, three Betta tanks
(two are 1 gallon and a 2.5 gallon), a dwarf puffer 5 gallon tank, and a 6
gallon brackish water tank for my baby figure 8 puffer. (He is less than an
inch long!!) I have been slowly getting into the marine aquarium hobby, but
I still consider my freshwater tanks to be my favorite types of tanks. I am
currently breeding Bettas and I eventually want to breed my dwarf puffers.
My future goals are being able to keep some larger fish like Tiger Oscars
and Spotted Gar.
I will eventually send a better picture. I hope this helps!
Thanks!!
Merritt A.
<Indeed, I/we thank you for coming forward, sharing. I take it Michael will
show you how to log in... Please take a read here re some conventions we use
in responding. http://wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/crewsupwebmail.htm
Bob Fenner> |
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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> |
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Glenn Arseneau, Helping WWM 8/17/05
Mr. Fenner,
<Glenn>
Let me begin by saying that The Conscientious Marine Aquarist has been the
cornerstone of my reference library for several years and that I have found WWM
to be an absolutely indispensable resource for the aquatic community at large
and I applaud the efforts of you and the rest of the team for keeping up with
such a worthwhile effort to educate.
<Thank you>
In that regard, my purpose for writing is not to ask a question, but to
offer my time and assistance in answering and/or proofreading some of the
multitude of queries that WWM receives. Some background on me: I live in Nova
Scotia, Canada and have been in love with the ocean my entire life. I began
keeping fish at the age of 5 with (like many of you I'm sure) two goldfish in a
bowl. During grade school I bred livebearers and angelfish, graduating to more
aggressive cichlids by university and currently keeping discus and marines. I
hold a BA (English) from Dalhousie University (Halifax, NS) and am planning on
returning to Dalhousie this year (at the age of 28) to complete a BSc (Hon) in
Marine Biology with the eventual goal of graduate school in the marine
sciences. For the past two years I was manager of a largely fish-based retail
pet store here in Nova Scotia and in that post spent much of my days on the
phone (and in person) answering queries very much like those that WWM receives.
<Ah, yes>
Currently, as a change of pace, I work in an aquaculture facility where we make
and develop feeds for various aquatic species.
As far as my knowledge base, freshwater is definitely my strongest suit,
though I do have considerable experience with FOWLR marine systems and have
particular knowledge in the area of clownfish and host anemones (specifically e.
quadricolor). As far as fresh I have kept everything from large predators to
planted community tanks. I am especially experienced with Arowana, piranha (all
varieties), CA/SA cichlids, and other large predators. I have also kept several
tanks stocked with native species (both freshwater river tanks and tidepool
marine tanks) and have a good knowledge base with regards to keeping these
species, many of which need reduced temperatures to survive.
I am willing an able to contribute time each day (an hour a day I think I
read on WWM?) to WWM if you find you have a use for me. If you have any
questions, please don't hesitate to let me know. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Glenn Arseneau
<I thank you for coming forward, and accept your offer, friendship here. Please
log-on to the WWM mailserver.
I will make an "in-folder" for you, but feel free to sort through the incoming,
place in respective "fresh", "marine"... in-folders, delete obvious spam... We
have a few conventions re how we respond... with flexibility... that am sure you
will adapt/adopt... Again, thank you for becoming part of the crew here. Bob
Fenner>
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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>
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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.
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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. |
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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 |
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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
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Here's Antoine and friends and his old greenhouse
culture facility in PA
The Xeniid fruits of Anthony's labors.
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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.
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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>
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Above: The Man
Below: His Tank
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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>
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"Does this T-Shirt make me look fat?"
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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.> |
|
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 |
|
Sabrina Fullhart
I just received an email from Ananda, asking if I'd be
interested in helping out with answering questions.
I've found WetWebMedia to be an invaluable resource,
and have directed plenty of friends to check it out;
very awesome informative site.
A little about me:
I've been keeping freshwater fish for a little over
ten years, and am absolutely passionate about it. My
strong points are general freshwater, planted aquaria,
Loricariids, freshwater shrimp, and illness/disease
treatment. I also have a lot of pond experience.
<Very good. We have excellent coverage on reef, general marine,
saltwater organism and scientific topics... but not much/enough in your
areas of expertise>
My current projects include a 10g nano-reef (am
upgrading quite soon... too hard to keep stable); a
72g heavily planted aquarium with several freshwater
shrimp species, African butterflies (trying to breed),
L-260, and Altum angels currently in quarantine,
hoping to join the main tank within the month; two
small ponds outside; and a few bettas.
<You're soon to know much more>
If you'd like my help, I'd be honored.
<Outstanding>
Thanks,
-Sabrina C. Fullhart |
With all this talk of photos....
It dawns on me I've never submitted a pic.
I have only one photograph of myself, in Idaho, after
swimming in my favorite spot in the Moyie river - and
not certain at all that it is decent/acceptable for
posting with my bio - too risqué? If so, I'll see
what I can come up with. I know there's a camera
around here, somewhere.
<What a babe! Schwing!>
If this *is* acceptable, to whom do I send it?
<Uhh, pet fish models inc. Actually this is it>
Also, of note, shrimp article is coming along well.
I'm not exactly full of time right now, with packing
stuff up an' all, but I'm hoping it will come out
nicely.
<Bout time! Or we'll Photoshop out that rock and give you goose feathers!!!!
Bob>
Thanks,
-Sabrina |
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
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. He’ll be sticking with what he knows best when it
comes to answering emails – marina aquaria. |
 |
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?
|
|
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.> |
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!
|
|
Michelle
Lemech
About
Mich... I’ve always loved the water and most of the critters in it. I spent
most of my time outside while growing up in the Pocono Mountains of
Pennsylvania. My favorite pastime was catching frogs, toads, tadpoles,
salamanders and the like and building homes for them in the backyard. My love
of nature and interest in science lead me to Muhlenberg College where I earned
an undergraduate degree in Biology. I worked in a biochemistry lab doing
immunoassays for several years before heading back to grad school. I received a
master’s in Genetic Counseling from Arcadia University and then needed to return
to the Poconos. With limited job opportunities due to geography, I went back to
school again, this time for nursing. I am a licensed RN.
While
collecting degrees I was introduced by a friend to the saltwater aquarium hobby
and fell in love. I am currently active in several clubs and take pleasure in
the educational, social, and collaborative aspects. I enjoy helping others and
hope to contribute to and be a positive influence at WWM. |
 |
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. |
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.
|
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>
|
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 |
|
Justin Norman bio. 11/19/06
> Hi Bob,
> I hope the evening finds you well -- certainly a good chance in the tropics.
> <Yes, thank you my friend>
> You are certainly envied by my wife and I.
> <Mmm, please join me>
<<Alas, as much as we would love to, we are a tad strapped for cash, as our
official day of blessed union is next May, and as I had said in prior
correspondence, I'm disabled and still in therapeutic/vocational recovery at the
moment... The offer is definitely appreciated, though. If it were feasible, we
would have been there a week ago ;)>>
<Perhaps another time>
> Also, I was curious if your previous offer to assist the crew in daily
responses still stands. I think I'd like to try my hand at it, if you still feel
my knowledge adequate.
> Thanks,
> Justin
> <If you believe, you want to try, please be welcome to our association...
> Please write back with a brief bio. to post, and I'll send along the log-in
info. BobF>
> <<Here's the quick little bio I had knocked out for the CA guys after I
finished my article with attached picture, I think it pretty well covers the
bases. -Justin>>
I'm 24 years old, and have been a computer and tech geek for the majority of my
life, stemming from my father's own love of such. About 2 years ago, I broke my
back at the first lumbar vertebrae, and suffered some spinal bruising, leading
to partial paralysis from the waist down. I'm currently in year 2 of outpatient
therapy to regain everything that I can, and have the ability to walk short
distances in a walker, but am tied to a wheelchair most of the time. With the
newfound time on my hands, I've spent the better part of the last year reading
and educating myself in this great hobby, starting with a pair of Bettas that
was purchased for us by a friend, but leading very quickly into advanced
reefkeeping. Currently, my wife and I are keeping 4 tanks, 2 small freshwater
tanks, and 2 medium-sized saltwater tanks, but we've always got our eyes on the
next big one.
<Ahh! Please do join our association of helping pet-fish friends. The log-in for
our webmail:
XXXX
email addr. there: XXXX
password: XXXX
You can be JustinN or whatever designation you'd like to be known by... We have
a loose set of conventions, which am sure you will adjust to in a short while.
Welcome to our Crew. Bob Fenner>
|
Re: Justin Norman, WWM Crew 11/23/06
Justin, just a note to say thank you for your participation... You
have the knowledge, passion, capacity to engage folks... and I am
grateful for your participation, and learning from your sharing. BobF.
<Wow... Don't know what to say but thanks, Bob. I consider you to be a
bit of a personal hero, per se, especially in handling of writing style.
That means a lot, coming from you. Thanks again. -JustinN>
 |
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 bo | |
