A: Working at Aquarium Co-Op has been quite different than my last couple jobs which were in more of a corporate setting. My favorite aspect of this job so far has been the incredible people I get to work every day. From local club representatives, brand ambassadors and my co-workers, there is never a dull moment. It’s a joy to make people happy and see their reactions when they surprise them with goodies. I love the relaxed attitude of everyone here. We get a lot done but it’s great being surrounded with friends.
I received my bachelor’s degree from Lebanon Valley College, Pennsylvania. It was a Bachelor of Science (Digital Communications). As far as the hobby, I primarily aquascape, but I have only competed once so far. I finished sixth in Aquatic Experience’s Nano Aquascaping Competition. I plan to continue competing as much as I can!
A: I’m sure I’ll have many more since I’ve only been around a short time… But, my favorite so far was watching our brand ambassadors open their first care package. It was amazing to see their excitement and surprise!
A In my day job, I complete many of the ongoing projects and programs. This includes anything from improving the product pages on the website, sending out care packages to ambassadors and members, coordinating with local aquarium clubs for donations and events and doing many other day-to-day tasks and reminders for Cory so that he can focus on larger picture items. While I’m still learning the ropes, my goal is to finish as many projects and continue driving business forward.
A: My absolute favorite fish are Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows. They have so many great aspects. They can thrive in tanks without heaters, which is why I prefer an aesthetic aquarium that doesn’t use any equipment. I find them to be very fascinating!
A: My dream aquarium would probably be a giant aquascape in a nature aquarium style. I have always wanted to see Florestas Submersas, Takashi Amano’s largest aquascape. I would like something like that in my house with a couple thousand nano fish schooling around, preferably ones to go with the native habitat of the plants in my giant aquascape. I would also hire staff to manage it.
– Tanks Type: It’s a high tech planted aquascape – How long has it been setup? 2 years! It has been re-scaped once though. – List the fish in it: Right now, I have green neon tetras, celestial pearl danios, blue dream neocaridina and black rose neocaridina shrimp, Amano shrimp and a couple nerite snails. What was the greatest challenge or goal you had with your aquarium? It was difficult to avoid algae when it was first set up. It wasn’t difficult once my cycle was established. However, there are still occasional outbreaks when the right balance between nutrients, light and CO2 has been adjusted. Staghorn algae is a result of too much sunlight.
A: I have never met an Aquarium Co-Op product that I would not recommend. My favorite filter is the sponge filter. I have a small size one and it’s perfect for my betta fish, he is never bothered by flow and his water stays really oxygen rich, so he doesn’t have to swim to the surface for air continuously. Easy Green is also a favorite of mine. It has been used on my aquascapes for many years. I do a couple pumps with each water change and my plants are extremely healthy and lush. They’re actually growing like weeds.
– Don’t rush it! This goes for everything, including aquascaping, spawning, growing and cycling. This hobby is not instantly gratifying, in order to properly take care of your fish buddies and plants, take your time! Rushing through processes usually results in losing expensive livestock or equipment. – Research, research, research. It’s important to research everything before you buy anything. The internet is your best friend – also, generally take your LFS’s advise with a grain of salt and do your own research at home. Although they aren’t always right, they have a vested financial interest. – Do what makes you happy. If you want artificial plants, get them! Rainbow gravel is a great option. Everybody has a different style, so your aquarium should be unique. Do not listen to the internet about what is appropriate and inappropriate for your tank. You should let your imagination take over! – Don’t jump to conclusions about your fish. Although this is hard for me to do, if something seems wrong with your fish, don’t assume that you have the right answer. Always think about all possibilities. Do some research. Talk to other people. You are likely to have had the same experience or issue as you, so learn first before making a decision. – Do more water changes. This is one of my biggest pieces of advice. Your fish, plants and other livestock appreciate nice, clean water. Don’t you? Less waste/nutrient buildup = less algae too.