Questions & Answers
Q: Your Favorite thing about working at Aquarium Co-Op?
A: That’s a tough one as there are so many awesome things about working for the Co-Op, but if I had to pick one it would be working with vendors/manufacturers to improve existing, or source entirely new, products. Knowing that customers are going to be just as excited as I am for new and better products is very rewarding.
Your Key Information(Degrees, accomplishments, other facts that relate to your job or the hobby)- BA in Economics from Sacramento State University
- MBA with Supply Chain specialization from San Diego State University
- APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
- Creator and Host of the Aquarist Podcast
A: Attending my first CIPS (China International Pet Show) in Shanghai with Cory has to be one of the most memorable. Between my first time in China, the enormity of the venue and event, and seeing so many cool fish and aquascapes made this a great experience.
Q: What do you do in your daily job at Aquarium Co-Op?A: I wear many hats at Aquarium Co-Op but my primary responsibility is overseeing the e-commerce operation. Everyday can present new and unexpected challenges, but tasks like placing orders with vendors, working on new product development, keeping our warehouse stocked with supplies, and being on the lookout for ways to continually improve our operation are just some of the tasks that I do on a daily basis.
Q: What is your favorite fish and why?A: I think I have to go with a bristlenose pleco, super red to be specific. I really enjoy raising these up in my fish room and after spending a lot of time with them you see they have some very funny behavior. I enjoy that I can always bring as many of these into the Co-Op as I can breed, and virtually any aquarium can be home to a bristlenose pleco.
Q: What would your dream aquarium be?A: An Iwagumi aquascape setup by a world-class aquascaper. The simplicity of the aesthetic but knowing that creating one is very challenging makes this a dream aquarium for me.
- Type of tank: 75 gallon planted tank, crypt heavy with a dwarf aquarium lily bulb and crinum calamistratum
- How long has it been setup? I have had the tank for about 3 years, with its current setup being about 8 or 9 months old
- List the fish in it: Cardinal Tetras, Rummynose Tetras, Reed Tetras (Hyphessobrycon elachys), Lemon Tetras, Super Red Bristlenose, and some Cherry Shrimp
- What is your biggest goal or challenge with this aquarium? The biggest goal of this aquarium is to have an easy-to-maintain planted display tank. I used to have more aquariums in the house in addition to the fish room, but I felt it was time to reduce the number of tanks in the house to one. Given that, I wanted something that would provide a lot of relaxation with minimal upkeep. I think I have accomplished that and I am really enjoying watching the crypts slowly fill in, and of course the tetras. I have two comfy chairs in front of this tank so it really helps to complete the viewing experience of this aquarium. My challenge with this aquarium would have to be the black beard algae. It is a little more out of control than I would prefer so I will be adding amano shrimp in the future so hopefully they can keep the BBA in check and not get harassed by the tetras too much.
- Aquarium Co-Op Coarse Sponge Filter – better flow rate and doesn’t float compared to fine sponge filters.
- Xtreme Krill Flakes
- Any of our live plants as we have the best aquarium plant system and the best packing process to keep the plants safe and healthy during delivery.
Top 5 Tips for hobbyists
- Be patient. Whether it is setting up your first tank or working with a new species to breed. Be patient and don’t feel like there is a rush or deadline.
- Join a local fish club, or two. Friends and family don’t always share your nerdy passion for fish. Join your local fish club and you will find a diverse group of people who would love nothing more than to hear about your fish and tell you about theirs. The deals at the club auctions are also too good to pass up on!
- Embrace and learn from failure. Everyone in this hobby has had some level of failure, difficulty, or outright disaster. Learn from your mistakes and don’t be afraid to open and seek advice at your local fish club or internet fish group.
- If you are feeling stagnant with the hobby change things up. If you don’t have the same passion for your tanks that you once did, try something new. Changing your aquariums gives you a chance to discover new species and possibly new ways of aquascaping or biotope creation.
- Embrace the multi-faceted nature of our hobby. From aquascaping to tank busters, there are many different ways people participate in our hobby. Learn all you can. Figure out what interests you the most and pursue it. But always be respectful of what others enjoy in this hobby. Nano fish, oddballs, puffers, African cichlids, goldfish, or Flowerhorns, the options are nearly endless and all are worth enjoying.
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