A: Working at Aquarium Co-Op has been quite different than my last couple jobs which were in more of a corporate setting. It’s the people I work with that have been my greatest joy so far. Every day is a new adventure, with brand ambassadors, local club representatives and co-workers. I love making people happy with what they do, and seeing the reactions of people who are surprised by my goodies. I enjoy the laid back attitude of everyone. Although we accomplish a lot, it’s wonderful to be surrounded with friends.
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Communications at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania. My hobby is aquascape. However, I have only competed once. I was sixth in Aquatic Experience’s nano aquascaping contest. I intend to keep competing!
AI’m sure that I’ll get many more because I’ve only known them for a brief time… But, watching our brand ambassadors open and close their first care packages was my favorite moment so far. It was so satisfying to watch their excitement and surprise.
A: In my daily job here, I work to complete many of our on-going projects and programs in the pipeline. 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. Although I am still learning how to do this, I intend to finish as many projects and continue to grow my business.
A: My absolute favorite fish are Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows. They have so many great aspects. They thrive in tanks without heaters (I usually prefer the aesthetic of a very clean, no equipment aquarium), they’re really pretty, they’re cheap, they’re relatively easy to spawn and I love to watch the males’ flaring behavior. They’re just so cool to me!
A My dream aquarium would be a huge aquascape with a natural aquarium style. I’ve always wanted the opportunity to visit Florestas Submersas (his largest aquascape). I would like something like that in my house with a couple thousand nano fish schooling around, preferably ones to go with the native habitat of the plants in my giant aquascape. And I would hire staff to take care of it for me
– Tanks Type This is a high-tech planted aquascape. How many years has it been in place? 2! It was re-scaped once. – List the fish in it: Right now, I have green neon tetras, celestial pearl danios, blue dream neocaridina and black rose neocaridina shrimp, Amano shrimp and a couple nerite snails. What was the greatest challenge or goal you had with your aquarium? It was difficult to avoid algae when it was first set up. Once my cycle was established, it wasn’t too bad, but I still get an outbreak every now and then when the balance between light, nutrients and CO2 is tweaked. Most recently, staghorn algae caused by too much light.
A I have never seen an Aquarium Co-Op product which I didn’t like. One of my favorites 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 only need to do two pumps each time I water my plants. They are lush and healthy. They are actually growing like weeds.
Don’t rush! This goes for any activity, whether it’s cycling, spawning or growing plants. 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. You should seriously research any product before making a purchase. The internet is your best friend. However, you should always take your LFS’s advice with a grain of salt. You can also do your own research at your home. While they might not always be correct, they also have a vested desire to make money. Do what makes YOU happy. Artificial plants are available if you wish. You can also get rainbow gravel. Everyone has their own style, and your aquarium should reflect that. You don’t have to follow the advice of others on what your aquarium should look like. Let your imagination run wild! – 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. There is a high chance that someone has experienced the same problem or experience as you. Learn first, and then make informed decisions. – Increase your water intake. This is my most important piece. Your fish, plants and other livestock appreciate nice, clean water. Don’t you? There is less waste/nutrient buildingup, and there is less algae.