Alleged issues effecting Dr. Tims

[cobraz]

Reefbuilders article:
$2.3M: Dr. Tim Hovanec Sued!
https://reefbuilders.com/2026/05/08/2-3m-dr-tim-hovanec-sued/

 

[Fish Fan]

If true, just wow!

 

[JumboShrimp]

Interesting article. Seeking more than $2 million dollars in treble damages. Ouch!

 

[DeepDreamer]

If this is real this might be one of the biggest things in the reefing/fishkeeping community this year!

 

[Mebbid]

That's unfortunate. Kinda glad I didn't go with Dr. Tim's for my latest setup.

 

[winxp_man]

This is nuts!

That's unfortunate. Kinda glad I didn't go with Dr. Tim's for my latest setup.

As in the bacteria?

 

[Mebbid]

This is nuts!



As in the bacteria?

Yep, or really any of his products

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Please remember that a lawsuit against someone is not proof that they committed wrongdoing. Let’s be fair and let the facts and court speak. Oh and before anyone says anything….no they are not a sponsor here so I’m not trying to protect anyone.

 

[Fish Fan]

Please remember that a lawsuit against someone is not proof that they committed wrongdoing. Let’s be fair and let the facts and court speak. Oh and before anyone says anything….no they are not a sponsor here so I’m not trying to protect anyone.

I was just about to type much the same, when your reply popped up for me.

An allegation is just that - It's an accusation, it's not a conviction and may well be unfounded. Dr. Tim deserves a chance to defend himself against these allegations.

But I'll say again, if true, wow.

 

[slingfox]

Time to switch to Fritz TurboStart or MicrobeLift Special Blend!

 

[winxp_man]

Time to switch to Fritz TurboStart or MicrobeLift Special Blend!

I used TS 900 for my 300 setup only because I see it as a bit better product for cycling a tank faster. But as stated above me, until a verdict is given, I couldn’t care less about these allegations.

 

[DSC reef]

This is nuts!



As in the bacteria?

I always had great results with his products and had the pleasure of meeting him. He was willing to answer any question I had and was pleasant to have a conversation with.

 

[jackintheboxfish]

I’ve also met Dr. Tim at last years Aquashella. He seems like a nice guy that wants to be helpful.

However, base on my read of the court case (not law background so just personal opinion), it seems like the ACA have a pretty strong case against Dr. Tim.

If the supporting evidence they cited is accurate to what’s described by the plaintiff claims, then it’s highly likely that Dr. Tim committed wrongdoing. The case verdict I’m sure will be nuanced. But regardless of how it turns out, I don’t think I’ll purchase his products or support his business from now on.

 

[MasterClassReefs]

They are seaking well in excess of 2 million, closer to 6 million in damages after all is said and done from what I have heard. COAST fish club was talking about this as well. The American Cichlid Association also petitioned the court to appoint someone to take over his business interests as this will likely eat it all alive and it seems his businesses may have been funded with stolen money. This is sad, but more common than many would think. Many people are financially irresponsible and can resort to some pretty degenerate behavior when desperate. Aquarium clubs are rife with fraud across the country sadly. While at the moment these are allegations, the evidence seems to be stacked heavily against him.

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

I went and read the summary. I’m curious why it’s civil and not criminal. Leads me to wonder if they were also investors. If this is theft, it’s criminal and can then be civil depending on verdict, judgements, etc. The treasurer for a local bowling league embezzled $9k, went to jail and had to pay resto. Considering the filed civil and it isn’t criminal has me pausing judgement just yet.

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

I went and read the summary. I’m curious why it’s civil and not criminal. Leads me to wonder if they were also investors. If this is theft, it’s criminal and can then be civil depending on verdict, judgements, etc. The treasurer for a local bowling league embezzled $9k, went to jail and had to pay resto. Considering the filed civil and it isn’t criminal has me pausing judgement just yet.

Unless, that hasn’t surfaced yet. But, usually you don’t file if the po-po are investigating.

 

[MasterClassReefs]

I went and read the summary. I’m curious why it’s civil and not criminal. Leads me to wonder if they were also investors. If this is theft, it’s criminal and can then be civil depending on verdict, judgements, etc. The treasurer for a local bowling league embezzled $9k, went to jail and had to pay resto. Considering the filed civil and it isn’t criminal has me pausing judgement just yet.

That is interesting. I have seen this same situation in another fish club mentioned and they didnt press criminal charges either. Ultimately that is up to the plaintiff if they wish to persue civil or criminal charges. Will be interesting to see what pans out.

 

[Bitter old man]

innocent until proven guilty. People seem to forget that.

 

[Submerge]

There’s a cichlid club with hundreds of thousands in the bank? Sounds fishy. Ba dum tis

 

[MasterClassReefs]

There’s a cichlid club with hundreds of thousands in the bank? Sounds fishy. Ba dum tis

The American Cichlid Association has a Trust managed by a board of 9 elected members of which Dr. Tim was one. They seem like a larger national organization rather than a local club.