I only deal with Mike Castiglioni at Aquarium Research Specialties if I can. Before I got into this hobby, I knew people kept saltwater tanks, but I had never seen a reef tank. I was in the Frazer Zoo when Mike was there and just stumbled into the aquarium area he managed. I was blown away looking at the coral in his tanks, as I had no idea this was even a thing. I was pretty much hooked at that point and Mike helped me in so many ways. He's just a good guy too and really wants to help you succeed. I've tried to buy things from him before that he wouldn't sell me because of this or that reason (all looking out for mine and the creatures best interest). I honestly don't know if I'll ever buy a coral or invert anywhere else. For one, I want to support him for all the help he has given me, but he also has an amazing selection. I mean one day if I'm looking for a specific piece that he doesn't have and I can find it elsewhere, sure I'll buy it. But for now he has more than enough options for me. He doesn't always have a big selection of fish though. I'm kind of struggling to find fish at this point, but Mike has told me its impossible to get anything other than captive bred fish right now. He said that when things are running normally, he can order specific fish so I will probably end up going that route when we reopen. Being from Malvern, I'm assuming you frequent ASR? Where else do you go?
Hey bud, I am not far from you. I live in Havertown Pa and have been in the hobby a while. I also got out of the hobby for about six years after our twins were born and my 25 year old tank sprung a leak. I just got back in last November and could be happier. The kids love it and get excited when i bring things home for the tank.
Yes! Mike is the best, and an all around good guy. Fortunately he’s let me in the store multiple times during this mess to pick out some corals. I just got my clam from the ones he got in this week.
