Amphibious
Oldest Salt
In July of 2017 an event happened that made me reevaluate my life in the hobby and business (The Cultured Reef). I was 79 years old/young and soon turning 80 years old/young. Those that know me will understand the old/young thing. For those that don't know me, God has blessed me with good health among many other things. Not the least of which are the hundreds of friends I've made in this hobby.
Beginning with a single goldfish in 1945, I was never without an aquarium for the rest of that time. It adds up to 72 years of "wet to the elbows" living. The FW end of things lasted until 1966 when, I was captured by the beauty of SW fish and dove into SW head first. Back in those days there was little knowledge in how to keep anything SW alive for more than a few weeks to a couple of months. Literature was scarce with the exception of the rare scientific journal referred to now and then. After losing an entire tank to unknown (at the time) causes, I became determined to learn everything I could about this new passion that developed in my mind. Success came through determined effort, research, trial and error. Oh there were errors to be sure as anyone in this hobby will attest to.
Then a successful diver/collector/hobbyist/SW supplier living in Miami, FL wrote what was, to me, the first book on the SW hobby. His name was Robert P L Stroughn, the title of his book was "The Saltwater Aquarium in the Home". I scarfed up the first copy I found. While today his information would mostly be "out dated", never the less it changed my life and set me on the path of success with SW.
Of course the rest is history as the saying goes. Today hardbound books are shunned by most hobbyists who prefer the Internet for research. And of course SW forums such as R2R are great resources for information by gathering together, in one place, hobbyists of every ilk from beginner to expert. All having one purpose, to help each other sort through the morass of information available today. Too many good reliable people to name here.
I did my best to educate anyone who contacted me using my personal hands on experience, not having any scientific background. Now, that is all in the past, behind me, history as some would say. It is without regret that since July 2017 my arms have been dry, no more cnidarian toxins will enter my body through coral cuts and scraps, nor into my eyes through wiping sweat from my face not knowing the toxin was there. Yes, I've experienced it all over the last 50+ years. But, without regret I say good bye to all who call me friend. It's been my pleasure to know you!
Beginning with a single goldfish in 1945, I was never without an aquarium for the rest of that time. It adds up to 72 years of "wet to the elbows" living. The FW end of things lasted until 1966 when, I was captured by the beauty of SW fish and dove into SW head first. Back in those days there was little knowledge in how to keep anything SW alive for more than a few weeks to a couple of months. Literature was scarce with the exception of the rare scientific journal referred to now and then. After losing an entire tank to unknown (at the time) causes, I became determined to learn everything I could about this new passion that developed in my mind. Success came through determined effort, research, trial and error. Oh there were errors to be sure as anyone in this hobby will attest to.
Then a successful diver/collector/hobbyist/SW supplier living in Miami, FL wrote what was, to me, the first book on the SW hobby. His name was Robert P L Stroughn, the title of his book was "The Saltwater Aquarium in the Home". I scarfed up the first copy I found. While today his information would mostly be "out dated", never the less it changed my life and set me on the path of success with SW.
Of course the rest is history as the saying goes. Today hardbound books are shunned by most hobbyists who prefer the Internet for research. And of course SW forums such as R2R are great resources for information by gathering together, in one place, hobbyists of every ilk from beginner to expert. All having one purpose, to help each other sort through the morass of information available today. Too many good reliable people to name here.
I did my best to educate anyone who contacted me using my personal hands on experience, not having any scientific background. Now, that is all in the past, behind me, history as some would say. It is without regret that since July 2017 my arms have been dry, no more cnidarian toxins will enter my body through coral cuts and scraps, nor into my eyes through wiping sweat from my face not knowing the toxin was there. Yes, I've experienced it all over the last 50+ years. But, without regret I say good bye to all who call me friend. It's been my pleasure to know you!
