Early aquarium-keeping in the 80’s

When I was just six years old I had my very first aquarium. This quickly escalated to my first saltwater aquarium when I was 13 years old. Thankfully, I had very supportive parents who allowed me to take over their home with my early aquarium-keeping passion. Below are some of my early aquarium efforts, two of which won top honors in the Greater Dayton Aquarium Society back in the 80’s.

Early Aquarium: 29 Gallon Saltwater

My first real reef aquarium in the early 80’s. 29 Gallon reverse flow undergravels driven by Hagen canisters, and lit by Duro Twist Power Twist bulbs.

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Early Aquarium: 70 Gallon Reef

My 70 Gallon Reef Aquarium in the mid 80’s right when the “Mini Reef” filters hit the US. This was before bio-balls, and DLS media as we used trays of coarse crushed coral in the wet/dry trays. Lighting was 6- T12’s with Phillips Actinic 03, Duro Test Power Twist Bulbs, and a few Penn Plax red plant grow bulbs — Pair of Percula clownfish, meiacanthus blennies, fire dartfish, and flame hawk fish with pairs of blood red fire shrimp and scarlet cleaner shrimp.

You can also see my “Greater Dayton Aquarium Society Saltwater Aquarium of the Year” award in this photo!

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Early Aquarium: 135 Gallon Fish-Only

My 135 gallon Fish only aquarium in the mid 80’s with bleached corals, undergravel filter plates and power heads (what a revolutionary device back then as we didnt have to use air pumps and air-stones). How far things have come today!

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Now, over 40 years later, I can’t believe this hobby as a child has kept me employed all these years. There are not many people who can say their childhood passion lead them all the way 40 years later to being integral part of the aquarium-keeping society. I’m very fortunate I can share this hobby with so many and hope to be able to inspire other youngsters along this path.