ReefSumper has been in the hobby for over 15 years. Across those 15 years, I’ve learned a ton and have kept many successful reef tanks including a 55-gallon starter tank, 10-gallon nano tank, 75-gallon mixed reef tank, and currently, a 210-gallon reef tank with a 50-gallon low boy frag tank plumbed into it. There are so many components of the hobby that I enjoy including building new systems, testing equipment, and overall just sitting back and enjoying the living art that can be created kept in a reef tank from everything to the rockscape, fish, corals, and everything else. I even find enjoyment in the regular maintenance that goes along with the hobby. I started this website to share my knowledge of the hobby and help people start their tanks and get others through various challenges that will surely pop up in their reef-keeping journey.
Outside of the hobby, I’m a family man with 2 awesome young kids. I enjoy sharing the various aspects of the hobby with them including lessons in chemistry, biology, and various DIY and maintenance tasks that go with keeping a reef tank. Professionally I’m a veteran of the United States Army and since being honorably discharged in 2006 I’ve attained an MBA and work primarily in the project management realm.
One of my specializations is in Lean Management, which is the relentless pursuit of waste removal in business processes. I use many Lean Management skills and project management tools to tackle successfully keeping a reef tank and try to share some of these tips in my writing.
Thank you for checking out my site and I hope you enjoy it!
ReefSumper’s Origin Story
My wife and I have always had an affinity for animals and pets. I had always admired saltwater aquariums when visiting pet stores but thought that it was super hard to keep and expensive. One day I randomly walked into one of my local fish stores and was again stricken by the amazing animals in the tanks. I specifically remember being amazed at a shrimp and goby pair, a maroon clown and its anemone, and vibrant yellow and blue hippo tangs. The shop was very old school and no longer is around, but was run by a very friendly and quirky fish store owner. We struck it up right away and the discussion quickly turned to me planning my first tank build.
My first tank ended up being a 55-gallon kit tank purchased from Walmart. The tank was originally meant for freshwater and pieced together with some additional equipment to make it saltwater viable. I’m ashamed to admit it, but my original tank was originally run with a canister filter. From there I fell in love with the hobby and continuously evolved with the hobby getting to the point where I am today with a healthy, efficient, and amazing reef tank that I enjoy daily. I’m constantly trying new equipment and methods and I love sharing what I learn on my website to help others.
ReefSumper’s Favorites
- Favorite Type of tank: Large peninsula tanks
- Favorite Fish: Purple Tang
- Favorite Coral: Gold Hammer
- Sand or Bare Bottom: Sand
- Refugium or No Refugium: Refugium
- Light type: LED
- Dry Rock or Live Rock: Dry Rock
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