Introduction

I work for MBS (a part of WSP International plc), a consulting civil & structural engineering company. I specialize in the rehabilitation of old roads, and as a resident engineer I'm mainly responsible for supervising construction projects

I have been actively involved with fresh water aquaria of one sort or another for the past 38 years.

I started with my first (Fish Only) marine aquarium in February 1998, using an under-gravel filter as only filtration. In June 1999 I upgraded the tank to a reef system, by adding more lights and a skimmer, and by changing the filtration system.

I believe in a lightly stocked tank, and in making any changes very gradually. I also believe in a deep live sand bed filtration, and in using natural seawater where possible. I've been very fortunate in that I've never lost any fish to disease during this time (I did lose some to my anemone, and due to incompatibility and "suicide jumps", though).

Currently, the main tank is a standard 200 liter (55g) all glass tank on a wood cladded steel stand & sump enclosure, with a wooden canopy (both DIY). I also have a 50 liter (13 gallon) lagoon type tank housing two Clarkii Clowns and some soft corals, and a 20 liter (5 gallon) "Nano reef" with some live rock, a crab, and one small Goby living in it. The latter is a "natural" setup, without any artificial filtration (no skimmer !), and has been set up since August 2000.

Please keep conservation and sustainable utilization in mind, and research as much as possible before starting with this hobby or buying a new creature... I've learned much through the Internet, and so can you... (see "Favorite Sites").

Do enjoy the rest of your visit...