Our Story:

I’ve been keeping saltwater tanks since 1987.  My first tank was a 55g reef setup with a home made Wet/Dry filter system, using an undergravel filter also. The tank was lighted by two 40watt fluorescent bulbs, one daylight one actinic. The sand bed was very large sized crushed coral. I had some “Live Rock”, and several corals and fish.   Never had much luck keeping anything alive more than six months. Even so.....I was hooked!

From there I went to a saltwater fish only tank. Once again using an undergravel filter for primary filtration. Had pretty good luck keeping mostly Tangs and Triggers. Had this tank setup for about four years.

Then in 1996 I went back to trying my hand at full blown reef setups.  I setup a 125g tank. At this time the technology and understanding of the animals needs (corals) was much better.  I read every book I could get my hands on. The reef hobby was still beginning on the internet, so there was some information but still a little sparse.

This new tank was setup with the classic “Berlin” style. Live Rock, Live Sand, and a Protein Skimmer. I also invested in much better lighting using 8 four foot NO fluorescent bulbs at first then changing over to four VHO and four NO.

I had great success with this tank and coral growth. So much so that my wife and I started our little side biz called “MM Coral Farms”. I basically built out a refugium on the main system. Took cuttings from the display tank, grew them out in the refugium and sold exclusively to a LFS. In our hay days we were selling five to ten coral cuttings a month. 

In 1998 the reef hobby was exploding on the internet.  There was tons of information being posted for everyone to read.  Some good and some not so good. The best part was people were sharing their experiences in the hobby, helping everyone else to NOT make the same mistakes those of us did in the late 80’s.

I jumped right in and tried probably every possible chemical, on the market and many that were not. I tried all the newest filtration methods I could afford or build. After about two years and tons of money on junk chemicals and products I got back to basics, which is where I have stayed.  I only add Kalkwasser and makeup water to my tank.  No other chemicals.

In April of 2000 my wife and I formed “Bay Area Reef Enthusiasts” a local reef club. We held monthly meetings at a local fish store.  Now after two years I’ve stepped down as president to let someone else continue on.  Our greatest achievement in the club was a recurring propagation meeting. Where club members could bring in cuttings and share them with other club members.

In November of 2000 I took down the 125g tank and put up a 30g in it’s place. My wife and I had our first child.   Between family and business the large tank was taking up too much of our time.

Today our 30g tank is going strong. 

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