POLL: Name your favorite marine aquarist

[Maritimer]

Chances are many new hobbyists don't know a lot of the people mentioned in this thread. So we need some new inspirational people in the hobby to step up and you can do it right here at R2R!

It's going to be difficult to achieve the same level of "aquatic guru" status that folks had back in the day, in part _because_ of places like this. Once upon a time, the best way to communicate knowledge internationally was via the printed page. Books took a long time to get published, but when they hit the shelves _thousands_ of people could be inspired by just a few writers. Now, there are thousands of writers, just on R2R!

That having been said, there are some who stand out as particularly inspirational in our little community; folks like Evolved (Hunter), Eatbreakfast (TJ), Humblefish, Melypr, LionfishLair, Randy Holmes-Farley, Ca1ore, Twilliard, 4FordFamily - and trust me, many others whose names slip my mind just at the moment, but whose words I _listen_ to whenever I see them on my screen. The "fame" may be on a smaller scale, but the inspiration is just as real!

~Bruce

 

[Reefnewb]

Corey Dale is one of my favorites! 6t7mustang on instagram! check him out his SPS tanks are amazing. his corals have some of the best colors iv ever seen! hes just absolutely killing it. And best of all likes to keep it simple and is a great guy that likes to help and will answer any question!

 

[mort]

Probably Julian Sprung and John Tullock did the most to help me get started.

Whilst I haven't read much at all by these guys I did here of the tullock phylosophy "less technology more biology" early on and have followed it, and from seeing what sprung is interested and keeps we seem to be kindred spirits. It also means I have lots to enjoy when I do read their stuff.

 

[Chrisfish]

Julian Sprung, Bob Fenner, Martin Moe, and Paul B. (Gotta love the quirky sense of humor and the constant whiff of Supermodels on the air!) all come to mind, but my first interest and love was kindled by a fellow named Jacques Yves Cousteau.

Now, as Revhtree pointed out, my go-to has become the assembled mind here!

~Bruce

I'm so happy that you named Jacques Yves Cousteau!!! When I saw this thread without a doubt he was the first to come to mind. lol I guess I'm dating myself in age but his shows and books will always be my first look at underwater beauty and the love of the ocean and beautiful reefs.

 

[Maritimer]

I'm so happy that you named Jacques Yves Cousteau!!! When I saw this thread without a doubt he was the first to come to mind. lol I guess I'm dating myself in age but his shows and books will always be my first look at underwater beauty and the love of the ocean and beautiful reefs.

The man had a profound effect on a lot of folks . . .

AFAIK, the Calypso has _finally_ been moved to a drydock where she can - and will - be repaired and refitted to carry on that legacy.

~Bruce

 

[david p.]

for me, Marc Levenson @melev .
it's probably because of his videos that i started reefing.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Wow...this is a super tough one to name. There are so many people in this hobby that I owe a lot too. Most of them are members here who have spent a great deal of time answering my endless barrage of questions and helping me overcome my own boneheaded mistakes. If I have to narrow it down to one person though, it would have to be @hybridazn. I've spent more time at his house learning from how he keeps his tank and more time on the phone with my tons of questions than any other hobbyist. He's a great guy with endless patience, and I'm not sure I'd be anywhere near where I am in my learning (though I've still got a long way to go) if not for him.

 

[hybridazn]

Wow...this is a super tough one to name. There are so many people in this hobby that I owe a lot too. Most of them are members here who have spent a great deal of time answering my endless barrage of questions and helping me overcome my own boneheaded mistakes. If I have to narrow it down to one person though, it would have to be @hybridazn. I've spent more time at his house learning from how he keeps his tank and more time on the phone with my tons of questions than any other hobbyist. He's a great guy with endless patience, and I'm not sure I'd be anywhere near where I am in my learning (though I've still got a long way to go) if not for him.

Thanks buddy, like you I am still learning as well.

I like to think that Bill Burnett helped me out a lot with thinking like an engineer when it comes to our systems. It helps that he is local to me as well

 

[Bluefish9]

This guy- who runs the most spectacular 20,000 gallon reef at the Long Island Aquarium which luckily for me is about 40min from my house. Take the kids all the time!

Here is a video, Melev made with a behind the scenes look at it.

 

[120reefkeeper]

I'd like to say I've picked up countless tips here from many members!

I'm going to throw a name out that hasn't been mentioned yet.

Anthony Calfo.

I know don't beat me up to bad ! [emoji6]

 

[DanConnor]

Whilst I haven't read much at all by these guys I did here of the tullock phylosophy "less technology more biology" early on and have followed it, and from seeing what sprung is interested and keeps we seem to be kindred spirits. It also means I have lots to enjoy when I do read their stuff.

Back in the early 90s it was hard to find good information, but Tullock's "The Reef Tank Owners Manual" and Sprung's "Reef Notes" were excellent

 

[mort]

I'd also like to mention ronald shimek, who got me into the interest biology of sandbeds and the micro critters within.

 

[evolved]

To name just one, I'd have to say Hunter Hammond. Hunter's love and vast knowledge of wrasses really fueled my obsession early on. A lot of the initial research I did led me to him. Several years back, my local reef club flew him in to give a general lecture on wrasses and at that point I was hooked. Wrasses forever! I didn't tag him in this post because I don't want him to get a big(ger) ego

Happy reefing!

Excellent choice, @evolved. He really knows wrasses, and is a great resource.

It's really flattering to get mentioned in this thread; you are both too kind!


Personally, Kevin Kohen is high on my list for fueling my fish addiction.