Aquarium Architecture

M

mflamb

New member
I took a trip to Aquarium Architecture today along with Joe (poknsnok) and Greg (Ah64av8tor). It's a very modern looking place with lots of fish and coral displays. The fish all looked very healthy and active. Fish prices are a little bit higher than I'm used to seeing in the Tampa area, but I will say the quality of the fish appears to be very high. I was particularly impressed with the many beautiful Anthias and Wrasses. The prices of the corals are in line with most of the quality stores in this area, and there are a large diversity of species and sizes available for purchase. Of particular interest were the variety of SPS available. Chris, the owner was very friendly and helpful. He had been fragging Zoas and had managed to get some in his right eye, so he was suffering a little pain and swelling, but to his credit, it did not slow him down.
Check it out, if your ever in Sarasota.
Mike
 
man, which lfs owner we be next ? i'm beginning to question this whole karma thing, oceana never got any in his eyes.
 
It looked like he got popped good.....I felt so bad for him that I wanted to hit the other eye so he would look symmetrical, and he had a dinner date tonight too. What a trooper!

Thanks again for the help Mike and Joe. :)
 
Following up.

Following up.

Well I finally got around to visiting my old buddy's new store while on a layover in Tampa, and I personally think he did a great job. I realize some folks may consider me a little biased, but I just wanted to add another reference seeing as some earlier comments elsewhere may have gone badly off track.

The owner of Aquarium Architecture Chris Jessen was my mentor. He saved me from making some huge mistakes when I was a neophyte, and over the years helped me build my Acropora dominated system up to what it is today. When I was away on trips he showed up late at night to rescue my wife from tank disasters, and if I had problems or questions about corals or fish he was always a simple phone call away - no matter the time. Whenever I came to the shop he took time to talk to me as a friend not just a customer, and I am certain that was the same for all his regular customers. He has been involved in the hobby for nearly 3 decades, has contacts worldwide, has met with nearly every big name in reefkeeping, is a frequent attendee of the MACNA conferences, and was featured in numerous media articles including one in Forbes magazine . You would be hard pressed to find a more knowledgable, friendly, or hardworking LFS owner anywhere. The only negative I can imagine is that his success over the years has taught him the true value of his time and knowledge so he is not the cheapest LFS by a long shot, but - heh - if you want a BMW you're gonna pay a little more :D From what I saw of the 2 other nearby shops I think his shop is a great addition to the Tampa area, and all I can say is I miss his comraderie and support and I hope all the Tampa reefers will stop in and introduce themselves because I am certain once you meet Chris you'll know what I mean.


Good-luck ole buddy!


Joe

P.S. Here's what he helped me build . . .

P.P.S Mike (mflamb) - love the 390 build thread! Would you consider tours for visiting Yankee strangers when its ready. . . I might even bring along a few frags : )



Banner07Jan.jpg
 
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