A brief history

Ever since I was little boy, I have been fascinated with the ocean and its many creatures. Mostly dolphins, whales and turtles. Unfortunately seeing theses were far a few between for a boy growing up in central South Africa. It wasn't until our family moved to the coast, Port Elizabeth, that my fascination with the ocean extended to the many colourful tropical fish that there were. Enter Uncle Andre.

He had the tank that I dream to have. It was in the region of 300L. It was magnificent though. It had pillars of sandstone (no live rock) it had a pair of clownfish that housed themselves in a beautiful white anemone. There was a blue eyed hermit crab, a long spine sea urchin, a few damsels and a semi-circle angel. Simple, yet beautiful.

I soon managed to get myself some vacation work at our local oceanarium and nurtured my love for tropical fish. I was introduced to the marine tropical society and joined them on planned events where we spent hours searching for tropicals in rock pools. My most vivid memory is lying on the rocks in the baking sun waiting for a butterfly to peer out from its cave to catch it.

Sadly, as time went on, I started to neglect my tank as the teenage years took over. But the love for the ocean remained. I am rekindling an old flame here, hoping to share the joy that this hobby had for me with my family.