Bio - Lee (a.k.a. leebca)

[leebca]

I've been asked on more than few occasions about my background. I'll outline it here for those who are interested:

TIME LINE
1960 My first freshwater aquarium;
1968 My first saltwater aquarium;
1969 to 1973 Ohio State Univ.
1973 to 1982 Working in Microbiological fields
1982 to current Working in metals fields - traveling around the world

NOTEWORTHY FACTS RELATING TO MARINE FISH KEEPING

In the early 1970's I conducted experiments and studies on Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) and ornamental fish diseases, the use of garlic, the use of antibiotics, the use of dips, acclimation procedures, and fish nutrition.

I specialize in FOWLR system and FO systems. I have handled about 1700+ marine fishes and have learned a lot about their maladies and remedies through experience, biopsy/post mortem exams, dissection, operations under anesthesia, care, and continued education.

I have degrees in Microbiology and Chemistry from OSU. I was partner of an LFS in Columbus, OH in the early '70's, imported fishes from The Philippines, and helped begin the net-catching practices (abolishing cyanide collections) there.

I often attend conventions and hobby activities around the world.

I have attended five courses (one of them twice) on ornamental fish husbandry and have certificates of those attendance and accomplishements.

I lecture for no compensation (other than a free dinner perhaps) around the country and do not earn any money from the hobby in any way.

I try to share my knowledge and experience with others to help their fishkeeping practices and the curing of ill marine fishes. I do not publish for renumeration, but will write long posts and informational posts on the Internet. I don't make any money nor accept any money from the hobby in any way, including speaking engagements, articles, posts, books, etc. I don't have any (financial or business) interest in any equipment, system, food, medication, or product used, sold, or made for the hobby.

My Internet name is leebca. My name is Lee Birch. (I go by my middle name -- my first name is William).

[anthias]

thanks very much lee ,for this informations,I was realy interested .
I m reading your thread about feeding fishes , it is very useful .
one very good thing in all your threads that you give the details,it is obvious that you have a deep understanding for this hoppy that is why I asked you ,
I realy dont know how to thank you for all the helps you did to me .

[leebca]

You and others are more than welcome.

I think I sharpened my attention to details when I managed the Ohio State University Quantitative Laboratory Dept. I wrote chemical experiment instructions for the college students.

[vaporize]

Thanks Lee for the bio I am always interested to know, and as always your advices and experience are very much appreciated.

[underseaworld]

My real question is since you live in southern CA. and went to OSU. Who do you want to win the big game?

[leebca]

The best team.

[dabossinokc]

Leebca gets my vote for moderator of the year!

[james_r_edwards34]

Go BUCKS I am pleased to hear you attended school at The Ohio State University. I am from the Columbus, Ohio and I am curious to know if the LFS you wrote about in your bio is still around?

[leebca]

It was a small FW LFS in which my friend and I ran a SW ‘store.’ The FW owner was not interested in SW, but did enjoy selling the equipment to those interested in SW! The LFS owner ‘rented’ out space for the SW operation.

In general, the store was in competition with Byerly’s (sp?). Since the original owner was sort of stuck with not wanting to change, Byerly’s won out as being the primary Columbus LFS. I knew ‘old man Byerly’ and his son. His son inherited the store and ran it during the 70's for sure. After that, I only have secondhand info.

Then the Byerly family sold out a long time ago. Byerly’s closed a couple years ago, if I recall correctly.