Welcome to Steven Pro!

[Reefland]

It is with great honor to welcome Steven Pro as the new moderator to the Tanks, Filtration and Basic Equipment forum at Reefland.com!

Steven is a seasoned aquarist and well known for his contributions to the marine aquarium hobby. A frequent speaker at aquarium societies, author of many great marine aquarium articles and just an all around great guy, we are very proud to have Steven as a member of our team!

Please join me in welcoming Steven!

[Steven Pro]

Thank you for having me!

To those that don't know who I am, let me tell you a bit about myself.
I have been keeping freshwater aquariums for as long as I can remember, but did not start with saltwater fish until 1993 during my junior year of college. Upon returning from school, I was fortunate enough to reside only a short five-minute drive from Poseidon's Living Treasures, Anthony Calfo's greenhouse propagation facility. His facility was actually in between my parents home and my girlfriend's place. By the way, she is now my wife and mother of two daughters. Anyhow, It was here that I gained a tremendous resource of information and inspiration.

I am currently the proprietor of Pro Aquatic Services Company, an aquarium sales and maintenance business in Pennsylvania. I have long been active in the retail and hobby sides of the ornamental aquatics industry. I have taken an active and impassioned role in the industry as a member of the Pittsburgh Marine Aquarium Society, Inc. for the past seven years, having also been elected to the Board of Directors for the last five years. I am also a member of the greater Pittsburgh Aquarium Society, Inc. (the local freshwater club), as well as previously serving a one-year stint on the Board of Directors of the American Marinelife Dealers Association.

You may have seen my name before if you ever visit the aquatic information website http://www.WetWebMedia.com, as I previously answered some of the emailed daily questions along with friends Anthony Calfo and site host Robert Fenner. Eventually, the demands of family and business became too great, and I had to "retire" from the WetWebMedia crew, but I am still active on its message board.


I currently maintain a 120-gallon reef display, a 1500-gallon freshwater pond, a 75-gallon winter home for turtles (when they aren't out in the pond), as well as numerous smaller tanks scattered throughout his house (much to the chagrin of his wife) which are used for quarantining livestock for customers. My previous 55-gallon reef tank (which was taken down around the first of 2003 to make room for the 120) is profiled on the Pittsburgh Marine Aquarium Society, Inc.'s http://www.pmas.org/pro/. There is a good deal of husbandry information located there and should provide insight into my aquarium keeping philosophy.

[middlemark]

Congratulations Steven, I can only imagine you'll spread more good information as you always do.

I'm glad it's in such capable hands, since time-demands have taken me away from being able to give this forum what it deserves.

I couldn't imagine a person better suited.
Kudos to RL for their wisdom, and to you for taking on the responsibility.

[Steven Pro]

Thanks Mark! I will try my best to fill your spot.

[middlemark]

You'll fill my shoes so well that they will need to buy bigger ones
I have zero doubt.

[Reefland]

We all appreciate the time you were able to contribute to us all at Reefland Mark! And let's not make any pot shots about shoe salesman here, I do it all day! Ok not actually a salesman but I know a thing or two about shoe sales working for the webs largest shoe store. ;)

[Steven Pro]

As Scott mentioned, I have done some writing. A good deal of it has to do with equipment. The other majority marine fish diseases. But, I am an all around fish geek, so feel free to ask me anything. Plus, I know there are many other capable people hanging around here to help out.

If anyone is interested, here are my current published articles:

• Pro, Steven. “Garlic: What Has Been Studied Versus What Has Been Claimed.” Reefkeeping Online Magazine, October 2005.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/sp/index.php
• Pro, Steven. “The Use, Overuse, and Abuse of Biological Controls.” Reef Hobbyist Online Magazine, September/October 2005.
http://www.reefland.com/rho/0905/main6.php
• Pro, Steven. “Inexpensive Wavemaker Impressions.” Conscientious Aquarist Online Magazine, September/October 2005.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume...Wavemakers.htm
• Pro, Steven. “Converting a Hagen Aquaclear 500 Power Filter into a Hang-On Refugium.” Freshwater And Marine Aquarium Magazine, August 2005.
• Pro, Steven. “Automatic Feeder Impressions.” Conscientious Aquarist Online Magazine, July/August 2005.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume...mpressions.htm
• Pro, Steven. “Marine Head and Lateral Line Erosion: A Description of the Syndrome and a Review of the Speculated Causes.” Reefkeeping Online Magazine, June 2005.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-06/sp/index.php
• Pro, Steven. “Submersible Heater Impressions.” Conscientious Aquarist Online Magazine, May/June 2005.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume...mpressions.htm
• Pro, Steven. “Variations on a Refugium: Installation Options.” Reef Hobbyist Online Magazine, March/April 2005.
http://www.reefland.com/rho/0305/add3.php
• Pro, Steven. “Writing for the Ornamental Aquatics Industry.” Conscientious Aquarist Online Magazine, March/April 2005.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume...ng/writing.htm
• Pro, Steven & Adam Cesnales. 2005. “Unusual Stony Coral Propagation.” Reefkeeping Online Magazine, March 2005.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php
• Pro, Steven. “Canister Filter Impressions.” Conscientious Aquarist Online Magazine, January/February 2005.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume...er_filters.htm
• Pro, Steven. “Powerhead Impressions.” Conscientious Aquarist Online Magazine, November/December 2004.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i4...ower_Heads.htm
• Pro, Steven. “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure: A Quarantine Tank for Everything.” Reefkeeping Online Magazine, October 2004.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php
• Pro, Steven. “Impressions of Methods for Eliminating Pest Anemones.” Conscientious Aquarist Online Magazine, September/October 2004.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i3...mpressions.htm
• Pro, Steven. “Protein Skimmers: A Myriad of Choices.” Freshwater And Marine Aquarium Magazine, August 2004.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/proskimrart2.htm
• Pro, Steven. “Power Filter Impressions.” Conscientious Aquarist Online Magazine, July/August 2004.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i2...nt/filters.htm
• Pro, Steven. “Marine Velvet/Amyloodinium ocellatum: A Discussion of this Disease and its Available Treatment Options.” Reefkeeping Online Magazine, July 2004.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php
• Pro, Steven. “Protein Skimmer Impressions.” Conscientious Aquarist Online Magazine, May/June 2004.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i1...mpressions.htm
• Pro, Steven. “Caring for the Fish of Finding Nemo.” Freshwater And Marine Aquarium Magazine, October 2003.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nemoproart.htm
• Pro, Steven. “Marine Ich/Cryptocaryon irritans: A Discussion of this Parasite and the Treatment Options Available, Part 2.” Reefkeeping Online Magazine, October 2003.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php
• Pro, Steven. “Marine Ich/Cryptocaryon irritans: A Discussion of this Parasite and the Treatment Options Available, Part 1.” Reefkeeping Online Magazine, August 2003.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-08/sp/index.php
• Pro, Steven. “Mycobacterium marinum: The Fish Disease You Could Catch.” Reefkeeping Online Magazine, July 2003.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php
• Pro, Steven & Anthony Calfo. “Fascinating Reproduction in Open Brain Coral: An Aquarium Report on Trachyphyllia geoffroyi.” Freshwater And Marine Aquarium Magazine, November 2002.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/trachyreproart.htm

[Steven Pro]

I also get around the country a good deal speaking to local clubs. If I am ever nearby, please come on out and introduce yourself. I really like to be able to put a face to a name. And, I am always up for chatting about aquarium keeping.

I will be at the following places this year:

Southern Maryland Marine Aquarium Society
Saturday, October 29th
Selecting Healthy & Appropriate Marine Fishes

Atlanta Reef Club
Tuesday, December 27th
‘Reef-Safe’ Treatments

Marine Aquarists Roundtable of Sacramento
Friday, January 20th
‘Reef-Safe’ Treatments

Saltwater Enthusiasts Association of the Bay Area
Saturday, January 21st
Selecting Healthy & Appropriate Marine Fishes

Central Ohio Reef Aquarists
Saturday, February 18th
‘Reef-Safe’ Treatments

Greater Cincinnati Aquarium Society
Sunday, February 19th
Selecting Healthy & Appropriate Marine Fishes

Midwest Marine Aquarium Conference - Detroit
Saturday, March 25th
‘Reef-Safe’ Treatments

International Marine Aquarium Conference
April 28-30
‘Reef-Safe’ Treatments

SaltwaterU2 – Georgia Aquarium Atlanta
May 5-7
Topic TBA

Marine Aquarium Conference of North America – Houston
Topic TBA
September 22-24th

[Reefland]

Looking forward to IMAC 2006, it will be Reefland.com's first event.

[Steven Pro]

There is also some talk about me being in Cincinnati in February, but it is still up in the air at this point. I believe that is not too far from you, Scott.

[Reefland]

Not far at all! It's only about a 2 hour drive from us. Maybe we can get you down here to one of our small frag swaps in Louisville.

[DlBerlin]

Welcome Steven!

[zhenya]

....A frequent speaker at aquarium societies, author of many great marine aquarium articles and just an all around great guy...

Couldn't have said better myself. I can definately personally vouch for all that's been said,having met him in person, especially that he's all around great guy.

Welcome, Steven!

[Poseidon]

I will have to look into this one:
Midwest Marine Aquarium Conference - Detroit
Saturday, March 25th
‘Reef-Safe’ Treatments

I live in Flint MI, so only an 1 1/2 drive or so.... Where abouts are you going to be?

Welcome to the BOARD!

[Steven Pro]

I will have to look into this one:
Midwest Marine Aquarium Conference - Detroit
Saturday, March 25th
‘Reef-Safe’ Treatments

I live in Flint MI, so only an 1 1/2 drive or so.... Where abouts are you going to be?

Welcome to the BOARD!

It is held at Weber's Inn in Ann Arbor.

http://www.masm.org/events/Event.asp?ID=12

[Steven Pro]

Not far at all! It's only about a 2 hour drive from us. Maybe we can get you down here to one of our small frag swaps in Louisville.

Speaking of which, I just got an email from those Cincy guys this morning. It looks like I will also be speaking in Columbus Saturday February 18th and Cincinnati Sunday February 19th.

As to the frag swap, I would love to, but as your can see my schedule is filling up fast. I also made a promise to my wife not to go away more than one weekend per month.

[DlBerlin]

It is held at Weber's Inn in Ann Arbor.

http://www.masm.org/events/Event.asp?ID=12

I'm about 30 miles from there!
I was there last year-nice conference. I'm definately going this year again. Looks like a great list of speakers.
It will be a pleasure to meet you!
Debbie


Poseidon- I didnt know you were from Michigan
Are you a member of Michiganreefers or MASM?

[scubadude]

I personally have met Steven a couple of times and I will definately say that he has that gleam in his eyes when you start talking about reef tanks, and his knowledge is just as big if not bigger than his passion for the hobby. Excellent choice Scott! Thanks...now just another reason for reefland to be a one stop shop

[Reefland]

Don't thank me, thank Steven and Gene!

[dougc]

Welcome aboard.

I applaud your attempts to write about fish diseases. It is certainly one of the areas where the hobby is the weakest. Considering the number of aquariums in this country, it is amazing to me that veterinary science practically ignores this field of study. I guess it stems from the throwaway ethics of fishkeeping. When I recently battled ich and a secondary bacterial infection in my quarantined pyramid butterflies, I probably spent as much or more on medications as the original cost of the fish and still ended up losing two of them. I would have been cheaper to let them die and buy new fish, but my sense of responsiblity won't let me do that. It is frustrating, though, to feel like I am flying blind when determining a course of treatment.