• Kevin & Annette Omura

     
    This month I have the pleasure to profile a couple that takes our hobby to another level. I had the opportunity to see their fish tanks and have to say that I have very seldom seen tanks that nice and clean. With so much love and dedication, the results will come easily. Annette & Kevin won all four "Jar Show" classes in 2004.

    Both started as small children with goldfish and Annette moved on to keep guppies and platties through her teens and later at work. When the tank came home, Kevin remembered his beginnings and the "Multi Tank Syndrome" started. Today, they maintain over 30 tanks and one looks nicer than the other.

    Annette & Kevin are not specialized in one particular species, but keep "… whatever catches our fancy". However, it appears that they have quite a number of catfish. In Kevin's words: "Guess we go for the underdogs". Well, the "underdogs" appreciate it, because they breed like there is no tomorrow. The good food like frozen blood worms, Tetra color bits, algae discs, spirulina flake, etc. definitely helps in that matter.

    When it comes to filtration, Kevin thinks practical. AquaClears and Fluvals are the main filters and are supplemented by sponge filters in most tanks. The results are good biological filtration and, because the same filter type is used, media can be bought in bulk to make it cheaper.

    Annette and Kevin have not been with our club very long, but they have been quite busy already. Annette is our webmaster (a very good one I might say) and Kevin has been a guest speaker at one of our general meetings. Not to mention their active participation in our jar show.

    When asked about fish-keeping tips for the new hobbyist, their answer was not to fall into the trap that expensive hardware is always better. The experienced hobbyist however should not think that anything in the hobby is set in stone. You are always learning and observing. Aquarium clubs need to encourage young people and have a strong web presence as many young people seek out these sites.

    Annette and Kevin do not have a fish related website. Annette's website is www.redrovers.com and Kevin's two websites are www.kevinomura.com and www.newsroom.net. Kevin also likes to participate in online fish forums like PriceNetwork and Tropical Fish Centre.

    Annette & Kevin, I'd like to thank you for participating. We hope to see you with our club for a long, long time to come.