Well, when I was 12 my aunt gave me a "fish blender". It was designed for a betta fish and for a plant on top. I was SO convinced that is the onlt pet I needed. I never ended up getting a betta, but a 10g tank my friend had given to me. A few weeks later, a second 10g freshwater tank. Then a 30g high I got for a saltwater FO tank. Now at this time, I am only 14 or so. All my tanks are covered in algae and I have absolutely no cash. Fortunately I was determined and I had a supportive family. I get the 30g tank set up and put african cichlids in there and I was very successful at keeping them. They would breed and I would sell the offsrping back to the fishstore. Then, while at my friends house (the same one who gave me the 10g tank) it was garbage day, and wouldnt you know it, a 30g tank in the garbage! It was in great condition, and I thought how useful it would be.

Now, my mother, is one who doesnt like a lot of pets. Her first response was that I couldn't take it home. But, me being a kid, I started begging. Finally she said yes. I was so excited I went home, filled it up and checked for leaks and it was leak free. I put it in my room and thought of what I could do in the tank. I decided to put my african cichlids in the 30g because it was 26" long compared to the 30 high. So at this point I am REALLY starting to get interested in SW tanks. I still know nothing about SW at this point, but am determined to get an even larger tank. A few years go by and decide to invest in a 55g tank. I had been talking to my friend and he also wanted to start a SW tank. I gave him the 30 high and to this day he still has it and looks very nice. He did his research, I did not. When I got my 55 set up, I went to get LR and LS. I though it would be a good idea to hose the LR off so all the mud doesnt mix around in the water (I know I know, your thinking what else could be done wrong?). LOTS! but I am running out of space so I cant type any more.