The Person Behind the Tank
About Basement Aquatics
A reef enthusiast turned consultant — built on real experience, honest advice, and a genuine love for the hobby.
The Story Behind the Business
Basement Aquatics LLC started the same way most great reef stories do — with a tank that completely took over a room and a mind that couldn't stop thinking about it. Based in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro, we've been deep in the saltwater hobby for years, progressing from freshwater planted tanks through FOWLR systems to the complex, chemistry-driven world of reef aquariums.
Today, the flagship personal reef is a 125-gallon mixed system running soft corals and hammer corals under an AI HD 32 light — a tank that's been through the full spectrum of challenges Minnesota reef-keepers face, from hard tap water to seasonal humidity swings affecting evaporation rates.
Those hands-on lessons are exactly what clients get access to. Basement Aquatics was founded to bridge the gap between the overwhelming amount of online reef advice and the specific, practical guidance that actually works — in your tank, in your home, in the Upper Midwest.
We serve hobbyists at every level — from the person setting up their first saltwater tank and not knowing where to start, to the experienced reefer whose corals aren't coloring up the way they should. Every client gets personalized attention, not a template.
Personal Reef — Reference System
Minnesota-Tested
Running a reef in Minnesota comes with unique challenges — hard water, extreme seasonal temperatures, and humidity swings. We've navigated all of it, so you don't have to learn the hard way.
The Journey
How We Got Here
First freshwater tank. Hooked immediately.
Crossed over to saltwater. Never looked back.
First coral frag. Discovered the deep complexity of reef ecosystems.
Built the personal 125-gallon mixed reef still running today — soft corals, hammer coral, AI HD 32 lighting.
Formalized years of reef knowledge into a consulting practice serving the Minneapolis metro.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Honest Advice
You'll never get a recommendation designed to upsell you. If you don't need it, we'll tell you.
Science First
Reef-keeping is biology and chemistry at work. We stay current on best practices so your tank benefits.
Passion-Driven
This isn't just a business — it's a lifestyle. That obsession translates directly into better results for your reef.
Actually Responsive
When your tank is in trouble, you need help now. We don't leave clients waiting.