From a Basement Aquarium to a Future in Marine Aquaculture
I convinced my mom to let me get a fish tank with limited room for a tank. After my birthday in seventh grade, I walked into a Petco with $140 and saw clownfish for the first time. Because I hyper-fixated on Nemo as a child and have always been drawn to sealife, I was immediately captivated. Within a week, I had a 10-gallon saltwater tank set up in our room with three clownfish. I had no prior experience, but I immediately immersed myself in research, learning everything I could about clownfish care, saltwater aquariums, and breeding.
This became more than just a hobby. My small tank provided an escape from chaos—a controlled environment where I could focus entirely on stability and growth. My interest quickly expanded beyond fishkeeping. I was inspired by figures like The King of DIY, Brian Barczyk, and CoralFish12G, whose work showed me that this hobby was not only driven by passion but also full of potential in the digital world.
Progression Within the Hobby
As I progressed, I became more invested in the science behind reef aquariums, particularly coral growth and marine aquaculture. While preparing for college to study marine sciences, I reached out to Pieces of the Ocean, the best coral shop around, to inquire about an internship. At 16, I joined their team, gaining hands-on experience in coral care, quarantine procedures, and system maintenance. It was at this time I moved my tank to a twenty gallon long, and started stacking up corals. 
This opportunity solidified my career path. Beyond marine biology, I had also developed a strong interest in finance and business, largely influenced by my own financial instability growing up. At Pieces of the Ocean, I saw a clear intersection between marine aquaculture and entrepreneurship. I realized that coral propagation, if approached professionally and strategically, could be a scalable business rather than just a side income.
It would be safe to say that the guys at Pieces of the Ocean have become some of the most inspirational people I have met in my life.
Building a Future in Marine Aquaculture
I am actively pursuing multiple aspects of the reefing industry, combining my passion for marine life with a strong interest in business and sustainability. My focus includes coral aquaculture, phytoplankton cultivation, microscopy, photography, and content creation, with the ultimate goal of long-term growth and professional development.
I am currently furthering my education in Earth and Environmental Sciences, with a focus on geology and ecology. I am continuously refining my skills in coral propagation, phytoplankton cultivation, and aquarium maintenance. In the meanwhile, I am developing expertise in scientific literature and public presentation, aiming to provide valuable insights to both new and experienced reef keepers.
Through Reef Cloverson, I am working to establish a professional and well-respected presence in the industry, focusing on education, sustainability, and high-quality reefkeeping practices. This is not a short-term venture—it is a long-term vision built on passion, expertise, and a commitment to excellence. On this website, we will focus on marine sciences, education, fundraising, and community service. You can expect articles discussing topics for beginners, intermediates, and experts in reefkeeping. Expect applications of the most recent and cutting edge studies and practices.
This site will track the progression of my aquariums and Reef Cloverson as a brand. All while growing a beautiful community of like minded people. Thank you so much for following along! It means the world, and remember we are just getting started!