emeraldking

I'm not much of a theoretical aquarist (so, someone who like to go by the book) but more a practical one. For sure, my first curiosity went in the direction of books to get my information from. But that's changed when I got the chance to observe fish in free nature. Not only in Holland but also abroad. If you study them how they actually are in free nature and talk to locals, your whole aquaristic view changes.
Well, I'll try to make some new pics over here later this week and will post them in my new album to create...

You take care,
Stan

It's also that livestock in general is much more expensive in the US and Canada than overhere. I've been to the States several times and also to Canada. I've even lived for a year in Canada myself. I'm not sure wether that makes it hard to get your hands on real quality fish if the regular ones are already that pricey...
Well, 50 years being active within this industry is a long time. Glad that I've found someone who has been doing this longer than I do. I like to discuss things with novice aquarists but I do have a special preference for long time fish keepers like you to discuss the hobby. If you compare aquaristics in the '70's and '80's. It's complete different these days. And even though I'm younger than you are, I still consider myself old school when it comes to aquaristics.

Hi Andy,

About your remark about a lack of quality fish in the US. I've noticed that at auctions overhere in western-europe, american and japanese bidders are always extremely overbidding in order to get their hands on fish from Europe. I've been talking to some and yes, also they are saying the same thing as you.
Last year when I was participating the Holland Koi Show in the southern part of Holland, I've sold large amounts of several endler strains and wildguppy strains to foreign exhibitors. And the most went to Japan. Those will be bred in large quantities overthere and shipped to other countries again. Even back to Europe and than they'll cost a fortune in comparison to what I've been selling them for. Btw, the Holland Koi Show has a specific area with only aquaristic exhibitors for the past 6 years. For those who can't effort a pond with pond fish a fishtank will give another option to enjoy an aquatic hobby.

This year is actually my 50th year keeping tropical fish as a hobby. ( Started in 1964) I was also in the pet/fish business for over 40 years as well. You can see what I have done in my bio. I'm currently in the process of setting up my 4th personal hatchery for raising Angelfish. We seem to have a lack of quality fish in the U.S. again so I'm back at it. My building will be set up to work about 20 pairs of fish for now. If needed, I can add to that total. For now, that should be enough to keep me busy.
Can't wait to see some of your stock. You can see some of mine in my albums. I've got some fish being held for me ( hopefully) by another breeder so I will be posting new pics once they get here. I'll also be making a thread about the build out of the hatchery. Right now, the building is up and the electric is mostly in. Just waiting for my last inspection to start setting up. I'll keep you posted

Welcome aboard. Glad to have another long time fish keeper on this site. Don't forget to post some pics of your fish in some albums in your profile. Love to see some uncommon things