This June, members of the Long Island Reef Association gathered at Polo Reef for an insightful event, featuring captivating talks from experts in the marine world. This event, part of the association’s monthly series, provided attendees with a deep dive into the complexities and wonders of marine life and aquarium keeping through talks by Andrew Sandler and Dr. Alex Hall.
The first talk was delivered by Andrew Sandler, the visionary behind Polo Reef’s stunning aquarium. Andrew shared the comprehensive journey of creating his renowned tank, taking us through the process from start to finish. He spoke candidly about the numerous challenges he faced, from the intricate design and engineering aspects to the delicate balance of maintaining a thriving ecosystem.
Andrew highlighted the grueling process leading up to the completion of the aquarium, detailing the meticulous planning, problem-solving, and adjustments required to bring his vision to life. His passion and dedication to the hobby shone as he described the intricate dance of achieving harmony between technology and nature, ensuring that every fish, coral, and invertebrate had a suitable and healthy environment to thrive in.
One of the standout features of Polo Reef is its 17,000-gallon display tank, which is central to their mission of education and reef conservation. Alongside this impressive display, there are multiple other tanks, quarantine facilities, and a wet lab designed to foster learning and share new information, techniques, and technologies with the reef-keeping community.
Following Andrew’s talk, we had the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Alex Hall, an esteemed aquatic veterinarian. Dr. Hall’s presentation focused on diagnosing marine diseases in fish and corals, including identifying and treating pests and hitchhikers that can threaten the health of a marine tank.
Dr. Hall shared valuable insights on the common diseases and conditions aquarists might encounter and practical advice on prevention and treatment. His expertise gave attendees a deeper understanding of the delicate nature of marine ecosystems and the importance of vigilant care and maintenance. The event was organized as part of the Long Island Reef Association’s ongoing series of monthly member events, to whom Kinza of Island Fish and Scale serves as a Board Member. The gathering not only offered a wealth of knowledge but also fostered a sense of community among marine enthusiasts, all passionate about the health and beauty of their aquatic environments.
To cap off the afternoon, attendees visited the koi pond outside, discussing the intricacies of fish systems and the importance of proper feeding techniques. This serene setting provided a perfect backdrop for a relaxed conversation about maintaining healthy fish habitats as members fed the koi and admired their graceful movements.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Andrew Sandler for hosting the day’s events and Dr. Alex Hall for sharing their expertise and experiences with us. Their talks were informative and inspiring, reminding us of the intricate beauty and complexity of marine life. As we look forward to future events, we are excited to continue learning and growing together as a community dedicated to the wonders of the reef. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from our upcoming events. Until then, happy reef-keeping!
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with fellow marine enthusiasts and anyone interested in the fascinating world of aquariums. For more information about Polo Reef, visit their website.
