Show Notes
In this episode of Reefing Radio, we're joined by Mark Bindefeld from MB Aquariums to explore the world of professional aquarium maintenance. Mark has built a successful business maintaining everything from tropical aquariums and reef tanks to large commercial displays, giving us a fascinating insight into a side of the hobby that most reef keepers never see.
We discuss what it's like looking after other people's aquariums, the types of clients who use professional maintenance services, and the biggest challenges of turning a passion for fishkeeping into a full-time career. Mark shares stories from the field, from emergency call-outs and holiday cover to rescuing neglected systems and maintaining high-end reef tanks.
If you've ever wondered what it's like to maintain reef tanks for a living, considered hiring a professional to look after your aquarium, or even dreamed of turning your own hobby into a career, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most interesting professions in the reefing hobby.
Find Mark and MB Aquariums: 🌐 https://mbaquariums.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @thenewbiereefer 📘 Facebook: MB Aquariums
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More from Reefing Radio
In this episode of Reefing Radio, Chris and Gareth strip reef keeping back to basics and ask a simple question: what do you genuinely need to run a successful reef tank? From ATOs, flow and temperature control to test kits, live rock and backup equipment, we work through the gear and practices we think are truly essential. Along the way, we also challenge some of the hobby's biggest assumptions, including whether you really need to dip every coral and if clean-up crews are as important as they're made out to be. Whether you're setting up your very first reef tank or rethinking how you run an established system, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal experiences, and a few opinions that might spark some debate. As always, we'd love to hear what you think is essential... and what you'd happily leave out.
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We recently visited Tropical Marine Centre — the UK’s largest importer of marine fish and coral — for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with CEO Brian Schaff.In Part 1 of this series, Brian takes us through TMC’s fish systems, quarantine and acclimation processes, animal care philosophy, and the logistics involved in handling thousands of marine fish each year.We also discuss fish health, decompression, captive breeding, UV sterilisation, feeding systems, and how TMC approaches marine livestock care at scale.Huge thanks to Brian and the whole team at TMC for taking the time to show us around.Part 2 coming soon.Don't miss our full sit-down interview with Brian Schaff discussing the reefing industry, supply chains, sustainability, and how the marine trade works.
In this episode, Chris, James, and Gareth are joined by Brian Schaff, CEO of Tropical Marine Centre (TMC), the UK’s leading suppliers of marine livestock and aquarium equipment.