Howard Isenberg (HowardofNOVA)

Congratulations Howard, on being selected WAMAS tank of the month.

About the Tank

Experience in hobby

Q  How long have you been doing this?

A  My father and I had over 20 FW tanks when I was young, but I didn't get into SW until about 2003.

Q  Who got you into the hobby?

A  My x called me about a lady whose husband abandoned her, 5 kids and their 30g tank. Sad story, but the free tank got me started! I've spent a little since!

Q  Who in the hobby most influences you?

A  There has been several. I met Craig Kuhn at "The Reef Tank"/WAMAS Social to get into WAMAS, Rik Leishman, I got my first coral from him (Still have, Sarcophyton), but by far, Chip "Flowerseller" Frederick, have all become great friends!

Tank setup and equipment

I have a 90g Jeff "NAGA" Haddock Acrylic 3'x2'x2' Reef Tank & sump, MAG18 going to 15w UV Sterilizer, GreySeas Media Reactor & 1" SS in Maintank & 30g Frag Tank. The system also includes a MAG18 to DIY Chip O'Downdraft Skimmer, Three Dual T5 36" 39w Retro Kits (BRK) on Main Tank and Two on the 30g Frag Tank. The stand/canopies are custom made and I dose Kalk and calcium.

Q  What and Who turned you on to T5's? Why? What is your experience with them?

A  Jean Marie' Le Grand "JMsAquarium", his growth was awesome and great colors! In this area, the less heat you have to deal with the better IMO!

Q  What is your maintenance schedule like?

A  I do 5g+ water changes weekly. I clean the glass as needed, Change Carbon every 5-6wks. Have to admit, busy schedule makes this tough, but working to automate as much as possible. Using ACJr now and working great!

Q  What are your future plans for improvement/upgrade of the tank?

A  I've had a KolpC Calcium Reactors for over 2yrs, time to hook it up! Hope to buy a house next year and plans for a 300-500g system. I plan on keeping my custom 90g Acrylic Tank from Jeff "NAGA" Haddock as long as I can, But in about a year or so when I hopefully become a home owner again, I want to put in a In-Wall Tank about 8'x4'x30". I love the depth that the 4' give in landscaping and I like the 2' depth of my current tank, but don't want to go more than 30" on any future tank! Do my scuba diving in the ocean!

Q  What makes your setup special or unique?

A  My setup is very low tech. my setup is designed to be hands off.

Q  We all have weird witches brew that we use on our tanks, what is your favorite homemade reef concoction and what does it helps with? Have you seen any success/improvement after using it?

A  Outside of Kalk drip, I have not tried alot of chemicals on a consistant basis. Only concoction I can recommend is my frozen feed mix (Notice all the fat fish): 1 piece Krill, Cyclopeez, Mysis and a couple cubes of Formula One in plastic container with RO/DI and thawed in frig. Feed fish once in morning and again in evening. Will add a couple of Silversides for Anenomes which I feed 2x a week with 1/2 piece each.

Q  What is the most off the wall method you use on your tank that not many other reefers would dare to try?

A  I guess just KISS! Basics work!

Q  What is your most successful propagated coral?

A  After all these years, still learning! I would say Leathers and GSP!

Q  What species of fish would you like one day see it bred in captivity? Why?

A  My Crossguard Basslett, Beautiful fish, but a bit pricey!

Personal

Q  You have been a part of WAMAS for over 4 years, what is your most treasured memory in the club?

A  While alot of good memories! I guess winning the Free Scuba Lessons from Adventure Scuba in Chantilly! Was awesome learnng how to dive with my daughter Lindsey and later Jessica!

Q  What are your other hobbies?

A  Too many: Archery Hunting, Fishing, Landscaping and best is Diving with daughters (Need to do more!).

Q  What kind of music are you into right now?

A  Everything from RocknRoll to Classics, not much into Rap.

Q  Who would you most like to meet past present or future?

A  John Wayne, W and Charlton Heston

Q  If you could go one place on earth where would it be?

A  Australia.

Q  What draws your attention about Australia?

A  Actually New Zealand! My Grandfather, "God rest his soul", use to tell me about there during his visit in WWII

Q  What is the most interesting place (related to the hobby) you have visited in the US and what made it so special?

A  Diving with my daughters in the Keys!

Q  With all this pollution on the reefs ecosytem, what are you doing to contribute to save the reef?

A  I will not dump ANY algae or tank debris/waste into the toilet or sink!! Every water change will go to the lawn, not in the drains!

Q  Why did you choose the screen name you did?

A  Howard of Northern Virginia.

Q  Football or basketball?

A  Anything Pittsburgh, Steelers, Pens, Pirates.

Q  Scotch or burbon?

A  Captain Morgan Rum, Remy Cognac and Tequila

Q  The piece of equipment you think is the best investment?

A  Long handled forceps and Refractometer!

Q  Money wasted?

A  Cheap Plastic Salinity Checkers, should be outlawed!!

Q  In your experience, what words of wisdom would you share with our young upcoming reefer population?

A  Learn the Basics, READ, LISTEN and ASK QUESTIONS!!!

Q  Where would you like to see this hobby in the next 10 years?

A  100% Aqua Cultures, but if we can get to a point where at least 1/2 of the corals are home grown that would be awesome! It really worries me with all the recent "NEW Aussie Corals" out there that somewhere a reef is being wiped out in the name of a buck!