Who am I? Why you should trust me…
Hello there!
Today I’ll be answering a question that I’m sure I am going to get asked:
Why should I trust you?
To be fair, seeing a 17 year old (at the time of this post) wanting to clean your fish tank would probably worry most people. I understand. However I feel like if you got to know me a little more through this blog, I could help convince you just a little bit. Also to clarify:
Its not just me doing this. We are a family business.
My Dad is helping building the stands if you ever want a custom wooden aquarium stand built to last, and has built several aquariums stands in the past. Me and my Dad built my 315 gallon aquarium stand, a 75 gallon stand, and a 150 gallon stand. He has done multiple other wood projects that are too numerous to list out. Safe to say my Dad John will be thrilled to work on something smaller than those tanks. But if have a big tank, fear not. We can get it done. My mom is also joining too! Her name is Margo, and she will be helping with maintenance when she can and the business side of Two Current Aquatics when she can.
So, to start.
Who am I?
Well, my name is Dylan Lanier(Luh-near), and I’ve lived in Oak Harbor for about 5 years now. Before that I lived in California near ish Sacramento. I am currently a Senior in highschool, with about a 3.8 GPA. I’ve done running start for 2 years now, Junior year and Senior year, and am working towards getting my pre nursing pre requisites done, through Skagit Valley Community College. Since I was 14 I’ve had some sort of job, from mowing lawns to harvesting lavender to lifeguarding. I am currently a lifeguard at Oak Harbor pool, and find it a good place to work at. Academically, I’ve done well, but I also have been doing sports throughout Highschool and in Middle school as well. Since Freshman year, I have done the same three sports: Cross Country in the fall, Swim in the Winter, and Track during Spring. Sports have taught me dedication, mental and physical toughness, and the pros of working in a team. How good am I at these sports? I can’t say I’m really good to be honest. I nearly went to State for Cross Country, gone to Districts for Swim, and for Track I went to sub Districts. However I was the fastest on my Cross Country team sophomore year, fastest in the 2 mile sophomore year, and 8th fastest 5k ever for the Oak Harbor Highschool Cross Country team, for Sophomores. Unfortunately, a back injury tanked my Junior year of running, but my Swim was fine. Senior year is going better though, so there’s hope.
Anyways, back to stuff that you probably care more about.
Do I know aquariums?
The types I like to keep I could say I know them well. While I would never brag and say I am an expert, I can say that I can that I’ve had plenty of trial and error and have figured out what works best for me. This is my favorite way to keep a fish tank:
A lowtech planted aquarium with light to medium stocking.
This means less fish than your tank could hold, a decent plant light, a plant substrate, weekly water changes, and plant fertilizer. Doing this practically guarantees success. I’ve tried to skimp out on some parts, such as have too many fish, not a good light, etc and always pay the price. I feel that keeping a lowtech planted aquarium is similar to a recipe: if you leave something out, then the whole thing is ruined. While there are people who leave things out of the recipe, it can work, but you are generally making it more difficult for yourself. Additionally, if I am taking care of your tank you want to have your tank be at the best it can be, right?
To end this blog, I’ll summarize our business:
We are hard working, people focused, and have enough interest in aquariums to start a business. We will love working with people and seeing the face of someone who never knew that there are plants that can grow in your aquarium if you give them a little love.
Until next time,
Dylan, and the Team (John and Margo)
Maintenance Made Easy!
Want to know more about me? Send me a message at my phone number (360-929-6974) or email me at dylanlanier@twocurrentaquatics.com.
