Ed Phillips
How long have you been a Maidenhead Aquatics team member?
Since 2007
How long have you been keeping fish?
30+ years - too long!
What was your first aquarium and what fish did you keep in it?
A rather predictable one – my first fish was Goldie the Goldfish!
What species do you most enjoy keeping and why?
My big love is the world of LPS corals; I find the sheer variety of species, colours and structures fascinating. At Moss End we do a huge amount of fragging, watching a tiny frag grow into a colony is tremendously satisfying.
What pearl of wisdom would you give to first-time Fish keepers?
Tough one but find a good local fish store and chat with the staff. There’s so many different methodologies behind keeping fish that no 2 people will 100% agree - find a shop you like and stick with them. That way their advice won’t go against the grain
What would be your dream aquarium?
I would love to have a monster fish only system with cow rays in at home. Such a beautiful fish but they need a BIG home!
What’s your favourite aspect of work at Maidenhead Aquatics?
I love the fact every day is different; I don’t know who will pop by next or call us on the phone and what their problems will be. You have to learn to be able to mentally change gear rapidly depending on the scenario you’re in.
What question do customers ask you most often?
Can I keep Nemo with my goldfish? 😊
What’s your secret fishkeeping “top tip”?
Test test and test again! You don’t keep fish, you keep water. The fish are just the pretty things in it. If you don’t test, you have no idea what the parameters actually are. When you test frequently, if something goes wrong you’ll see it before it becomes a real problem.
How many aquariums do you currently keep at home, and what are these?
None actually, I’ve enough at work to look after!
What do you think is the future of fishkeeping and what developments would you most like to see?
The main development I’d love to see is the increase of captive bred marine species. The sustainability of the marine trade is so important and captive breed is a key component.
What’s the most unique species you’ve ever cared for at Maidenhead Aquatics?
The Japanese Wrought Iron Butterfly – such a hard fish to source and one of the most beautiful butterflies out there.
What is it that first got you hooked on fishkeeping?
My Grandad kept fish, and then my mother followed suit. Makes sense I’d follow in their foot steps!
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned since joining Maidenhead Aquatics?
Oh too many to list, but the most interesting to me is how an aquarium is a complete eco system, changing even small variables rapidly can have huge knock on effects in ways you would foresee. You’re literally recreating nature in your living room – that’s pretty awesome!