Andrew's Journey in Reefkeeping

by Mike Paletta September 25, 2024

(Andrew’s Tank of the Month in Reef Central 2014 with puppy Phoebe, Michelle, Johnathan, Andrew and Yalcin)

Andrew Sandler's name has become synonymous with breathtaking reef tanks, particularly his incredible 17,000-gallon (64,352 liters) aquarium, which has captivated hobbyists worldwide. For many, it may appear that Andrew, along with his tank and mesmerizing videos, surfaced out of nowhere. However, like the idea of "overnight success" in various fields, Andrew's achievements result from nearly fifty years of dedication to the aquarium hobby. Andrew's journey is far from sudden—his experiences in fishkeeping span decades, and his passion for the hobby shines through every aspect of his work. He didn't ask for this article, but I wanted to share his background and how his incredible vision for the world's most giant home reef tank came to life.

Like many long-time hobbyists, Andrew's fascination with aquariums began at a young age. He became interested in freshwater tanks at just eight years old after seeing some at his friends' houses. Though his immediate family didn't keep fish, his grandfather played a key role by taking him to local fish stores. Andrew's enthusiasm was so strong that he would bike along busy highways to reach the shops when he couldn't get a ride. He fondly recalls riding home with his fish in his bike basket, sneaking them into his tank without anyone noticing. This youthful zeal for fishkeeping is something many aquarium enthusiasts can relate to. Andrew kept large fish like Oscars and cichlids for a while, a shift from the more typical beginner experience. This knowledge led to one of his first jobs at an aquarium store. However, Andrew's time there was short-lived—he was fired after feeding a large Oscar a feeder goldfish in front of the store's owner, who found the act inhumane. It remains the only job from which Andrew has ever been dismissed.

(One of Andrew's current aquariums shows the rare personatus angelfish and colorful coral)

Like many of us, Andrew's early tanks started with livebearers, tetras, and catfish. His first exotic fish were pink kissing gouramis, which he fondly recalls as the gateway to a lifelong love of aquariums. As his experience grew, he began breeding Angelfish and Discus and, eventually, Rift Lake Cichlids. His progression through the hobby mirrors that of many other seasoned aquarists. During his early years, Andrew's favorite shop was Ed's Aquarium, where he often went with his grandfather. The shop was unique to him not just because of the shared memories but also because the staff answered all of his many questions. Andrew credits Ed's Aquarium for fostering his success, as they were always patient and helpful when he called, sometimes three or four times a day, with new questions. This willingness to educate others is something Andrew now embodies—despite his busy schedule, he makes time to answer questions from fellow hobbyists, and with over 600,000 followers on Polo Reef's social media, there are many.

At 16, Andrew transitioned from freshwater tanks to saltwater. His tanks evolved in terms of both technology and inhabitants. His early setups included under-gravel filters powered by air-stones, and over time he upgraded to reverse under-gravel filters with powerheads. His saltwater tanks were initially filled with colorful fish like Koran Angelfish and Clown Triggers, ranging from 40 to 55 gallons. Andrew switched to a Dutch mini-reef system during college and upgraded to a 65-gallon tank with a trickle filter. As he experimented with bio-balls and other media, he encountered common issues with clogged filters, leading him to explore new solutions. He also became proficient with dosing kalkwasser, even using IV bags to maintain proper chemistry in his tank. Andrew laughed as we reminisced about those early days when few hobbyists measured alkalinity—back then, calcium levels were thought to be the key to success.

(One of Andrew's aquariums is currently found in the Polo Reef lab)

Much of Andrew's early knowledge came from magazines and books, such as Julian Sprung's Reef Notes, Martin Moe's and Albert Thiel's writings, and magazines published by Terry Siegel. Local aquarium shops like Absolute Fish and the New York Aquarium on 23rd Street were also crucial sources of information. Andrew also learned from hobbyists like Tony Vargas, Greg Schiemer, Steve Tyree, and Joe Yaiullo, who inspired Andrew to build his massive tank based on the Long Island Aquarium's masterpiece.

(A group of OG reefers at a recent event for an educational program)

After college, Andrew continued pursuing the hobby while also following his passions for music, tennis, and his career. In 1990, after moving into the city, he set up both a 65-gallon reef tank and a 125-gallon fish-only tank in his first apartment. However, a mishap with his RO unit gasket caused a major flood that led to Andrew's eviction. Undeterred, Andrew's next project was a 200-gallon reef tank. Unfortunately, he lost the entire system during the East Coast blackout of 2003, leading him always to use backup generators in subsequent tanks.

Andrew's passion for large tanks grew with each new project. He set up two 800-gallon tanks in his next home and then moved on to a 1000-gallon system in his rental house. This tank, which became Reef Central's Tank of the Month in 2014, was unique not only for its size but also for its design—its filtration room was located 50 feet away from the main tank.

This is about the time the long-term contributions of Johnathan Hale and Michelle Hope from Country Critters and Yalcin Tanburaci played into part with Andrew’s journey, particularly in managing and maintaining his aquarium systems. It emphasizes their role in transforming Andrew’s initial modest setup—two 800-gallon aquariums—into the impressive 17,000-gallon reef system they manage today. With Johnathan being the main point man, designer and general contractor for the 17,000 gallon reef. Johnathan, Michelle and Yalcin have been vital in maintaining life support systems and were instrumental in the success of housing rare species, such as the Peppermint and baby Personatus angelfish.

Their unwavering support and expertise for over 22 years have been a cornerstone of Andrew's success, making them indispensable to the growth and evolution of his aquarium systems.

(A close-up of some of the corals in the Tank of the Month)

In 2012, Andrew began planning his 17,000-gallon tank. By this point, he had mastered the complexities of plumbing and filtration for large systems. His love of rare fish, such as the Personatus angelfish, also influenced the design of his experimental 1000-gallon tank, which tested various lighting systems like metal halides (Ushio, Radium, and Coralvue) and T5s. Every aspect of the system, from bulbs to reflectors, was tweaked to perfection with insights from experts like Sanjay Joshi.

(Andrew, Koji, and Yalcin during the 17k construction)

In 2015, Andrew moved into his new home in Long Island, where he initially planned to build a 2500-gallon coral tank for his office and a larger fish-only tank. However, as the project progressed over the next five years, the concept for the 17,000-gallon tank took shape. When asked how he settled on the tank's size, Andrew said, "It's what would fit in our space."

The tank's construction and material acquisition spanned several years, with the system nearing completion in late 2019. Despite meticulous planning, two leaks delayed the project, requiring the tank to be drained and re-welded. Additional bracing was added to prevent future issues. Initially designed to be a "coral-light" tank, the space allowed for equipment upgrades when converting into an entire reef system. Andrew also built a 2,500-gallon quarantine system to house new fish and corals, ensuring proper quarantine protocols were followed. Today, the lab includes four coral quarantine tanks for detailed inspection by a veterinarian.

(Alex, a specialized fish and coral vet studying a specimen)

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Andrew began sharing videos of his tank set to music, combining his love for both music and the hobby. These videos became a hit during lockdown, providing a welcome distraction for many. Over time, Andrew honed his filming and editing skills, eventually converting the fish-only tank into a reef tank. The system had never been treated with medications thanks to careful quarantine practices, allowing for a smooth transition to a reef environment. In 2022, the transformation was complete, and Andrew's 17,000-gallon tank became the largest home reef system in the world.

(The 17k finished product soon after corals were introduced)

Despite COVID-related supply chain challenges, Andrew acquired the necessary equipment and engineered the tank's final design. Since 2022, the tank has continued to evolve, with corals thriving in the system. In addition to the main tank, Andrew's home now houses more than 15 other reef tanks, ranging from 80 to 2,500 gallons. These tanks are home to a wide array of rare fish and corals, surpassing the collections of many public aquariums. The only thing missing is a freshwater tank, which may be in the works.

(The new, almost completed 900-gallon drop-down aquarium)

Since 2020, Andrew has posted hundreds of videos showcasing the progression of the 17,000-gallon tank and its inhabitants. Polo Reef now has over 600,000 followers across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Initially, Polo Reef was a way for Andrew to share his hobby with others during the pandemic, but it has since evolved into a platform for education and philanthropy. Andrew sees Polo Reef as a way to give back to the hobby, sharing his knowledge on quarantine protocols, disease treatment, and equipment testing. He also hosts podcasts with leading figures in the aquarium community. Beyond the hobby, Polo Reef is involved in reef preservation and restoration efforts and provides aquarium videos and live streams for children undergoing chemotherapy in hospitals.

(A portion of the Polo Reef Lab showing some of the coral quarantine aquariums and testing aquariums)

All these endeavors are part of Andrew's mission to raise awareness about the importance of coral reefs for the planet's health. While many people understand the need to preserve rainforests, few grasp the critical role of coral reefs. To help bridge this gap, Andrew has welcomed hundreds of schoolchildren to visit Polo Reef for behind-the-scenes tours of his reef systems.