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July 22, 2005
Seeing something fishy
Aquarium business brings color, delight to clients.
CARLA WOLLACH
For Nuri Fisher, it all started when he was visiting his grandfather
at the Louis Brier Home and Hospital. The home had its own aquarium
– but no one was making the effort to maintain it. Seeing how
much enjoyment the residents, including his grandfather, got from
watching the fish, Fisher decided to take on the job and look after
the aquarium himself.
All the doctors who came to the home to visit patients were greeted
by smiling nurses with a cheery, "Good morning, Dr. Stein,"
or, "Good morning, Dr. Goldsmith." When Fisher arrived
for his weekly visits, he would be greeted with a, "Good morning,
Mr. Fisher." Having developed a good rapport with the residents
and nurses, one day he jokingly replied, "No, good morning,
Dr. Fish!"
Dr. Fish Aquariums was born. Starting from humble beginnings by
cleaning the small tank at the seniors' home, Fisher now maintains
huge aquariums that he describes as being like, "swimming pools
with clear walls."
Fisher, who was born and raised in Vancouver, started his business
in high school – but put it on hold to attend university, where
he studied commerce and marine biology. He relaunched Dr. Fish after
graduation.
Dr. Fish Aquariums creates custom-designed aquariums for both residential
and commercial clients. Some clients include fine restaurants, corporate
offices and group homes. Fisher stressed that he is not in the fish
tank business. Instead, he said, he is in the "interior design
business, specializing in living art."
Each Dr. Fish aquarium is unique, whether it is installed into a
wall or a piece of furniture. Dr. Fish Aquariums uses state-of-the-art
equipment to architecturally design the aquariums. This means that
Fisher is involved in the whole process, from design all the way
to installation. Working with architects and contractors before
any ground is broken or nail is hammered allows him to integrate
any aquarium into the surroundings.
Fisher said he creates an "aquascape" that is both esthetically
pleasing and ecologically sustainable. He can design an aquarium
to incorporate fresh water or salt water fish and simulate the natural
environment for the fish's optimal survival. The coral used for
the habitat is made from synthetic materials. This practice is environmentally
sound, because it ensures that reefs are not frivolously harvested.
Some popular fish in aquariums are clownfish and angel fish. Dr.
Fish jokingly added that in his aquariums, "You won't find
lox or gelfilte fish!"
But the Dr. Fish Aquariums service doesn't end with the installation.
Fisher also provides all the routine services that a healthy aquarium
requires, including cleaning the tank and maintaining the fish.
Besides having to feed the fish, there is really nothing for the
owners to do but sit back and enjoy the view. A study conducted
at Purdue University found that there is a correlation between watching
aquariums and the reduction of stress.
Fisher said that witnessing people's expressions when they first
see their new aquarium is a great part of the job. He also gets
to meet many interesting people and work with a cross-section of
professionals, some of whom are experts in their fields. When Fisher
is not working on an aquarium, you can find him at an all-you-can
eat sushi bar, chowing down on some choice cuts of sashimi. Of course,
none of the fish that he is eating would be in one of his aquariums.
Carla Wollach is a Vancouver freelance writer.
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