For Kayvon Ashrafzadeh, the owner of Columbia Pet Center, a fascination with fish began not in a sprawling ocean or a winding river, but rather, unexpectedly, at a school carnival. For 36 years, this initial spark has grown into a blazing passion, shaping his life and culminating in a career dedicated to aquatic life. At Columbia Pet Center, Kayvon doesn’t just sell fish; he immerses himself in the world of fish, sharing his extensive knowledge daily with customers and continuing his devotion at home, tending to his personal collection.
From a Carnival Prize to a Backyard Pond: The Genesis of a Fish Enthusiast
Kayvon vividly recalls the pivotal moment that ignited his lifelong journey with fish. At the age of twelve, attending a carnival at his elementary school, a simple game of skill led to an unforeseen passion. Successfully tossing a ping pong ball into a bowl, his prize was a small goldfish swimming in a plastic bag. This seemingly ordinary carnival prize became the catalyst for an extraordinary interest. Bringing his new aquatic companion home, Kayvon set up his father’s old aquarium, providing a first habitat. His enthusiasm quickly outgrew the tank, leading to a more ambitious project. “Ultimately, my parents let me dig a pond in my backyard so I could move that goldfish there,” Kayvon fondly remembers, highlighting the early dedication that marked the beginning of his journey.
From Hobby to Profession: Years of Expertise at Columbia Pet Center
By sixteen, Kayvon’s passion transitioned into professional experience as he secured his first job at a local pet store. This marked the start of his career in the pet industry, and he reflects, “This is all I’ve done for a paycheck ever since.” This long-standing commitment underscores his deep-rooted dedication to the field. Now, as the owner of Columbia Pet Center, Kayvon brings decades of hands-on experience and profound knowledge to his business. He and his team at Columbia Pet Center are committed to providing expert advice and quality products for all aquatic pet needs, fostering a community of fishkeeping enthusiasts.
Aquascaping as Art: Crafting Natural Aquatic Worlds
One of Kayvon’s favorite aspects of fishkeeping, and a skill he expertly showcases at Columbia Pet Center, is aquascaping. He describes his decorating style as creating a “cube of nature.” His philosophy involves meticulously designing aquariums to mirror the natural habitats of the fish. “I like my aquariums to look like a cube has been sliced right out of the animal’s environment and put it into my house,” he explains. This dedication to naturalism translates into carefully selected decorations: rocks for African Rift Lake Cichlids, replicating their rocky environment, and driftwood and specific plants for his South American fish, mirroring their native river systems. At Columbia Pet Center, customers can witness examples of Kayvon’s aquascaping artistry and receive guidance on creating their own stunning underwater landscapes.
The Science Behind the Beauty: Understanding Fishkeeping at Columbia Pet Center
While aesthetically pleasing aquascapes enhance the joy of fishkeeping, Kayvon emphasizes that the foundation of successful fish ownership is the “science of fishkeeping.” This scientific approach extends far beyond mere decoration. It involves a comprehensive understanding of each species’ needs, including their place in their ecosystem – their diet, predators, preferred water depth, and compatible tank mates. Mastering these biological balances is crucial for the health and longevity of the fish. Columbia Pet Center prioritizes educating customers on these scientific principles, ensuring they are well-equipped to create thriving aquatic environments.
This scientific approach also encompasses the technical aspects of aquarium maintenance. Understanding and managing water chemistry, particularly pH levels which vary significantly across species, is vital. Filtration is another critical element. “The fish are living in what amounts to their own toilet bowl, so it needs its own wastewater management,” Kayvon explains. Reliable filtration systems are essential for removing solids and breaking down waste products, maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. Columbia Pet Center offers a range of high-quality filtration systems and expert advice to help customers manage these crucial aspects of fish care.
Reproduction as the Ultimate Success: A Thriving Ecosystem at Home and at Columbia Pet Center
For Kayvon, the ultimate measure of success in fishkeeping, both personally and as a standard at Columbia Pet Center, is the reproduction of his fish. “If they’re making babies and the babies are growing up, then we feel like we’ve given them everything they need — we’ve mimicked their environment sufficiently,” he explains. This natural propagation signifies a truly healthy and well-balanced aquatic environment, reflecting optimal care and conditions. This philosophy of fostering thriving aquatic life is central to the mission of Columbia Pet Center.
Even after dedicating his workday to discussing and caring for fish at Columbia Pet Center, Kayvon’s enthusiasm remains undiminished. He concludes, “Fish can enrich the room. This isn’t something that should be a hassle — it should be a passion.” Visit Columbia Pet Center to explore the fascinating world of fishkeeping and discover how to bring this enriching passion into your own home.
