Hi. My name is Joe, and before I started this business, I was a saltwater enthusiast for many years. My Dad and I have shared the passion of the salt water hobby since 1989. Although the hobby has been around for many years, it was about that time that the Berlin method versus the wet/dry differences were being discussed. Actually, we started out the hobby with a fish only tank and then introduced some live corals. Later we began adding live rock and soon eliminated the wet/dry filter.
In December 1992, I opened up a small shop in my father’s basement. I had 10 to 12 tanks in my name. I started by placing an ad in the Buffalo News and soon after that people started responding and buying from me. At that time Florida’s Worm Rock was the best live rock in the industry and we had acquired a very good source at that time. Today only cultured live rock is available from Florida.
After 6 months in the basement the business began thriving and it was apparent it was time to consider opening a store. On May 1, 1993, my wife Annette and I created Salt Water Paradise and opened a business at 54 main street in the City of Tonawanda New York. We’ve been working as a team, side by side for 11 years now. Through the years Salt Water Paradise remains our number 1 priority and we are consistently working harder to make sure we are up to date with the latest innovations available to the hobbyist. We are determined and committed to bring you the best of what is available in this hobby. In 1999 we expanded our 1 store to an adjacent building when the previous tenant left. We now have over 2000 square feet of space.
When you visit us you will meet Joe & Annette Kozak, the sole proprietors who made Salt Water Paradise the store it is today. Both of us have personally been visiting different establishments of the salt water industry in order to serve you better. We have personally met most of our suppliers. Twice a year Annette and I take turns going out to Los Angeles to meet prospective wholesale dealers and to see how the salt water industry is progressing. We personally handpick the best and healthiest live stocks that are available. As of today, I have 16 years of experience and my wife Annette has 13 years experience working in this hobby.