A Life-Long Passion for the Sea

Cullen’s journey into the world of aquariums began when he was just a kid, rummaging through his dad’s garage and discovering an old 35-gallon fish tank. That moment sparked a lifelong passion for aquatic life that has only grown stronger over the years.

With a degree in Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology, and Geological Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island, Cullen found the perfect way to combine his love for the ocean with hands-on work.

During his time at URI, Cullen had the incredible opportunity to study abroad at James Cook University in Australia. There, he conducted multiple dives on the Great Barrier Reef and studied the reef up close and personal while staying on the Orpheus Island Research Station.

This experience deepened his connection to coral reefs and set the foundation for his career as an expert in the field.

The Coral Whisperer

When it comes to aquariums, Cullen has seen and done it all. His favorite? Working with massive 20,000-gallon tanks and the majestic creatures that inhabit them, like mahi-mahi and tuna.

But it’s not just the big tanks that excite him—Cullen has a special place in his heart for creating stunning coral reefs in clients’ smaller tanks as well. His attention to detail and dedication to the craft is evident in every aquarium he touches.

A Tale of Two Royal Grammas

Every aquarium technician has a story or two, and Cullen’s is no exception. One of his most memorable experiences involved a sneaky royal gramma that mysteriously disappeared from a client’s tank.

After three months with no sign of the elusive fish, Cullen gave up on the search and introduced a new royal gramma to the tank—only for the original fish to reappear as if nothing had happened! Now, both royal grammas live peacefully together, much to the delight of the client.

Beyond the Tank

When Cullen isn’t working his magic on aquariums, he’s exploring a variety of hobbies that keep him just as busy.

Whether it’s metalworking, jewelry making, or brewing his own mead (honey wine, for the uninitiated), Cullen’s creativity knows no bounds. He’s also passionate about fishing, crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay, and helping to preserve wild coral reefs.

Consistency and Excellence

Cullen’s dedication to his craft hasn’t gone unnoticed. One client, an author and inspirational speaker, was so impressed with Cullen’s work that it reminded him of one of his own speeches.

He even gave Cullen a card with the speech on it, personally thanking him for the excellence he brings to every aquarium.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

In an industry that’s constantly evolving, Cullen makes sure to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations.

He spends his free time watching informational videos, reading articles, and working on projects like maintaining FantaSEA Aquariums’ very own aquaculture system for sustainably culturing corals.

Join the FantaSEA Family

We’re proud to have experts like Cullen on our team. His passion, experience, and unique personality make him a joy to work with—and we’re sure our clients would agree!

So whether you’re looking to create a stunning new aquarium or need help maintaining your existing one, Cullen and the rest of our team are here to make your aquatic dreams come true.