When we think of people in the hobby and industry who get to see and do things that many people only dream of, you can’t help but think of Lemon Tea yi-Kai. Affectionately known as Lemon, this world traveler gets to see some of the world’s best fish and coral collections and to dive on some of the most exclusive collection sites. Lemon is also known as one of the editors of Reefbuilders.com and his exemplary work in both cataloguing and classification of fishes make him as well-known as possible, but perhaps what many know him best for is his photographic skill and his knack for capturing the absolutely undeniable beauty of our seas. His works have been seen in forums, print magazines and even in a recent Signature Poster Series.
As everyone is gearing up for MACNA 2015, Lemon has made his way to the US in preparation and got the opportunity to visit one of the best coral reef tanks in North America and arguably one of the best in the world as well. The 20,000 gallon coral reef tank of the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center is a tank that holds the beauty of the ocean within. Peering into the 30 foot long tank will give you access to 100’s of coral species and nearly 800 species of fish, most of which have been personally selected by Co-Founder of the aquarium and the man who started the reef in his basement many year ago, Joe Yaiullo. These days the aquarium is maintained to the highest levels of standards with uncompromising care by Joe, his elite staff and his wonderful fiancé Laura.
Lemon got the opportunity to check behind the scenes and see the tank from all angles except one. Joe doesn’t just allow anyone to dive the tank and saves that privilege for a select few. Besides, who ever heard of a Long Island Lemon Iced Tea? Lemon shared a few pictures with us and also shot a nice bit of video.
In the next few weeks the Orphek team will have the opportunity to visit the aquarium and we are sure that the pictures will pale in comparison to the true beauty of the tank. We’d like to thank Lemon for these pictures and video and also Joe for being such a steward of the ocean and for continuing to share the passion that he has for reef keeping.
