Call Shirlie via Keen

Hello! My name is Shirlie Sharpe. Since 1998 I've been About.com's Guide to Freshwater Aquariums. I've spent most of my life studying, breeding, and raising fish. I'm also a freelance author and fish photographer, and have hundreds of my fish photos on display in my fish library.

Fishkeeping can be daunting at times, but with a little help you can overcome virtually any problem. I'm generally available in the mornings, but prefer to schedule calls so I can chat without interruptions.

Before calling me through Keen, please collect as much information as possible. That way your call can be as short as possible (time is money, and I'd like to keep you from spending too much of yours!). I strongly suggest having the following information on hand.

• size of aquarium
• date tank initially was set up
• recent water test results: pH, ammonia, nitrite
• number, size, and species of fish in the tank

I'll do my best to help you with any aquarium problem you might have. My reference library is quite extensive, and I also have many contacts with in the aquarium trade. So if I can't answer your question immediately, I can follow up via e-mail.