Local News

Jul 16, 2022
Allie Vugrincic
Reporter
avugrincic@tribtoday.com

Submitted photo Rob “The Fish Guy” Williams, 40, of Niles, stands next to an aquarium that he donated and maintains at Briarfield Manor in Austintown. Williams has loved aquariums since he was a child and recently turned his hobby into a business, Awesome Aquatics, through which he installs and maintains aquariums for families and other businesses.

NILES — Rob “The Fish Guy” Williams has loved aquariums his whole life.

“My dad had an aquarium and I just thought it was the coolest thing, and whenever I was at his house, I always was in front of his fish tank,” Williams said.

Williams, 40, has 35 active fish tanks at his home in Niles. Some are filled with his favorite tropical fish, which he competitively shows as a member of the Greater Akron Aquarium Society, and others are used to quarantine fish for his clients’ aquariums.

After working in the restaurant industry since age 14, Williams decided to do what he loves most and began his business, Awesome Aquatics, one year ago this month. While still working part-time at Olive Garden in Niles, Williams now maintains more than 20 aquariums for businesses and families, using tricks and skills he learned over the years.

When it comes to keeping a good tank, “Water changes are key,” Williams said. “I don’t like to over-medicate … I like to treat the fish naturally.”