Here at FantaSEA Aquariums, we’re always working on staying up-to-date on the goings-on in the (saltwater) aquarium hobby and industry. That’s why we were deeply saddened to hear about the sudden loss of one of our favorite reef writers and “reefluencers”, who was among the biggest names in the saltwater community: Jacob (Jake) Adams. He passed away suddenly on October 20, 2022.
Spreading the aquarium love
In his work as Managing Editor for Reef Builders, the go-to website for anything saltwater, Jake inspired thousands of aquarium enthusiasts, ranging from beginners to other industry icons. For us, he was one of the primary influences during our journey in the reef hobby so far. Seeing how his articles helped people all over the world build their knowledge inspired us to attach our own blog to the FantaSEA Aquariums website.
Realizing the amount of expertise lost is disheartening. To us, there really aren’t many people that come close to Jake in terms of that perfect triangle: knowledge, the ability to convey it and sheer enthusiasm and love for the hobby. His ability to branch across different mediums, connecting with aquarists and marine enthusiasts all over the world, was unparalleled.
Jake experienced working in retail, as a YouTuber, as a podcaster, as a reef writer, as a public speaker and as an aquarist, maintaining the displays in the Reef Builders Studio. He was a marine biologist, diver and even organized his very own aquatic events. Just a week before his passing, he published a short post about a ‘Holographic’ Acanthophyllia coral that exudes his typical and infectious love of these invertebrates.
Noting the shockwaves the news has sent through the community, FantaSEA Aquariums owner and founder Dalton Leonard said:
“Jake was an inspiration to hobbyists and industry professionals alike. His passion was infectious and his admiration for life below sea level is unmatched. Jake and his legacy are a reminder of how fragile life is and to continue pursuing our dreams today, as tomorrow is never guaranteed. Proud to have been a part of the reef builders community and thankful for all that his work had contributed to our community.”
Support
We’d like to bring to your attention that at the time of writing, a Go Fund Me in support of Jake’s wife, Windsor Adams, is active. It shares that Windsor is currently pregnant. We have made our own donation and are pleased to see that other aquarists are rallying together to help.
Thank you, Jake! For the knowledge, for the reminders of why we do what we do, and for bringing so many people into this wonderful hobby. Your work was truly an ode to the beauty of nature, and a great example of how we can bring it right into our own homes.
