19/03/2026
So, I have some Exciting news! Ocean Storm Aquariums Re-Opening Soon!
After a lot of thinking (and some serious number-crunching), I've found a way to survive Ocean Storm Aquariums instead of giving it up forever — and in around two months time, I'll be back with a new location and a fresh start.
Same business, same name, but different location and there will be a few noticeable differences from our former store to make this work.
I've had to halve the tank volume because, honestly, the power bill at the old store was absolutely brutal — but don't worry, the plan is to retrofit the remaining systems with more dividers so the variety stays, just packed smarter. Same fish, fewer tanks, better setup.
At this stage, I will also be working as a one-man band, possibly with one casual staff member, as ever-increasing wages and staff costs were also a killer for a small business like mine. Days and hours of operation are still being considered, but I’ll likely drop Sundays to help keep costs and work-life balance economical.
With these changes, my operating costs are significantly lower, meaning I can survive in the business rather than give it up entirely. After much thought about working for myself for the past 25 years, it was never going to be easy working for someone else, either.
I'll provide more details and progress updates as the weeks go on... But get excited Illawarra! I know a lot of you were devastated when I announced the closure of the old store, and I am glad I was able to find a way to give it another crack.
