James E. Anderson Jr. began Anderson Aquariums in 2003. Although it officially became a business in that year, James has been involved in the hobby of fishkeeping since 1987. As a teenager he became a fish enthusiast and has never lost his vigor for the hobby. Upon receiving his Bachelors Degree in Education and African American Studies from Rutgers University in 1994 and moving into his own home, one of his first purchases was an aquarium. Visitors to his home often inquired about the beauty and tranquility of his aquarium. From 1995 to 2002 fishkeeping was just a hobby.
In 2002, after receiving years of compliments and helping others to set up aquariums for free James decided to begin charging for his services. It was not a business per se but something he did on the side to that helped finance his hobby. James had begun a family and the desire to provide for his family had pushed him to acquire a part time job to bolster the income from his full time employment. Although finances were improved, time spent with his family subsequently decreased and his part time work was not fulfilling. It was just that: a job.
