Dane Myers said he had one of the best Christmases a 10-year-old could have when he received his first fish tank. Over the next three years, one tank turned into two, which turned into three and then into 20.

“I’ve just always been obsessed with fish,” Myers, now 36, said. “My heart and passion has always been fish.”

After his family moved from Louisiana to Connecticut, Myers knew it was important to find a fish shop.

When he found one, his knowledge about fish and aquariums impressed the store owners so much that they offered him a job for in-store credit.

“I just would work in the fish shop all day on the weekends,” Myers said. “And instead of getting paid, I’d get credit, and I’d just buy more fish tanks.”

Myers continued to work in fish shops through his teen and young adult years. Fast forward to 2007. That’s when he decided to open up his own shop: Rift 2 Reef Aquatics.

The name of the business is inspired by two things: the Rift Valley lakes in Africa, which are home to some of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, and coral reefs. This is because Myers’ business sells both freshwater and saltwater fish.

The store has a variety of fish, from African cichlids and bettas to pufferfish and lionfish. The business also sells corals and plants.

Rift 2 Reef also offers custom aquariums and pond designs as well as maintenance for both. By using laser technology, Myers can show a 3-D model of what the aquarium would look like in a home or business before installation.

“We just installed an aquarium in a customer’s floor. You can walk on the glass and see the fish down below,” Myers said. “We can do anything you think or dream of.”

2250 Justin Road, Ste. 116, Highland Village

972-317-2341 • www.rift2reef.com

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. noon-3 p.m.