Rebuild Aquarium Connection

On October 1, 2022, a devastating structure fire broke out, destroying a beloved Simi Valley business, The Aquarium Connection. Fish enthusiasts and friends are joining forces to raise funds for owner Andrew Bunya and his family to help rebuild the aquatic wonderland that had earned its place as the number one aquarium specialty shop in Ventura County.

In 2007, Andrew pursued his passion for opening his Aquarium business at the age of 22, after spending most of his life helping and working for his parents Peter and Luz at a very well known aquarium shop here in town “Peter’s Tropical Fish” which was located in Theresa’s Country Pet. There’s a very good chance if you owned an aquarium or pond in the Simi Valley area you are familiar with this wonderful, loving, and community-minded family. They have helped thousands of aquarium and pond owners in Simi and surrounding areas for over 30 years.

Continuing tradition, as a third generation hard working, and extremely generous entrepreneur, Andrew’s business was thriving and this fire has been an incredible tragedy for the family. The Aquarium Design and Maintenance business located at 1663 E Los Angeles Avenue was Andrew’s life achievement and seeing the magnificent colorful reef tanks and “living aquatic art” he created and cared for reduced to blackened rubble is simply heartbreaking.

Major damage throughout the entire shop has been reported and ultimately it will likely be a total loss. All of the aquarium systems have been damaged or destroyed, with significant losses in livestock, fish, inverts and corals. All water vats have been burned if not completely melted, and phone and computer systems were destroyed. Andrew, with all the worries on his plate has mentioned repeatedly that his major concerns include keeping his employees on– who have families of their own to support– and continuing to serve his customers however he can. It is important to Andrew to keep the aquariums that his loyal clients have purchased from his shop or he has custom designed for their homes and businesses thriving.

Andrew has every intention of rebuilding back stronger than ever, but will need the help and support of the community he loves to rally for him, his family and employees. This generous, well-loved and respected family has helped the community in so many ways with graceful acts of kindness and major donations to schools and non-profits, community events, church fairs, and fundraisers. They have provided amazing educational displays, presentations and equipment, and endless hours of their time engaged in selflessly giving back and teaching the community about the wonders of the aquatic world and how to care for our oceans. Now we can give back to them and provide much-needed working capital to address immediate needs and help them begin the process of resurrecting their business.

Andrew has been working 18+ hours a day and he will carry the shop and lead his employees until there is a clear path to rebuilding.  Insurance has yet to provide any assistance and he doesn’t want the availability of claim funds to dictate the future of his family’s business. He is determined to figure out how to continue paying his employees even with no revenue coming in. The family desperately needs to replace equipment, livestock, and water containers, move what little can be salvaged out of the shop, and lease a new location. Hundreds of loyal customers and friends from the community have contacted the family wanting to help, and supporting this campaign is how you can. Your donations will allow the family to get necessities and keep things afloat. In their typical industriously-committed fashion, you can be certain that they will work non-stop, never missing a beat as they rebuild. The family is extremely grateful to the city and community for whatever support they can provide and promise they will do everything in their power to be up and running and serving their human and finned friends as soon as possible.