Proud Member of:

Transcription

Proud Member of:

April 2013
Volume 40 – Issue 08
Proud Member of:
Durham Region Aquarium Society
ALL ABOUT US
The Durham Region Aquarium Society (DRAS) was established in September 1966.
During that year our first annual fish show was held and a monthly bulletin created. The
Society’s stated aim, "For the advancement and improvement of the aquarium hobbyist",
has benefited hundreds of members in over 40 years of existence. Our Society is also a
charter member, and current member in good standing, of the Canadian Association of
Aquarium Clubs (CAOAC).
MONTHLY MEETINGS:
Our meetings are usually held on the second Tuesday
of every month. (No meetings in July and August)
TIME: 7:30 pm
MEETING LOCATION:
In the cafeteria of:
Anderson Collegiate,
400 Anderson Street
Whitby, Ontario
MEETINGS:
The monthly meetings include an interesting program with guest speakers, slide presentations or demonstrations. There is
also a jar show, door prize draws and an auction which usually includes fish or hobby related items such as aquariums,
books, plants and other equipment. There is always time to talk to fellow hobbyists.
MEMBERSHIP:
An annual membership includes attendance at the monthly meetings, a copy of our monthly newsletter Tank Talk, voting
privileges, use of the club library, participation in our Annual Fish Show and Auction, Breeders Award Program (BAP),
Aquatic Horticultural Award Program (AHAP) and other interesting events during the year. You have the opportunity to
attend annual fish shows and auctions hosted by other clubs and societies around southern Ontario and the northern
United States. The Society can also assist you in obtaining rare and/or exotic fish and aquatic plants that are not usually
found in pet stores.
VISITORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!!
MEMBERSHIP DUES:
For further information contact:
Junior $5.00
Joanne Harder at 905 404-8617
Single $20.00
Family $25.00
U
2012 - 2013 Executive & Standing Committees
Executive:
President:
Vice-President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Past President:
Joanne Harder
Ivan M. Shaw
Colette McKee
Barry McKee
Klaus Steinhaus
905 404-8617
905 728-3385
289-660-0100
289-660-0100
905-240-1029
Honourary Members: Mr. & Mrs Earl Gatchell
Mr. Peter Naef
Mr. Wayne Rakestrow
Mr. Doug White
FOR INFORMATION REGARDING ADVERTISING
IN THIS PUBLICATION, PLEASE E-MAIL:
HU
[email protected]
U
REPRINT POLICY FOR ARTICLES IN TANK TALK:
Unless otherwise stated, any non-profit organization may
reprint from Tank Talk provided that credit is given to the
author, Tank Talk, and the Durham Region Aquarium
Society (DRAS) and that two copies of the reprinting
publication are sent to the Durham Region Aquarium
Society’s mailing address. Any other use is not permitted
unless written consent from the Durham Region Aquarium
Society and/or the author is obtained.
Tank Talk – March 2013 / Volume 40, Number 07
Standing Committees:
Advertising:
Doug Chessell
AHAP Chair:
Paul D. McIntosh
AHAP Chair
Derek Tustin
Annual Show: Tom Mason
BAP Chair:
Tim McCaskie
CAOAC Reps: Barry McKee
Myron Iwanochko
Librarian:
Paul A. McIntosh
Lunch
Convenor:
Maria Topalis
Membership: Mary Hyland
Program Chair: Rick Glencross
Tank Talk
Editor:
Klaus Steinhaus
Exchange
Editor:
Derek Tustin
Webmaster:
Ivan M. Shaw
Forum Admin: Ivan M. Shaw
C.A.R.E.S.
Klaus Steinhaus
Annual Dinner Sonja Hojka
905 683-7119
905 728-1407
905-493-3360
905 839-6764
905 438-9618
289-660-0100
905-427-3307
905 697-7619
905 728-9757
705-357-2672
905-471-1345
905 240-1029
905-493-3360
905 728-3385
905 728-3385
905-240-1029
905-831-4395
Please forward all correspondence to:
DURHAM REGION AQUARIUM SOCIETY
c/o 110 Park Road North, #310
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
L1J 4L3
Page 2
April 2013 Tank Talk
The next general meeting will be Tues, April 9, 2013
The Program will be:
Klaus Steinhaus
C.A.R.E.S. Update

From the Editor
page 4

February Membership Report
page 4

President’s Message
page 5

Trading Post
page 5

WTFish?: The Pandas Are Coming

Calendar
page 11

DRAS Volunteer
page 11

The Salty Corner – Setting up a Reef Tank / Part 6&7

AHAB & BAP Standings
page 16

DRAS C.A.R.E.S. Participants
page 17

Year of the Catfish – Synodontis robertsi

February 2013 Executive Meeting Minutes
page 20

February 2013 General Meeting Minutes
page 21

Astatotilapia aeneocolor
by Barry Sheppard
page 22

My Green Wet Thumb: Asian Watergrass
by Derek Tustin
page 25

Aquariama 2013 Information
by Derek Tustin
by Marty Ziegler
by David Marshall
page
6
page 12
page 18
page 28
The Durham Region Aquarium Society (DRAS) and the editors of Tank Talk
do not endorse and are not responsible for the actions of any advertisers or
merchants found within or through Tank Talk. Any dealings between you, the
member and these companies or individuals including payment for and
delivery of products, services and any other associated dealings are solely
between you and the relevant advertiser or merchant and are made at your
own risk and by your own choice.
Page 3
March 2013 Membership Report
We currently have 92 active members.
New Members:
David Harrison
Frank & Michael Caputo
Zenin Skomorowski
Welcome to the Club 
From the Editor
Member Renewals:
George Banavage
Steven & Devon Sharp
Thank you for renewing 
Respectfully submitted by: Mary
Hyland
If you move or change your phone number,
PLEASE let me know ASAP.
Our annual “Aquariama” is approaching quickly and it
promises to be even better than last year. In addition to
most of the vendors from last year, there will be new
vendors selling food, equipment and books. I sure look
forward spending the day there and help out wherever I
can.
Any suggestions and aquaristic articles are welcome 
Please submit an article about ANY aquatic subject.
buntbarsch @rogers.com
Page 4
Well folks, it is that time of the year again the snow is melting (at last) and
Aquariama is just next week. I hope to see all of you there and look forward to
the auction and vendors. It should be a terrific day with lots of fishy treasures
to be had. Don’t forget to pitch in for an hour or two while you are there we
can always use more help.
Well this message is short and hopefully sweet, catch you next month.
Cheers Joanne
Trading Post
If you have anything to sell, give away or if you are looking for a particular item, please let the Editor know.
buntbarsch @rogers.com
Page 5
WTFish?: The Pandas Are Coming, The
Pandas Are Coming!!!
by DRAS Member Derek P.S. Tustin
S
ometimes it is interesting living in
the Greater Toronto Area, isn’t it?
Recently deemed to be the fourth
largest city in North America (leaping past
Chicago by 84,000 people) behind Mexico
City, New York and Los Angeles, we truly
are a world class city. (Interestingly enough,
the Greater Toronto Area, that being the
recognized metropolitan area of the city and
those living in the immediate suburbs, is
actually the 51st largest metropolitan area in
the world with 6,139,000 people. Tokyo is
first with 37,126,000 and Chicago is 28th,
with 9,121,000(1). So we still have some
catching up to do...)
And since I seem to be heading off on
tangents today, have you ever considered what
makes a city “world class”? According to some, it is a “city generally considered to be an important node in the global
economic system.”(2) Given Toronto’s impact on the national economy, and the subsequent influence within the
international economic community, it can easily be argued that Toronto is such a city. But there are also cultural factors
that come into play. Toronto is blessed with many such attractions, but the one that stands out in my mind is the Toronto
Zoo.
Sometimes I think we all take for granted what a wonderful facility we have right next door. The Toronto Zoo is
consistently ranked as one of the top ten zoos in the world (3, 4, 5), and acknowledged as being one of the largest zoos in
the world (6). The Durham Region Aquarium Society is lucky to have forged such a truly unique and symbiotic
relationship with them. Our annual dinner has been held there a number of years and several of our current members
(Tom Mason, Tim McCaskie, Sonia Hojka, Stephanie Symonds, and Doug Chessell to name only a few) work or have
worked there.
I can’t speak for the rest of you, but knowing these talented individuals (and maybe because of a small degree of jealousy
for the interesting jobs they have or have had) makes me very alert to news surrounding the Toronto Zoo. But even
without that sensitivity, the recent news of the impending arrival of the Giant Pandas from Chengdu, China has been
flooding the media.
So, how does the arrival of Giant Pandas relate to aquarium fish and us as hobbyists? Well, as I think you all know by
now, I occasionally get to thinking and wondering about things. We often find fish or other aquatic creatures that are
given common names after (usually) larger animals that they in some way resemble. But what are some of them? The
knowledge is there, but we might not recall several…
Page 6
So let’s pretend to take a look around the Toronto Zoo. If we were to take a stroll through African Rainforest and
African Savanna sections, and just peeked in at the animals, what we see might remind us, in name if not in appearance,
of the following freshwater species that some of us have kept
in
the past;
ELEPHANT
 Elephant Nose Fish (Gnathonemus petersii)
(Mormyrid from west and Central Africa)
(Actually kept at the Toronto Zoo in the African
Rainforest Pavilion)
GIRAFFE
 Giraffe Hap (Nimbochromis venustus)
(Lake Malawi cichlid that has similar body markings)
(Does not have a long neck ;D)
LEOPARD
 Leopard Climbing Perch (Ctenopoma acutirostre)
(Anabantid from Africa)
(Actually kept at the Toronto Zoo in the African Rainforest
Pavilion)
PENGUIN
 Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei)
(Tetra from the Amazon Basin)
RHINOCEROS
 Rhino Pleco (Pterygoplichthys scrophus)
(Also known as the Alligator or Chocolate Pleco)
(Native to the Amazon Basin)
ZEBRA
 Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)
(Popular aquarium fish native to the southeastern Himalayan region)
(Striking striped pattern)

Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)
(Small freshwater mussel native to southern Russia)
(Striped pattern on their shell)
(Invasive species in the Great Lakes since 1988)

Zebra Oto (Otocinclus cocama)
(Also known as the Tiger Oto)
(Native to Peru)

Zebra Pleco (Hypancistrus zebra)
(Rarely seen fish that has a beautiful black and white striped
pattern)
(See the article The Amazing Zebra Pleco by Doug White & Derek Tustin in the April 2011 edition of Tank
Talk)
Okay, so let’s take a stroll over to the Americas…
ALLIGATOR
Page 7

Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula)
(Can grow to in excess of 3 meters / 10 feet in length)
(Largest exclusively freshwater fish found in North America)
(Native to the southern United States of
America and Mexico)
JAGUAR
 Jaguar Cichlid (Parachromis
managuensis)
(Large, aggressive cichlid native to
Central America)
(Very attractive yellow colouration
with vivid black spots)
A brief detour to the Eurasia exhibit…
TIGER
 Tiger Barb (Puntius tetrazona)
(The DRAS logo fish!)
(Native to the Malay Peninsula in Asia)

Tiger Datnoid (Datnoides spp.)
(Native to Indonesia and Thailand)
(Large fish with an attractive stripped pattern)
And our last stop at the Toronto Zoo is the Tundra
Trek
WOLF
 Wolfish (Hoplias malabaricus)
(Native to Central and South America)
(Large predatory Characin)

Wolf Cichlid (Nandopsis dovii)
(Native to Central and South America)
(Large predatory cichlid)
But even outside the zoo, we will see animals that
will call to mind some of the freshwater aquarium
fish available.
DOGS
 Bulldog Pleco (Chaetostoma milesi)
(Small Loricariidae native to Columbia)
(Also known as Rubbernose or Widemouth
Pleco)

Dalmatian Molly (Poecilia latipinna)
(Native to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico)
(Also known as the Marbled Molly)
(Spots resemble those on a Dalmatian)
Page 8
BUGS
 Bumblebee Catfish (Pseudomystus siamensis)
(Medium sized catfish native to Thailand)
(Not to be confused with Microglanis iheringi, which is also known as the Bumblebee Catfish)

Bumblebee Catfish (Microglanis iheringi)
(Small catfish native to South America)
(Not to be confused with Pseudomystus siamensis, which is also known as the Bumblebee Catfish)

Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius doriae)
(Small goby native to Southeast Asia)
(Attractive yellow and black striped pattern which more closely resembles a bumblebee than the catfish listed
above)
But heading back to the zoo and the impending arrival of the Giant Pandas, it got me to thinking; are there any
freshwater fish named after a resemblance to a Panda? And of course
I
then remembered the much forgotten;

Panda Cory (Corydoras panda)
(Corydoras species native to South America)
A bit of research revealed two others that I had never heard of
before;

Panda Oranda Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
(Aquarium strain of the Oranda Goldfish)
(Stunning black and white goldfish that really does call a
Panda to mind)

Panda Garra (Garra flavatra)
(Native to Burma in Southeast Asia)
(Actually a Cyprinid and not a loach as some sites suggest)
(Colouration is more a beige and brown than a black and white)
It is interesting the way the human mind works. I’d wager that most of us have never seen a Giant Panda in person, but
we know the distinctive black and white colouration. The three fish named after the Panda share nothing in common
other than a vague similarity of colouration, but by sharing the name, we have an idea of what some aspect of their
appearance will be. The same is true of most of the other fish I mentioned above, but we still associate some aspect of
the appearance or behavior (the Wolfish and Wolf Cichlid listed above look nothing like a wolf, but the predatory
behavior calls to mind that of the wolf) with the animal they are named after, and see or learn of how that appearance or
behavior is associated with the “main” animal. In the end, there are only peripheral similarities to one aspect of behavior
or appearance, but the sharing of the portion of a common name make it easier for us to remember and identify the fish
as something distinct.
Oh, and one other thing that I noted of interest. Even though the above (and undoubtedly other species) have a common
name using that of another animal, only the Zebra Pleco (Hypancistrus zebra) and the Panda Cory (Corydoras panda)
actually share the common name of another creature within their own binomial name.
Page 9
In the months and years ahead, my wife and I will no doubt be making a trip or two to the zoo to see the Giant Pandas,
but when I see them, I’ll also thinking of the Panda Cory, the Panda Oranda Goldfish and the Panda Garra. No doubt as
we walk through the Toronto Zoo other animals will bring associations with fish as well, and that too is good.
Maybe, just maybe, I’ll try and find room in one of my tanks for a fish that will everyday bring to mind the association
with another… Thinking of those Panda Oranda Goldfish… Anyone know where I can get some?
Citations
1 – Largest Cities of the World (by metro population): (http://www.worldatlas.com/citypops.htm)
2 – Global City: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World-Class_City)
3 – #2 in the 10 Best Zoos In The World: (http://www.ratestogo.com/blog/best-zoos/)
4 – #3 in the Top 10 Best Zoo’s In The World: (http://www.worldoffemale.com/top-10-best-zoo%E2%80%99s-in-theworld/)
5 – #5 in the 10 Best Zoos In The World: (http://www.pawnation.com/2012/04/16/10-best-zoos-in-the-world/#photo=1)
6 – #5 in the 8 Largest Zoos in the World: (http://www.touropia.com/largest-zoos-in-the-world/)
Page 10
CALENDAR
DRAS Meeting Dates for the 2012/2013 Season:
April 9th, 2013
May 14th, 2013
June 11th, 2013
April 6, 2013 Brant Aquarium Society
Spring auction and show. Details can be found here
April 7, 2013 Durham Regional Aquarium Society
Aquariama - Auction, Vendor EXPO and a Nano Tank
Show/Display details here
April 13, 2013 Sarnia Aquarium Society
Spring auction. Details can be found here
April 21, 2013 CAOAC Meeting
11:00 AM CAOAC Executive meeting Waterdown, ON
12:00 PM CAOAC General meeting Waterdown, ON
April 21, 2013 Regina Aquarium Society
Giant Spring auction. Details can be found here
Doug Chessell
May 5, 2013 London Aquaria Society
Spring auction. Details can be found here
May 18, 2013 CAOAC General Meeting
held at the convention. Time to be determined.
The DRAS Volunteers
This month’s volunteer is
Doug Chessell
June 23, 2013 CAOAC Meeting & Presidents Barbeque
11:00 AM CAOAC Executive meeting (Location to be
announced)
12:00 PM CAOAC General meeting (Location to be
announced)
September 15, 2013 CAOAC Meeting
Officially Doug is our Advertising
Chair but that does not cover half of
what Doug does for our club. Every
time you need help Doug is there to
help out. Be it at one of our events
or bringing the donated fish from
Straits to our meetings.
Thank you Doug for helping DRAS
to become a better club 
October 20, 2013 CAOAC Meeting
November
20132013
CAOAC
Meeting 40, Number 07
Tank
Talk – 17,
March
/ Volume
Page 11
““The Salty Corner”.
Setting Up a Reef Tank
Part 6 & 7
by Marty Ziegler
First published in Gravel Gossip, Diamond State Aquarium Society
Aquarticles
THE CORALS - Button Polyps
Another one of the easiest soft corals to keep in
a reef tank are the zoanthids, or more commonly
known as the button or mushroom polyps or
polyp colonies. With around 300 species known,
there are plenty to choose from. Zoanthids are
very hardy and inexpensive, and another perfect
coral for the beginning reef aquarist.
And now, for the scientific nomenclature, which
I promise will be contained in this one
paragraph. The zoanthids are from the Subclass
Zoantharia and Order Zoanthidea. In the
Suborder
Brachycnemina
and
Family
Zoanthidae, the genus Palythoa (polyps appear
as a single mass with no body column or stalk)
and Zoanthus (polyps grow from mats, body
wall not sand encrusted) are most common,
although there are others including the genus Isaurus (nocturnal, polyps not open during the day), Protopalythoa
(containing the largest polyp species), and Sphenopus (solitary polyps, no clusters) available. The Suborder
Macrocnemina contains the Family Epizoanthidae (polyps grow on sponges and hydroids) and the Family
Parazoanthidae (contains the common yellow polyps). Zoanthids are small, round, anemone-like polyps that extend up
from a base that is usually mat-like and attached to a
rock. Some species will attach to sponges and even
other corals. In the tank, they may attach to some
of your accessories, such as a return tube, as they
did in mine. The polyps have no skeleton and no
basal disk. The skin is sort of rubbery and the base
can include debris embedded, such as sand, making
them fairly hard for a soft coral. They have a mouth
in the center of an oral disk with 6 or groups of 6
tiny tentacles around the perimeter of the disk. The
disks usually are less than 1 inch in diameter, but
one species is at least 2 inches in diameter
(Protopalythoa grandis). Colors range from
brown, green, yellow, beige, blue, orange, pink,
red, and two-tone of these shades. Generally, the
polyps are in clusters, interconnected at the base,
but are sometimes found as single polyps. They can
Page 12
extend upwards on a stalk several inches or be a mass of oral disks all interconnected without any stalk at all, depending
on the genus. The button polyps contain photosynthetic zooxanthellae algae and need moderate lighting to survive. This
can be accomplished with actinic and daylight fluorescents made for reef aquariums. The polyp rocks should be set in the
upper levels of larger tanks, unless you go
with higher intensity lighting, such as VHOs
or metal halides. You can feed the polyps,
although it is not necessary. They will eat
live or frozen brine shrimp, or other small
bits of fish, or invertebrate food solutions. I
enjoy feeding them occasionally, watching
them close up with their tentacles and disk,
and folding up into a ball around the bit of
food placed just above their mouth.
Reproduction in the tank is generally by
budding or fragmentation. I have had
several mushrooms fall off as a mini-cluster
from the main polyp rock and later attach to
a lower rock. Usually, I move these detached
clusters to another location I prefer. I have also
cut a cluster at the base with a sharp knife and propagated them to other parts of the tank. Once the cluster is attached,
you will usually start to see budding occurring.
The button polyps like moderate current flow, although if they don't open up in a particular location, the water current
may be too strong. Although they get most of their nutrition from the light, they will filter feed and need some current
around them. This also helps remove their waste and prevent detritus and algae from settling on them. Iodine should be
dosed periodically, along with calcium supplements for growth. Other then your normal water changes with a quality salt
mix, you should not need anything else to successfully grow these corals in your tank.
The polyps are generally open during the light periods and close up during the night. Most do not retract into their matlike base, but look like a group of stubs protruding out from the rock. Sometimes, if the water current is too strong, they
will not open and will need to be moved. Most mushroom polyps have a weak sting from the tentacles, so you need to be
careful where you place them. More likely, the polyps will get stung from other corals, especially hard corals, from being
too close. They can be mixed with other species of polyps, to create an interesting look in your tank.
As with the mushroom anemones corallimorpharia in a previous article, there are plenty to choose from. The zoanthids,
or button polyps, are very hardy, inexpensive, require only moderate lighting, do not require manual feeding, and grow
and reproduce easily in a properly maintained reef aquarium.
THE SOFT CORALS - Leather corals
So far, we have explored the mushroom anemones corallimorpharia and the button polyps zoanthids. Now we will look
at another coral, the leathers, that carry the same traits of being readily available with plenty of species to choose from,
inexpensive, very hardy, and an easy coral for the beginning aquarist.
The leather corals from the genus Sarcophyton, from the Order Alcyonacea, are soft corals that are fast growing and
appear as large mushrooms or toadstools. From the top of the head, or capitulum, a large number of polyps emerge.
There are actually two types of polyps found on the leathers. Autozooids are tubular with tentacles while siphonozooids
appear like freckles. Leathers are usually attached at the base to a rock or piece of dead coral. The skin of the leathers is
soft, although tough, to the touch. Trying to pick up a leather will cause it to retract the polyps and will shrink up, feeling
like a wet piece of leather, albeit a bit more slimy. They are found in various shades of brown, green, red, and yellow.
Page 13
These corals do contain symbiotic algae, zooanthellae, so there
is no requirement to be manually fed. They do require moderate
lighting for the zooanthellae to provide the nutrition the leather
corals need. Some like more intense lighting than others, which
can be determined if the polyps stay retracted for more than a
few days at a time. If this occurs, move the leather to a different
location in your tank. Be careful, metal halides can 'burn' some
leathers that are too close to the surface.
As for water current, the leathers do need a moderate current
flow. This is especially important to help the leather coral to
remove detritus and algae, which may have deposited on top of
the head. The leather forms a mucus coating, which it sheds from
the top of the head, from time to time. Some leather corals do
this quite often, initially begun by the polyps staying retracted for
a couple of days, with a shiny, waxy coating appearing on the top of the head. This then starts to lift off, with the water
current helping to clear it away from the leather. Be forewarned that this mucus coating contains terpenoids that are toxic
to other corals, so you should try to siphon it off as soon as it starts lifting off the leather. I have been fortunate that this
has not caused a problem in my crowded reef tank, probably due to the strong filtration, good protein skimming, and
strong water currents maintained in the tank, breaking up the mucus rapidly before it can settle on any other corals.
The leathers are considered low in aggressiveness, although due to their chemical defense system, they can inhibit the
growth of other corals within close proximity. The leathers are more prone to be stung by other corals. If the leather is
keeping its polyps retracted for more than a couple of days, this could be from being too close to another coral. The
bottom line is, if your leather's polyps are retracted for longer then a few days, there is something wrong that needs to be
addressed, whether it be lighting, location, aggression, or water flow.
As I said earlier, with the zooanthellae providing nutrition to the leather coral, it is not necessary to manually feed it.
The leathers do benefit from regular additions of iodine, calcium, and strontium, which ensure rapid growth. I currently
use a calcium reactor, which provides these additives continuously; with the only additive I add manually being iodine
once a week.
Reproduction in the leathers can occur from budding at
the base. I have had a leather move from one location
to a higher spot, leaving behind a piece of itself. This
piece soon developed a few polyps and then formed a
head, later developing into another toadstool leather.
Slicing a portion of the head, like a piece of pie, and
attaching to a rock with monofilament line or a
rubberband can also be used to propagate leather corals.
Another species of leather coral is the genus
Lobophytum, mainly an encrusting species, which
includes the cabbage, lettuce, and finger leather corals.
These tend to group together, forming a patch of
leathers on one or more rocks. Their care is the same as
the genus Sarcophyton.
I hope you found this helpful in your search for easy-tokeep corals. Being a hardy, fast growing, inexpensive, easy to maintain soft coral, the leather corals are ideal for both the
beginner and advanced reef aquarist.
Until next time, happy reefkeeping!
Page 14
Fish, Reptiles & Pond Supply
Located at 7 Dundas Street West
Napanee, Ontario
Monday to Friday from 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Saturday from 10:00AM to 5:00PM
New Location
905-565-1232
Page 15
Aquatic Horticultural Awards Program
(AHAP) – Current Standings
Breeders Award Program
(BAP) – Current Standings
Grand Master Horticulturist

Wayne & Sandy Rakestrow

Derek Tustin
1760
1750
Master Horticulturist

Myron & Sharon Iwanochko
Advanced Award

Barry McKee

Myron & Sharon Iwanochko

Peter Naef

Wayne Rakestrow
835
Expert Horticulturist

Susan & Jim Mantle

George Banavage

Bill Dukitsch
615
535
455
Advanced Horticulturist

Jim & Carol Taylor

Barry McKee

Peter Naef
Intermediate Horticulturist

Paul McIntosh

Geoffrey Daw

Richard Clifford

Paul Figueroa

Dave Morland
Aquatic Horticulturist

Dennis Bidon

Jenny Fisher

Peter Pulman
2675
1380
1285
895
Senior Award
260
220
220
195
125
125
100
60
30
20
5
If anyone requires forms, guidelines or further information
on the Aquatic Horticultural Awards Program (AHAP),
please contact AHAP Chairman Paul D. McIntosh.
Don’t forget that your pond plants are included in this
program!

Jim & Carol Taylor
425
Intermediate Award
(No individuals currently in this category)
Junior Award

Udo Rohman

John Adamson

Ivan Shaw

Barry Sheppard

Tim McCaskie
Novice Award

Bill Dukitsch

Derek Tustin

George Banavage

David Fischer

Zachery Langille

Paul A. McIntosh

Jim Greenacre

Gary Peakock

Larry Shank

Patrick Boisvert

Eric Man

Sonia Hojka
215
160
170
170
210
90
80
65
65
55
45
30
30
20
15
10
5
If anyone requires forms, guidelines or further information
on the Breeders Award Program (BAP), please contact
BAP Chairman Tim McCaskie.
Tanganicodus irsacae
Page 16
DRAS C.A.R.E.S. Participants
Species
Status
George Devries
Paretroplus kieneri
Paratilapia polleni
Ptychochromis oligacanthus
Paretroplus nourissati
vulnerable
vulnerable
at risk in nature
endangered
Tom Mason
Cryptoheros myrnae
Cryptoheros nanoluteus
Melanotaenia boesemani
Ameca splendens
endangered
vulnerable
endangered
critically endangered
Derek Tustin
Melanotaenia boesemani
endangered
Melanotaenia oktediensis
vulnerable
Ivan Shaw
vulnerable
Cryptoheros myrnae
endangered
Barry McKee
Xiphophorus couchianus
extinct in the wild
vulnerable
Cryptoheros myrnae
endangered
Paretroplus kieneri
vulnerable
Tim McCaskie
Paretroplus menarambo
critically endangered
Ptychochromis grandidieri
at risk in nature
Ptychochromis oligacanthus
at risk in nature
vulnerable
Cryptoheros myrnae
endangered
Tilapia snyderae
vulnerable
Pundamilia nyererei
Near Threatened
Paretroplus kieneri
vulnerable
Barry Sheppard
vulnerable
vulnerable
Joanne Harder
Botia sidthimunki
endangered
Jeff Brown
Puntius denisonii
endangered
Page 17
Year of the Catfish
A monthly column about Catfish
Synodontis robertsi
By David Marshall
of the Ryedale Aquarist Society, North Yorkshire, England
Aquarticles
I
n our 'hobby' Synodontis robertsi is usually
sold under its scientific name as opposed to
the common names of Robert's Synodontis
and large blotch Synodontis. In the wild this fish
hails from Central Congo, Lukeria and the Egobe
river system.
Synodontis robertsi is a member of the Mochokidae
family. The Mochokidae lack the protection of body
scutes (which you will know through Corydoras) so
nature compensated by the provision of a continuous
bony shield that runs from behind the eye to the
dorsal fin spine that deflects all but the hardest
blows from the teeth and bills of aquatic living
mammals and fishing birds respectively.
Although I have heard no reports of a robertsi squeaking (backed-up by the fact that squeaker does not appear in the
common names quoted above) when removed from water this is a secondary defence system among the majority of
Synodontis species.
As with all Synodontis the pectoral fin spines are
a 'wonder of nature'. Very sharp they also afford
protection (watch your fingers) while recording
growth like the rings of a tree. The pectoral fin
bone of each Synodontis species is different so
becomes
a
'signature
tune'
allowing
ichthyologists, once the flesh is removed, to tell
the true identity of species which may look alike
to the naked eye.
A fact file on the Planet Catfish web-site
describes the body pattern of our subject specie as
'giraffe-like' and although I go along with this the
pattern of dark brown and white varies greatly
among individuals (as readers who know the more
commonly seen Synodontis angelicus will be
familiar) going from crop circle markings to bars
as in Synodontis brichardi. The body, which can
reach a maximum size of 16cm, has a raised
Page 18
appearance like that of Synodontis contractus - with whom large 'alberti eyes' are also shared.
Considering the likeness to Synodontis contractus, which has plainer and bland body colors in comparison, there is little
wonder that one can be offered for sale as the other. The body colors of Synodontis caudalis (forked caudal lacking in
robertsi) and certain color variants of Synodontis schoutedeni (smaller eyes and more yellow colour in body) also lead to
these two species occasionally offered for sale as robertsi. To see both the likenesses and differences between the
mentioned species visit the fact files and photographic galleries on both the Scotcat and Planet Catfish web-sites.
Before moving onto
aquarium care we must
note that our subject
specie can be very
delicate and one which,
despite
great
care,
sometimes never settles
into aquarium life literally
dwindling
away. This is often
signalled by the onset of
lethargic activity, at
which time the robertsi
will sit close to the front
of the aquarium and find
a spot from which the
only movement will be
tiny rocking motions.
The roots of such demise
are often:- 1. A failure to
feed. Robertsi can go on 'hunger strike' following exportation, which also occurs with certain 'L' numbered loricarins,
and once out of the eating habit may never resume this vital practice. If you are on good terms with your local retailer
always ask to see a robertsi feed prior to purchase. 2. The shock of 'new water'. Because of their delicate nature robertsi
need to be placed into a well established aquarium, with excellent filtration, in which only minimum water changes are
made.
Aquarium care begins with a minimum sized aquarium of 60x30x30cm. The aquarium should be well filtered with a pH
between 6.2 and 7.5 and temperature in the range of 23 to 27 C. For décor, well plant the aquarium and provide shelter in
the form of Mopani wood, broken plant pots (which should have smooth edges as the skin of robertsi is softer than it first
appears) and small ceramic pipes. Medium-sized African characins make good companions. As robertsi are a riverine
species they should not be kept alongside Rift Valley cichlids. When eating they will take small living foods and
commercial flakes.
Taking the contractus and alberti (Albert's catfish) likenesses very seriously it may well be that, like these two species,
robertsi does not have the long natural lifespan, sometimes in excess of 20 years, that is enjoyed by a number of
Synodontis including the well known decorus (Clown squeaker) and eupterus (Feather-finned catfish).
Sadly there are, as yet, no reports of robertsi reproducing within the confines of aquaria. Field reports suggest that
distinct pairs form, during the Congo rainy season, and that, in open water, dark colored eggs are scattered over the
available substrate.
As a final point we must mention that Synodontis robertsi are not always readily available so their price in aquatic retail
outlets can be very high - in some cases topping that asked for Synodontis angelicus.
Page 19
DRAS Executive Committee Minutes
Date: March 26th , 2013
The DRAS Executive Committee meeting was held in Oshawa, Ontario, at The Tartan Tavern.
Meeting called to order at 8:02pm by Joanne.
General Minutes
Klaus motioned to approve general meeting minutes, seconded by Mary. Carried.
Correspondence
None
Treasurer
Absent.
Advertising
Auction advertising complete.
AHAP
No changes.
Annual Show and Auction – AQUARIAMA – April 7th, 2013
Many vendors will be returning and we are looking for volunteers for auction as well as a DRAS vendor table.
BAP
Nothing new.
CAOAC
No report.
Library
Absent.
Lunch
Absent.
Membership
2 new members plus speaker for 93 members.
Programs
April speaker has had to cancel so Klaus was asked to present his C.A.R.E.S. talk in April instead of June.
Tank Talk
Is going well.
Website
Running Well. A few updates will be completed shortly.
Exchange
All is good.
Forum
There are 264 members.
C.A.R.E.S.
C.A.R.E.S. will be the focus of the 2014 CAOAC Convention and it will be the 10th Anniversary of the C.A.R.E.S. Program.
Further convention planning meetings will be hosted by Derek and Joanne.
Old Business
C.A.R.E.S. Convention planning meetings have been held and more will be scheduled. The executive decided to send two
representatives to the Edmonton CAOAC Convention this year, the attendees will be Derek Tustin and Joanne Harder. Delegate
responsibilities will include active promotion of the DRAS 2014 CARES/CAOAC Convention.
New Business
Announcements
Tim McCaskie has organized a Madagascar Fish Program fundraiser and will be selling Blye Jay tickets for June 21st. Contact Tim
at fahaka@ hotmail.com or on Facebook at the “Madagascar endangered fishes” page.
April 16th 2013 will be the next Executive Committee meeting at the Tartan Tavern.
Doug made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:50pm. Motion seconded by Tom. Carried.
Respectfully submitted by: Joanne Harder
Page 20
DRAS General Meeting Minutes
Date: March 19th, 2013
The meeting was held in the cafeteria of the Anderson Collegiate Institute in Whitby, Ontario.
Meeting called to order at 8:10pm by Ivan.
Executive Minutes
Barry S. motioned and Myron seconded to approve the February Executive minutes. Carried
Advertising
Going well. Auction info out.
AHAP
The forms and sheets are available through Paul or website. Updating book list.
Annual Show & Auction
Everything proceeding well for April7th, need volunteers for day of.
BAP
Presented novice award to Steve and Kylar Chopyk.
CAOAC
Nominations open for all positions within CAOAC at the Edmonton Convention in May.
Library
Absent.
Lunch
No report.
Membership
DRAS has 89 Members with 2 new members. Please sign the member and guest book.
Programs
Programs are booked until June, April is about fish nutrition..
Annual Social Dinner
Annual Social Dinner was on February 23rd excellent presentation and dinner.
Tank Talk
Absent.
Exchange Editor
Everything is posted on line.DRAS specific sign-up and current membership required.
Jar Show
The Jar Show Program is suspended until further notice.
C.A.R.E.S. program
Absent.
Website
Everything is going well. Aquariama 2013 info posted.
Forums
264 members.
Announcements
Tim McCaskie has organized a Madagascar Fish Program fundraiser and will be selling Blue Jay tickets for June
21st. Contact Tim at fahaka@ hotmail.com or on Facebook at the “Madagascar endangered fishes” page.
Evening Program
March program was a presentation and workshop on aquarium photography by Zenin Skormorosky.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00pm.
Respectfully submitted by: Joanne Harder / Ivan Shaw
Page 21
by DRAS Member Barry Sheppard
Originally found in Lake Edward and Lake
George in the Victorian basin to the north
of Lake Tanganyika. They live in shallow
reedy areas. They eat insect larvae and
plant material in the wild. Locally they are
called the Yellow Belly Albert.
They are dimorphic with the males larger
and much more colorful than the smaller
silvery females. Males can be from 10 to
12 cm in length with the females 7 to 8 cm.
The male coloration is quite attractive with
a yellowish lower part of the body and
head. They have a horizontal black line
running along the lateral line. They have
two vertical lines on the head. The top part
of the body is a reddish color which
extends into the dorsal and tail fins. The
ventral fin is bluish with three prominent egg spots.
Feeding these fish is quite simple as they will take dry flake food, frozen bloodworms and frozen brine shrimp. They are
quite greedy fish and it was not long after I got them that they got onto breeding condition.
The male is quite aggressive in
courting the females which need to
hide from time to time in the floating
plants in the tank. He excavated
gravel in the tank down to the glass
bottom making a bowl shaped nest.
The male kept constantly displaying
to the females (I have two) rushing
up to them and shimmying and then
rushing back to his nest hoping they
would follow. This was going on for
several days when I noticed that one
female was hiding and looked like
she was swallowing food. What I
realized was she was carrying eggs in
her mouth. I missed the actual
spawning by how many hours/days I
am not sure. As the days passed her
throat seemed to distend further and
further as the eggs developed.
It was at this time I placed a glass
partition into the tank to separate her
Page 22
from the others.
At this time I prepared another
tank ready to hold the adults.
Finally about a week later she
finally released the baby fish
out to see the world and
allowed them to grab some
food. She was a very diligent
mother as anytime I passed her
tank she would immediately
scurry around and gather up all
of the young fish back into her
mouth. She was very thin at
this point so I carefully fed her
as I was feeding the babies live
baby brine shrimp. Three days
later I removed the mother and
the other adults into another
tank.
The babies when first released
are about the size of small
baby guppies. They took a
couple of days to realize what the brine shrimp were for but once they did the bellies filled out quickly and the babies are
growing. I am guessing when I say there are 25 of them.
These fish are in part of the C.A.R.E.S. program and are in danger in their wild home.
They are an attractive fish deserving of a home in one of your tanks.
Page 23
AQUARIUM HOBBYISTS
YOU CAN HELP THE ENVIRONMENT
Got an unwanted fish? Know of someone who has an
unwanted fish? Our Society will assist in trying to find homes
for any unwanted fish.
Most aquarium fish, plants, crayfish, snails, frogs, salamanders
and turtles are not native to Ontario. Releasing them into a
lake, river, pond or wetland is not only against the law, but it
could establish a new population which has environmental and
economic impacts.
Most aquarium plants and animals sold in pet stores are
imported from Florida, Central and South America, Africa, and
Southeast Asia. Some of these species are tolerant of colder
climates and can survive over winter in Ontario. Although you
may think you are doing them a favor, releasing aquarium
animals into Ontario waters is NOT a humane way to dispose of
an unwanted pet. They may soon die due to predation or
temperature extremes, or may die slowly due to starvation,
parasites and diseases.
Page 24
My Green Wet Thumb: Asian Watergrass
by DRAS Member Derek P.S. Tustin
S
ometimes you just need to
loaf.
No matter how
many things you need to
get done, no matter the pressures
of life that weigh, you just need to
sit back, put up your feet and do
something that leads either
nowhere, or somewhere where you
didn’t think you were headed.
Two weeks ago my wife and I
were sitting watching TV. You
know how it goes. You watch a
certain show, and have another one
on later that you want to see, but
you have a gap in the middle. So
you have the option of either
getting up and doing something
productive, or you can sit back and
just goof off. We chose to goof
off.
My wife is in the midst of a search for a new dining room table and chairs. Don’t ask me why, because I’m quite happy
with the set that we have, but my wife wants one, and being frugal, has been searching through postings on Kijiji. I don’t
tend to use Kijiji as much as she does, but she sent me links to a couple of ads that she wanted my opinion on. She was
actually sitting with her laptop on the other end of the couch, and I was only on the other end with mine, but she sent me
the ads anyway. She probably could have just shown me the ads on her computer, but remember, we were goofing off!
After looking at the various ads (and seeing none that I liked), I decided to wander around Kijiji a bit. My wife and I
actually found both of our dogs on Kijiji, but my loving wife (and the Town of Whitby by-laws) have informed me that
two dogs is the limit, so I wasn’t really in the mood to surf the “dogs, puppies for sale” section. I occasionally look for
Ian Fleming hardcover novels, but have had little luck with that, so I ignored the “books” listing. Instead, I went to my
default setting and looked for aquarium related items. Wasn’t really looking to find anything, but more to see what was
available. Always on the lookout for aquatic plants, I threw the search string “aquarium plants” in and found several
listings. I surfed through them, and came across one listing a bunch of plants I hadn’t seen before. (And no, I’m not
going to share the listing. Find your own plants! ;P Besides, the ad is probably expired anyway.)
I pulled out my trusty Aquarium Plants by Christel Kasselmann and was able to identify all the plants listed but one. The
ones I had found were ones which I knew about, but which had never held much interest to me. (I tend to gravitate
towards rosette and floating plants, and the ones listed in the ad were mostly stemmed plants.) But as I mentioned, the
usually reliable and comprehensive book didn’t contain information on one, identified in the Kijiji listing as Hygroryza
aristata. So I turned to the internet.
Hygroryza aristata was first described way back in 1789 as Pharus aristatus. Over the years it was re-named / redescribed as Zizania aristata (1829), the current name of Hygroryza aristata (1833) and as Potamochloa aristata (1847).
It appears that all names except for Hygroryza aristata have fallen out of common usage.
The plant is actually native to Southeast Asia, specifically India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and China.
Page 25
That type of information is pretty much available for all the different types of aquatic or marginal plants that are
available to us. But what surprised me about this plant is that it is actually a species of grass. In fact, it is the only
species of grass that is able to be kept in either a pond or aquarium. Now that may not sound all that impressive, but stop
and think about this for a second. Of the over 10,000 species of grass (including both domesticated and wild species)
only 1, Hygroryza aristata, is suitable for aquatic usage.
Huh. Who knew?
It is a monospecific (a genus with only one species) floating species, with a central stem from which leaves branch
approximately every 1.5 cm (.5”) to every 10 cm (4”) depending on growth conditions. Each branch, which alternates
from one side of the main stem to the other, consists of an inflated leaf sheath and then the leaf itself.
The leaf sheath (described by one
source on the internet as “water
wings for the rest of the plant”) is a
tubular section approximately 10
cm (4”) in length and 1.5 cm (.5”)
in circumference. As inferred, this
leaf sheath enables the plant to
float.
The leaf is about the same length as
the leaf sheath but about double the
width at the maximum spread, is
elliptical is shape, and can range in
colour from a light through dark
green shade and in optimum growth
conditions will show a purplish tint.
It will either float on the water or
will grow emergent above the
water.
The roots, similar to those of water
lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), are long
and feathery, resulting in an excellent
hiding place for fry and shier fish. The roots descend from each branching of a leaf portion from the main stem.
In nature, the plant can form dense floating mats in both lakes and slow moving streams. As mentioned, it is native to
Southeast Asia and has been used as a forage source for cattle, but it has also become a weed species in rice paddies.
There is some concern that it may become an invasive species in the southern United States.
Aquatic hobbyist usage can be both for open top aquariums and in ponds. It apparently required high to very high
lighting, and is reputed to be a nutrient hog. If sufficient nutrients are not present, there may be yellowing of the leaves.
As such, it is recommended that good fertilization of the aquatic environment occur. But if care requirements are met, it
will grow very fast and require pruning to prevent it overshadowing other plants beneath.
Propagation is by stem fragments (that is you can probably break the stem and each piece will result in a new plant) or
occasionally by seed.
The genus name is derived from Hygro, the Greek word for moisture or wet, and from Oryza, the genus name for some
types of grass. The species name, Aristata, is from the Latin word for “Bearded”. Hence it is a “Water Grass that is
Bearded”.
Page 26
So with that all in hand, I responded to the ad and after a few back-and-forth messages, I drove up to Richmond Hill and
picked up a few specimens. I’ve since done a bit more research. Tropica Aquarium Plants, the plant company out of
Denmark, used to sell this species as is evidenced by copies of an illustration of Hygroryza aristata floating around the
internet, but their online catalogue no longer features it. Menagerie Pet Shop, an excellent source for rare aquatic plants
in the Greater Toronto Area, has never carried it. I’ve never seen it for sale at the Vandermeer Nursery & Garden Centre
in Ajax, Ontario, and Moore’s Water Gardens in Port Stanley, Ontario (another excellent albeit distant source for aquatic
plants) doesn’t list it in their online catalogue. There are a few aquatic related forums in British Columbia and the state
of Washington where the plant is advertised for sale. But other than that, it seems to be very, very difficult to come by.
The person I acquired it from informs that her source plants came from a hobbyist in the US. He was shutting down his
operation and the two of them met at the border to exchange them.
In fact, the only other place I’ve ever seen this plant was at the 2013 spring auction of Hamilton and District Aquarium
Society. There were about five plants available there, and they were going for high prices for a plant.
But with their suitability for ponds, I strongly suspect that in the coming years we will see this item stocked at some of
the larger pond supply locations like Moore’s Water Gardens. However, given their apparent need for high levels of
light, I doubt that it will offered at any of the primarily aquarium pet stores.
I have to admit being very happy with this specimen. It is totally different in appearance from all other floating aquatic
plants that I have kept over the years, and is actually very attractive once you get used to that different appearance.
Should you have the chance to pick up a specimen of Hygroryza aristata for a pond or a high light level tank, I would
strongly suggest you avail yourself of the opportunity.
Hygroryza aristata
Latin Name:
Pronunciation:
Common Name:
Height:
Width:
Light:
Temperature:
pH:
Growth:
Difficulty:
Origins:
Hygroryza aristata
hi-groar-EE-za a-ris-TAH-tuh
Asian Watergrass
1 – 5 cm (.5” – 2“)
7cm + (3” +)
high – very high
22 – 28oC (72 – 82oF)
6.0 – 8.0
Medium
Easy
Southeast Asia
Page 27
DRAS Aquariama
April 7, 2013
AJAX Community Centre
75 Centennial Road
Ajax, Ontario
 Popular Buck a Bag
“No Reserve” Auction for Fish, Plants and
NEW Dry Goods
 Vendors Expo
 Conservation Section
Auction Sellers Doors open 8:30am to 9:30am
Vendor EXPO 9:00am to 4:00pm
Auction starts 10:00am
There is an entrance fee of $2 per person
Children under the age of 10 are free
PET SHOP
Page 28
DRAS’s 45th Annual Aquariama!!!
DRAS is presenting Aquariama 2013 with the same format as last year.
No Show!!! – Participation in the annual show has been declining over the past couple of years. While we
understand that people are justifiably proud of the fish they keep, the interest just hasn’t been there for the
majority, and the number of entries has been declining.
Conservation Education – DRAS has a long history of interaction with conservation initiatives, both on the local
and global scale. The C.A.R.E.S. program and the 2014 CARES/CAOAC Convention in Toronto will be
featured this year.
Vendors EXPO – DRAS has long established relationships with several of the premier dealers and aquarium
related stores in the Greater Toronto Area. This year we will be inviting several to attend Aquariama where they
will have the opportunity to sell to some of the most sophisticated aquatic hobbyists in the country (that would be
you). They know the value you represent and we hope that they will be providing you with some unbelievable
deals!
Special Notes about the Auction
1 – “Buck-A-Bag” Returns !
There has been a bit of confusion in the past about what “Buck-A-Bag” is. Simply, every item you place in the
Aquariama Auction gives $1.00 to DRAS. Just $1.00. If your item sells for $70.00 (and we have had items sell
for that amount and higher), you get $69.00 and DRAS gets $1.00. Of course, if your item sells for $1.00, then
that $1.00 goes to DRAS.
Why do we choose this format? DRAS wants to support aquarium hobbyists as much as possible. We want the
hobbyist to get as much value for their fish and plants as possible and we want to encourage more rare and
exotic fish and plants into the auction. Most auctions will take 30% of the selling price. Using this example, if
your item sold for $70.00, at a 30% / 70% split, the club would receive $21.00 and the seller only $49.00. DRAS
wants to put as much money as possible in your pocket, and to encourage you to bring out your best fish and
plants for auction. Using our formula, you receive $69.00 and DRAS $1.00. We rely on volume, but we want
that volume to be special!
2 – Entrance Fee – EVERYONE Pays!
This year, every individual attending Aquariama (except children under the age of 10) will be charged a $2.00
entrance fee. The $2.00 entrance fee to DRAS’s Aquariama gives you the chance to bid on numerous rare and
exotic aquarium fish and plants, gives you access to the Vendor EXPO, our Conservation Education and
supports DRAS’s conservation initiatives for the coming year!
DRAS no longer charges auction sellers a nominal fee of $3.00 for every sheet of items entered into the auction.
It didn’t matter if there was one item or twenty on the sheet, it was still $3.00.
So to recap:





NO Show.
DRAS proudly presents Conservation Education and Programs
Fabulous vendors will be present!
Buck-A-Bag Auction!
$2.00 Entrance fee for every person (except children 10 and under)
We look forward to seeing you all. If you have any questions, are interested in participating in the DRAS
Conservation Education Programs, or are a vendor interested in a placement in the vendors area, please
contact the following individuals;
Tom Mason
Aquariama Coordinator
905-839-6764
[email protected]
Klaus Steinhaus
DRAS Club Liaison
905-240-1029
[email protected]
Joanne Harder
DRAS President
905-404-8617
[email protected]
Page 29
Lot #
Durham Region Aquarium Society - Auction Form 2013
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Item #
Item Description
Sold for $
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Auction Total
DRAS
Seller Net
Received Payment
Page 30
DRAS Aquariama 2013
No-Reserve Fish, Plants, Aquatic Animals and NEW dry goods Auction
Buck a Bag - Auction Rules
1. There will be a $1.00 charge for any item auctioned regardless of selling price. e.g. An item that sells for
$18.00 means $17.00 to the seller and $1.00 to DRAS. More Bucks for you!!!
2. DRAS reserves the right to limit quantities (e.g. no more than 5 of the same item from a seller).
3. Any person may bring tropical fish and new dry goods to be auctioned. Club membership is not required.
4. Auction proceeds will be available to the registered seller at the end of the auction (you do not have to wait
for a cheque in the mail).
5. Diseased or deformed fish will not be accepted for auction.
6. Indicate the species/name, sex (where known) and the number of fish in the bag.
7. All sales are on a cash basis. NOTE: There is an Automatic Teller Machine available at the community centre.
8. Reserve or minimum bids are not allowed.
9. Bumping is allowed. Anyone can bump an item for immediate auction for $2.00 per item.
10. Once an item is registered in the auction it may not be removed.
11. No native fish or illegal animals may be sold in the auction.
12. Any items not sold and claimed within one hour of the auction completion will become the property of
DRAS.
13. Seller’s auction lists must be received by the auction chairperson prior to 10:00A.M. Any auction list
submitted after 10:00A.M. may not place any items on tables 1 and 2. No auction list will be accepted
after tables 1 and 2 are cleared unless further instructed by the auction chairman.
14. You may request an assigned lot number(s). Just e-Mail [email protected]
15. This is a Fish, Plant and NEW dry goods auction only.
Auction Operations - 10 Tables
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
The auction will be set-up with 10 tables numbered 1-10.
Items from each lot will go on tables as follows:
Items #1 and #11 on table #1,
Items #10 and #20 on table #10.
If the seller has multiple lots, repeat the above process for the each lot.
Table contents will be auctioned off in the following sequence: Table # 1 first, Table #2 second, prior to the
completion of Table #2 being auctioned off, there will be a random draw to determine the order in which the
remainder of the tables (#3 to #10) will be auctioned off. The auction order of tables #3 to #10 will be
announced and posted after table #2 has been cleared.
10. Auction labels will be provided and must be used.
Page 31
DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo – AJAX Community Centre
April 7th, 2013 www.dras.ca
Vendor Registration, Rules and Regulations
SETTING UP AND DISMANTLING:
Table areas will be open to exhibitors at 7:00am until 8:30am the day of the DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo for
setting up their displays. Dismantling must not begin before 4:00pm the day of the Expo and be completed by
6:30pm the day of the expo.
It is mutually agreed that it is the duty and responsibility of the exhibitor to install and put into place his exhibit
before the opening of the show. In addition, the exhibitor must dismantle and remove the same immediately after
the close of the show, and that all property shipped to or from the facility by the exhibitor for installation or
display at the show is at the sole risk of the exhibitor. Exhibit material must remain in place until the closing time
of the show.
The DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo organizers reserve the right to move any vendor from one booked space to
another to assist in the placing of vendor booths.
Booths will be provided with two door passes for setup for the first table booked. Every other table after that will
be supplied with one door pass. There is absolutely no admittance to any others during the setup.
Vendors are not permitted to share tables or sub contract table space without written permission from the show
organizers.
FEES
Table fees are $50.00 plus HST per table. This money is to be paid in advance, at least two weeks before the
scheduled event (April 7th, 2013). NSF checks are subject to a $25.00 processing fee.
No booth will be reserved without a complete and accepted registration form and fees received.
BOOTH CONSTRUCTION:
All tables are Eight foot length 30” inches wide. Nothing shall be attached to any walls, columns, floors or in the
building interior or exterior. All exhibitors shall arrange their displays so that they utilize only the table area
contracted for, and in such manner as to recognize the rights of the other exhibits and show visitors and to
conform to the overall patterns developed by show management. Any damage will be charged back to the
exhibitor.
SHOW HOURS:
9am to 4pm
AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT & SOUND SYSTEMS:
Audiovisual promotions and displays will be permitted only if they are unobjectionable to neighboring exhibitors.
Show management reserves the right to curtail any sound systems. Machines, which create excessive noise, may,
at the discretion of DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo management, be removed. All promotional materials and
personnel, such as models, signs, banners and mechanical devices, must be confined to the rented booth space.
FIRE PREVENTION:
All exhibitors must comply with Municipal, Provincial and Federal building and fire codes. Drapery, carpeting,
table coverings and any booth decorations must be of flame retardant material. All material is subject to
inspection and flame testing at any time by the fire department. Boxes and packing materials must not be stored
under tables or behind displays. Aerosols- it is permissible to display one pressurized container not to exceed onepint capacity of each product classified as a flammable liquid. Non-flammable products are not restricted.
Smoking is NOT permitted in the facility.
DELIVERY & REMOVAL OF MATERIAL:
It is mutually agreed that each exhibitor will be responsible for the delivery of his equipment, display material, or
equipment classified as machinery, to the facility and for removal of same from the facility, either via his own
carrier or by contracting the official supplier.
LIABILITY:
The exhibitor agrees to protect, save and keep the DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo, the organizers of the DRAS
AQUARIAMA Expo, and the facility forever harmless from any and all bodily personal injury (including death)
Page 32
and damage to property or charges imposed for violation of any law or ordinance whether occasioned by the
negligence of the exhibitor or those holding under the exhibitor as well as to comply strictly with the applicable
terms and conditions contained in the agreement between the DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo, the organizers of the
DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo, the facility, regarding the exhibition premises; and further, the exhibitor shall at all
times, protect, indemnify, save and keep harmless the DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo, the organizers of the DRAS
AQUARIAMA Expo, the facility against and from any and all loss, cost damage, liability or expense including
attorney’s fees and expenses of legal proceeding arising from or out of or by reason of any accident or other
occurrence to anyone, including exhibitor, his agents, employees and business invitees, which arises from or out
of or by reason of said exhibitor’s occupancy and use of the exhibition premises or part thereby.
The “Exhibitor” will at all times possess liability insurance against all losses due to fire, theft, accidents and all
other perils. Neither the DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo, the organizers of the DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo, the
facility, nor the property owners have any intention of being the insurers nor in any way have they foreseen being
held responsible for the “Exhibitor”, it’s agents or employees of any loss or damage of whatever nature without
distinction to cause.
The “Exhibitor” agrees to collect all necessary HST applicable taxes and submit them as required under federal
and provincial tax laws.
The “Exhibitor” agrees to distribute with each and every sale the following – a contact business card.
The “Exhibitor” agrees to post and make every customer aware of any guarantee on merchandise or livestock
sold. Or if all sales are final.
The “Exhibitor” agrees to only provide, display and offer animals that have been obtained or produced within the
governing laws related to such species.
The “Exhibitor” is not to have in their possession any snakes which may exceed three meters as an adult, any
lizards which may exceed two meters as an adult length or any venomous or poisonous animals.
The “Exhibitor” agrees to not offer or possess any live rodents or live insects without sole written permission
from the DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo organizers.
MISCELLANEOUS:
No signs or displays will be permitted to be displayed by Exhibitors in the foyer or aisle areas. Passes signed by
the exhibitor will be required for all merchandise taken out of the exhibit area at any time.
No child under the age of 16 will be allowed in the exhibit area during move in and move out times.
In the event that because of war, fire, strike, government regulation, public catastrophe, act of God, the public
enemy or other causes, the DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo or any part thereof is prevented from being held, is
cancelled by the management of the exhibit space applied for herein becomes unavailable, the management shall
determine the refund to the applicant his proportionate share of the balance of the aggregate exhibit fees received
which remains after deducting expenses incurred by the management and reasonable compensation to the
management, but in no case shall the amount of refund to the applicant exceed the amount of the exhibit fee paid.
DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo management reserves the right, in its sole discretion, and for the orderly and proper
co-ordination of the show and exhibits to change any booth assignment at any time prior to the opening of the
show.
Exhibitors shall not be entitled to a refund of any part of any fee should the exhibitor for any reason be unable to
exhibit at the show, and shall be liable for any unpaid balances.
Exhibitors shall observe and abide by additional rules or regulations that may be adopted by the DRAS
AQUARIAMA Expo management which shall be as much a part hereof as though fully incorporated herein.
The DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo reserves the right to refuse any registration for vendor space at anytime.
The DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo reserves the right to refuse any registration for vendor space at anytime.
If an exhibitor fails to make payment due hereunder on the date herein designed, DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo
management may change exhibitor’s space assignment without further notice or such exhibitor’s rights to exhibit
may be cancelled by the DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo management without further notice and such exhibitors
shall not be entitled to a refund of any part of any fee. The DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo management shall be
entitled to close an exhibit at any time for failure by any exhibitor or any of their officers, agents, employees or
other representatives to perform, meet or observe any term or condition set forth herein. In such event exhibitor
shall immediately remove its display and DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo management may rent the space to others
and exhibitors shall not be entitled to a refund of any part of any fee.
FIRE SAFETY
All fire and emergency equipment located in the building must not be hidden or obstructed in any way.
Page 33
Emergency exits and aisles must be kept clear and unobstructed. Vehicles parked on fire routes will be removed
at the owner’s expense, including unauthorized and illegally parked vehicles.
All electrical equipment must be CSA approved.
SECURITY
All DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo related vendor personnel should enter and exit the building through the
designated entrance and are to be properly tagged.
Any intended or actual breach of security will result in the immediate removal from the premises and prosecution
if appropriate.
EXHIBIT HALLS
Tape removal from the floors is the responsibility of the show exhibitor. Removal of the tape by the DRAS
AQUARIAMA Expo or the facility after the move out period will be charged to the exhibitor.
Clear access is to be maintained to exhibit hall concession stands and washrooms at all times.
Garbage must be neatly packed, not left exposed or lying around. Arrange disposal with show management.
Any form of transportation or movement of exhibits within the facility must be made on rubber wheeled dollies
or flat carts approved by the facility.
The exhibitor shall not:
a) Permit or allow beer, wine, beverages or liquors of any kind to be sold or given away
b) Commit any nuisance.
c) Cause any unusual, noxious or objectionable smoke or odor to emanate from the exhibit.
Page 34
Durham Region Aquarium Society (DRAS)
DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo – AJAX Community Centre
April 7th, 2013
Rules and Regulations
www.dras.ca
Vendor Registration
Business or Exhibitor Name___________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________________
Phone ___________________
CELL or FAX_____________________________
EMAIL_________________
WEBSITE________________________________
Please list the items you wish to sell at the DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
I ______________________________________ of ______________________________ agree to the above terms set as the
rules and regulations of the DRAS AQUARIAMA Expo.
I am requesting _____________ Table(s) at $50.00 each.
I am requesting _____________ Booth(s) at $75.00 each. (2 are available)
Signature______________________________________
Date__________________________________________
================================================================================
Show Representative____________________________________ Date Received______________________________
Booth Number ________________
Make Cheques Payable to Durham Region Aquarium Society and mail to:
802 – 25 Cumberland Lane, Ontario, L1S 7K1
PH 289 660 0100 CELL 905 903 9858
Page 35

Proud Member of:

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