Apisto of Three. Tropheus Black Sp "Bemba" ELECTION NIGHT JIM GASIOR

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1 THE SPLASH THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MILWAUKEE AQUARIUM SOCIETY, INC CELEBRATING OUR 52NDYEAR In this Issue: Apisto of Three Plus Tropheus Black Sp "Bemba" JANUARY GENERAL MEETING ELECTION NIGHT JIM GASIOR KILLI FISH DECEMBER 2006/JANUARY 2007

2 MILWAUKEE AQUARIUM SOCIETY SOCIETY OFFICERS President: Jeff Michels (262) Vice President: Michael Laursen (414) Secretary: Edell Schaefer (414) Treasurer: Jerry Michels (414) Sgt. At Arms: BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairperson: Kerri Michels (262) Splash Editor: Naomi Gettler (262) Board Members: Joe Mack (414) Gary Schaefer (414) David Timmer (262) Past President: Aaron Glass (262) THE SPLASH STAFF Editor: Naomi Gettler (262) Exchange Editors: Austin Braganza (414) Jim Everson (414) Technical Editor Ray Gettler (262) Publisher: Judy Martin (262) Webmaster: Aaron Glass (262) COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Breeders Award Program (BAP): Michael Laursen (414) Jeff Michels (262) Horticulturalists Award Program (HAP) Aaron Glass (262) Fish Store Liaison Gary Schaefer (414) Librarian: Jim Everson (414) Manufacturer s Liaison Kerri Michels (262) Participation Awards (PAP): Ken King (262) Program Committee: Ray Gettler (262) Membership: Judy Martin (262) Bowl Show: Tammy Adyniec (920) VISIT US AT OUR WEB SITE AT:

3 From the Fishroom of the President: A big thank you to all who helped make this year s Christmas Party a big success! Despite a snowy weekend the party was very well attended with close to 40 adults and children present. Ken King did his usual excellent job at auctioning the PAP prizes to a bid happy crowd. There was ample food and everyone walked away with some great Christmas gifts. I m already looking forward to next year s event. I would also like to thank all of the people who have helped to make the club what it is, especially the board and committee chairs for all their behind the seines hard work. And speaking of the board don t forget elections are this January at the general meeting. Please consider taking on an active role in shaping and guiding MAS. After all this is YOUR fish club. One of the best ways to get your feet wet is by running for a board member at large position. There are four of these seats to be filled. Your simple duties are to attend monthly board meetings held the 1 st or 2 nd weekend of each month in a fellow board member s home. You will also be asked to host one meeting at your home. Refreshments are arranged by the host but paid for by the club. Through this position you get to vote on and add your thoughts to the decisions made concerning the club and the events it runs. Of course if you are feeling very slightly more ambitious you can run for president, vice president, treasurer, sergeant at arms, or secretary. Please feel free to contact myself or another board member, the names and numbers are listed in the front of the Splash, to find out the duties of these other positions. The first draft of the Milwaukee aquarium Society s 2007 schedule is assembling nicely and you should see a copy of the year s up coming events if there was room to include it in this issue of the Splash. Make sure you keep the calendar of events handy through out the year so you don t miss any of the fun. Jeff Michels President, M.A.S.

4 MILWAUKEE AQUARIUM SOCIETY, INC JANUARY MEETING JIM GASIOR KILLI FISH PUBLIC WELCOME FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, :30 P.M. (No Admission Charge) HOFFER S TROPIC LIFE PETS 7323 N. 76TH STREET MILWAUKEE AQUARIUM SOCIETY, INC General Club Information & Assistance: (262) MAS BOWL SHOW SCHEDULE Januaryr: February: A. Platties B. Plecos C. Fish Snow Globes D. Youth Entry A. Mollies B. Angel Fish C. Fish Pillows D. Youth Entry D = Youth 2 to 14 years old, any fish in categories A, B or C

5 2006 BAP UPDATE

6 MILWAUKEE AQUARIUM SOCIETY 2007 CALENDAR OF EVENTS January General Meeting Friday the Hoffer s February General Meeting Friday the 23 Hoffer s March Spring Auction Sunday the 18 Burham Bowl General Meeting Friday the 23 Hoffer s April Shedd Aquarium Group Trip Saturday the 21 st General Meeting Friday the 27 Hoffer s May Swap Meet Sunday the 6 Burnham Bowl General Meeting Friday the 25 Hoffer s June Collecting trip Saturday, the The Mukwonago River/Gettler s General Meeting Friday the 22 Hoffer s July Fish Room and Store Hop early July-Madison Area Members Only Picnic Saturday the 28 the Revolinski s August General Meeting Friday the 24 Hoffer s September General Meeting Friday the 28 Hoffer s October Fall Auction Sunday the 21 Burnham Bowl General Meeting Friday the 26 Hoffer s November Swap Meet Sunday the 18 Burham Bowl General Meeting Friday the 23 Hoffer s December Members Only Christmas Party Sunday the 2 Mitchell Park Domes Pavilion

7 THE MILWAUKEE AQUARIUM SOCIETY Presents a TROPICAL FISH AUCTION SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2007 BURNHAM BOWL 6016 W. BURNHAM MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN Doors open for viewing at 10:30 a.m. Consignment of fish and aquatic plants taken from members and the general public New aquariums and equipment will be available Large selection of fish books and magazines THE AUCTION BEGINS AT 12:00 NOON ADMISSION IS FREE! For additional Auction information contact: DAVID TIMMER (262) WEB SITE : MILWAUKEE AQUARIUM SOCIETY CELEBRATING OUR 52nd YEAR The Milwaukee Aquarium Society is a non-profit organization

8 7323 N. 76th Street - Milwaukee, WI

9 SPLASHING THROUGH THE EXCHANGES By Austin R. Braganza and Jim Everson, MAS Thanksgiving has passed and the holiday season is upon us. I hope you have a lot to be thankful for. Get your list of resolutions ready because the New Year is around the corner. November 06 Monthly Bulletin of the Hamilton & District Aquarium Society (H&DAS) Charlie s pond by Charles Drew. Here s a little fact from Charlie s article about his pond, The reason it is a good idea to remove all the dead leaves and vegetation is because if left in the pond they will rot & form methane gas which will kill the fish in the pond. Another tip from Charlie, bring your UV sterilizer in doors as frost can cause the o-ring to crack or break the quartz sleeve Some things fishy, the publication of the Tropical Fish Club of Erie County this article was reprinted in the November 06 Monthly Bulleting of the Hamilton & District Aquarium Society (H&DAS) Ornate Ctenopoma: Ctenopoma Ansorgii by Don Zilliox Nice article on a Ctenopoma Ansorgii, Boulenger I was also able to find this article on the internet. Don does mention that like so many other fish it is rarely found in fish stores, he does describe it as the most colorful of the African labyrinth fishes. This is a fish I have never seen and Don says they are difficult to see in an aquarium as well since they are always hiding and stalk their prey. It sounds like this is a difficult fish to breed, Don says this is the toughest species he has encountered. November 06 Eastern Iowa Aquarium Society Breeding Neocaridina Denticulata Sinensis Red (Cherry Red Shrimp) by Joy Twentyman-Crock A very nicely written detailed account on breeding these adorable little creatures. I certainly agree with Joy these shrimp are fun to watch. I picked up a new shrimping term from Joy s article, the term is berried which means a female shrimp carrying eggs. Red Cherry shrimp are great at cleaning algae off other plants including plastic plants and most other surfaces inside the tank. In fact I will often put a piece of rock or porcelain from another tank that is covered in algae into the shrimp tank and they will clean it all off in a few days. It is important to bear in mind that most fish will eat shrimplets, even though they may not be able to eat the adults. The otocinclus catfish is considered one of the few fish safe to keep with shrimplets. Ottos as they are often called tend to do better if kept in a group of three of more. November 06 Northwestern Aquaria from the Greater Seattle Aquarium Society

10 Small tanks by Betty Goetz. This is one of my favorite subjects, small tanks. Betty writes a short article on some the things that other people like about her small aquariums, she says her 2.5 gallon tanks are the most liked. Betty keeps fish like Endler s livebearer, zebra loach (Botia striata), dwarf plecos, female betas, guppies, otocinclus cats, Cory cats, shrimp and even some snails. I like the red ramshorn snails, I think they look nicer than most other easily available aquatic snails and they keep the fast growing algae and Najas grass in check. If you don t have some already, your planted tank soon will. I was inspired to keep small tanks by some of the discussions at the Madison Aquatic Gardener (MAG) meetings and the wonderful aquascape pictures posted on the Aquatic Gardener Association s (AGA) website. It is truly amazing what one can do with a small aquarium, there are some pictures of aquascapes that are astounding scaled down versions of what we would imagine a lake bottom to be. The smaller aquarium I think also makes us appreciate the tiny details in tiny creatures and plants. Quite a few people I have spoken to recently already have or are planning on starting a shrimp only planted tank, this is an ideal candidate for a small aquarium. Try it you will be amazed at the world of small tanks. Austin Braganza, MAS Exchange Editor Brazos Valley Ag. Soc. Newsletter Sept/Oct 06 has a short summary of articles by Eric Rogne and Jerry Michels from the June/July 06 Splash. Doug Higley s article Breeding Aphyosemian Dargei M bam is reprinted in its entirety. The Sept/Oct 06 SWAM also mentions these same three articles from Eric, Doug, and Jerry. (More about SWAM later in this article.) Eric Rogne s article, Betta unimaculata, is mentioned in Tank Tales (Aquarium Club of Lancaster County). The Tropical News (Sacramento Aquarium Society) Oct 06 mentions Spawning the Bolivian Ram by Eric Rogne. This issue also reprints an excellent article by Mike Schadle: A Few Words about Selling at the Auction. Fin Flap (EIAA) Oct 06, mentions Spawning the Bolivia Ram by Eric Rogne and The MAS Collecting Trip June 10 th 2006 by Brian Torreano. This issue includes the 5 th and final installment of So You Want a Planted Aquarium. It s not clear to me who the author is, but the entire series was wonderful and Part 5 includes an extensive list of online resources. Other articles in this issue are Propagating Baby Tears (Micranthemum Umbrosum) and Propagating Narrow Leaf Sag (Saggitaria Subulata), authors unknown. Finally, in this same issue, Spawning report for Ancistrus dolichopterus, Longfin Bushynose Pleco by Marti Horan. Fin Flap Sept 06 contains Spawning Arius jordani, The Sea Cat by Jo Meade. These brackish water cats were spawned at the Greater Iowa Aquarium Center in Des Moines. Also in this issue: So You Want a Planted Aquarium Part 4: Car-

11 bon. The author says CO2 injection becomes necessary in high light setups because without CO2 injection, you will constantly be battling algae. With CO2 injection, the aquarist must minimize surface agitation to avoid losing the extra CO2. The author states you can run high levels of both oxygen and CO2 since CO2 does not displace oxygen. It s a good idea to run an air stone after the lights go off (when plants become oxygen consumers, competing with the fish). The article goes on to discuss both DIY CO2 and pressurized CO2 (DIY recommended for smaller tanks, pressurized for larger tanks). As with the other articles in this series, it ends with an excellent bibliography. Other articles in this same Sept issue of Fin Flap are Zucchini Disks for Plecos (How I Prepare Them) by Marti Horan, and Gertrude s Rainbow Pseudomugil gertrudge by Joe Kaznica (Originally published in Gravel Gossip). The Sept/Oct SWAM (SW Michigan Aquarium Society) contains glossy full color photographs. There are 6 original articles, all excellent. MAS members may recall talks here by Darrell Ullisch and Charley Grimes. Darrell Ullisch has 3 articles in this issue: xiphophorus nigrensis: The Blue Dwarf Swordtail, Cryptoheros nanoluteus: The Yellow Convict Cichlid, and What s in a Name? In his article on xinigrensis, Darrell sets up a 10 gallon tank with a sponge filter and Hornwort. (no heater, hard water) His original flock of 3 males and 5 females was spawning and growing nicely for 4 months until a hydra infestation struck. He attributes this to the combination of live plants and live baby brine shrimp. Fluke tabs were used to eliminate the hydra. (I ve found red ramshorn snails to be another very effective method to control and eliminate hydra.) The accompanying color photos show an impressive blue mal X.nigrensis and an excellent photo of the dreaded hydra. Darrell hopes to make more of these Blue Dwarf Swordtails available to the hobby. He believes they have potential as a community fish. Ironically, the X.nigrensis livebearers were acquired at the ACA (cichlid) convention while the subject of Darrell s next article (cichlids) was acquired at the ALA (Livebearer) convention. In Cryptoheros nanoluteus: The Yellow Convict Cichlid, Darrell notes that yellow convicts are not as prolific as their better known cousins. He does believe they are the most colorful of the convicts and less aggressive than the others. The accompanying photos are a testimony to the bright yellow color. In his article, What s in a Name?, Darrell discusses the current chaotic state of the old genus Cichlasoma. He states that the new genera of the former Cichlasema species have been changing faster than a chameleon on a tie-dyed shirt.what we as hobbyists need to understand is that all these constant changes are an attempt to explain the relationships of many species of Cichlids found in Central America. He recommends the website Cichlidae.com for help in identifying both Central American and African Cichlids. In his article, Cichlasoma urophthalmus A Big, Nasty, & Pretty Cool Fish, Charley Grimes states that to know this fish is to either love or fear it. Several

12 color photos accompany this article. Charley had a pair spawn in a 75 gallon tank. First they evicted the other 4 tank mates. They spawned in the open even though the tank was provided with plenty of flower pots and tile structures. When Charley got close to inspect the eggs, the parents tried to attack him through the glass! The eggs developed into wrigglers and then into free swimming fry in six days. These fish reminded Charley how much he enjoys keeping what he calls the Big Bruiser type of cichlids. I suggest another big, nasty fish that thinks he s cool, a native of Milwaukee, we call him a beer -a-cuda. Debbie Ayers contributes two BAP articles to this issue of SWAM: Neolamprologus gracilis, The Princess of Burund, and Pundamilla sp. Crimsontide. Of N.gracilis, the author states they are an excellent beginner fish. They started breeding for her when she took them out of a community tank and put them in their own species tank. When she put them back in the community tank, they quit breeding. She states this is OK because they have so many fry at one time. A color photo of N.gracilis accompanies the article. Below that is another color photo of the male Pundamilla sp. Crimsontide that took Best of Show at the 2004 ACA convention. Debbie writes that these are very aggressive, territorial fish. They bred for her in a 75 gallon community tank but only a few of the fry survived. The next time was more successful because she removed the female to a separate tank as soon as she was holding. She writes they are often confused with Haplochromis nyereri. Jim Everson MAS Exchange Editor 2007 MAS OFFICER & BOARD MEMBER NOMINATIONS The following people have been nominated as officer & board members for 2007: President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Sgt. At Arms: Jeff Michels, Doug Higley Michael Laursen, Ken King Aaron Glass Jerry Michels Ken King Board Members: David Timmer, Austin Braganza, Jim Everson, Gary Schaefer, Doug Higley Nominations will be taken again at the January General Meeting with voting to follow.

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14 Apisto of Three By: Eric Rogne, MAS Apistogramma species have been a longtime favorite of small aquarium fish keepers. It was like a forbidden love. Without priority on the species, they would dies. The limiting factors seem to be water quality, water chemistry, and necessary live food diet supplements. The proper aquarium size, tank mates, and décor also apply; yet we will talk more about this later. Recently I had the opportunity to have three species of Apistogrammas spawn in my aquariums. Initially, it was a shock to see these species spawning so quickly during the quarantine period in my fishroom. The first species to spawn out of various species purchased around the same time, was Apistogramma cacatuoides. A. cacatuoides is a laterally compressed elongated 2 to 3.5 dwarf cichlid. This species has a slightly larger lower lip. The body is an off yellow to brown color with blotchy horizontal striping. The dorsal fin is high, with the first few fin rays elongated. The dorsal and anal fins have elongating filaments. The caudal fin is generally forked. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins alike general have metallic coloring. The color will depend on the color morph. Most aquarium strains will have orange or red fins with black or no black high lights. Wild strains will have less color; yet the color may be more predominant blues and greens. An angled black stripe can be noted running through the eye vertically down to the caudal corner of the operculum cover. Females are generally smaller, and have shorter fin structure. During breeding, especially fry guarding, the females are bright yellow with dark black horizontal stripes. This species can be found in the Rio Amazonas Basin around smaller streams, and live under leaf litter in the water. They are cave spawners by nature; yet I found this to be unnecessary for breeding. Apistogramma cacatuoides were quarantined in a bare bottom 10gal with a sponge filter and live surface plants. A few pieces of lava rock were added, the temperature was 80 degrees F, and ph of 7.2. After a few days of adding baby brine twice a day, two pairs spawned on whatever décor they could. About 40 eggs (1.5 mm-2.5 mm in size red in color with white caps) were laid on small lava rocks. The eggs were incubated away from the parents in a ten-gallon tank (bare bottom, sponge filter, ph 6.5, temp 80 degrees F, methyl blue

15 added). The fry hatched within 2 to 2.5 days, and were free swimming three days later. The fry accepted live baby brine after free swimming. Over three weeks the fry were acclimated up to a ph of 8.2. Caution should be met not to raise the ph too quickly. The result may render improper swim bladder development (sliders). I have noted this in Microgeophagus species. Fry grow in spurts (fast, then slow, then fast etc.). Over time, the acclimation up to a higher ph is not a problem. After about three weeks post free swimming, crushed tropical flakes are added. Over time the dry foods are accepted more and more. Live baby brine is still added on a daily basis; yet smaller amounts as time permits. The second Apistogramma to spawn was the A. nijsseni. This species was quarantined in a 20H at 80 degrees F, and a ph of 5.5. The bottom was bare with a sponge filter, large amounts of plastic plants were added for cover, and a few pieces of lava rock as a spawning media. This species comes from the Rio Copal River in the Amazon River System in South America. A. nijsseni is a laterally compressed; yet slightly deep bodied apisto, compared to other apisto species. Males are a bluish, purple base body color; with a yellow vent. The caudal fin is rounded, the dorsal and anal fins are short. A black blotch may or may not be noted on the caudal peduncle. A black vertical stripe angled to form a triangle can be noted from the forehead, to the eye, and back to the caudal section of the operculum cover. Females are generally yellow with a large vertical blotch running through the mid-section of the body. Females are smaller than males. The body size is about inches. Aggression is great in this species and literature defines this species as harder to keep alive in captivity than other closely related species (Ex: A. panduro); thus, availability is usually lower than other similar species. Within a week of quarantine, a A. nijsseni pair pushed all other conspecific species to one side of the aquarium. The female laid her eggs on a piece of lava rock, and was bright yellow in color (with black markings on the operculum cover, mid-body, and caudal peduncle.). Eggs, size/color, hatch times, ph, temp, aquarium size, eggs were incubated without parents, use of live food, acclimation of higher ph's were just as A. cacatuoides. The only difference was that A. nijsseni fry were more sensitive with water changes. The third Apistogramma was Apistogramma viejita. This species was quarantined in a 15 gallon with light gravel load, sponge filter, a few plastic plants and lava rocks, temperature of 80 degrees F, and ph of 5.5. This species can be found in the wild in the rivers Rio Yucao and Rio Manacias of Colombia, South America. The males sport a bluish

16 base body color with red/orange in the front half of the body; yet color morphs within the same spawn will render fish that are either more red/ orange or more blue. The body is elongate; yet deep bodies for an apisto. The dorsal fin is high in general; with the first few fin rays being slightly elongate. Dorsal and anal fins both have elongate extensions present. The caudal fin is usually red and slightly rounded (more flat bodied as a whole). A horizontal black stripe can be noted running from snout to caudal peduncle, with a secondary stripe running horizontal from caudal forehead to the last fin ray in the dorsal fin along the back. An angled stripe runs from the eye to the caudal operculum cover. The operculum cover can be blue, red, or orange (depending on color morph). The body size in inches (depending on sex). Females are generally off yellow/brown in color with similar striping. When breeding or guarding fry, the females are a bright yellow with dark black striping on the body. Females are smaller than males. A pair spawned just two after quarantine, on a piece of lava rock. All breeding, incubation, feeding, acclimating processes were the same as A. cacautoides. The fry seemed to be more sensitive with water changes. You must fail at times before you will succeed. I have kept a few South American Dwarf Cichlids well in the past only in large planted aquariums. Breeding was a different story. I have even recently killed a few other apisto species that did not acclimate well. Therefore, I still have a lot to learn about these spunky little fishes. Never stop learning and exploring. Rewards will also be found with hard or smart work being applied. Through the frustrations with these fish in the past, I have learned a little about their overall needs. I hope that my successes and failures have been helpful. Keep the hobby alive, and pass it on. THANK YOU!!! I would like to thank everyone who helped with our 2006 Christmas Party and to the members who attended. Mark your calendars for next year s party. It will be held on Sunday, December 2nd at the Mitchell Park Domes Pavilion. Jerry Michels MAS Christmas Party Chairperson

17 AQUA EXHIBITS HUGE SELECTION OF FRESH & SALTWATER FISH OPEN DAILY 10-6 SUN GALLON SHARK DISPLAY! 1335 N. 3RD (KING DR.) (414) DOWNTOWN 1 1\2 BLOCKS NORTH OF THE BRADLEY CENTER

18 Tropheus Black Sp "Bemba" By Rick Nemeth, MAS Tropheus again, last time I did tropheus was eight years ago. I was at Pet's and Things on a Wednesday night looking around, "about three times a week for a new fish." That night I found ten small Bemas. Love at first sight. By Friday I had Tropheus fever again. Saturday I was back at Pet's end Things again at 9:00 a.m. I talked to my friend Gary, the owner of the store. By 9:35 a.m. I bought ten 1-1 1/2 inch Bembas and was going home with them. The next week I went to the club s swap show and found eight more Bembas the same size. What luck! Baby Tropheus are truly loveable, always on the move, never a dull moment with Tropheus. I like to start with fish and raise them together. It was time to let them grow up now. I feed the Bembas three small feedings a day, with no food on Sunday. The food was spirulina and vegetable flake. I do a 25% water change once a week. Now all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the fish. Ten months passed and the first signs of breeding were taking place. They needed another two months to learn how. That's when I had my first good mouthful. I had five babies. Great! The right number of fry. The female holds for about three weeks. I take them at about 13 to 15 days and raise them the rest of the way. The broods are fairly frequent but small, eight is a large hatch, hence the usual high price of the fish. The young are very tough and fast growing. I have found that they will often survive even when they appear too premature. Tropheus are one of my favorite fish. I have a new group of Red Moorii growing up now. Tropheus are fish for adventurous, experienced fish keepers. They won't help you relax. but then again they won't put you to sleep.

19 Milwaukee Aquarium Society, Inc. General Membership Meeting Friday, October 26, 2006 The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by President Jeff Michels at Hoffers. Members and guests were welcomed, and reminded to stay in the meeting room after the store closes and to use the back exit. REPORTS Membership Jude announced that we have 52 paid members, 12 life, and 6 honorary. Three new applicants were welcomed this evening. Treasurer There is $3, in the treasury with $ earmarked for the library. Twenty-seven bags were sold in the September mini auction netting $135. Total for the year is 209 bags at $855. Webmaster Aaron Glass is redesigning the website, fixing broken links, and updating pages. This work should be completed by the end of the year. If anyone has comments or suggestions, please contact Aaron. Splash all items for the next issue should be submitted to Naomi Gettler no later than December 1 st. Earlier is better. Store Liaison a draft of metro Milwaukee pet stores and aquarium shops was passed around. We are looking for individuals near those stores to agree to be a contact person for distribution of MAS brochures and flyers, as well as securing possible donations throughout the year. Quantities of the MAS descriptive brochure were available for distribution to stores, and at the upcoming auction. P.A.P. The quarterly drawing was held. B.A.P. The quarterly drawing will be held in November. H.A.P. The 2 nd quarter drawing was held tonight. The 3 rd quarter drawing will take place at the November meeting. Auctions Check in time is 10:00 a.m. Dry goods will be available. See the recent Splash for information or contact Jeff, Jerry or Naomi. Fish-O-Rama flyers for this event are on the sign-in counter. It will take place Nov. 19 th at Burnham Bowl. Contact person is Jerry Michels. Tables are available and you keep 100% of what you sell in fish and dry goods. T-shirt sales pre-paid orders were distributed. A small number of extra large tees can be purchased for $15. See Jerry Michels. Bowl Show October categories are: orange, brown or gold fish; Mexican livebearers, and fish knick-knacks of any size. November includes rainbow fish, swordtails and fish candles. The themes are being finalized for the 2007 competition. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Fish Room/Store Hop seven people participated in the hop which started at Hoffers and included fish room tours at Jerry Michels and Jeff Michels homes. Afterward everyone went out for dinner. Those who participated really enjoyed the opportunity.

20 We are looking at repeating the event on the west and southwest side of Milwaukee/ Waukesha in early spring. If you are interested in opening your fish room as part of the tour, or you wish to ride along, contact Jeff Michels. NEW BUSINESS None. Future Board Meetings: Saturday, November 4 th at Gary & Edell Schaefer s home starting at 6:00 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting was duly adjourned at 7:50 p.m. A very interesting and entertaining presentation followed the meeting given by Ted Judy on coloration and behavior in cribs. Ted graciously filled in at the final hour for Jeff Cardwell who had a family medical emergency. The November meeting program will also be with Ted Judy and will include a hands-on workshop on water conditions. Respectfully submitted, Edell M. Schaefer, Secretary Milwaukee Aquarium Society Board Meeting Minutes Saturday, November 4, 2006 The meeting was called to order by Chairman of the Board Kerri Michels at 6:15 p.m. at the home of Gary & Edell Schaefer. Present: Jerry Michels, Kerri & Jeff Michels, Gary & Edell Schaefer, Aaron Glass, Dave Timmer, Ingrid & Ron Rewolinski. Treasurer s Report: There is $5, in the treasury with $ earmarked for the library. The October auction grossed $2,912. Expenses have not been paid out but Jerry estimates a net income of $ for the event. The October membership meeting mini auction brought in $43 with 17 bags. Webmaster: Aaron expects to have the redesign completed by the end of the year. Membership: we are now at 55 memberships. Splash: the deadline is December 5 th. Please have all materials to Naomi before that date. Advertising: Dave will have the Fish-O-Rama advertising out shortly for both the Journal Sentinel and the Freeman. The dry erase board will be left at Hoffers. Manufacturers Liaison: Kerri reported slow responses leaving us short merchandise for the Christmas Party. A similar trend has been noted in other fish clubs. We are still in need of smaller and mid-sized items. Motion by Kerri, 2 nd by Dave that the MAS use up to $10/person (wholesale) if necessary to fill in gifts for the Christmas Party/PAP program. Unanimous. Store Liaison: Gary reported that he will be finalizing store contacts before Thanksgiving. BAP: we are still behind on awards and entry work. Jeff will provide Edell with information for data entry so we can make more progress on becoming current. HAP: the 3 rd quarter drawing will be held at the November membership meeting. Fall Auction: several notes from Naomi Gettler were reviewed. Dates selected for next

21 year s corresponding events are March 18 th and October 21 st. Dave will check with the Ramada (near the airport) to see if we can find a location with easier access to the freeway. There is a possibility of acquiring the GCCA software at a reasonable price and Jeff will follow-up to see if it is still an option. It was noted that more members are needed to help the day of the auction. There was discussion of an incident that occurred with a child at the vendor table. Aaron will provide an appropriate response to the parties involved. Jeff noted that we are still looking for someone to coordinate the 2007 auctions and Dave graciously volunteered. Christmas Party: Jerry has started taking names for members who will be attending. It was suggested that we do sub sandwiches, with members bringing appetizers, relishes, snacks and desserts to make the food service easier to manage. Beer, soda, and winein-box will be provided. Jerry was asked to book the Domes for December 2, Picnic: the Revolinskis agreed to alternate hosting the picnic, with a date of July 28 th, late afternoon, selected for Fish-O-Rama: 2007 dates were selected May 6 th and November 18 th. Aaron has the mailing list and is inputting it into Excel. The mailing card service will be used. There were several new faces at the October auction and those individuals will be added to the mailing list. It was agreed that we would delete names for non-attendance after 3 years. Unfinished Business: Fish room hops are tentatively being planned for early July (Madison area) and early October (New Berlin/Waukesha area). New Business: Jeff questioned the age of the MAS after reading a book on the history of fish keeping that included a photo from the early 1900s of a Milwaukee Aquarium Society president. Jerry stated that that version of MAS had been disbanded, with the organization restarting in the 1950s in its present form. There being no further business, the meeting was duly adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Edell Schaefer, Secretary MAS General Meeting November 24, 2006 Membership Report: Judy Martin reports that there are 57 paid, 6 honorary, and 12 lifetime for a total of 75 members. Treasurer s Report: Jerry Michels reported that the club had $3, Of that amount, $ is earmarked for the library. All bills are paid except for the state filing. The club had an approximate profit of $600 from the fall auction. The October mini-auction had 17 bags that brought in $ The mini-auction running total for 2006 is 226 bags that has brought in $ so far. The Splash: Jeff Michels reports that December 5 th is the deadline. Exchanges: Jim Everson and Austin Braganza had nothing new to report. Web Master: Aaron Glass reported that there were server issues that caused some updates not to be posted in a timely manner but the site is now updated.

22 Advertising: David Timmer reported that there is nothing new. Library: Jim Everson reported that he is working on performing an inventory. Manufacturers Liaison: Jeff Michels reported that donations are coming and showed some examples of the donations received. Store Liaison: No report. P.A.P: Ken King reported that everything is up to date and ready for the Christmas Party. F.A.A.S.: No report. B.A.P.: No report. H.A.P.: Aaron Glass held the 2 nd and 3 rd quarter HAP drawings. David Timmer was the recipient for the 2 nd quarter and Austin Braganza was the 3 rd quarter recipient. Fish-O-Rama: Jerry Michels reported that there were about people that showed up and 6 vendors. The club made about a $70 profit. Is planning on pulling in the Fall Fish- O-Rama two weeks earlier into Christmas Party: Jerry Michels reports that the Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, December 3 at the Mitchell Park Domes pavilion. There are 11 families signed up with 74 people. Board Meeting: Jeff Michels reports that the next Board meeting is scheduled for Friday December 8 at 7:30 pm. Michael Laursen will be the host. T-Shirt Sales: Jeff Michels reports that the T-shirts are not at the meeting but will be at the Christmas Party. Bowl Show: Tammy Adyniec gave the updated results: Tammy Adyniec is sitting in 1 st place, Jeff Michels is in 2 nd place, and everybody else is sitting in 3 rd. Guest Speaker: Jeff Michels reports that Ted Judy is our speaker tonight. Ted is having a Water Workshop. Old Business: None to report. New Business- Jeff Michels reported that the Officer and Board election nominations would be taken starting at this meeting. The following nominations have been recorded: President: Jeff Michels Vice President: Michael Laursen and Ken King Secretary: No nominations Treasurer: Jerry Michels Sergeant at Arms: Ken King Past President: Will be Aaron Glass or Jeff Michels depending upon outcome of President election. Board Members at Large: David Timmer, Austin Braganza, Jim Everson, Gary Schaefer. Respectfully submitted, Aaron J. Glass, MAS

23 Milwaukee Aquarium Society, Inc. Christmas Party Meeting-Sunday December 3 rd, 2006 The meeting was called together at 1:20pm by President Jeff Michels at the pavilion at the Mitchell Park Domes. There was a brief business meeting that consisted of nominations for the 2007 board. Added to the list where the following: President: Doug Higley Secretary: Aaron Glass Board Member at Large: Doug Higley BAP year-end numbers and awards where handed out and it was brought to my attention that some of the numbers are inaccurate the BAP committee will have this straightened out by the January general meeting. Two donated bags of this were auctioned off. Shortly there after the party started with lunch and was followed by the Christmas Gift distribution and PAP funny money auction. The party concluded at 4:30pm. Respectfully submitted, Jeff Michels, President Milwaukee Aquarium Society Board Meeting Minutes Friday, January 5, 2007 The meeting was called to order at 7:40 pm by Chairman of the Board Kerri Michels at the home of Michael and Rosie Laursen. Board members present included: Jeff and Kerri Michels, Mike Laursen, Gary and Edell Schaefer, and Aaron Glass. Reports: Webmaster the updates continue Splash the December/January issue will be mailed next week. The next deadline for submissions is February 1 st. Library the review and discard of old materials is pending. Videos which are still useful will be converted to DVD format. Items which are withdrawn will be offered for sale to MAS members, then at the swap meets, or to outsiders. Manufacturers Liaison the thank you notes for 2006 donations will be going out shortly. Letters for 2007 donations are scheduled for February. B.A.P. lengthy discussion was held on the need to streamline the program data entry and to ensure that the Excel program is functioning correctly. Kerri and Edell will look at the spreadsheets and coordinate the entry and verification of future submissions. The awards for 3 rd and 4 th quarter 2006 should be completed after the software review. H.A.P. the 4 th quarter and year-end 2006 awards will be given out at the January meet-

24 ing. Auctions Dave Timmer has volunteered to coordinate these starting with the spring auction. While the new software program should be acquired by that time, it is doubtful that we will have enough familiarity to use it by spring. Aaron will make arrangements to have the postcard mailings done for the spring auction and the Fish-O-Rama. Tee shirts Jerry Michels has a few extra shirts still available for sale. Bowl Show the Board discussed the original purpose and scoring of the Bowl Show. The number of participants has declined. For 2008, the Board will work with the bowl show coordinator to revamp the program in an effort to generate more participation. January Platy, Pleco and fish snow globes February Mollies, Angelfish, and fish pillows Guest Speakers everyone agreed that the guest speakers are key to attracting both members and the general public to our meetings. It was also noted that other clubs and organizations book their speakers months to a year or more in advance. This is out of courtesy to the speakers so they have adequate time to develop their programs. Starting this year, the Board has decided that we need to secure speakers a minimum of 6 months out, ideally for the entire year. January Jim Gasior on Killifish February Ted Judy is working on a speaker Unfinished business Club directory, photo/interviews it was suggested each Board member select 3-4 club members to interview during the year until everyone has been covered. These interviews and photos will be kept in a binder in the Library so club members can get to know one another and put names with faces. Suggested questions include: How did you become interested in keeping fish? What year did you start keeping fish? What types (genus + species) do you keep? How many tanks are you currently running? How many gallons? What do you (or did you) do for a living? Tell us about your family (Married? Children? Hobbies?) Meeting room location there was brief discussion on space requirements and options for future club meetings. It was suggested that the club try partnering with local libraries to provide a weekend program that would attract new members and provide an educational opportunity for both the membership and newcomers. The Board will explore this further in connection with the Guest Speaker program. New business none The next Board meeting date to be determined after the January election. There being no further business the meeting was duly adjourned at 9:31 pm. Respectfully submitted, Edell Schaefer, Secretary

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27 ADVERTISING IN THE SPLASH If you are a business that is interested in advertising in The Splash, our current rates are as follows: $ x3.5 business card size $ /2 page ad $75.00 full-page ad This is for 1 year (six issues) If interested, please contact the Editor, Naomi Gettler at or mas-plash@wi.rr.com

28 PISCES PAGE For Sale Want Trade Give away WANTED: YOUR ADS!!!! To submit a request for an upcoming issue, please send the desired information to: Naomi Gettler, S74 W25825 Hi Lo Drive Waukesha, WI Or at mas-splash@wi.rr.com Deadline is the last Friday of odd-numbered months. Although anyone may purchase from the Pisces market, you must be a member to have an ad posted.

29 DID YOU KNOW??? A LITTLE GOSSIP, NEWS, ETC. ABOUT OUR CLUB MEM- BERS THAT S NOT NECESSARILY FISH-RELATED. The following members celebrated December birthdays: Joe Martin and Warren Kloth Unfortunately some sad news was passed on to me from Aaron Glass: November 14, 2006 I am the webmaster of Green Water Aquarist Society of Chicagoland's website. I wanted to inform you that a cherished member of ours, Dick Jarvis, passed away suddenly today. Bob Schneider Sr. wanted me to notify your club. Karen Lang, Green Water Aquarist Society We extend our sincere condolences to Dick s family and friends. He will truly be missed. Until next time, EDITOR S NOTE I hope that you all enjoyed the Holidays and wish you a very Happy 2007! Please note that the deadline for the next issue of The Splash is February 1st. Naomi Gettler Editor

30 UPCOMING EVENTS January 26, 2007 MAS General Meeting Election Night 7:30 p.m. Jim Gasior Killi Fish Hoffer s Tropic Life February, 2007 MAS Board Meeting Date & Location To Be Announced February 23, 2007 MAS General Meeting 7:30 p.m. Speaker To Be Announced Hoffer s Tropic Life March 18, 2007 March 23, 2007 MAS Spring Auction Sunday, March 18, :00 Noon Burnham Bowl 6016 W. Burnham Ave. Contact David Timmer (262) MAS General Meeting 7:30 p.m. Speaker To Be Announced Hoffer s Tropic Life

31 THE SPLASH The Splash is the official publication of the Milwaukee Aquarium Society, and is published six times per year under the direction of the Board of Directors. Articles are always welcome. Please submit them to the editor (Naomi Gettler) no later than the first day of even numbered months (i.e. February 1st) to be included in the next issue. Articles should be sent to the editor, Naomi Gettler, S74 W25825 Hilo Drive, Waukesha, WI We will gladly exchange our publication with all interested societies. Please mail exchanges to Exchange Editor, P.O. Box , Milwaukee, WI Reprints of articles published in The Splash are always permitted and encouraged, provided that proper credit is given in reprinting to The Splash, author and Society. It is also requested that a copy of the issue containing the article reprinted be sent to the address above to be shared with the author. This would be in addition to any exchange copies. Please inform the editor of any address changes in forwarding of this publication to members or other societies. ABOUT THE MILWAUKEE AQUARIUM SOCIETY The Milwaukee Aquarium Society is an organization devoted to the hobby of tropical fish, both freshwater and saltwater. Its membership consists of hobbyists gaining expertise in all phases of raising and breeding tropical fish, as well as area retailers. Our membership s expertise covers a wide range, from beginners to expert breeders, but all members are interested in promoting the hobby and encouraging others to join in the fun. General meetings are held monthly, generally the fourth Friday of the month, at 7:30 p.m. at Hoffer s Tropic Life Pets, 7323 N. 76th Street, Milwaukee. We thank them for their hospitality. Free parking is always available, and guests are always welcome. Annual membership dues are as follows: Families: $20.00 a year; Individuals: $15.00 a year. Membership dues provide for The Splash, monthly speakers, community support, annual events, and show support. A yearly subscription to the Splash is available for $15.00 a year. New or renewal of membership dues should be sent to the treasurer: Jerry Michels West Boehlke, Milwaukee, WI 53223

32 The Splash The Official Publication of the Milwaukee Aquarium Society, Inc. Milwaukee Aquarium Society, Inc. P.O. Box Milwaukee, WI Address Service Requested