NWAAS

[dennysfishroom]

It looks like we finally have enough fish to actually get started with the fish growing contest starting with the April Meeting. I've probably got between 30 and 40 Herotilapia multispinosa fry (Rainbow Cichlid - Orange form) that are big enough to go ahead with the contest. Everyone who wants to compete needs to let me know before the meeting (it's next Saturday). I'm going to make it as simple as possible for our first contest. There will be a $5 entry fee to purchase your fish (probably 4-5 fish depending on participation). After you are given your fish, you will have 3 months to grow them as big as possible by whatever means you decide on. That means the contest will end during our July meeting with a weigh-in of your biggest fish. This is a really good way to get younger kids into the hobby with a fish of their own BTW. The winner will get 50% of the pot and second place will get 25% of the pot. The other 25% will be donated to the club. The fish are yours to keep. This is a really nice smaller CA cichlid. You don't need a large tank to keep these fish and they are not overly aggressive. Let the posturing begin.

Many of you had indicated an interest earlier, but I haven't heard from anyone as far as wanting to participate starting in April. Let me know so I know how many containers to bring. If we have enough fish, you can take more than one group of fish to increase your odds. Denny

[sumpnfishy]

I'm in.

[pinkrblu]

I'm in...

Does Miracle Grow work with fish???

[dennysfishroom]

I've had some people ask if we were going to take urine samples to test for steroids (the fish not the competitors). Everyone will have their own secret methods to increase the growth rate. Denny

[etheonut]

I am in. What is 50% of $15 anyway....

Kevin

[pinkrblu]

I am in. What is 50% of $15 anyway....

Kevin

I, being all educated and such, believe that with only three of us in the contest, my winnings will be $7.50. We need a few more entrants so I can afford to take the kids out for ice cream after the weigh-in.

Denny- Exactly how small would that specimen cup be? And how will you know that the fish aren't paying someone for their "clean" urine?

[Moparitus]

I'm in...
Now the 50% will be up to $10.
You can get some massive ice cream cones out by Denny.(Garfield)

[dennysfishroom]

Just to show you the fantastic deal you're going to getting for your $5 in our Fish Growing Contest, I just saw an auction for the Rainbow Cichlids on AquaBid listed at 6 juvies for$25. You're going to get 5 small juvies for $5, as well as a chance to score the first or second prizes. This is the real deal. Denny

[etheonut]

Not to mention my name will go down in the history of the club as the first person to win a club contest.

Kevin

[pinkrblu]

How large are the fry at this time?
We are in the middle of a discussion about how many "buy ins" we want. McKelvie is pretty sure she might want to get a batch, then Mattie asked if she could, too.

[dennysfishroom]

Right now they are fairly small, probably 3/8-1/2 inch. This cichlid doesn't normally get huge. Probably similar to the average Convict (although I have seen some Convicts get large). They also aren't overly aggressive. Mine were breeding in a 20L with other Rainbows and plecos without a problem. They are a very attractive little fish (this is the "Orange Form"), especially when they are thinking about spawning. It's a pretty good choice for first time cichlid breeders, also. Great for kids. They do have the cichlid shape already, and are looking pretty good. I'll bring several containers or bags to the meeting, so hopefully we'll have lots of people trying these fish and participating in the contest. Let me know if you would like to participate but won't be able to make it to the meeting. Denny

[Moparitus]

It appears that I may have to work Saturday. Therefore, I may not be able to attend either.

Denny,
I still want to participate even though I will not be able to attend.

[etheonut]

I believe I have won this contest already. At least the girl at Petsmart assured me that these Rainbow cichlids are big!

Kevin

[pinkrblu]

I demand DNA testing!

[dennysfishroom]

Just thought I'd update everyone to where we stood on the fish growing contest. While not everyone has paid up yet, the following people have taken fish in the contest:

Kenna
Maddie
Kevin 2X (don't know if one was for Chris or he's was just doubling up?)
Ryan
Brent
Alicia
Randy (wants to participate, but hasn't gotten fish yet)
Corey (maybe - interested early, but haven't heard recently)

I only have one more bag assuming the "maybes" above follow through. Anyone else want the last bag?

You must have paid for your fish before the June meeting, and only one entry per contestant at the final weigh in at the July meeting. Denny