SUGGESTED STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN PLANNING TO SHOW FISH
STEP 1 Study the FISH SHOW CLASSES until you're sure you understand which fish are expected to beSTEP 2 Read the rest of the Fish Show Rules and again, make sure you understand them or get clarification.
For example 9) says to bring your own air valves but doesn't specify whether 2-way or 3 way valves.
When in doubt always take 3-way valves.
STEP 3 Check out the fish in your tank/s. Eliminate from consideration any with torn fins, missing scales and
anything that might be considered a 'deformity'. Make a list of the potential entries. (Remember: they
don’t have to be perfect, huge specimens. If you're too fussy you may not find any suitable entries.
They just need to be good looking fish without obvious defects. This is the big list. Before show time
some of them will have been eliminated (according to Murphy's Law which says that if anything can
go wrong, it will).
STEP 4 Between now and the show it's a good idea to feed your fish a little more generously, (a variety of
foods), and make partial water changes more frequently but stop feeding the day before the show.
STEP 5 Start collecting the items you'll need for the show:
Tanks: Most entries will fit in a 1 gal. or 2 gal. show tank. You should use bigger tanks for bigger
entries such as angel fish that may need a taller tank but bear in mind that a small fish in a large tank
looks smaller than it actually is. Clean the tanks carefully -- outside and in (including the trim).
Prepare a lid for each tank that will cover the top with just a small opening in one back corner for
the airline. Optionally, you may choose some clean gravel just to cover the bottom of the tank, a
solid coloured tank backing, (construction paper works but make it a colour that enhances the fish
not the same colour as the fish to be entered in that tank. You may also prepare a small box filter
if you feel it will be needed, (delicate fish). A mixture of well rinsed carbon and ammonia absorbent
material sandwiched between 2 layers of filter floss should be very effective. At least an airstone
will be needed for all but air breathers such as Anabantids and, perhaps, Cory cats.
Bucket/s: These should have fitting lids so you can take along as much as possible of the properly
dechlorinated water that your fish are used to. You will also need at least one bucket to remove
water from you tanks at tear down. Don't forget a siphon for this job.
Fish bags: There are a number of ways to get your fish to the show but we often bagged the fish and
put that bag inside its tank. You will need extra bags and elastics (if you use them) for the return trip.
A plastic isolation tank comes in handy when rebagging your fish.
Net/s: Some take great pains to bag their fish without using a net since net marks can show --
especially on black fish but we found that an old soft net dipped in a solution containing a
sliming agent such as aloe vera could be used without problems. (When catching the entries for the
show, be careful not to let them dash themselves on the tank gravel or other objects in the tank.)
A net will also come in handy to remove any fish poop that may be floating around in the tank
after setup.
Towel/s: These are absolutely necessary to wipe up spills, wipe off any drips from the outside of
your tanks, dry your hands, etc.
Airline: The length you take will depend on how many entries you have but always take a bit more
than you think you will need. The nearest line you can cut your air valve into may be a bit farther away.
Kit: Valves -- one for each entry that needs air. Scissors or a knife to cut the line into which you will
put your air valve and to cut your airline to the appropriate length. Airstones -- one for each entry that
needs air and a couple of extras just in case. A bottle of your regular dechlorinator to use in any extra
water that is needed. Scotch tape -- to attach the entry tag to each of your entries. A pen -- to fill out your
entry form etc. Optionally, a shopping bag to carry away the plaques you might win.