SO…You Want to Show Fish

by Ann Lambrecht
SouthWestern Michigan Aquarium Society.  From SWAM, July/August 1989 Issue
Aquarticles

Well people, here we go again, the blind leading the blind. Be duly warned that I am no expert. I am just going to try and help with things that work for me.

The first thing I am asked (and I ask myself), “What is a show quality fish?” This is by far the most difficult question to answer.

Fish judging is based on finnage, size, color, and deportment. You do some judging when you pick one fish out of twenty at the pet store. You decided that fish was better than the rest.

Start your search for entries a couple of months before the show. Check your choices for obvious flaws, such as deformities, ripped fins, scales missing, and scars. If you started early enough, fin damage can be corrected. You are wasting your time entering a damaged fish. If the general condition is okay, you are ready to check other requirements.

Start with a good book and check the size for your species. Although the biggest fish does not always win, it sure helps. You will find most books use the metric system. To convert to inches use 2.54 centimeters per 1 inch. Be sure and check if your book is using the total body length or just from the nose to the base of the tail. Go over to the tank and ask the fish to hold still so you can measure him. (How about an educated guess?).

We are going to fall back on the care they have received all year. Color is hard to help you with because it depends on the species. Back to your book again. If the description and picture are not too clear, check with a fellow hobbyist. We have many great hobbyists in the club. We also have a library full of books and articles. Use all the resources available to you.

Deportment means how your fish behaves. If your fish is on the bottom of the tank with his fins clamped down, it is safe to say his deportment is not too great. The way you care for your fish all year determines if you can have a winner. A fish that is bright-eyed and swimming around with erect fins is going to make a good impression on the judge.

Check the rules about the type of container that is appropriate. After choosing the container, place your fish in its new home several weeks before the show. Place the container in as high a traffic area as possible. This will help the fish adjust to show-site conditions.

I am going to throw in one of pet peeves. Rules usually state an appropriate size container. (Ours do.) A container where your fish cannot turn without bumping its head is not appropriate! The fish always shows signs of stress and sometimes dies. This is not only foolish, it is cruel.

It is show time! How do I get my fish there? I transport my fish in the container it will be shown in. I lower the water level and make sure the top is sealed tightly. You have to be very careful not to put too much stress on small tanks or you could get leaks. I place towels and rags between bowls and tanks to darken them. This helps reduce stress. Be sure and carry as much water as possible from home. There is usually water at most shows, but it is generally cold. Be sure and check if it is dechlorinated. (Our show water is.) Your fish will be a lot better off in their own water from home. This is doubly important if you are going out of state to a show. A good rule would be: “Do not take more entries than you can carry water for."

The other method for transporting fish is to put them in plastic bags. I am sure this is easier for the people, but I am not sure about the fish. You will have to find what works best for you and your fish.

I am going to assume that you read the rules and understood them. Do not guess! If you are not sure, ask.

Most shows require a background on all bowls and tanks except Killies and Bettas. The rules for our show are plain backgrounds. This means no printed or foil backings. Most people use construction paper. Diane Schadle had a great idea for people who are planning on future shows. She makes a lot of her backgrounds from felt. This is a real time-saver as they can be used many times. The color choice is up to you. Pick a color that compliments the fish. Try different colors behind each entry, and choose the one you like best. Some people make their backgrounds at the show. You can do this at home to save time setting up. Do not put the background on the containers with water in them until you get to the show.

All containers have to be securely covered. Most people use plastic wrap and rubber bands on fish bowls. You can make a small hole for air lines, if necessary. For some entries a small hole in the plastic is sufficient. At our show, Bettas, Killies, and Guppies are set up without air available.

If using small tanks with tops already on them, tape them down. This will prevent them from being knocked off. It also keeps children and foreign objects out. If you do not have tops you can use many things as long as it is neatly done. Plexi-glass cut to size works, but it will warp. On my small tanks I use the plastic canvas used for needle work. (The ridged kind.) It cuts easily and is inexpensive. Tape all tops down.

Filters are optional. I used some kind of filter in every tank my first year. The only way this does any good is if it has been used long enough to make them efficient. I do not use them now. I use air stones in every tank I can.

Most people do not feed their fish for one or two days before the show. I do not feed mine the day of set up for the show. The only people who feed during the show are Killie people. The reason for not feeding is looks and pollution. If you have waste matter in the bottom and wish to remove it, use a small pail and a brine shrimp net. Run the water through the net and return the water to the container.

Gravel is also an option. Do not put it in the tanks used for transport as it can damage the fish. If you wish to use it carry it separate. Sometimes it helps a nervous fish if the bottom is covered with gravel. An alternative is to put dark paper under the container. Again, read the rules for each show.

I should have said this way back, but I did not. Be sure your containers are free of dirt, lime spots, or streaks. The judge will notice. I use glass polish for fish containers before filling them. This makes them easier to wipe off after the set up. Neatness really does count. You cannot use glass cleaners at the show site! You should not use it at home either.

The first thing to do on arrival is register. If possible have your entry form filled out. If not, have a list of all common and latin names for your entries. Do this first as you usually have to wait for your entry tags. Every tank must have a tag. Be sure you get the right tag on your entry.

After registering I check the location of each class. Then I put each container in the right location, and then go back and set them up. I prefer to set up as early as possible to allow the fish a chance to settle in and adjust to the move before judging.

If any entries appear stressed then hook up the air at once if possible, and cover the container with a towel. The towel usually works well in calming a fish down that is dashing around madly. It is also possible to prevent a lot of injury this way.

You can use lights if you wish, but they will not be using during judging. The judge will use a flashlight during judging.

Shows are not just for fish. There are classes for plants, decorated tanks, and aquatic animals. These classes are important and can be a lot of fun.

For decorated tank classes read the rules carefully. The requirements are specific. Appearance and imagination count a lot, but so does the condition of the fish that are included in the display.

Plants are judged on size, condition of the leaves, and lack of algae. Do not cramp you plants if at all possible. This is very difficult with tall plants. Do the best you can. Cleanliness and neatness count in all classes.

There is usually a lot of air valves in the air lines at our show; however, take some of your own. The metal valves work best for tapping into the line. If you have more than one entry in a class using a gang valve can be of help. This allows you to regulate the amount of air going into your tank or bowl. Go back and check these as more tanks are hooked up, because the air pressure will drop and air flow to your tanks may need readjustment. Our club has a rule of no open air lines. Therefore, an air stone is needed for every entry running off these lines. I recommend bringing a roll of air line and cutting it to fit each container.

Try to be as organized as possible or you will be there a long time. A list of things to take are listed below. I hope it helps:

1. Air Line Hose
2. Air Valves
3. Air Stones
4. Towels
5. Siphon Hose
6. Buckets
7. Fish Net (regular & brine shrimp)
8. Scissors
9. Tape (scotch and water proof)
10. Plastic Wrap
11. Rubber Bands
12. Pen or Pencil
13. Backing for Containers
14. Tops for all Containers

Optional Items

1. Filters
2. Heater
3. Gravel
4. Plastic Holder for Air Line
5. Small Rock or Plant (check rules on all these things)
6. Extension Cord if using anything electrical

Well, I could write a book. I have a good start. Guess it is time to quit. If there is anything I left out, I am sorry. I am usually at the meetings, and you are welcome to corner me there.