Freshwater

Regional shows
Aquarium societies often enter larger fish shows that cover a broad geographic
area within a marked region that can include several states. In this
type of competition, different societies compete against each other to see
who is really the top piranha. A regional show forces you to become a team
player, so make sure you have several good excuses ready, just in case your
entry doesn’t place very well.
Open shows
An open show is similar to a regional show, except that anyone can enter the
competition — you don’t have to belong to a particular aquarium society.
These shows are cool because if you don’t win, you can sneak out the back
door without having to answer to anyone else. Or you can tell family members
that you had a flat tire on the way to the show and missed the entire
competition.
Exhibitions
Chapter 22: Competing in Fish Shows
One of the largest shows you can enter is known as an exhibition, or aquatic
convention. These types of shows are generally put together by tropical fish
magazines and international societies. Exhibitions are massive affairs, generally
held in huge auditoriums and fancy hotels. Aquarium manufacturers are
usually present to demonstrate their newest lines of tanks, food, chemicals,
and equipment to people they consider prospective buyers. (If you don’t
want to spend the day listening to sales pitches, wear old clothes and look
poor.)
Exhibitions are exciting and extremely important because they help to keep
hobbyists informed on major new trends in the hobby. If you go to one of
these shows, you will probably find a lot of excellent information on new
equipment and fishkeeping procedures. Not to mention the tons of new ideas
from other hobbyists you’ll get.
Understanding Competition Classes
You need to learn a little bit about how fish shows operate so that you know
what to expect when you enter your very first serious competition. True, fish
shows have more rules than cribbage, but you can still go to a competition,
have a great time, and pick up some important aquarium-keeping skills.
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