View Full Version : ACA Member
As many of you may or may not know, I was recently appointed to Publicity Chairman of the American Cichlid Association. The job in a nutshell is to get the word about the orginization out to as many people as possible. I would like to know how many members of the board are members of the association. If you can give me a sentence or two about why you joined it will be helpful in me formulating marketing material for the future.
If you are not a member, I would also like to know if you ever considered joining. Are there any reasons or issues that would prevent you from joining? Trust me, no one is going to judge you if you simply don't want to get involved. It is and always will be voluntary. I would like as many responses to the question as possible.
Anything else anyone would like to provide as input would be appreciated. Thanks for you cooperation.
Cypherman
07-28-2003, 6:54 PM
Firstly, let me congratulate you on your new appointment. Secondly, I am not a member of the ACA. I have given it some thought, but mainly what stopped me was the fact that I dont have time to truly become involved, and my taste in cichlids is pretty much restricted to New Worlders, so the Bunten-whatever the magazine is called wouldnt interest me since I assume it covers a wide range heh.
Cypherman
07-28-2003, 6:58 PM
Also I think the site really isnt that impressive. It could use a nice, sleek revamp, if you know what I mean. For instance, when I first looked, I was suprised the association had no one taking pictures of every one of the shows, just the 1998 show. Photos of events would really convince people of what they're missing out on.
predatorcichlid
07-28-2003, 7:23 PM
Have been a member ACA for quite sometime. I am also a member of the great lakes cichlid associotaion and the Ohio cichlid society. Both ACA backed clubs. I was a judge for ACA shows and events awhile back. But have been lacking the time to do as much as I would like over the last few years.
I have been planning on joining ACA and the Atlanta Area Aquarium Society for about two months now and I just haven't gotten to it. I wanted to go to the convention but then I found out I had finals today for summer school so I was unable to attend, I was not happy about that.
I am going to join now actually, hopefully I can do it online.
I would love to join, but I have a big student loan that I need to pay off first *sigh*
Verse914
07-28-2003, 10:16 PM
Hey Mojo. I wish I could have met you at the ACA this year. I seen you, and I knew I seen you from somewhere, but I couldnt remember your name:)
I really enjoyed the ACA this year and plan on going next year too. I ended up with 13 fish, two tanks, a couple shirts, and a nice piece of holey rock.
Heres a pic that your in Mojo:p
http://www.gladiator914.homestead.com/ACA03room11.jpg
and heres me(maybe you remember seeing me there). Im the one in the middle with Pam Chin from "Ask Pam"
http://www.gladiator914.homestead.com/ACA03marvmike_verse914me_askpam.jpg
ChilDawg
07-28-2003, 11:11 PM
Congratulations, man!
I have only been in the hobby since last July or August, and only had a fish tank since the end of August, so I haven't really gotten my feet too wet in organizations. I figure that I'll get a Cichlid this year, and then seriously consider joining ACA as I would at least then deserve to be a card-carrying cichlidiot...
andruboz
07-29-2003, 12:11 AM
the man.
I'm surprised that you didn't get a light burst from my shiny bald head.
I do plan on joining soon. Pam made a plug for ACA at the TCA in Texas and I've been thinking about it since. The only thing I don't like is there doesn't seem to be any real presence in my home state. Only a few people I know are/have been members and other than the annual ACA meeting and the BB I might not get much else out of it.
I am already involved (treasurer) in the local aquarium association, if there was a local ACA club I'd already be a member most likely.
Rocketman
07-30-2003, 8:08 PM
Congrats!
Sorry to hijack the thread, but, Jonah, you didn't happen to be a member of a board by the name of 'FishyForums' did you? If so, you would recall an argument we had over Iraq...
Originally posted by Rocketman
Congrats!
Sorry to hijack the thread, but, Jonah, you didn't happen to be a member of a board by the name of 'FishyForums' did you? If so, you would recall an argument we had over Iraq...
More like a discussion than an argument.:) I used to post here at Aquaria Central all the time on the old version, but the BS got a little too thick for me. AC seems much better now from what I've seen.
Mojo: Congratulations on the new appointment. It's a big challenge, but from what I've seen of you, I think you're up for the test.
Tightdog1
08-02-2003, 12:11 AM
Congrats mojo on your appointment to the ACA. and also congrats on coming back here, your presence was truly missed. i have always been a fan of all your tanks and information. i have not joined the ACA party becasue im in the same boat as ChilDawg in that i have not been keeping fish for that long of time, approx 1 year, and i have also become accustomed to new worlders and not so much africans. but i am considering joining, just have not had the time to look into it. i would like to know the site of the ACA so i could take a look. but after this i will search and try to find it anyways.
scholar
08-02-2003, 12:58 AM
HI mojo,
I am a fan of yours, great pics. I am not a a memebr of ACA. I also do not know what they do!
Mine and any other's need are pics (male/female/fry), descpription, sexing, biotype, etc.. and a classified section, and periodic auctions.
This site is good. I also have 15 other sites which I frequent. I use this site exclusicely for the forum.
I need to know how to sex socolofi's. Even Pam does not know. Someone got to know!! I will be happy to trade this knowlwdge with how to sex electric yellows. At one inch I can call the sex with 95+% accuracy. :)
dbcb314
08-07-2003, 5:31 PM
i have no idea what the aca is or what the heck they do...
Okay, I have been a member for about three weeks now and I have received nothing in the mail. No thank you for your money no stickers or pamphlets or anything else like I have gotten when I joined Jeep clubs. If you read this Mojo it might be something to look in to, just a simple form thank you letter sent out to new members, low cost and gives new members a sense of belonging; which is why people join clubs and forums etc.
Ledslnger
08-23-2003, 5:32 PM
Actually Cypherman....the last two covers of the Buntbarsche Bulletin have had South Americans on it...I think. One was a Geophagus jurupari the newest is some type of SA/CA. They have actually been doing a ton of New World stuff....I think more NW than Old World as of late. Some great articles too...there was one a while back that was about keeping OW and NW cichlids in the same tank. Pretty interesting....both cichlids liked different types of territories so it worked out well.
I have been in the ACA for 2 years or so...memory isn't good for stuff like that. So, since I liked it so much and would probably forget to sign up each year I just did the Lifemember thing. Good use for tax refund money in my opinion! :)
I recommend it highly...this years ACA Convention was awesome...got to meet some great people and forum friends face to face finally after several years!!! Met Mojo and many others and hope to meet them and more next year in Denver!!! :)
Join for a year if not just to check out the Trading Post and BB. I think after you read them for 4 months you will be ready to sign up for another year! I really enjoy them. The Trading Post might allow you to find a cichlidiot that lives almost next door to you that you never knew about!!
ChilDawg
08-23-2003, 10:24 PM
Originally posted by dbcb314
i have no idea what the aca is or what the heck they do...
Go to http://www.cichlid.org/ and you can find out all about it.
andy5268
09-03-2003, 7:28 PM
been moving, haven't been here and months and saw your post. Never joined but would like to, what's it all about?
Ya I'd definetly consider it, what does it intale?
CichlidBoy
09-24-2003, 9:31 PM
i really want to i have had cichlids since i was 8 years old and although the stuff i have in my tank know seems that i am an idiot i know that they wont last long wht can i do about the munny situation
Oscar_Wild
09-28-2003, 11:41 PM
I will be joining soon, but would have joined sooner if it had been advertised as more than an annual convention.
rift-n-reef
01-08-2004, 1:44 PM
I really need to visit this site more often......get way behind when you don't pay attention. I am an ACA member, and hate to admit it, but mostly got the membership for the convention in cincy this year. But now, after getting the trading post, and BB on a regular basis, I'm kinda hooked, so looks like I'm a member for life. Not to mention, I had soooo much fun at the convention this past summer, that I'm considering a trip to Co. this year...:)
"J"
Originally posted by scott
Okay, I have been a member for about three weeks now and I have received nothing in the mail. No thank you for your money no stickers or pamphlets or anything else like I have gotten when I joined Jeep clubs. If you read this Mojo it might be something to look in to, just a simple form thank you letter sent out to new members, low cost and gives new members a sense of belonging; which is why people join clubs and forums etc.
Send me an e-mail and I will look into that for you. That's nuts. I would be upset as well.
crazy4cichlids
01-29-2004, 9:43 AM
Congradulations on your new position! I am not currently a member of the ACA even though I have considered it. I have been thinking about becoming a member of the ACA as well as the Atlanta Area Aquarium Society. I would love to go to one of the ACA conventions one of these years, but have yet to do that as well. I am sure that once I start getting my tanks setup again, since I have just recently moved to the area from being stationed in South Korea that I will become a member to both organizations.
I was in South Korea many years ago. I worked for AFKN.
crazy4cichlids
01-30-2004, 11:22 AM
I was stationed at Camp Hovey when I was over there in South Korea for 15 months and just recently came back to the States. With my being stationed in South korea I have covered 3/4's of the globe since I have been in the military.
daveedka
02-05-2004, 9:09 AM
I might be interested, but generally don't join anything I don't have time/budget to do right. Is there web link that we could hit to find out what the ACA is/does
Originally posted by daveedka
I might be interested, but generally don't join anything I don't have time/budget to do right. Is there web link that we could hit to find out what the ACA is/does
Absolutley. What the ACA does: (http://www.cichlid.org/Whatwedo.html)
If you have any specific questions, feel free to e-mail or PM me. Thanks for all the interest.
blkcamss96
04-05-2004, 9:22 PM
would anyone be able to help me post multiple pics in my post my pictures are to lrge to send them?
schiejr
04-06-2004, 8:45 AM
I was a member a while ago. Went to the conventions in Chicago-broken air conditioning in outside auction tent if anyone else remembers that sauna- and in St. Louis.
I became more involved in the local clubs in Milwaukee-MAS and Chicago-GCCA. Only so much time and began to work more with ponds and live plants-always have some cichlids around though.
lesley
04-08-2004, 1:27 PM
I'm not a member myself, but my Master's advisor is, which allowed me to apply for the Jordan Endowment Fund Award. I think it's great that the Association provides research funding for needy grad students. The fund does double duty as it helps to defray costs of research as well as advancing the hobby.
Congrats on your new appointment Mojo. Maybe the grant opportunities could be publicized as a reason for joining?
dwild
04-28-2004, 11:02 PM
Hello,
No I'm not a member of ACA. Though I'd like to become a member of a fish Society. I don't really know where to start. I live in Wolcott, NY about 8 miles south of Lake Ontario between Rochester, NY and Syracuse, NY. I'm currently keeping Jewel Cichlids. I have past experience keeping African & South American Cichlids. 6 years ago I had 2 lines of custom built Aquarium Stands 28 stand total that I built and marketed to a LFS. I'm making a return to the hobby and maybe back to business as well. If anyone out here can stir me in the right direction as to which fish society that would be right for my area and my fish of interest I'd be greatful. With motorcycles you have to join an associations before you can join a chapter, not sure if this applies to fish associations or not. Please forgive my spelling.
Botiadancer
05-08-2004, 5:59 PM
I've been a member for 5 or 6 years on and off. I enjoy reading the Buntbarsche Bulletin, perusing the Trading Post, as well as supporting a good organization that does positive fishy things.
cichlidbreeding
01-01-2005, 11:11 PM
Howdy,,
I have been an ACA member for a few year. Purchased a lifetime membership a few years back.. Great organization.
I attend the yearly ACA show when it is "nearby"..
I am known as the caveman because I have sold my Caves in St.Louis, Detroit, Cleveland, Cincy ACA shows.. Always a great time....
Don
Your caves rock, pal. I bought several. If I can help anyone with more specific info, please feel free to ask...either here or PM.
hardhead07
06-16-2005, 12:50 PM
I am a New Orleans native. I have never heard of the organization before, but all information I can receive about my new hobby is considered helpful! you can send information to my E-mail.
Cichlidfever
08-25-2005, 3:28 PM
I want to join and have been wanting to join for quite sometime. I just can't afford to. School loans and kids...
Reiner
09-26-2005, 6:12 PM
I want to join and have been wanting to join for quite sometime. I just can't afford to. School loans and kids...
You should do it like I did last year. When family members asked me what I want for my birthday I knew the perfect $25 gift for them. I'll do this year the same for sure.
fish_breeder_05
10-23-2005, 9:19 PM
I started out wanting community because my mom was a cichlid stereotype, thinking they are aggressive. I had some platy and danios then after ablue cray, electric cat and syno epterus came along I have nothing but cichlids! my mom is fine with them now that I told here tthat here prized 4" angels she had for 5 years were cichlids. I do have a none cichlid tank but it is my moms and has my 7" dojo loach, 5" horse head loach, 5" mystery synodontis, 5" rapheal catfish, 7" synodontis epterus, 5" silver dollar, and 2 blackskirts the size of a silver dollar coin. in my tank there are 7 convicts, a puffer, a 4" green sevrum, an 8" synodontis epterus and a 5" pleco. on the other side of the divider, a full color 8" blood parrot worth $60 or $70 that the store gave me free! :thm: :D :thm:
Well I realized the midwest cichlid assosiation had the biggest cichlid show of the year in des moines right on my birthday (may 6)
how do I sign up?
gabrielandco.
11-04-2005, 11:24 PM
congrats! i have considered joining the chicago area one, but it would have to be long distance-- why i don't. i just wouldn't get the benefits of being close. if i had more time, i would still occassionally support the auctions open to the public!
Sully
11-08-2005, 11:39 PM
I joined the ACA about 3 years ago---maybe 2 1/2. The Trader is an excellent place to shop. I feel really good about the quality of fish you can get there.
Buntbarsche Bulletine. Not sure any publication is better. Like someone who posted earlier--i am almost exclusively into SA's. That publication offers a lot to people like me. Don't need Old Worlds to get a lot out of it. The articles about breeding, feeding, disease management and general fish info is applicable to any fish keeper, not just the cichlidphiles. and, give it a little time and you will grow into a cichlid lover.
I have only attended the Cinci show. I will go to Chicago. Another great reason to be a member.
I am not an "active" member. But, if nothing else the dues go to something very valuable to the hobby market. Cannot imagine why anyone would not support the group. Sponsoring scholarship and research in things fishy is a good thing.
Mojo--it is interesting that our paths crossed yet again within a month or so. lol. it is a small world.
snapshooter
12-02-2005, 5:11 PM
Will definantly renew my membership!
Francine aka MsCichlid aka snapshooter
adjuster
08-06-2006, 11:00 AM
I was a member maybe 25 years ago. I was interested in CA/SA cichlids and the rest of the hobby (or so it seemed) were enamoured with Africans. Also as mentioned previously, alot of people locally didn't seem interested in cichlids "groupwise". Even now there are few fish associations in North Carolina, none locally to my knowledge in Eastern NC. I have re-visited the issue over the years, was glad to see they got color on their Buntbarsche Bulletin but always throught it should be published monthly or at least bigger if published 6 times a year as it is presently. The tropical fish industry has disheartened me over the years especially with all the dyeing/painting and hybridization of species to make designer fish, but that is another subject entirely...
Akara Farm
09-25-2006, 6:58 AM
dear Mojo
I am just member by aquria central. I am very happy to see you thread. I am looking for Flowerhorn lover. It is nice to read your message "I like my flowerhorn".
My name is David Lu. I am a breeder of Flowerhorn in Thailand with more as 1000 tanks.
I hope I will got more information about Flowerhorn in your states.
best regards,
Akara Farm Thailand
David Lu
Thanks David.
I like my Flower Horns extra spicy and served with black beans...or rice. How do you eat them in Thailand ?
polomax24
09-27-2006, 3:27 AM
Thanks David.
I like my Flower Horns extra spicy and served with black beans...or rice. How do you eat them in Thailand ?
This is too funny. :laugh:
Mr.Firemouth
10-12-2006, 11:26 PM
Hey MOJO I became a member of the ACA to show my firemouths at the show. I am still trying to mutate a firemouth albino. (20 years now) I would love to know if you know anyone with any that I can work with.
Still haven't set up the 180gallon I won at the show. I am thinking about GREEN TERRORS. I think an adult show fish would look awesome.
I launched my own forum for saltwater so I have been super busy. I have 11 tanks empty right now. I am waiting until after the first of the year to set them up. I probably will do it sooner being addicted to fish and all. I think the fish room has 22 tanks. Too many to count.
My firemouths have been keeping me busy too. Lots of fry and the wild ones from Rusty Wessel are starting to breed!
polomax24
11-22-2006, 4:16 PM
Hey MOJO I became a member of the ACA to show my firemouths at the show. I am still trying to mutate a firemouth albino. (20 years now) I would love to know if you know anyone with any that I can work with.
Still haven't set up the 180gallon I won at the show. I am thinking about GREEN TERRORS. I think an adult show fish would look awesome.
I launched my own forum for saltwater so I have been super busy. I have 11 tanks empty right now. I am waiting until after the first of the year to set them up. I probably will do it sooner being addicted to fish and all. I think the fish room has 22 tanks. Too many to count.
My firemouths have been keeping me busy too. Lots of fry and the wild ones from Rusty Wessel are starting to breed!
Very nice FHs! Rusty has some FHs that have red on their entire body. Do you happen to get those as well?
Mr.Firemouth
11-26-2006, 2:10 AM
The firemouths are more blue from Rusty.
pmdavis
03-27-2007, 10:27 AM
I definitely would like to join the aca...There is much more i would like to know...but the $$.
I definitely would like to join the aca...There is much more i would like to know...but the $$.
The $$ You mean $25?? Thats a bargain for what you get. The Buntbarsche publication alone is worth that.
Mr.Firemouth
04-05-2007, 9:11 AM
MOJO is right. There is the Buntbarsche Bulletin, the Trading Post newsletter, access to the ACA site, and you are able to participate in all of the organizations events. The ACA is by far one of the BEST resources for cichlids and community/friends/education!!!
Once you join you will be a lifetime member!LOL!
bobrfish
08-19-2007, 6:32 PM
I definitely would like to join the aca...There is much more i would like to know...but the $$.
$25 a year is a relative number. compared to local club membership it may be twice as much. compared to a cichlid I would like to keep it may be 5% of total I spend on one group of Tropheus or lamena.
Tangible benefits of ACA membership are:
1. recieve six issues of Buntbarsche Bulletin.
this alone is a better deal than subscription to any other magazine for cichlid keepers. the only other publication that comes close is Cichlid News. there are articles that appeared in BB first then were later modified and reappeared in Cichlid News.
ACA members are encouraged to submit articles to BB editor. Editor will help with grammer and such. Editors can even find images to go along with article. it can be fun to become published.
2. Access to ACA C.A.R.E.S.
this program is designed for cichlid keepers to house endangered fish. learn more about a species from fellow cichlid keepers
3. access to all BB back issues kept on ACA website
these back issues are password protected. soon there will be an index of all authors, title words and selected text words.
4. attend ACA convention.
currently to attend this convention, one must be either a member of ACA or a member of host club.
typically there are 6-12 cichlid experts speaking at a convention. there maybe more in attendance. it is a chance to meet a favorite author and discuss aspects about cichlids. this expierence cannot be overrated.
also while at convention, there is a special auction to raise money for research. fish are donated from Florida fish farms. There may be rare fish or fish ready to breed in these auctions.
of course there is the party atmosphere that pervades the entire convention.
5. there may be benefits I have overlooked, if i remember more I will repost.
Previous benefits that are now available to everyone:
use of ACA forum
Trading Post is where members buy and sell cichlids. This was a members only benefit but as of July 2007, it is now open to all.
All of this is put together by volunteers that love cichlids. Other magazines may love cichlids but are they created and published by volunteers? This is where the $25 goes, it goes to pay for a color journal that is first class.
I suspect ACA Board of Trustees may have a some other member only benefits down the road. Wait for futher tangible benefits and may miss something in BB that would make a difference in cichlid keeping. Do not wait, join now. Hope to see you in Atlanta Davis.
mike dunagan
05-01-2008, 9:23 PM
I am a member as well!
Sportsnutim
06-29-2008, 12:30 AM
What is involved with this type of association?
Might have to link this one so it doesn't get buried.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157452
Hooked Newbie
06-29-2008, 4:18 PM
Congrats on the new appointment Mojo! I'm relatively new to the hobby or at least doing it right and understanding what I'm doing (hence the name), but I plan on joining at the convention this year. I'm a member of the Atlanta Area Aquarium Association and will be volunteering some of my time at the convention and Ga Aquarium over the 4 days. I hope to get the chance to meet you. I'll also be taking a bunch of photos for myself and of course to post here. If you'd like them after the convention for the ACA site just shoot me a PM and I can send them to you.
Len
Mr.Firemouth
08-29-2008, 12:48 PM
Sportsnutim...
The ACA produces a small magazine known as the Buntbarsche, Hosts a annual convention each year with a very big fsh show and several auctions, supports grant monies for research and conservation, and supports the ACA CARES program for conservation in YOUR FISHROOM!
Click on the link in my sig for more...
fishfood420
02-17-2011, 2:15 PM
I would join but, I do not know anything about it other than hearing about it in a copy of TFH magazine. Where can i find literature on the ACA?
petluvr
02-17-2011, 2:23 PM
You can find all the information you will need here (http://www.cichlid.org/). You can also find a thread about their upcoming meeting, being held in Washington D.C. here http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?231112-Ms.-Jinkzd-is-officially-a-movie-star!!!!!!!!&highlight=
The video features MsJinkzd in her break out role, as...uuuhhhh....farmer...LOL