Carolina Aquarium Workshop XXXVI

IN RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA

AT THE Ramada INN Raleigh

MARCH 24-26, 2023 

The Raleigh Aquarium Society (RAS) is pleased to announce the return of its Carolina Aquarium Workhop on March 24-26, 2023 at the Raleigh Ramada Inn. The workshop features 4 speakers, a native fish collecting trip, a "Meet & Greet" session with our invited speakers, a shrimp bowl contest, a banquet, and our signature auction of aquatic fish and plant. Our workshop is a unique opportunity to share information and enjoyment with amateur and professional aquarists and this will be our 36th workshop!

Registration

Register here!

Workshop Location

Breaking News (March 15)! The CAW room block at the Ramada Inn is now SOLD OUT!

The Raleigh Ramada Inn by Wyndham is located at 1520 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607; (919) 832-4100 or (844) 204-9930; www.ramadaraleigh.com. A special room rate of $82/night is available through Friday March 17. Use the Group Code “RAS2023” when making reservations to get the special rate.

Speaker Lineup

  • Gary Lange (Rainbowfish Expert):

    • Talk 1:The Most Amazing Rainbowfish Abstract: In our pursuit of this amazing rainbowfish we used planes, a Ferry Boat (yes a ferry boat), Cars, Taxis, Motorcycles and a giant Dump Truck!  Whatever it took to complete our mission!  Oh and then there was that 18 foot boat with twin 40 HP motors to head alongside the shoreline fighting 4 foot ocean waves.  Our 7th trip to West Papua was indeed lucky as we brought back four species that will almost for sure see commercial production.  Two of them are perfect for that midsized planted aquarium.  Move over praecox and boesemani!

    • Talk 2: Collecting Rainbowfish: "It's not a Problem, It's an Adventure! The Blood Sweat & Cheers of 7 Trips Chasing Rainbowfish in New Guinea" Abstract: Since 2005 I have been fortunate enough to make seven trips to West Papua.  We have brought back species that haven’t been in the hobby as well as some fifteen brand new species of rainbowfish!  This talk is about how I went from being just a keeper of rainbowfish into someone who searches all over Papua for new and exciting species.  It’s not just about the fish we find, actual fishing time is perhaps five percent of the time we spend on our trips.  It’s about the places we go and the people we meet once we get there.  It’s about a lot of the other things we see besides the wonderful rainbowfishes.  The “One Thing” that we always encounter are “problems”.  Problems that you wouldn’t encounter perhaps in North America or a problem easily solved here that can be insurmountable in the tropics.  So many problems sometimes that instead of going with “plan A” we often find ourselves going with plan C or D.  So much so that our motto has become; “It’s not a problem it’s an adventure”.  So come along and join us as we show you the ups and downs of collecting fish in Papua.  And yes there will be plenty of fish pictures.

  • Robert Lupton (Shrimp expert / Flip Aquatics):

    • Talk 1: Keeping Freshwater Shrimp: Top 10 Reasons Shrimp Keepers Fail. Abstract: Rob shares his 10 years of experience with importing and breeding 100,000's of shrimp. Anything from Taiwan bee shrimp to cherry shrimp, these 10 reason apply to them all. He covers Water Parameters, The Source of Shrimp, Shipping, Bacterial Infections, Feeding and Temperature. Find out what the top 10 reasons are for shrimp deaths in aquariums and how to fix them.

    • Talk 2: Q&A on Breeding and Maintaining Shrimp. Abstract: The golden opportunity for participants to ask any question about shrimp and nano fish from the expert owner of Flip Aquatics.

  • Joshua Wiegert (Author / Celebrity / Batfish Aquatics):

    • Talk 1: Nano Tank Adventures: Setting Up A Small Tank. Abstract: How Small Can You Go!?   While there are those aquarists trying to figure out whether their floor can handle 10,000 pounds or not, tiny tanks are all the rage these days.  Aquariums ranging from 20-gallons down to tiny tanks that don't even hold a gallon of water are increasing in popularity, fueled in no small part by drives away from bigger homes to apartments and minimalistic attitudes.  They pose many unique challenges, and this talk looks at several tiny tank set-ups, suitable fish, and their care.

    • Talk 2: So, You Think You Want A Giant Tank. Abstract: Every aquarist has, at one time or another, dreamt of it -- a big tank.  No, not a 180, not a 240, something gargantuan, something that would make the neighbors (and maybe your spouse) question your sanity.  But, what's it really like to get a Big Tank -- what are the ins and outs of planning it, and some of the realities of owning one?  Is this something that many aquarists can reach for, or is it better left in daydreams?

  • Ryan Chan (Amano Shrimp Expert / AvatarAquatics):

    • Talk 1: Unlocking the Key to Spawning Cardinal and Neon Tetras. Abstract: Ryan will walk through the process of spawning these iconic aquarium pets, including water parameters, spawning setup, and the tricks he has discovered through the journey.

    • Talk 2: Secrets of Breeding the Amano Shrimp. Abstract: Ryan is the founder of Avatar Aquatics on YouTube and has been keeping fish for more than a decade. In this presentation, he will do a complete walkthrough of his 2.5 year project and speak on the secrets of salinity, food, and life cycle of this popular algae eater.

Mark your calendars now for a memorable experience and stay tuned for further details.