ULTRA-AQUA 2024 Show Rules can be downloaded here.
Note: Throughout these rules the word EXHIBITOR is used to designate the person(s) entering the show. The word EXHIBIT is used to designate an entry in class.
EXHIBITORS AND ENTRIES QUALIFICATIONS
2. No limit to the number of entries per exhibitor, but the $1.50 per entry fee will not be charged after the first 20 entries.
3. No entry will be entered in more than one class.
4. Only ONE entry permitted in each tank unless using a divider, providing the entries are in the same class. NO EXCEPTIONS.
5. The Decorated Aquarium class will include decorated tanks and bowls of any size or shape, providing they have at least one flat side and are decorated either with artificial or natural items and house at least one living fish/animal.
6. Space will be provided for those Dealers who wish to set up a tank for display and advertisement. You must make arrangements with the Show Committee before the week of the show.
ENTRY INFORMATION – Entry Fee $1.50 Per entry.
1. Registration: Saturday June 10, 2023; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry forms and fees are to be brought to the registration desk upon entry to the building. All forms or changes must be received by 5 p.m. The Show Area closes at 7 p.m.
2. Tampering with any exhibit other than your own is strictly forbidden. If an entry needs to be moved for any reason, someone from the Show Committee will do so.
3. No extensions or early teardowns without prior permission of the Show Committee.
4. All exhibits will be under the full control of the Show Committee while in the show. They must remain there for the duration of the show.
5. All exhibits can be removed from the show between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, June 11 or at the end of the auction, whichever comes first.
6. Items not claimed by 7 p.m. June 11 will become the property of GAAS.
7. Neither the Tallmadge Community Center nor the Greater Akron Aquarium Society will be held responsible for any loss or damage incurred during the show. Exhibitors do have a responsibility to be careful with water. Parents are responsible for the actions of their children, please supervise your children closely.
EQUIPMENT
1. Containers: All species entries will be displayed in clean flat-sided containers. All entries except where noted should be bare and have a solid background (plants or decorations are not recommended) Exhibit must be clearly visible to the judge or risk disqualification. GAAS will have a limited supply of background material available.
2. Electricity: GAAS will supply electrical outlets where necessary to within four feet of the decorated aquarium class.
3. Air: GAAS will provide air to within four feet of all exhibits.
4. Exhibitors are to supply their own valves, tubing and air stones, sponge and box filters are optional. Tank Classes may use filtration of the exhibitor’s choice. There will be no open air lines, valves should be used.
5. Stands: Racks will be provided for all exhibits where tank size of 20 gallons and under are used. Exhibitors must provide their own stand for any tank over 20 gallons. Discretion of the Show Committee will be used in cases of specially designed or shaped tanks.
6. Lighting: No lights or reflectors are required, except for the Decorated Aquarium and Bowl Class.
7. Covers: All exhibits are to have a full cover of the exhibitor’s choice for the protection of the specimen(s) being displayed. These covers are NOT provided by GAAS.
8. Heaters: The show area is normally maintained at a minimum of 70 degrees. Heaters are not permitted except for discus.
9. Water: A limited amount of de-chlorinated Tallmadge City water will be available at room temperature. For best results, we suggest that you bring as much of your own water as possible.
PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS RULES
1. All entries must have been taken by the exhibitor.
2. Judging will be based on art, technical skill, and the judge’s ability to identify the subject(s)
3. No single exposure may be entered in more than one class.
4. No pictures of pictures.
5. All photographs must have been taken of a living aquatic animal or plant.
AWARDS
1. Cash prizes will be awarded $10.00 for first, $7.00 for second and $3.00 for third place in each class.
2. Winners of classes will compete for the following “Best of Division Awards”: Best of Division Livebearer, Best of Division Cichlid, Best of Division Catfish & Loach, Best of Division Goldfish, Best of Division Egglayer, Best of Division Display (includes any class not covered elsewhere, excluding photography). Division winners also receive $25.00.
3. All “Best of Division” winners will compete for a “Best of Show Fish” award and $25.00.
4. High Point Awards: President’s Award – awarded to the exhibitor(s) who receive the most points in the show. Points are awarded on the basis of 3 points for each first place, 2 points for each 2nd place and one point for each 3rd place.
5. North American Goldfish Championship (Kobayashi Award) – The Kobayashi is awarded to the exhibitor(s) who receive the most points in the Goldfish Classes. The Kobayashi Award winner also will have their name inscribed on the permanent trophy kept by GAAS.
6. Catfish and Loach Championship – awarded to the exhibitor(s) who receive the most points in the Catfish and Loach Classes. The Catfish and Loach Championship winner also will have their name inscribed on the permanent trophy kept by GAAS.
7. Challenge Cup – awarded to the aquarium club whose members receive the most points in the show (excluding GAAS) and will have the club’s name inscribed on the permanent trophy kept by GAAS.