What do u think

The FLorida Aquarium has been kind to our aquarium society over the years to let us use their facility but now a worried that our livestock will be a "potential threat of contamination to the FL AQ’s systems" and wish to end all shows there. Here is a copy of the Email. I was just wondering about your thinking on the subject seems a little anal to me since we are in the convention hall and not the aquarium area


Ok folks, as good as the FLorida Aquarium folks have been with the TBAS we are now dealing with a ‘situation’. They want all bowls of fish and plants to be covered . . . TOTALLY! We are going to talk with the ‘big wigs’ but until then here is what our PRESIDENT says . . . “Regarding the 2010 Bowl Show status: I haven’t heard whether Bob has been able to have a favorable discussion with the aquaculture experts related to the potential threat of contamination to the FL AQ’s systems, and we haven’t had a conversation with Mr. Eggert yet, so we haven’t officially made a decision about exactly how to proceed with the 2010 Bowl Show. While we continue to work for a resolution and in the interest of being able to include some information in the newsletter, web site, etc., - and to go ahead with the January show procedures as close to normal as last time - I propose that we consider an interim action that may allow us to do the bowl show in January and continue the program. Let’s pronounce that all sale items and bowl show entries will be closed containers and that we will provide tops for tanks and “bowls”. We can bring a roll of plastic wrap and ensure that the items are covered and considered safe.” Soooooooo folks, please be careful when you bring in fish for auction, bowl shows and plants. Make sure the tops are sealed and the bags are tight so we can comply with the said rule until we get this worked out one way or another.

Rick

 

I understand their point of view in protecting the livestock of the Florida Aquarium but wr have held 10 bowl shows a year for the past 10 year in their convention hall and In all that time there as never been a case of contamination to the systems. We do not even meet in the same building that the aquarium proper is in. For contamination to accrue it have to be a willful act. But that said they have been very good to us over the year allowing us to use the facility at a very reasonable fee for year and if they require that the tank be sealed so be it. It just seem to me to be a case of paranoia in my opinion. Our members are all breeders or advanced hobbies in the heart of Florida's tropical fish industry, who would never think of endangering the aquarium in any way.

Rick

 

What I can say as a fact is that there has been no "known contamination" to their tanks or equipment in the 10 year that I have been a active member of the show program. I have no objection to sealing the tank if that is what is deemed necessary for the protection on the livestock at the aquarium. I understand the protect our investment point. My wife and I work protecting the State of Florida wildlife every day. But for them to think that seal these tank or going a step farther ending the shows there will have any affect on the Diseases or internal and external parasites is miss guided IMHO

Rick