Programs
Updated March 30, 2010
CAOAC maintains a library of Programs on DVD that members may
borrow for use by
their clubs.
There is no fee for
the borrowing of
the DVD but
the club must pay
the shipping cost (usually Express Post to ensure fast
delivery). Clubs may borrow up to two programs at one time.
The list of programs will be available on
the
CAOAC CD which will be replacing
the binder.
CAOAC Video Programs in Review
One of
the best kept secrets of
the
CAOAC Program Department is
the "FISH
HEALTH MANAGEMENT" series of videos produced by
the University of Florida. This series of 6 videos - (CV 37
to CV 42) - start with
fish basics and cover water quality, nutrition, parasites,
bacteria and treatments.
The production and photography are of professional quality
and
the information is accurate and meaningful for a wide range
of hobbyists. I would suggest that you start with
the first 2 volumes and plan to include
the others
over
the course of
the next year or so. You'll be doing your members a favour.
If possible
the program person should preview
these videos and make a few notes since technical
information, no matter how clearly presented, may not be retained
after just one viewing. You may want to stop and back up for another
look where requested.
CV 24 - "Introduction to
FISHKEEPING" by Allen Brelig 35 minutes in length.
Video quality - better than most. While
the audio is clear, a lot of information
about
the nitrogen cycle,
the nature of pH and
the relationships between habitat and stress is covered
fairly rapidly. Beginners may have trouble following and retaining
the information unless it is followed up by a discussion
and/or a summarizing handout. (Personally I question advice to
"change one-fifth of
the water every month" especially without reference to
the size of
the tank or
the bio-load but this could be handled during
the discussion.) In my opinion this is not as good a program
as
the
Fish Health Management Series (cv 37 - cv 42) but
they would require at least 3 meetings whereas this one
compresses a lot of
the basic advice into 35 minutes.
CV 33 - "Fish
Fanatics and Guppy Guys" - by John Acorn approx. 30 minutes
Basic hobby information in a very entertaining format. Very
popular. Needs no follow-up discussion. I would recommend it as a
stand alone program when you need something fairly short. It is
unique among
CAOAC programs and wouldn't fit with any other.
If many of your members haven't seen it on TV
then plan for it by all means.
CV 15 - "Cichlids, Angels, Discus and Africans" - by Video Savant
45 - 50 minutes.
For a club looking for something a little different on cichlids
this would make an interesting choice. Don't be fooled by
the introduction that makes it look for a moment like it's
going to be
about salt water
fish.
The over-simplifying voice-over at
the beginning may also create a poor impression but what
makes this video worthwhile is
the hobbyist sequences.
There's good coverage of a technique for collecting
the developing babies from a mother
Duboisi's mouth (buccal cavity); some neat footage of
the courtship of a beautiful pair of Kribensis; pairs of
discus spawning and feeding
their babies and some lovely sequences of unusual strains of
marble veil angels spawning and tending
their young. If your club's breeding program is flagging,
this one should inspire some renewed efforts.
CV 35 "Garden Pond Basics" by Lotus Land Pictures (1994) 35
minutes in length. A comprehensive guide to garden ponds with
information
about Koi, Goldfish,
Catfish,
Filters, Fountains, Breeding and Planting a Water Garden. Video
quality is very good. This video doesn't get into
the details of actual pond construction in any real depth but
its photography of various types of splendidly designed ponds could
inspire
the viewer. More detail is shown on stocking, planting and
maintaining ponds. It has good entertainment value as well as some
important information and might be a good starting program for a
membership that has indicated an interest in 'ponding'
CV 34 "The
Wonder of Water Gardens" by Harrowsmith Country Life with
assistance from Picovs 60 minutes in length. A rather
detailed step by step guide to
the construction and maintenance of an in ground pond. Video
quality is good with only slight loss of detail from
the copying process. This video gets into
the details of construction of a pond and waterfall. Pretty
much every aspect is covered with good information delivered with
touches of humour.
The advice is practical and realistic. (For example,
the narrators mention that some people dig
their ponds first and
then come to
the store to buy
the needed liner, pump, filter, etc. When
they find out
the cost, some have gone home and filled in
the hole.) This is a useful, entertaining video. Its only
serious drawback may be its length.
CV 19 "Introduction to Water Gardening" by William Tricker Inc.
45 minutes in length.
A detailed guide to choosing plants, planting water lilies, etc.,
preparing for
fish and adding
them, introducing scavengers and fertilizing. Video quality
is quite good.
The key word in this video is 'detailed' especially
the major part which deals with types and colours of water
lilies and how to pot
them and other
plants for your pond.
The entertainment value is lower because of
the very organized and slow paced presentation but it is very
informative. A drawback is
the degree to which it constantly plugs Tricker products to
exclusion of all others.
CV 20 "How to build a Water Garden" by William Tricker Inc. 45
minutes in length.
A detailed step by step illustration of
the construction of an in ground pond. This video shows
the process of planning, laying out, digging, lining and
edging a pond in great detail.
The pace is much slower and less entertaining than, for
example, CV 34 but each step of
the recommended procedure is carefully demonstrated. I would
hesitate to recommend this for a general meeting program unless you
have a group of hobbyists that are seriously
about to embark on
the installation of such a pond.
CV 1 “Private Life of
the Siamese Fighting
Fish” & “Reproduction Cycle of
the Angel” 56 minutes.
This video represents
the transfer and combination of two 16 mm films.
The films were both excellent but over
their lifetime
they experienced some deterioration and damage due to wear
and tear. Further
losses in video and audio quality resulted from
the process of transferring to tape. As a result this video
is only poor to fair in quality but it has some beautifully
photographed breeding sequences of both Bettas and Angels. Its
length might be another
drawback. Perhaps at some point it could be edited down to a more
reasonable length, while removing some of
the weaker parts.
CV 5 “Fish
Nutrition” & “The
Cichlid Aquarium” - produced by Tetra 35 minutes in total.
These videos are made up of still pictures and in some cases
the flashing back and forth from speaker to subject can be
distracting.
The video and audio quality is quite good. “Fish
Nutrition” is approx. 13 minutes in length. It consists of
simple, basic information which is well organized and presented in
point form with some
fish pictures interspersed. (Tetra foods a featured.) “The
Cichlid Aquarium” runs for approx. 22 minutes and is mainly
narrated by Paul Loiselle. It consists of a slide presentation with
good basic information
about what constitutes a cichlid, methods of breeding and
ways of coping with aggression.
There are numerous plugs for Tetra products. (Note:
These videos were made back in 1986 and do not reflect recent
changes in nomenclature.)
CV 18 - "Atlas of Killifish
Vol. I and II" .
This video tape consists of a great many identification slides of
killifish.
The only information given verbally with each slide is
the scientific name of
the
fish. This could be very useful to a hobbyist researching
exactly which population of, say bivittatum he/she has but would, I
think, become very boring for a general audience. (Unfortunately,
the names given don't reflect
the latest taxonomic changes in some cases.)
CV 8 to 14 contain 13 programs of
the Aquatic Maestro featuring Paul Speice. (sponsored by
Mardel) In general
they contain good information on a wide variety of aquatic
topics.
The video is fair to good, (some losses in
the copying process), and
the audio is quite good. Paul is, as always, an interesting,
well-informed speaker calling upon
about 45 years of
fish hobbyist experience.
The main weakness in
the series is a tendency in some of
the segments, (most noticeable in
the Cichlid program), for
the camera to treat Paul as a ‘talking head’ at times when it
should. (in my opinion), be focussed on what he is talking
about.
There are, however many good sequences, (real video -- not
slides), from his own tanks as well as a variety of different
locations, (other
hobbyists, pet stores, wholesalers,
fish farms and public aquariums).
These are all taped TV broadcasts and, except for CV 14
“Trickle Filter”, each tape has 2 programs running for approx. 45 -
50 min. in total. Here are some brief comments on each program:
CV 8
# 1 “Equipment and set up” Among other
related things this deals with tanks and how
they are made, research and development of filters, how to
pick an aquarium and Paul demonstrates
the set up of an undergravel filter. # 2 “Set up and Water
Quality” - This program continues
the set up, adding water, heaters and how to adjust
them, tank furnishings etc. plus adding
the
fish -- Livebearers are recommended.
CV 9
# 3 “Feeding, Food and Nutrition” This program is largely an
advertisement for Aquarian food. It contains a longish segment in
which Dr. David Ford discusses how and why he developed a variety of
foods (Aquarian) for Mardel.
# 4 “The
Fish”
The
CAOAC binder says Livebearers but
there is no special information
about that group here. Paul deals with
the diversity of forms in
fishes, both externally in terms of types of scales, spines,
barbels, eyes, etc. and
their functions, and internally in terms of
the skin, mucus, lateral line, etc. Lots of useful basic
information
about
fish in general.
CV 10 (an odd combination of programs)
# 5 “Saltwater” (Very good video of a variety of salt water
fish and invertebrates.) This program deals with creating and
testing
the water and stresses
the importance of not overfeeding saltwater creatures which
are very sensitive to toxins in
the water. Information is presented on
the substrate and
the nitrogen cycle.
# 6 “Barbs and Tetras” This program does a good job of pointing out
the differences in
the nutritional needs and oxygen requirements of
these two groups of
fish which are rather
similar in outward appearance. It has important ideas for those
wishing to set up a community tank of such
fish.
CV 11
# 7 “Disease” Paul emphasizes
the importance of preventive maintenance, minimizing stress
and creating conditions in tanks that favour
fish health. (Good Water Quality)
The parasitic relationship is discussed and
the importance of correct diagnosis, (charts and literature),
is stressed.
# 8 “Gouramis” This program provides general information
about
the Gouramis of Asia with some mention of those from Africa.
A discussion of
the importance and meaning of scientific names for
fish is included.
CV 12
# 9 “Live Plants” This program deals with
the conditions for good growth and methods of reproduction in
aquatic plants. It touches on algae control and outlines methods of
providing what different plants need. (Good video information on
various plant specimens.)
# 10 “Catfish
and
the Bottom Gang” Paul deals with
the importance of mouth type and position in determining
feeding preferences as well as
the function of barbels, spines and eye position. He
discusses various adaptations in catfish
and loaches and reminds us of
the importance of hiding places and
determining how to insure that
they get appropriate food, where and when
they can eat it.
CV 13
#11 “Cichlids” Good information
about
these
fish but
the ‘talking head’ video approach is more of a problem with
this program. Paul discusses factors and behaviours involved in
aggression in a cichlid tank. He deals with
the importance of territories and gives breeding tips.
#12 “The
Aging Aquarium” Here Paul outlines some of
the changes that take place as an aquarium ages: water
quality and
the importance of avoiding pollution by testing -- especially
for unseen pollutants such as ammonia;
the mix of
fish -- especially important as
they grow and reach sexual maturity and
the importance of finding a good reliable pet store. ( Paul
includes his famous poem
about
fish excrement.) Other,
more subtle changes such as dimming fluorescent lights, clogging air
stones, etc. are mentioned.
CV 14
# 13 “Trickle Filter” approx. 25 min. (This program might logically
have been combined on
the tape with
the Saltwater program.) Here Paul outlines
the conditions for salt water success: lots of light, water
movement, good nutrition and excellent filtration. He uses a trickle
filter to describe its stages and operation in
the process of obtaining optimal water quality. Enough
information is given to whet
the appetite of those who will settle for nothing less than a
reef tank. (Good photography of a number of popular saltwater
fishes -- especially
the Tangs.)
NOTE: It should be kept in mind that, although these programs come 2 to a tape, it is up to the discretion of the club program chair whether to show just one or both and, if there is sufficient interest, some recombining of programs could be undertaken. For example Saltwater with Trickle Filter, Barbs and Tetras with Gouramis, Disease with the Aging Aquarium, etc.
CV 26 "Freshwater
Fundamentals"
the beginners guide by Coralife 30 minute (approx.)
Excellent video quality, covers all
the basics:
-
Fish anatomy
- Nitrogen cycle
- Oxygen
- Water quality
- Light and temperature
- Set up and design
- Food choices
- Basics of disease & treatment.
Recommendation: Good program for beginners and a useful review for
the rest of your members.
CV 36 "Advanced Koi
Keeping" By Coral Life 50 minutes
Good video quality. This video opens with scenes of Japan & Japanese
water gardens. It shows how to avoid stress in koi eg. Hiding
places.
There is good information on common infestation -- lice,
anchor worms, etc. as well as useful treatments for fungal and
bacterial infections. (Preventive methods are emphasized.)
The last section shows many quality koi and show winners.
Recommendation: This video will have special appeal for those
interested in ponds and koi but much of what is discussed has
applications for tropical
fish as well.
Some programs are not presently available:
CS 4 - a slide program on Killies of Africa
CS 12 - a slide program on
Fish Defences
CS 23 - a slide program -
CAOAC
fish quiz #2
CS 25 - a slide program on Breeding Cichlids by Peter Lewis
CS 37 - a slide program - Terry's
Fish Quiz by Terry Little
CV 23 - a video program - Cichlids of
the World.
If you know anything that might help us recover any of
the above programs please contact Udo Rohmann by
e-mail.
Please note: Program CS 8 - Tropical
Fish in Holland - is being withdrawn from
the active distribution list due to its deteriorated state.
CAOAC Slide Programs In Review
Among
the best of
CAOAC's slide programs are those prepared for us by Dr. Peter
Lewis of FAMA fame. I would recommend any of
the following as useful, informative programs which are well
worth viewing.
CS 20 - General Fishkeeping 50 slides with tape or script - 54 minutes in length. (Script is potentially much shorter depending on the amount of discussion). This program covers the major groups of fish with the emphasis on good beginner fish and might prove to be a good starting place for Dr. Lewis's programs.
CS 18 - Advanced Fishkeeping 50 slides with tape - approx. 50 minutes in length. This is an interesting program with good slides and audio. It concentrates on the more challenging fish.
CS 21 - Cichlids of the World 50 slides with tape - (53 min.) or script - (shorter depending on discussion). This is a good general survey of cichlids (excluding the Rift Lakes). Remember that some name changes have been proposed since this program was made.
CS 24 - Rift Valley Cichlids 60 slides with tape - 40 minutes in length. This one is a nice introduction to Rift Lake cichlids. (It doesn't, of course, include recent name revisions and won't confuse some of us old timers.)
CS 29 - Characins 52 slides with tape - (40 min.) or script. This program provides a good basic survey of the Characin family. (Note: a few slides need to be replaced.)
CS 19 - Catfish 49 slides, (slide 50 is missing), with tape - 45 minutes in length. This is a good survey of the various types of catfish.
CS 17 - Botias, loaches, eels and sharks 49 slides with tape - (60 min.) or script. This program has excellent information and slides. (A script is now available which will reduce the time to 40 min. or less.)
CS 26 - Fishy Trivia 60 slides with tape - 40 minutes in length. This is an entertaining program in the area which became Dr. Lewis's speciality. (His Fishy Trivia column appears in FAMA magazine each month.) As always, club program chairs should obtain these programs in time to preview them before their meetings. Decisions can then be made as to the best way to present the program with the particular audience in mind.
CS 43 “Community #3" by FAAS 63
slides 27 min. in length.
Script - no tape. This program has a misleading name. Starting as it
does with an excellent slide of an Anableps anableps, and continuing
with many unusual species including some large and belligerent ones,
you soon reach
the conclusion that very specialized communities, (sometimes
communities of 1
fish), are being considered.
The program keeps mainly to common names which will appeal to
some and
the quality of
the slides varies greatly from very good to only fair but
includes some unusual
fish such as
the leaf
fish and
the butterfly
fish. I think that club members, particularly novice
fish keepers, (its target), might find this program
interesting.
CS 34 “Wild Forms of
Livebearers” from
the ALA 44 slides Short program - probably
about 30 minutes.
Script - no tape. This program consists of slides of less common
livebearing
fish such as halfbeaks, goodeids, limias, etc.
The slides are from
the ALA and should help with identification and stimulate
interest in
the great variety of livebearing
fish that exist. Information
about size, gestation period, food needs etc. is included in
the script. Although this program doesn’t take
the place of a knowledgeable speaker with some good slides,
it could serve to provide valuable information in a short program
package when such a speaker is unavailable. Keep it in mind if you
get requests for information
about livebearers other
than guppies, swords and platies.
CS -11 Aquarium Plants 40
slides Approx. 30 min. in length.
Audio tape. This slide program deals with
the identification, cultivation and propagation of common
aquarium plants.
The quality of most of
the slides is surprisingly good. Most of
the specimens shown and described are still available but
there are many more that have been discovered since this
program was made. For example it naturally contains no examples of
the Anubias genus.
There may also have been some changes in nomenclature since
that time. (I don't consider myself knowledgeable enough
about plants to judge
the accuracy of
the scientific names used.) Much of
the information is still valid and
the sequence on propagating Aponogeton seeds is particularly
good. My recommendation is that one or more of our aquatic plant
specialists should review this program; make recommendations for
changes to names and information where
they see fit, and point out where slides could be added to
make it more complete and up-to-date.
CS -30 Spawning and Raising
the Brown Discus by Ted Kretz 46 slides Approx 30 min.
(depending on how long you pause to admire each beautiful slide).
Script - no tape. This beautiful program is really a photo essay of
a successful spawning by a pair of Brown Discus. Ted is a masterful
photographer and he had access to processing techniques unavailable
to most of us. You get to follow
the process in detail, often with masking effectively used to
focus your attention. I can't imagine a true
fish lover that wouldn't be inspired by this gem of a
program. My recommendation: If you need a short, lovely, slide
program that will get your members thinking that maybe
they should try Discus again -- go for this one.
CS 35 "Our Pond" by Karl &
Denise Schwarze of Hamilton
The construction of a garden pond 122 slides.
Script only. This program consists of a beautifully photographed
pond project from beginning to satisfying end. All
the details are covered but in an entertaining manner with
flashes of humour. (I'll bet by now Karl wishes he'd used 45 mil
instead of 15 mil liner.) 122 is a lot of slides but
their quality combined with a script which makes it possible
to move along fairly quickly easily overcomes any problems with
length. I highly recommend this beautiful program to any club where
an interest in ponds has been expressed.
CS 45 "Preparing Your Own
Driftwood" - by Douglas King Sr. 38 slides Approx. 10 min. in
length.
Audio tape and script. This slide program on how to prepare your own
Driftwood, was created and donated by Douglas King Sr. and was
delivered to
CAOAC through
the good offices of Ray Lucas. I find it to be excellent. It
takes
the viewer through all
the steps of collecting and preparing driftwood in a very
logical manner.
The photographs are first rate and
the tape/script is clear and informative. It would provide a
good mini program and could possibly be combined with another
short
CAOAC program.
Rules for Borrowing Programs
1. Applications for borrowing programs may be made by emailing the Program Chair. If you would like to request any of the programs listed below please download the request form here and e-mail it to Udo Rohmann.
2. Programs will be sent Express Post unless the receiving club specifies some other method of delivery. Clubs shall pay for the postage when they return the DVD.
3. Clubs are asked to return the programs as soon as possible after use.
For slide programs being mailed
back,
CAOAC recommends
the purchase of postal insurance to a coverage of $100 to
protect your liability to
CAOAC in case of loss. Clubs/Societies may be held
accountable for
the late return of a program unless special arrangements have
been made ($1 per day max.) and for any willful destruction of part
or all of a program. Normal wear and tear arising from normal use is
expected, however any damaged or missing portions of a program
should be indicated when
the program is returned. Remember that videos and tapes
should be allowed to warm up to room temperature when brought in
from your car in winter.
Clubs/Societies in arrears of fees shall be assessed
the cost of letters and phone calls required to remind
them. Programs will not be available to Clubs/Societies in
arrears of fees or fines. No program or part
thereof may be reproduced by any means without
the written consent of
CAOAC.