Updated January 9, 2010

GOOD NEWS! We are continuing our policy that when your club rents one of the shorter video programs (less than 30 minutes) at the regular fee of $15.00 it may have a second one at no extra charge. This should provide a program of approx. 40 min. (appropriate for most clubs) for the $15.00 fee. 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.

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'

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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.

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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.

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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 the $15 rental fee.
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.

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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 Program Rentals
Applications for program rentals should be mailed with the CAOAC Order Form, (available in the binder), signed by your club/society president or program chairperson and the appropriate fee enclosed (cheque or postal money order) made PAYABLE TO the Canadian Association of Aquarium Clubs. (Some banks
don't like abbreviations.) Rush requests for programs will be accepted by telephone and/or e-mail, subject to availability. Special Delivery may incur additional costs. The CAOAC Order Form and fee should be sent ASAP.
 
Programs can be reserved in advance as the "first come - first served" rule applies. Make any post dated cheques payable for the 1st of the month prior to your meeting. Programs will be mailed First Class to arrive five days before your meeting date (whenever possible) and should be returned to CAOAC within five days after the meeting, (unless special arrangements have been made). Programs being returned should be well packed and mailed First Class, or delivered personally, for example, at a CAOAC meeting. Remember, another club/society may be eagerly awaiting the same program.
 
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 wilful 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.

*In the case of short videos of less than 30 minutes a club may obtain 2 for the $15 fee in order to provide a program of reasonable length.