Anyone go to the VAHC monster auction?

[mykiss]

I'm just curious.....


I saw a few familiar people there but just wondering who from this site went.

Also, for those who went, what did you think?

I'd like to get some feedback of the auction and what was good and what could be made better... thanks

[Melody]

Mr. Mykiss is a member of the VAHC Steering Committee, in case anyone is wondering why he's concerned about such things. :)

Although I didn't attend, I have heard nothing but praise thus far. Variety, well run & a great atmosphere.

What's the record number of attendees for Fall Monster Auctions so far?

[mykiss]

What's the record number of attendees for Fall Monster Auctions so far?


HHhhmmm....good question. I'm not sure but there's been numbers over 300 in the past

[CACAdmin]

It was my first time going. Great auction! Amazing amount of stuff auctioned off. Lots of great deals to be had! Relaxed friendly atmosphere. :)

Lots of great prizes too. Hey, I won two prizes (and I never usually win anything!): a Hagen Waterhome 20G Aquarium Kit and a bag full of smaple Nutrafin products.

I think the folks at VAHC did a super job! :yes:

(ps. Methinks, I ought to have bought a lottery ticket on my way home. ;))

[Melody]

Congrat's on the wins! They always have great prizes :D .

[AnimeEd]

I posted this in the other forum, but I'll copy and paste it here too

This was my auction and one problem I kept seeing is the stress of the fishes in the bags with only a small amount of water in them
The bags with air leaked out was especially problematic

If possible, maybe VAHC could get some metal rods and some clips
that way, you can clip the bags on the rods and elevate the rods to eye level so when people don't have to pick up the bags when they want to look at the fishes

it sucks to see fishes that are halfway out of the water

it might be hard to do with the annual auction due to the number of bags, but definably look into it with the monthly auctions
it doesn't have to be expensive, you can just buy some two-by-fours and then cut some slots in them so you can fit the knots of the bags in them

[mykiss]

I posted this in the other forum, but I'll copy and paste it here too

This was my auction and one problem I kept seeing is the stress of the fishes in the bags with only a small amount of water in them
The bags with air leaked out was especially problematic

If possible, maybe VAHC could get some metal rods and some clips
that way, you can clip the bags on the rods and elevate the rods to eye level so when people don't have to pick up the bags when they want to look at the fishes

it sucks to see fishes that are halfway out of the water

it might be hard to do with the annual auction due to the number of bags, but definably look into it with the monthly auctions
it doesn't have to be expensive, you can just buy some two-by-fours and then cut some slots in them so you can fit the knots of the bags in them

That's a good point. There were some really stressed fishes at the auction and many bags were leaky. As for the clips on rods, that's a geat idea however, it would not only cost a bit of money, but it may take a bit of time to set up, and may be unstable on the tables.

When bagging fish, it's important that people should use the correct sized bag for the size of the fish. There were a few fishes which were bagged in WAY too small bags for the size of the fish e.g. 4 inch fish in a 5x10 inch bag. If larger bags were used, then perhaps there wouldn't be some fishes that would be half exposed out of water. The other thing is that many people get the idea that lots of water is better for the fish which is often incorrect. As long as the fish has been starved a few days or at least 24hrs before the auction (which should be done anyways), then bagging the fish with about the 1/4 or even a bit less of the bag with water is ok. What you want to do is add just enough water so that it will cover it's bidy and not be exposed to air when the bag is being picked up. The reason you'd want more air than water is because fish then there's more surface area for oxygen exchange so that the fish can breath. The less air, the less available oxygen. Trust me, the fish won't dry up in a bag with water.

The main point is that when bagged correctly and steps are taken to ensure that the fish have been starved (reduces the amount of wastes produced by the fish while in the bag) proir to the auction, then there shouldn't be any problems such as half exposed fishes to air and leaky bags. Oh, and for those larger fishes and those which often have spines such as cichlids, it's always best to double bag them.

AnimeEd, I do agree with you that it was a shame that many fishes were stressed by exposure to air and leaky bags but I believe that if the proper steps were taken when bagging fish, then most of the problems would rarely occur.

Cheers

[Melody]

I agree - it is the responsibility of the sellers to ensure that the fish are bagged properly. The VAHC is run by volunteers and is non-profit. The fact that they bring us these functions at all is amazing.

Feedback is great of course, and I also agree that it is a shame to have the creatures suffer. Maybe we can brainstorm for a proactive solution that is practical for all involved.

Mr. Mykiss, could there be something on the VAHC site about proper bagging procedures for auctions? Illustrated with photo's would be very helpful I'm sure. Many people don't sell/ship their aquatic creatures so they aren't aware of the little tips and tricks.

Then when the auctions come up, the promotion material/guidelines/rules/forms could refer to the webpage for the information of sellers.

Just a thought :) .

Edit: Maybe a bagging demo at the meeting before the auction would also help, at least for members?

[mykiss]

I think there are instruction on how to bag fish. I"ll have to double check.

And at the meetings, at least once a year we have a fish bagging demo.

Perhaps pictures would be best with instructions..... perhaps I"ll write another article!

[AnimeEd]

I think there are instruction on how to bag fish. I"ll have to double check.

And at the meetings, at least once a year we have a fish bagging demo.

Perhaps pictures would be best with instructions..... perhaps I"ll write another article!Yea, maybe you'll win another light fixture

[mykiss]

lol, yeah that was a great win!!! just have to write a few stories and presto! a $200+ light fixture in your hands...lol

[Melody]

Man, that sure does inspire the writer in me! LOL We should add that to the VAHC thread here.

[amber2461]

You sure we have enuff space for that Mel?

[Melody]

Make space, not war? ;)