Michigan Cichlid Association
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: JMJ99 on January 07, 2014, 09:02:53 AM
-
I have never been to this meet or really heard much about it. I thought about attending but I'm way up in Northern MI and just don't want to drive all the way there and be disappointed. Is it worth while?
-
It depends heavily on what you consider worthwhile.
Some may only consider it worthwhile if they find that specific item they wanted at a great price.
Others may consider it worthwhile just to be able to meet some new fishy friends and see some fish or plants they haven't raised or come across before, whether or not they bring home that great bargain.
A several hours long trip means nothing to some folks and is a hardship or deal breaker for others.
I wouldn't miss it for anything but then I'm local ;D
-
It depends heavily on what you consider worthwhile.
Some may only consider it worthwhile if they find that specific item they wanted at a great price.
Others may consider it worthwhile just to be able to meet some new fishy friends and see some fish or plants they haven't raised or come across before, whether or not they bring home that great bargain.
A several hours long trip means nothing to some folks and is a hardship or deal breaker for others.
I wouldn't miss it for anything but then I'm local ;D
Dan, this is an excellent summary of a lot of things related to the fishkeeping hobby. We all prioritize different aspects, and have different levels of commitment in terms of money, time, etc. And those commitments change over time as the number of tanks and fish goes up or down depending on what else is happening in life.
-
I myself ...Look Forward... to this yearly GVAC Swap and enjoy attending it.!! There is usually a variety of fish and other related items...aquariums-heaters-lights-decor etc. I can go in, buy what I desire and leave without "waiting" as in auctions. :D I Prefer Swaps Anytime!! ;D
There are times when this Swap is very good and other times it isn't. It's just that way.
From where you live--(49660)--I would have to say it may not be worth the trip-the distance, fuel and time in traveling-may not be worth it. This decision of course rests with you. Anyone traveling a Long Distance (such as East Side of State etc.) may not be worthwhile-others may attend and visit the local LFS.....one LFS I would suggest visiting is the Blue Fish Aquarium in Grandville. It is an...Excellent...LFS!! http://www.bluefishaquarium.com/ Visiting this LFS may make the trip more worthy!! 8)
This-of course-is just my humble opinion.
-
If deciding on going to either GVAC Swap or the MCA Auction what would it be?
-
I will say that we are going to have 35 vendors there, including John Oyer and many others. I go to it every year, and it's my favorite event, but I am local as well.
+1 on visiting Blue Fish. It's a fintastic store!
-
You had me at hello.. I think I'm in.. 4 hours round trip.. it looks.. IF the weather breaks..
Need to find a cooler.. I never leave one of these without something.. LOL
-Marc
-
If deciding on going to either GVAC Swap or the MCA Auction what would it be?
I think you'll get biased answers to that questions based on how strongly one person vs another affiliates with each club. I do believe both events are fundraisers for the clubs that enable them to hold speakers/events/etc throughout the year.
Thinking about this from your perspective, what kind of fish and/or equipment are you hoping to see?
From the MCA auction, you'll find a higher number of cichlids (and catfish + some plants) because the auction itself is restricted to only cichlids (plus a limited amount of catfish and plants per seller). You may find better prices here due to it being an auction. I'm not sure about this auction, but IIRC there's typically 600-850 bags in the auction. There is also a small priority fee to bump a bag to the front of the line if you're unable to stay all day for the entire auction.
At the GVAC swap you'll definitely see some cichlids, but there will also be a variety of other tropical fish and equipment. I'm not sure what the percentages of various types might be. Prices will be more fixed because it's a vendor-table-style event, though some may haggle with you if you want.
Personally, I'd recommended both if you can swing it. Then you'll experience each first hand and can make future decisions more accurately.
-
Okay, this will be my final question... who will have the most live plants?
-
There should be a decent amount of plants at the GVAC swap. I will have some and we have members who do a lot of plants.
-
Go to both.
As I am local... kind of... to the MCA auction location... thats where I will be.
-
I will say that we are going to have 35 vendors there, including John Oyer and many others. I go to it every year, and it's my favorite event, but I am local as well.
+1 on visiting Blue Fish. It's a fintastic store!
** If the "Oyers" are going to be there--they will have a variety of fish lined up on the table-or-tables. They offer a good selection of fish. Bought some from them at this swap before. I will be checking out their goods!! I agree with you on Blue Fish Aquarium.....it is a...."Fintastic Store"...LOL... **
-
I went to this Swap today--I was Glad I went there!! ;D Made some good fish purchases-the ones I was hoping would be available and there were plenty of them. 8)
I bought a Flourescent Light Fixture-just what I needed and Good Shape and Clean with Instant On switch. 8)
I purchased some other fish I wasn't expecting but was pleased to get them.
This Swap was a Good One...Plenty of types of fish and some dry goods. Mr. Oyers was there-he had a couple of tables with various fish-(naturally)-told me he went to China this past Thanksgiving Day.... he didn't like it at all....Bad Smog....nasty place. :o Not a good trip for him-he wasn't happy about it!! :(
This concludes my Swap Post...LOL... ;D
-
Well, I went looking for plants. I think it was a well worth trip! Have to say I am pretty proud of myself, didn't go home with a single live animal! Does anyone happen to know the name/contact of anyone there that had shrimp for sale? Not to feed but to put in the tanks?
-
I went to the swap yesterday with a couple of friends. We all thought it was pretty cool as it was are first one. Couple of us bough some stuff. Looking forward to the next one. Dont think i will be able to make the MCA auction..
-
Worth the ride.. Got a great deal on some julidochromis marlieri and some reading material.. Lots of plants but couldn't decide.. Need to do more research I guess.. Nice selection of fish and found something I never thought I would find. Ironically I drove 2 hours to realize Oyers had them.. And they are 20 mins from me.. I will say that I went in kinda blind since I couldn't find a list of what people were bringing but met some people and had some great conversations with fellow fish nerds.. Looking forward to next weekend at the MCA auction.
-
Well, I went looking for plants. I think it was a well worth trip! Have to say I am pretty proud of myself, didn't go home with a single live animal!
Incredibly impressive restraint! The planted tank looks great too BTW.
-
I have found in the short time in this hobby that every fish event has been interesting. I learn something new each time. I'm sure the GVAC Swap was worth the 'trip.'