Does PVAS hold any major events like Auctions or Workshops?

All-day auctions are held twice a year, in April/May and October. The October auction is usually part of a 2-3 day convention or workshop.

We hold two conventions on alternate years, the All-Aquarium Catfish Convention on even-numbered years (2004, 2006, etc.), and Aquafest on odd-numbered years.

What happens at a Convention? Must I be a member to attend?

The conventions include a series of speakers (some internationally known) giving various presentations on the tropical fish hobby and workshops. At the end of the convention, a banquet is held accompanied by a presentation by a notable guest speaker from the hobby. Everyone - members and non-members of PVAS - are encouraged to attend the conventions.

Who have been some of the past speakers at PVAS Workshops?

Some of the past speakers have been: Dr. Chris Andrews, Ian Fuller, Robert Goldstein, Jack Watley, Peter Thode, Dr Wayne Leibel, Dr. Stan Weitzman, Lee Finley, Shane Linder, Karen Randall, Rusty Wessel, Paul Speice, Martin Moe and Julian Sprung, Bing Seto, just to name a few!

How does the auction work? Do I have to be a member of PVAS?

Anyone - members and non-members of PVAS - may buy and/or sell items at the auctions. Past auctions have had over 130 buyers and 75 sellers with some auctions having more than 1000 items sold. Items related to the tropical fish hobby may be entered into the auction. Fish, plants, tanks, equipment, decorations and books are always entered in the auctions. Click here for more information.

Do I have to be a member to go to an auction and convention?

No, anyone may attend the auction. PVAS encourages everyone to attend.

What other activities does PVAS engage in?

In the past there have been trips to That Fish Place in Lancaster, PA along with a stop at another local fish store (lfs) or attraction. We have an annual Bowl Show in July. December′s monthly meeting is PVAS′s annual Holiday Party.

What is the Delta Tale?

The Delta Tale is the official quarterly publication of the Potomac Valley Aquarium Society. It contains news, information, and articles related to PVAS and the tropical fish hobby. Members may access the Delta Tale in the Member's Only section of the PVAS Forum.

How can I obtain more information about PVAS?

We would encourage you to attend a monthly meeting, an auction/convention, and visit the PVAS Forum.

Is there anything that a member can do to help PVAS?

Volunteers are always welcome to assist at our meetings, auctions and other functions. A member may volunteer to the President (pvas@pvas.com) to serve on any of the Committees or to serve in any office or as a member of the Board of Trustees. No experience required.

If there are additional questions that you feel should be included, please send an email message to webmaster@pvas.com

• What is the Potomac Valley Aquarium Society?
• Who can become a member of PVAS?
• I′m new to the hobby and worried about looking dumb or being intimidated by the veterans. Should I still join?
• What type of fish do PVAS members keep?
• Does PVAS hold any type of monthly meetings?
• Where are the Monthly Meetings? What time do they start and how long do they last?
• Do I have to be a member to go to a Monthly Meeting?
• What is the Monthly Mini-Auction?
• Does PVAS hold any major events like an Auction or a Workshops?
• What happens at a Convention? Must I be a member to attend?
• Who have been some of the past speakers at PVAS Workshops?
• How does the auction work? Do I have to be a member of PVAS?
• Do I have to be a member to go to an Auction and Convention?
• What other activities does PVAS engage in?
• What is the Delta Tale?
• How can I obtain more information about PVAS?
• Is there anything that a member can do to help run PVAS?

What is the Potomac Valley Aquarium Society?

The Potomac Valley Aquarium Society is a not-for-profit educational and social organization. The society was founded in 1960 for the purpose of furthering the aquarium hobby by the dissemination of information and advice, and the promotion of good fellowship among the members by organized activities and competitions.

Who can become a member of PVAS?

Anyone may become a member of PVAS. Individual memberships are $20/year, Family memberships are $30/year, Corresponding memberships are $15/year, and Junior memberships (under 18 years old) are $5/year. You can register online, download and print an application or pick one up at a monthly meeting.

I′m new to the hobby and worried about looking ‘dumb’ or being intimidated by the veterans. Should I still join?

Yes! And we usually have "newbies" as well as experienced aquarists included in the meetings and on the forum. We all treat each other with respect and in a friendly manner. Almost all discussions include some ‘back to basics’. We′re all glad to be able to assist the new hobbyist. Being a member is a great way to learn while having a good time!

What type of fish do PVAS members keep?

All types of fish are kept by PVAS members from the most common to the rare and exotic. Our interests often include fish rarely available through the average pet store. Though most of our members keep freshwater animals, some also keep saltwater animals and herps.

Does PVAS hold any type of monthly meetings?

PVAS meets once a month, on the first Saturday of each month (except July). Each monthly meeting has a featured program or presentation, a door prize, a mini-auction, a raffle, and free refreshments. See the calendar for more information.

Where are the Monthly Meetings? What time do they start and how long do they last?

Meetings are held in the cafeteria at the Green Acres School, 4401 Sideburn Road, Fairfax City, VA. The meetings start at 1:00pm and usually end between 4:00 and 5:00pm. Click here for directions.

Do I have to be a member to go to a Monthly Meeting?

No, Everyone is welcome. We encourage anyone to attend and bring additional people.

What is the Monthly Mini-Auction?

At each monthly meeting, members are encouraged to bring fish or fish related items to be auctioned. You can enter any number of items. You can also set a minimun price for each item, but if the minimun is not met your item is returned. For each item sold 25% will be retained by PVAS and will be deleted before the proceeds are given to the seller. Click here for more information on Mini-Auctions.