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Join us on Saturday, April 11, 2026 for a talk by our very own Josh Wiegert titled "Apistogramma Rama," awesome raffle items, a mini-auction, and socializing event after our meeting!

Here are the details:

Saturday, April 11, 2026 @ JOHN F KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL:

1901 Randolph Rd, Wheaton-Glenmont, MD 20902

  • Room reserved from 12:30-4:00 PM
  • 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM Setup
  • 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Socializing
  • 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Talk by Josh Wiegert
  • 2:30 PM - 2:45 PM Break
  • 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM Auction and Raffles
  • **Afterwards, Join us for an early meal and drinks with Josh**

Talk Title: Apistogramma Rama

Apistogramma Rama

Joshua Wiegert is a lifelong aquarist, writer, and professional aquarium system designer who has spent decades building, troubleshooting, and maintaining everything from planted tanks to complex reef systems. He’s a regular contributor and editor for Tropical Fish Hobbyist, known for cutting through hobby mythology and giving aquarists clear, field-tested guidance. His talks are fast, candid, and grounded in real-world experience -- the kind you only get from someone who keeps these systems running every day.


We have some great events already lined up for the rest of 2026. We hope you can join us!

  • April 18: Richmond Fish Store Hop <--Sign up link
  • May 9: Kevin Wilson on Collecting Fossils locally
  • May 16: Fossil Collecting Trip!
  • June 13: Jen Williams Aquascaping Extraordinaire
  • August 8: Annual Summer BBQ
  • September 12: David Snell of PVAS on Photographing Aquarium Fish
  • October 10, and November 14: TBD
  • December 12: Annual Holiday Party
  • Dates TBD Additional Store Hops and Fish Swaps

Recent Threads

How many Caudopunctatus?

Hi...
I'm starting up a 75 gallon Tanganyikan tank. I want representatives of most of the "peaceful" cichlids (julies, altos, etc.). I hear contradictory things about N. caudopunctatus. Specifically, the Imperial Tropicals website says "Due to the social nature of these fish, they are sold in groups of 3." Yet elsewhere I read that they can be aggressive toward conspecifics (if not mated), and that males are especially inclined to fight each other. I think a group of 3 of these fish would look great, but I don't know if that is a good idea. Any recommendations or pros/cons of getting 1, 2, or 3? Thanks!

Looking for Multies or Similis?

Does anyone have either Lamp multi or similis? I would love to get a small starter colony if you do.

J.

Panda apisto female can't close mouth

Hi there I need help. I have a breeding pair of panda apistos in a 40 gallon breeder that has been set up since November (apistos were added in December). The only other tank inhabitants are some apisto fry, 2 juvenile bristlenose plecos, a couple amano shrimp, and some snails. The tank is planted and has sand mixed with gravel.

I noticed yesterday the female can't close her mouth, didn't seem interested in food, and spent much of the evening hiding which is unusual. Tank parameters yesterday were 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 25 nitrate. Everyone else was/is acting normal. When I got home today she was hiding even more. I moved her to a hospital tank with aquarium salt (2 tbs in 4 gallons). Upon closer look, it appears she has a bubble in her mouth. I assumed it was a piece of gravel but it looks too translucent and shiny to be gravel. What should I do? Wait it out? I usually use the aquarium coop recommended med trio when a fish is sick, since I am inexperienced with identifying specific illnesses. However, I am hesitant to use the med trio in addition to the salt because I originally thought it was more of a physical injury (like maybe she sifted a piece of gravel that was too large).

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🔥Online Auction Alert! 🔥

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Looking to give your tank that crystal-clear, “did I even add water?” look? Well, you’re in luck…

GWAPA got an Oase BioMaster 250 up for grabs in our club's online auction!

This isn’t just any filter—it’s a workhorse. Quiet, powerful, and packed with features (hello, pre-filter module), it’s ready to handle your planted masterpiece, shrimp paradise, or fishy kingdom with ease.

💡 Perfect for:
• Planted tanks that demand pristine water
• Aquascapers who like their gear as clean as their glass
• Anyone tired of wrestling with subpar filters

Auction Details:

Online auction is open from April 5th to April 17th on the auction.fish website.

Participation is open to paid club members only—but don’t worry! You can renew your membership and jump right in before bidding starts. 😉

And the best part? You might snag it for a steal. 😏

📅 Don’t miss your chance—place your bids and let the friendly competition begin!

Because let’s be honest… your tank deserves this upgrade.

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