What is the Minnesota Aquarium Society?
The Minnesota Aquarium Society (MAS) is an incorporated, non-profit organization of
tropical fish enthusiasts that was established in the 1930s. From beginner to advanced
hobbyists, store owners and breeders, there are over 250 current members, making it one
of the largest aquarium societies in the country. Everyone is welcome to attend a meeting
to find out what it is like.
General membership meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at St.
Christopher's Episcopal Church in Roseville. The church is located at the intersection of
Hamline Ave and Highway 36 [map]. Meetings
begin promptly at 7:30.
The MAS is a member of the Federated American Aquarium Societies (FAAS).
If you want to communicate with the Minnesota Aquarium Society, feel free to contact one of
our Board Members/Committee Chairs.
What goes on at a MAS meeting?
Most meetings focus on a presentation by a speaker. Many speakers are our own club members,
but several times a year we bring in nationally recognized experts. MAS tries to cater to all aspects
of fish-keeping so our speakers cover the full range of topics from aquariums to ponds, freshwater
to brackish to marine, tropical fish to natives, DIY projects, spawning fish, collecting wild fish, setting
up a tank, disease control, plants, live fish foods, aquascaping, fish shows, and everything in between.
In addition to a program each month, we have an auction of fish and plants from our Breeder Award
Program (BAP) and Horticulturist Award Program (HAP), drawings and raffles. Also members may
browse or borrow from the MAS library. However, the biggest reason to attend a meeting is for the
opportunity to socialize and exchange valuable information with other members. You will find plenty
of people just as interested in aquariums and fish-keeping as you are!
Member Benefits
Aqua News The bimonthly publication of the Minnesota Aquarium Society. Our newsletter has been recognized
with national awards and is a great source of information. Almost all articles are written by club
members, and you are encouraged to submit original articles about your experiences with fishkeeping.
You may also submit original cartoons and artwork.
Because we pride ourselves on not filling our pages with articles from newsletters of other clubs,
MAS has an Author of the Year program to reward contributors.
Annual Fish Show
Every year, aquarists display their fish and aquariums to compete for awards given for fish quality
and aquarium aquascaping. Anyone can enter any of two dozen categories. The public attends free
of charge. Awards are presented at a banquet following the show.
(Breeder Award and Horticultural Award) Programs. (Called "BAP" and "HAP".)
Healthy fish and plants prosper and reproduce. The MAS awards these signs of aquarium expertise
with awards and the book program. Members donates specimens from those that have reproduced to be auctioned
at the general meetings. The proceeds are used to provide the awards. In addition, the auction gives other
members a chance to obtain what are often rare or unusual species.
Library
MAS is able to fund quite a few programs through income from donations and the auctions. One such program is the club's
library. Available at every month's meeting, the rather large collection of books available for checkout includes
many books no longer in print. This is a good way to review a book to see if it's one you really want to spend the money for
and place in your personal library. After all, aquarium books tend to be a bit expensive.
Auctions and Sales
Besides the monthly BAP/HAP auctions, MAS hosts several all-day auctions and flea market sales each
year. You can buy, sell and trade fish, plants and dry goods with others. The public is welcome.
How can I join MAS?
All you have to do is fill out the membership form and include a check for $15(Adults or Family) or $12(Junior) for a one year U.S. membership (Check with membership chairperson for outside U.S. memberships),
then mail it in or bring it to the next meeting. If you are unsure about us, come to one of our meetings and check us out! Non-members are always
welcome to attend.
If you have any other questions, you can also write:
M.A.S. Membership
PO Box 130483
Roseville, MN 55113 USA
or contact a Board Member/Committee Chair.
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