Program Rules - jra3/mulm GitHub Wiki

Program Rules

Official rules and requirements for the Brooklyn Aquarium Society's Breeder Awards Program (BAP), Horticultural Awards Program (HAP), and Coral Awards Program (CAP).

Breeder Awards Program (BAP)

The Breeders Award Program (BAP) of the Brooklyn Aquarium Society measures advancement in aquaristics by recognizing members who successfully reproduce aquatic species. The program encourages participation, acknowledges achievements, and promotes sharing of breeding techniques. It is noncompetitive, recognizing all members based on their experimentation and willingness to learn, regardless of setup size or time constraints. All points earned are cumulative.

Point Titles and Requirements

Title Points Additional Requirements
Participant 0 Starting level
Hobbyist 25 None
Breeder 50 At least 20 points from the 10, 15, or 20-point categories
Advanced Breeder 100 At least 40 points from the 15 or 20-point categories
Master Breeder 300 At least 30 points from each of the 5, 10, and 15-point categories; at least 40 points from a 20-point category
Grand Master Breeder 500 None
Advanced Grand Master Breeder 750 60 points from 5, 10, 15-point categories and 80 points from a 20-point category
Senior Grand Master Breeder 1,000 80 points from 5, 10, 15-point categories and 100 points from a 20-point category
Premier Breeder 1,500 None
Senior Premier Breeder 2,000 None
Grand Poobah Yoda Breeder 4,000 Ultimate achievement!

Additional Points

Bonus points are granted for contributions to the program or extraordinary achievements:

  • 5 additional points for an original article on a spawn or plant propagation (with references)
  • 5 additional points for a first-time spawn of a fish species for BAS
  • 10 additional points with an original article (300+ words, with references) about a first-time spawn within three months of the spawn date

Physical Awards

In recognition of levels achieved by participants:

  • 25-100 points (Hobbyist, Breeder, Advanced Breeder): Certificates
  • 300 points (Master Breeder): 5x7 plaque or equivalent
  • 500 points (Grand Master Breeder): 8x10 plaque or equivalent
  • 750 points (Advanced Grand Master Breeder): Decorative 8x10 plaque or equivalent
  • 1,000 points (Senior Grand Master Breeder): Large plaque/trophy or equivalent
  • 1,500 points (Premier Breeder): Larger trophy or equivalent
  • 2,000 points (Senior Premier Breeder): Largest trophy or equivalent
  • 4,000 points (Grand Poobah Yoda Breeder): Huge trophy

Point Assignment Guidelines

Points are assigned based on breeding difficulty. Basic guidelines for the levels:

5 Points - Species that can basically breed over a wide range of conditions, all by themselves.

  • Examples: Guppy, Platy

10 Points - Species that can be bred easily, given specific conditions, which are not too exacting.

  • Examples: Barbs (when conditioned properly), Zebra Danios (with low water level and marble bottom), African Mbuna (with alkaline water and protection from aggression)

15 Points - Species which may present moderate problems in one or more areas: aggressive behavior, water chemistry, specific diet requirements, mate selection or sexing, poor physical stamina or disease resistance, special tank setup requirements, special care for fry.

  • Example: Angelfish (sexing problems, aggressive nature, brood care challenges)

20 Points - Fish that have not been bred, bred only very rarely, or are very difficult to breed based on the severity of the problems mentioned above.

  • Examples: Black Ghost Knife Fish, Neon Tetras, all marine species

Verification Requirements (Fish)

Initial Witnessing:

  • When you have spawned your fish, they must be "witnessed" by a member of the Breeder Award Program
  • Witness must inspect the fry and parents and verify the species within 7 days of the time they become free swimming
  • Witness visits your home to view the breeding success

60-Day Verification:

  • A minimum of 6 fry will be considered a spawn, if maintained for 60 days
  • Committee member will revisit to verify the fry are alive 60 days after free swimming
  • OR fry may be brought to a club meeting after 60 days
  • Special consideration may be given to less prolific species or Junior members (upon request to committee)

Marine Fish:

  • Awarded 20 points if the fry are free swimming for 30 days (shorter waiting period)

Timeline:

  • All requirements must be completed within 4 months after a BAP committee person witnessed breeding
  • If not completed within 4 months, the offspring are not eligible for BAP

Horticultural Awards Program (HAP)

This program recognizes members who successfully grow and propagate aquatic plants.

Definition of Aquatic Plant: A plant that, in its natural state, can be found submerged or floating during some part of a season.

Program Objectives:

  • Recognize achievement in growing and propagating aquatic plants
  • Gather knowledge about aquatic plants and their environment
  • Identify new plants

Point Titles and Requirements

Title Points Additional Requirements
Participant 0 Starting level
Beginner Aquatic Horticulturist 25 None
Aquatic Horticulturist 50 At least 20 points from the 10, 15, or 20-point categories
Senior Aquatic Horticulturist 100 At least 40 points from the 15 or 20-point categories
Expert Aquatic Horticulturist 300 At least 30 points from each of the 5, 10, and 15-point categories; at least 40 points from a 20-point category
Master Aquatic Horticulturist 500 None
Grand Master Aquatic Horticulturist 750 60 points from 5, 10, 15-point categories and 80 points from a 20-point category
Senior Grand Master Aquatic Horticulturist 1,000 80 points from 5, 10, 15-point categories and 100 points from a 20-point category
Premier Aquatic Horticulturist 1,500 None
Senior Premier Aquatic Horticulturist 2,000 None

Additional Points

  • 5 additional points for an original article on plant propagation (with references)
  • 5 additional points for the first propagation of a species within the program
  • Extra points equal to the plant's point value for flowering plants
  • Extra points equal to the plant's point value for sexually reproduced plants

Flowering Bonus Example:

  • 10-point plant that flowers = 10 base + 10 flowering bonus = 20 points total

Physical Awards

  • 25-100 points (Beginner, Aquatic, Senior Aquatic Horticulturist): Certificates
  • 300 points (Expert Aquatic Horticulturist): 5x7 plaque or equivalent
  • 500 points (Master Aquatic Horticulturist): 8x10 plaque or equivalent
  • 750 points (Grand Master Aquatic Horticulturist): Decorative 8x10 plaque or equivalent
  • 1,000 points (Senior Grand Master Aquatic Horticulturist): Plaque or trophy or equivalent
  • 1,500 points (Premier Aquatic Horticulturist): Larger plaque/trophy or equivalent
  • 2,000 points (Senior Premier Aquatic Horticulturist): Unique plaque/trophy or equivalent

Verification Requirements (Plants)

Initial Witnessing:

  • A committee member must be notified immediately
  • Committee member must inspect the "cutting" within 7 days

60-Day Verification:

  • The "cutting" must be re-visited to determine reasonable growth within 60 days of original viewing

Acceptable Propagation Methods:

  • Cuttings - Plant sections that develop roots
  • Offshoots - New plants from parent
  • Runners - Stolons producing new plants
  • Plantlets - Small plants developing on parent
  • Flowering/seed production - Sexual reproduction
  • Flower pollination - From member's own plant

Propagation Requirements by Type:

  • Floating plants: By doubling the amount
  • Bunch plants: By doubling the number of rooted growing stems
  • Runner or divided plants: Must have one healthy plant capable of living independently
  • Sexual reproduction: The flowering must be identified in full bloom attached to the parent plant
  • Seeded plants: Must have a healthy seedling sufficiently developed to be identified as offspring of parent plant

Coral Awards Program (CAP)

This program recognizes achievements in growing and propagating marine corals.

Definition of Marine Coral: Hard and soft corals and their propagation methods.

Program Objectives:

  • Recognize achievement in growing and propagating corals
  • Gather knowledge about corals and their environment
  • Identify new corals

Point Titles and Requirements

Title Points
Participant 0
Beginner Coral Propagator 25
Coral Propagator 50
Senior Coral Propagator 100
Expert Coral Propagator 300
Master Coral Propagator 500
Grand Master Coral Propagator 750
Senior Grand Master Coral Propagator 1,000

Additional Points

  • 5 additional points for the first propagation of a species within the program
  • 5 additional points for an original article on coral propagation (with references)

Physical Awards

  • 25-100 points (Beginner, Coral Propagator, Senior Coral Propagator): Certificates
  • 300 points (Expert Coral Propagator): 5x7 plaque or equivalent
  • 500 points (Master Coral Propagator): 8x10 plaque or equivalent
  • 750 points (Grand Master Coral Propagator): Decorative 8x10 plaque or equivalent
  • 1,000 points (Senior Grand Master Coral Propagator): Large plaque or trophy or equivalent

Verification Requirements (Corals)

Initial Witnessing:

  • A committee member must be notified immediately
  • Committee member must inspect the "cutting" within 7 days

60-Day Verification:

  • The "cutting" must be re-visited to determine reasonable growth within 60 days of original viewing

Specialty Species Awards

Alongside our points-based programs, this program recognizes breeders who successfully reproduce various specialty species.

Specialty Awards

Award Physical Prize Requirements
Specialty Species Award Certificate Complete requirements for one species group (see below)
Senior Specialist Award Plaque or equivalent 3 different specialty awards
Expert Specialist Award Large plaque or equivalent 5 different specialty awards

Specialty Species Groups

Group # Species Required Additional Limitations
Anabantoids 5 None
Brackish Water 5 None
Catfish 5 None
Characins 5 None
Cichlids - New World (American) 5 None
Cichlids - Old World (African/Asian) 5 None
Cyprinids 5 None
Killifish 5 None
Livebearers 5 None
Marine Fish 5 True marine varieties only
Marine Invertebrates & Corals 5 None

Note: Platform currently uses 5 species per category. Original RULES.md shows varying requirements (3-12 species). Check with your club's program coordinator for current requirements.

General Program Rules

Eligibility

  • You must be a member in good standing with BAS
  • Points may be awarded to families/couples or to individuals, but not to both
  • Points may be obtained only once per species of fish/coral/invertebrate/plant

Species Classification

Reclassified Species:

  • If a fish has been reclassified under a different scientific name, it will not count as a new species
  • Example: Bristlenose Pleco reclassified from Ancistrus temminckii to Ancistrus cirrhosus - counts as same species

Color Variations:

  • Color variations do not count as separate species
  • Example: Discus varieties Symphysodon aequifasciatus "Pigeon Blood" and "Gold Dragon" count as same species

Member Responsibilities

It is the breeder's responsibility to:

  • Complete all necessary forms
  • Verify that forms are submitted
  • Ensure proper points are recorded
  • Ensure spawns are verified by witness

Point Assignment

New Species:

  • Species not already listed in program points lists should be brought to the Chairperson's attention
  • The Chairperson will present the specifics to the committee for discussion
  • The committee, by majority vote, will assign points

Point Changes:

  • New discoveries, importations, or published documents can change the value of breeding a specific species
  • Points may be reviewed and changed periodically by the committee (majority vote)
  • Changes will be publicized in the club journal "Aquatica"
  • When points are reclassified, the new value goes into effect immediately
  • Previously earned points are NOT affected by point reclassifications

Program Year

  • BAP year runs from August 1 to July 31
  • Spawns for July and August will be recognized in September

Membership Lapses

  • If a member has a lapse in membership, former points will be reinstated (depending on availability of records)
  • During the period of non-membership, spawns will not count for points
  • Points resume upon becoming a member in good standing again

Committee Discretion

The BAP committee has the right to:

  • Extend any time and/or date limits
  • Waive minimum fry requirements for less prolific species
  • Grant special consideration to Junior members

Point Assignment Criteria

Many factors may be considered when the committee assigns points to a species:

  1. Fish, coral, invertebrate, or plant type
  2. Water chemistry requirements (pH, hardness, salinity)
  3. Lighting requirements (intensity, spectrum, photoperiod)
  4. Temperature requirements (specific ranges)
  5. Feeding requirements (specialized foods, live foods)
  6. Difficulty in spawning (breeding triggers, conditioning)
  7. Difficulty in raising fry (feeding, survival rate)

Breeder of the Year Award

An annual award presented to the hobbyist who has bred the most fish, plants, and/or coral propagation and, in the view of the BAP committee, has demonstrated devotion to expanding species through:

  • Generosity - Donating fry to other members
  • Patience - Help and support to other breeders
  • Support - Contributing to club activities and BAS community

Note: The BAP chairperson reserves the right not to present this award if it is believed that no one person has shown the qualities and characteristics that set them apart from other hobbyists.

The Awards Committee

Committee Structure

  • The Award Committee consists of a chairperson and an even number of other members
  • The chairperson and members are approved and appointed by the Board of Directors

Committee Duties

The committee shall:

  • Witness spawning and cuttings
  • Keep official records and point totals
  • Report to the Board when necessary
  • Publicize committee activities and member achievements in the club journal
  • Order certificates and awards as needed
  • Make presentations at meetings

Contact

As soon as your fish spawn, plant, or coral reproduces, contact the committee through:

Using the Online Platform

Submitting for Points

Traditional Process (old):

  • Call committee member when breeding occurs
  • Wait for in-person witness visit
  • Fill out paper forms
  • Wait for points to be recorded

New Digital Process:

  1. Submit online at https://bap.basny.org/submissions/new
  2. Upload photos of offspring and parents
  3. Designate witness (if required) - they confirm online
  4. Admin reviews and approves digitally
  5. Points awarded automatically and level updated instantly
  6. Email notification when approved

Benefits:

  • ✅ Faster approval (typically 3-7 days)
  • ✅ Photo documentation preserved
  • ✅ Real-time point tracking
  • ✅ Automatic level advancement
  • ✅ Digital record keeping

See: Member User Guide for detailed platform usage instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Q: Can I submit retroactive spawns from before I joined?

A: Check with your program coordinator. Generally allowed if you have documentation.

Q: Can I breed the same species multiple times for points?

A: No. Points may be obtained only once per species. However, you can breed different species in the same category.

Q: What if my species isn't on the points list?

A: Contact the committee chairperson. The committee will evaluate and assign points via majority vote.

Verification

Q: Who can be my witness?

A: Any club member in good standing who is part of the BAP program and can verify your breeding success.

Q: What if I can't find a witness within 7 days?

A: Contact the committee for an extension. The committee has discretion to extend time limits.

Q: Do I need a witness for all spawns?

A: Generally required for most species. Low-point (5pt) species may not require witness. Check with your coordinator.

Points

Q: Do article points count toward level requirements?

A: Yes! Article points add to your total and help meet category requirements.

Q: If a species is reclassified to more points, do I get the difference?

A: No. Point reclassifications only apply to future spawns, not previously earned points.

Q: Can I lose points or levels?

A: Generally no, unless there was an error in recording or if membership lapses.

Related Documentation

**Last Updated: November 2025

Note: These rules are based on Brooklyn Aquarium Society's BAP program. Other clubs may have different requirements. Always check with your local club's program coordinator for official rules.