Frequently Asked Questions
Everything we're asked most often — about the club, membership, getting started in the hobby, and this website itself — gathered in one place.
Who We Are
When was the Eastern Cape Aquarium & Aquascaping Club founded?
ECAAC was founded in 2018 by Jan Calitz. What began as a small gathering of enthusiasts has since grown into a structured organisation with an elected committee, a formal constitution, and a thriving membership.
Who runs ECAAC and how is it managed?
The club is run entirely by volunteers through an elected committee that oversees meetings, events and day-to-day governance. Everything we do is guided by our Constitution and Bylaws, with a commitment to transparency, accountability and fairness.
Is ECAAC really the only aquarium club in South Africa?
Yes — ECAAC is currently the only active freshwater aquarium and aquascaping club in South Africa. That makes us a hub for hobbyists nationwide, and it's a responsibility we take seriously when it comes to education, ethical practice and community.
What does the club actually do?
We hold monthly meetings with workshops, speakers, raffles and auctions, run five award programs, and create opportunities for members to learn about aquariums, aquascaping and aquatic life. Underpinning it all is a focus on responsible fishkeeping and conservation of natural ecosystems.
What is the club's mission?
To bring together the expertise and passion of our members to educate, inspire and support both seasoned hobbyists and newcomers — raising standards within the hobby, safeguarding the welfare of aquarium organisms, and promoting awareness of the natural ecosystems many species come from.
Who can get involved with ECAAC?
Anyone in the hobby, from total beginners to seasoned breeders — no experience required, just curiosity. We're based in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape and welcome members and enquiries from across South Africa. You can become a member here.
Joining & Meetings
How much does ECAAC membership cost?
Membership is household-based. It's R270 per year for households within Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp, Uitenhage and Despatch. Country membership — for households outside these areas — and scholar membership are R100 per year.
When are membership fees due?
Fees are payable by the end of February each year. If you need to make other arrangements, committee members are always happy to discuss options.
What's the difference between local and country membership?
Local members are hosted in person at our monthly meetings and have hands-on access to the club's full range of facilities, equipment and livestock. Country membership is designed for those further afield who can't attend as regularly, so it's offered at a reduced rate.
Does one membership cover my whole family?
Yes. Membership is based on households rather than individuals, so family members living in the same household are all covered under a single membership.
When and where are club meetings held?
Meetings are held on the first Saturday of every month, from 14:00 to 18:00, at The Italian Club, 17 Harold Road, Broadwood, Gqeberha. Each one includes a full program for all levels, a braai and refreshments, and a club auction of member-supplied fish, plants and dry goods where anyone may bid.
What's included in membership?
Members get monthly meetings with workshops and guest speakers, club excursions, discounted fish and shrimp food, members-only group buys, online library access, exclusive access to livestock, and recognition through our five award programs.
How do I become a member?
Just fill in the short form on our become a member page and the committee will be in touch. Membership is open to everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned breeders — no experience required.
New to the Hobby
I don't have a tank yet — can I still join?
Absolutely. Plenty of members join before setting up their first tank specifically to get advice and support from the start. Our Beginner's Roadmap walks through the whole process in order.
Where should a complete beginner start?
Start with the Beginner's Roadmap, which lays out the process in order — deciding what you want, choosing equipment, cycling the tank, and stocking gradually — with links to the right tools and guides at each step.
How long does it take to set up a first tank properly?
Plan for four to six weeks between filling the tank and adding your first fish — that's roughly how long a fishless cycle takes to establish safely. It's the step most beginners are tempted to rush, and the one most worth being patient about.
What if I get stuck on a term I don't recognise?
Check our Glossary — it covers water chemistry, equipment, aquascaping styles and hobby shorthand in plain English, with links back to the fuller guides where relevant.
About This Site
Are the tools and guides on this website free to use?
Yes — everything on the ECAAC website, including the calculators and wizards, care guides and glossary, is free to use, whether or not you're a club member.
What's the glossary for?
The Glossary is a plain-English reference for aquarium and aquascaping terms and abbreviations you'll run into on this site, in the wider hobby, and at club meetings.
Does this website collect my personal information?
The site uses standard, aggregated web analytics. It has no backend server, so information you type into the membership form is only sent as an email to the club and isn't stored on the website itself. Full details are in our Privacy Policy.
Something on the site looks wrong — who do I tell?
Email digital@ecaac.co.za and we'll take a look — this site is maintained by volunteers alongside everything else the committee does, so we appreciate the heads-up.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Reach out directly and a committee member will get back to you.