The Dry Wash Aquarium Society (DWAS) started out as a branch of a Tucson club. Together the clubs were known as the Arizona Dry Wash Cichlid Society. At one of our meetings in late 1989, the Phoenix chapter voted to form our own club and chose the Dry Wash Aquarium Society as our name. The Tucson club later became better known as the Tucson Cichlid Society. We started with about 25 members and a real thirst to learn all we could about the fish hobby. We have grown over the past years, not only in membership, but also in knowledge. We offer, what we feel is, a well rounded club for anyone that is interested in raising fish of any kind. And learning about the many kinds of fishes, diseases, plants, saltwater, freshwater, and numerous other things involved in keeping aquarium fish.

We offer to our members guest speakers, a breeder program, and a monthly fish auction where you can buy and sell fish, supplies, plants, and other fish related items. You are also able to buy fish food at a reduced price. These are a few of the advantages of becoming a member of the DWAS. We also have a monthly newsletter that you will receive keeping you updated on all the activities concerning the DWAS.

One of the best benefits of our club is the vast array of knowledge our members have in the tropical fish keeping hobby. Some have been in the hobby for many years and we all enjoy helping out other members with any problems or questions that may arise.

We have an annual picnic in December for members and their families. At the picnic, we elect board members for the next year, play games, and raffle off gifts to every member present. The club provides hamburgers and hot dogs, and each member brings a side dish. This event is one of the highlights of the year!