Upcoming Events
CAPS Wabi Kusa Contest 2024
Mark your calendar for these future events:
November 16th - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST - CAPS meeting - Tissue culture at home for beginners, and mini workshop - Deerfield Public Library, 920 Waukegan Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015.
December 14th - 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM - CAPS Holiday Party and silent auction - Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
GCCA Tropical Fish Swap Meet
December 8 - GCCA swap meet, Hilton Northbrook 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave. Northbrook, IL.
Mark your calendar for these future events:
December 14th - 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM - CAPS Holiday Party and silent auction - Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Holiday Party 2024
CAPS 2024 HOLIDAY PARTY – FOR PAID MEMBERS ONLY, SATURDAY Dec 14th FROM 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM – RSVP REQUIRED -
Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016
The annual Chicago Aquatic Plant Society Holiday Party will be on Saturday Dec 14th from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the Friendship Park Conservatory at 395 W. Algonquin Rd., Des Plaines, IL. CAPS will be providing a catered buffet-style dinner.
Paid members may bring one guest. Chilled beer and wine will be available for purchase. Paid members will be receiving an email with a link to RSVP for the event. We cordially ask that you RSVP no later than Sunday, December 8th.
In addition to the food and festivities, CAPS will also be having a huge silent auction to raise funds for CAPS to continue our programs in 2025. Many items have been donated by our sponsors with a full list of items to be posted later. If you are interested in donating something for the silent auction, please message Jo Ann Fujii directly.
We will also have a Free Stuff Table so bring your used but working aquarium items. If you would like to become a paid member and join us for the Holiday Party, use the link below and sign up on our website: http://www.chicagoaquaticplants.com/join/
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the party! Come out for a great time, great food, and to support CAPS!
Marvin Lo - Workshop: Tissue culture at home for beginners, and workshop
CAPS MEETING - Saturday November 16 From 1:00 - 3:00 PM CST
Deerfield Public Library. 920 Waukegan Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015
Ever see tissue culture plants at the store and wonder how they were produced or wanted to try it yourself at home?
Come learn the basics of plant tissue culture at this workshop! We will cover the basics of tissue culture including methods, materials, and equipment needed.
You will also do some hands-on culturing and bring home your very own tissue culture cup.
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
Remember to sign-up on our website to receive monthly newsletter emails about our future events.
Mark your calendar for these future events:
December 14th - CAPS Holiday Party and silent auction - 5:00 - 8:00 PM - Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Paid members only, RSVP required.
Stay tuned for more info!
GCCA Tropical Fish Swap Meet
October 27 - GCCA swap meet, Hilton Northbrook 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave. Northbrook, IL.
Mark your calendar for these future events:
November 16th - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST - CAPS meeting - Tissue culture at home for beginners, and mini workshop - Deerfield Public Library, 920 Waukegan Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015.
December 14th - 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM - CAPS Holiday Party and silent auction - Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Wabi Kusa, Paludariums, and Ripariums – Aquascaping where land meets water
CAPS MEETING - October 20, 1:00 - 3:00 PM CST
Fountaindale Public Library
300 W Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Wabi Kusa, Paludariums, and Ripariums – Aquascaping where land meets water
The October meeting will introduce three forms of aquascaping that employ both aquatic and terrestrial components to create both beautiful and relatively maintenance free creations.
Although aquatic plants are the primary focus in each design, especially in the case of the Wabi Kusa where it is required, terrestrial plants can also be integrated in land portions to create stunning aquascapes. This presentation will focus on the differences between a Wabi Kusa, a Paludarium, and a Riparium and will end with a demo showing how easy it is to create a riparium.
Bailin Shaw has had a love of fishkeeping from when he received his first aquarium for Christmas at the age of 5 and has had at least one aquarium running since that day. Back in 1997, he started learning about planted aquariums through the Aquatic Plant Digest listserve, and has been an avid planted tank enthusiast since. He has served as the president of the Oklahoma City Aquarium Association and helped found the Dallas-Fort Worth Aquatic Plant Club, the New England Aquatic Plant Society before landing in Chicago.
With a group of dedicated and like minded hobbyists, the Chicago Aquatic Plant Society was started in early 2016 and has grown to be the largest and strongest planted aquarium clubs in the United States.
In addition to serving as the current president of the Chicago club, Bailin also serves as an executive board member for the Aquatic Gardeners Association and is the chairperson for the annual Aquatic Gardeners Association International Aquascaping Contest.
When he’s not working on various club duties, Bailin runs 6 low maintenance and high-tech planted tanks and is passionate about educating hobbyists about the benefits of keeping a naturally planted aquariums.
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
If you are a paid member and interested in borrowing a book or the PAR meter from our CAPS library please contact Beth Lang at librarian@chicagoaquaticplants.com. You can pick it up at our next meeting or we can make other arrangements.
Remember to sign-up on our website to receive monthly newsletter emails about our future events.
Mark your calendar for these future events:
October 27 - 9:30AM - 1:00 PM -GCCA Tropical Fish Swap Meet - Hilton Chicago/Northbrook - 2855 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062.
Johnathon Butkus - Aquatic Plants of North America
At our September meeting, Johnathon Butkus will be presenting on Aquatic Plants of North America.
While lush tropical jungles and densely vegetated streams often come to mind when we think about where aquarium plants and fish originate from, a large variety of aquatic plants in the hobby come from habitats around North America. Understanding the ecology, environment, and biology of our native aquatic plants can greatly benefit our understanding of husbandry, cultivation and diversity of species for your next planted aquarium.
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
Mark your calendar for these future events:
GCCA Tropical Fish Swap Meet
September 22 - GCCA swap meet, Hilton Northbrook 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave. Northbrook, IL.
Mark your calendar for these future events:
September 28th - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - CAPS Meeting - Aquatic Plants of North America - Schaumburg Public Library, 130 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193.
Jebriel Houdroj - Bucephalandra cultivation over Exploitation
Jebriel Houdroj will be a guest speaker for The Chicago Aquatic Plant Society, giving a talk on Bucephalandra cultivation versus exploitation. His talk, "Cultivation Over Exploitation," will focus on how to properly cultivate Bucephalandra both in aquariums and emersed, and how to correctly identify various species. He will share his findings from dissecting a few species and also provide insights on how to grow and care for the plants.
Jebriel was raised in the Pacific Northwest and works as a store manager at The Wetspot Tropical Fish in Portland, OR. He has been their plant specialist for the last five years and an aquarist for over 12 years. His passions include cultivating and documenting the dissection of Bucephalandra and their inflorescence. His love for Bucephalandra began in 2018 after discovering it is an endangered plant, and he aims to help stop the spread of misinformation about Bucephalandra and other rheophytic (adapted to fast-flowing water environments) plants.
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). This time around we will have SHRIMP included in the raffle! Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
Mark your calendar for these future events:
Aquashella Chicago 2024
The Chicago Aquatic Plan Society will have a booth at this year’s Aquashella Chicago Festival. Stop by our booth on August 3rd and 4th.
Water Chemistry For The Planted Aquarium
CAPS MEETING - Saturday June 22nd From 1:00 - 3:00 PM CST
The Chicago Aquatic Plant Society’s Michelle Conrey will be giving a presentation titled "Water Chemistry For The Planted Aquarium". In this talk you’ll learn how to find and interpret your water chemistry report, set targets for your water parameters, use additives to achieve those parameters, troubleshoot CO2, and keep your plants and fish happy! Understand what is in your water, what your plants and fish want in your water, and why?
Michelle Conrey has been a planted aquarium keeper and enthusiast for more than 30 years. Her MTS (Multiple Tank Syndrome) started in her gap year before university, when she picked up a job managing the care and maintenance of 40 or so fish tanks in her local pet store. After completing an undergrad degree in plant physiology and biochemistry, Michelle instead pursued a career in business, allowing her to fully apply her love for plants and plant science to her hobbies. She is currently the proud maintenance-slave to more than half dozen planted ‘high-tech’ tanks.
This will be a hybrid meeting so anyone can attend in person or via Zoom. The meeting will be from 1-3pm CST on June 22nd at the Deerfield Public Library. 920 Waukegan Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015 or you can attend via ZOOM.
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
Remember to sign-up on our website to receive monthly newsletter emails about our future events.
Mark your calendar for these future events:
Stay tuned for more info!
Wabi Kusa Workshop 2024
At our workshop you will learn how to create the substrate ball, how to plant the ball, and how to maintain these small gardens over time. We supply all the materials, including plants, to create your own wabi-kusa. RSVP is required to attend.
You must be a paid member to participate.
Mark your calendar:
September 22nd - 9:30am - 1:00pm - GCCA swap meet, Hilton Northbrook 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave. Northbrook, IL.
Biotope Aquascape Demo
CAPS MEETING - April 27th FROM 1:00 - 3:00 PM CST
Hanover Park Branch Library, 1266 Irving Park Rd, Hanover Park, IL 60133
The Chicago Aquatic Plant Society welcomes guest speaker Melanie Holmes, she will give a presentation titled "Biotope Aquascapes" and then lead a captivating live aquascaping Demo.
Melanie was raised in Wuerzburg Germany, nurse by trade, lover of all things blackwater and botanicals. Having always been drawn to nature style aquariums she finds inspiration not only from research but from hours spent outside. She has truly fallen in love with blackwater / botanical style aquascaping not only for its beauty but also due to its undeniable benefits and the world it creates within.
https://www.aquascapeguide.com/post/blackwater-aquascaping-with-melanie-holmes-the-queen-of-blackwater
**Completed demo scape consisting of a rimless UNS tank and hardscape will be raffled off to one lucky winner! Must be present in person at the time of the drawing to win**
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
If you are a paid member and interested in borrowing a book or the PAR meter from our CAPS library please contact Beth Lang at librarian@chicagoaquaticplants.com. You can pick it up at our next meeting or we can make other arrangements.
Remember to sign-up on our website to receive monthly newsletter emails about our future events.
Mark your calendar for these future events:
May 19th - 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM - CAPS Wabi Kusa Workshop - Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016
GCCA Tropical Fish Swap Meet
April 7th - GCCA swap meeteet, Hilton Northbrook 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave. Northbrook, IL.
Mark your calendar for these future events:
April 4th - 7th - AGA Convention - Hilton Raleigh North Hills, 3415 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
April 27th - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - CAPS Meeting - Biotope Aquascapes - Hanover Park Branch Library, 1266 Irving Park Rd, Hanover Park, IL 60133
May 19th - 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM - CAPS Wabi Kusa Workshop - Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Aquatic Gardeners Association Convention 2024 Raleigh, NC
Aquatic Gardeners Association 2024 Convention
Hosted by the Raleigh Aquarium Society
Mark your calendars for April 4th - April 7th.
There will be workshops, live aquascaping demos, an incredible auction, and so much more. You will also have the opportunity to participate in one workshop (as long as slots remain open), the aquarium and supplies you take home from either workshop more than make up for the cost!
There will also be a field trip to the Juniper Level Botanic Garden where you can mingle with like-minded aquarium plant nerds from around the world!
Registration is now open, please visit the AGA website to register!
Algae and Strategies for control
CAPS MEETING - Sun March 17th FROM 1:00 - 3:00 PM CST
The Chicago Aquatic Plant Society’s Bailin Shaw will give a presentation titled "Algae And Strategies For Control".
The presentation will explore the different types of algae found in our tanks, what are the root causes for those types of algae, and strategies on how to mitigate and clear your tank of the problem. The presentation will also hit on how nutrients, lighting, maintenance, and other factors can lead to algae. We will have a Live Q&A answering all your tank algae
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
If you are a paid member and interested in borrowing a book or the PAR meter from our CAPS library please contact Beth Lang at librarian@chicagoaquaticplants.com. You can pick it up at our next meeting or we can make other arrangements.
Remember to sign-up on our website to receive monthly newsletter emails about our future events.
Mark your calendar for these future events:
April 4th - 7th - AGA Convention - Hilton Raleigh North Hills, 3415 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
April 27th - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - CAPS Meeting - Biotope Aquascapes - Hanover Park Branch Library, 1266 Irving Park Rd, Hanover Park, IL 60133
May 19th - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - CAPS Wabi Kusa Workshop - Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016
GCCA Tropical Fish Swap Meet
February 25th - GCCA swap meet, Hilton Northbrook 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave. Northbrook, IL.
Mark your calendar for these future events:
March 17th - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - CAPS Meeting - Algae and strategies for control - Fountaindale Public Library 300 W Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440.
April 4th - 7th - AGA Convention - Hilton Raleigh North Hills, 3415 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
April 27th - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - CAPS Meeting - Biotope Aquascapes - Hanover Park Branch Library, 1266 Irving Park Rd, Hanover Park, IL 60133
May 19th - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - CAPS Wabi Kusa Workshop - Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Live Aquascaping Demo by Luis Navarro
Live Aquascaping Demo
** RSVP is required for paid members **
This event will include an aquascpaing demo by famous aquascaper Luis Navarro. The event is generously sponsored by Seachem.
The meeting will be between 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Saturday, February 17th, 2024, and will be located at Zooaxe, 222 Dundee Ave, Elgin, IL 60120.
Our meetings are also family friendly, so feel free to bring the kids and get your aquatic plant or aquascaping questions answered!
Mark your calendar for these future events:
Sunday February 25, 2024 - 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM GCCA Tropical swap meet - Click here for more info!
Principles Of Aquascaping
Principles Of Aquascaping
The presentation will go over basic design and layout principles to guide novice aquascapers on how to create an attractive aquascape that can be easily set up and maintained over time. The presentation will describe various “tricks of the trade” used by expert aquascapers when setting up an aquascape and will describe the various styles popular in the hobby today.
The meeting will be between 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 20th, 2024, and will be located at the Deerfield Public Library, 920 Waukegan Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015. Our meetings are also family friendly so feel free to bring the kids as well.
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
Mark your calendar for these future events:
Sunday February 25, 2024 - 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM GCCA Tropical swap meet - Click here for more info!
GCCA Tropical Fish Swap Meet
January 7th - GCCA swap meet, Hilton Northbrook 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave. Northbrook, IL.
Mark your calendar:
Stay tuned for more info!
Holiday Party 2023
-CAPS 2023 HOLIDAY PARTY – FOR PAID MEMBERS ONLY, SATURDAY Dec 16th FROM 5:00 – 8:00 PM – RSVP REQUIRED -
Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016
The annual Chicago Aquatic Plant Society Holiday Party will be on Saturday Dec 16th from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the Friendship Park Conservatory at 395 W. Algonquin Rd., Des Plaines, IL. CAPS will be providing a catered buffet-style dinner. Paid members may bring one guest. Chilled beer and wine will be available for purchase. Paid members will be receiving an email with a link to RSVP for the event. We cordially ask that you RSVP no later than Tuesday, December 12th.
In addition to the food and festivities, CAPS will also be having a huge silent auction to raise funds for CAPS to continue our programs in 2024. Many items have been donated by our sponsors with a full list of items to be posted later. If you are interested in donating something for the silent auction, please message Jo Ann Fujii directly.
We will also have a Free Stuff Table so bring your used but working aquarium items. If you would like to become a paid member and join us for the Holiday Party, use the link below and sign up on our website: http://www.chicagoaquaticplants.com/join/
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the party! Come out for a great time, great food, and to support CAPS!
Planted Dwarf Shrimp Tanks
The next Chicago Aquatic Plant Society meeting will include a presentation titled, “Planted Dwarf Shrimp Tanks.” The presentation will cover basic dwarf shrimp care, low tech plant care, and how to create the balance that optimizes both shrimp and plants. The meeting will be between 1:00 - 3:00pm on November 11th and will be located at the Des Plaines Public Library. 1501 Ellinwood St, Des Plaines, IL 60016. We are in meeting room A. Our meetings are also family friendly so feel free to bring the kids as well.
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). This time around we will have SHRIMP included in the raffle! Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
Mark your calendar for these future events:
Saturday December 16, 2023 - 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM CAPS 2023 Holiday Party for paid members, RSVP required - Click here for more info!
GCCA Tropical Fish Swap Meet
October 22nd - GCCA swap meet, Hilton Northbrook 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave. Northbrook, IL.
Mark your calendar:
Stay tuned for more info!
Fauna for the planted tank
The October Chicago Aquatic Plant Society meeting will include a presentation titled, "Fauna for the planted tank" by Bailin Shaw. This will be a HYBRID meeting so anyone can attend via Zoom or in person. The meeting will be from 3-5 pm CST on October 15th.
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
Mark your calendar for these future events:
October 22nd 9:30 am – 1:00 pm GCCA Swap Meet, Chicago Hilton Northbrook
New and Popular Aquatic Plants of the Hobby: Propagation and Care
The September Chicago Aquatic Plant Society meeting will include a presentation titled, "New and Popular Aquatic Plants of the Hobby: Propagation and Care" by Bailin Shaw and Matt Kowalczyk. This will be a HYBRID meeting so anyone can attend via Zoom or in person. The meeting will be from 2-4pm CST on September 23rd.
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
Mark your calendar for these future events:
October 22nd 9:30 am – 1:00 pm GCCA Swap Meet, Chicago Hilton Northbrook
Tips and tricks for the planted tank
The August Chicago Aquatic Plant Society meeting will include a presentation titled, "Tips and Tricks for Planted Tanks". This will be a HYBRID meeting so anyone can attend via Zoom or in person. The meeting will be from 2-4pm CST on August 19th.
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
Mark your calendar for these future events:
September 17th 9:30 am – 1:00 pm GCCA Swap Meet, Chicago Hilton Northbrook
Habitats, fish and aquatic plants of the Pantanal Wetlands
'Habitats, fish and aquatic plants of the Pantanal Wetlands by Tai Strietman'
Tai has spent many hundreds of hours exploring the rivers, streams, lakes, flooded meadows and forests and swamps of the Pantanal wetlands in Brazil. In this talk he will provide an overview of the habitats, fish and plants, especially those of interest to aquarium enthusiasts. He will also provide guidance on how to create your own 'Pantanal planted display' and tips and suggestions on setting up natural-style aquaria in general.
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
Mark your calendar for these future events:
August 19 - Tips And Trick for Planted Tanks. Des Plaines Public Library 2-4 pm CST. 1501 Ellinwood St, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
September 17 - GCCA Swap Meet, Chicago Hilton Northbrook 9:30 am – 1:00 pm.
Live Aquascaping Demo
Schaumburg Community Recreation Center
505 N Springinsguth Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194
Second floor Excellence Room
Get ready for an exciting live demo with international aquascaping champion Marvin Lo!
Marvin will be showcasing his skills in a captivating live aquascaping demo, where he will create a stunning underwater landscape. Marvin will demonstrate his techniques for selecting the right aquatic plants, arranging them in a visually pleasing manner, and maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
Whether you're an experienced aquarist or a beginner, you won't want to miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best. Marvin has competed in many in person and online competitions and placed #65 in IAPLC 2021, #45 in IAPLC 2017, and top 10 in AGA International Aquascaping Contest 60-120L 2017. He has also had the honor of being a judge for the AGA competition as well.
Join us for an unforgettable live aquascaping demo with Marvin Lo!
** Completed scape including 17-gallon Rimless Aquarium, LED Light, Filtration, Hardscape, and Plants will be raffled off to one lucky winner! **
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a free giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
Mark your calendar for these future events:
6/25 - 1 - 3 PM CST - Tai Strietman - Habitats, fish and aquatic plants of the Pantanal Wetlands - Schaumburg Public Library
August - General meeting. Stay tuned for more information!
“On the Edge” Plants for Damp and Wet Habitats
The Chicago Aquatic Plant Society is pleased to have Michael Kolaczewski speak, he will give a presentation titled “On the Edge” Plants for Damp and Wet Habitats.” This presentation will explore plants that grow in damp to wet conditions. There are a number of plants that can be utilized in home gardens, in natural or constructed pond habitats, contained water plantings, and perhaps even terrariums and Paludariums. This will be a hybrid meeting, Join us on Zoom.
We will also discuss habitat requirements, substrates, and other criteria.
Michael Kolaczewski has been involved in the Horticultural field for a considerable time now. He started his own company in the early 1980’s, working with typical Garden plant materials, along with Native plantings, Tropical plants, and Aquatic Habitats. Michael got started in the aquarium hobby in the late 1960’s, keeping all types of Fresh Water fishes, planted tanks, along with Marine Aquariums.
CAPS also hosts free plant trading and a giveaway raffle for all in-person attendees at the meeting (must be present to win the raffle). Bring your plant clippings to trade and get your aquatic plants or aquascaping questions answered!
Mark your calendar for these future events:
5/21 - 1 - 3 PM CST - Aquascaping demo. Schaumburg Park District Recreation Center, 505 N Springinsguth Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194.
6/25 - 1 - 3 PM CST - Tai Strietman - Habitats, fish and aquatic plants of the Pantanal Wetlands - Schaumburg Public Library
GCCA Tropical Fish Swap Meet
April 2nd - GCCA swap meet, Hilton Northbrook 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave. Northbrook, IL.
Mark your calendar:
Stay tuned for more info!
Wabikusa Workshop
At our workshop you will learn how to create the substrate ball, how to plant the ball, and how to maintain these small gardens over time. We supply all the materials, including plants, to create your own wabi-kusa. We will also be auctioning 8 UNS 16T tanks which are beautiful rimless tanks perfect to showcase your new creation in your home. RSVP is required to attend.
You must be a paid member to participate.
Mark your calendar:
April 2nd - GCCA swap meet, Hilton Northbrook 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave. Northbrook, IL.
GCCA Tropical Fish Swap Meet
February 26th - GCCA swap meet, Hilton Northbrook 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave. Northbrook, IL.
Mark your calendar:
March 2023 - CAPS Wabikusa Workshop, Stay tuned.
CAPS Meeting - Nutrient Balance in a Planted Tank
Saturday February 11, 2023 3-5 PM CST
Bailin Shaw will be presenting, the talk is titled “Nutrient Balance in a Planted Tank”
Expanding on last month's meeting which focused on maintaining a high energy tank without CO2, this month's topic will discuss maintaining a high energy, high tech planted tank with an emphasis on proper dosing and CO2 injection. The presentation will discuss the importance of balanced nutrient dosing and will also have a section on CO2 with a demo showing how to properly and safely set up a CO2 system.
Mark your calendar:
GCCA Swap Meet, Sunday February 26, 2023 - 10am-1 pm. Hilton Chicago Northbrook, 2855 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062.