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.