Upcoming Meetings

 

About CAPS

The Chicago Aquatic Plant Society (CAPS) is an organization that emphasizes educating hobbyists about starting, keeping, and maintaining aquatic plants in the aquarium.

This site, and also our Facebook Community, serve as a platform where hobbyists can ask questions, exchange ideas, learn about aquascaping principles, and gain other information relevant to keeping planted tanks. If you are in Chicago or the surrounding area, come join us.

Questions? Drop us a line!

 

Become a Member

There are two different ways to get involved with the Chicago Aquatic Plant Society.

 

PAID MEMBERSHIP

Paid members are a key part of keeping CAPS strong and they gain a number of other benefits as well! In addition to the Free Membership perks, you will receive:

  • Invitations to Free Workshops

  • Invitations to Special Events (e.g. Silent Auctions)

  • Invitations to Members-Only Tours

  • Access to Members-Only Portal on Website

  • Access to Special Group Discounts

  • PAR meter loaner program

  • Library book loaner program. Library contents

  • Access to Group Buys on items like Seiryu Stone, Mopani Wood, etc…

  • Costs just $15 a year

  • Renews Annually

  • Cancel Anytime

 

FREE MEMBERSHIP

To become a free member, you can join our active Facebook Group or Sign up for our Mailing List. As a free member, you get access to a ton of great CAPS resources.

  • Attend CAPS Meetings

    • All speaker presentations

    • Participate in Workshops (may be a small fee for some workshops)

    • Enter our free raffles

    • Participate in free plant trading

  • Join our Facebook Group, sign up for our mailing list, or keep an eye on our website to learn about our next event.

 

 Upcoming Events

Events
CO2 and Nutrients in the Planted Tank
Jan 26
CO2 and Nutrients in the Planted Tank

The meeting will include a presentation titled, “CO2 and Nutrients in the Planted Tank.” The presentation will describe the advantages of using CO2 in multiple types of planted tanks and will describe various methods for adding CO2 to a planted tank. The meeting will include a presentation titled, “CO2 and Nutrients in the Planted Tank.” The presentation will describe the advantages of using CO2 in multiple types of planted tanks and will describe various methods for adding CO2 to a planted tank. We will demonstrate how to assemble a simple DIY CO2 system, and building your own regulators. We will also discuss the most effective methods for injecting CO2 for your plants.

The meeting will be 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST on January 26th at the Schaumburg public library, 130 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193. The event will take place in the Rasmussen room upstairs.

Join us on 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!

Mark your calendar for these future events:

Stay tuned!

Wabi Kusa Workshop 2025
Apr 6
Wabi Kusa Workshop 2025

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:

Stay tuned

 

Member Tanks

Bailin Shaw

Bailin Shaw

Frank Huang

Frank Huang

Igor Cialenco

Igor Cialenco

Kevin Kraut

Kevin Kraut

Marvin Lo

Marvin Lo

Melanie Holmes

Melanie Holmes

Nancy Chmielewski

Nancy Chmielewski

Nate Reeverts

Nate Reeverts

Rich Schram

Rich Schram