Aquatic Experience – Chicago combines everything aquatic under one roof at the Schaumburg Convention Center. From saltwater to freshwater, to ponds and aquatic animals, they will have it all. Come out and  enjoy educational seminars by George Blasiola, Heiko Bleher, Charles Delbeek, Patrick Donston, Hans-Georg Evers, Sanjay Joshi, Oliver Knott, Paul Loiselle, Oliver Lucanus,Steve Lundblad, Joe Olenik, Julian Sprung, Tony Vargas and Greg Wittstock, as well as keynote speaker Frank Reece of Blue Zoo. There will be a huge show floor filled with hobbyists from entry-level to the most sophisticated aquarium keepers, as well as livestock and equipment experts and the industry’s best and trend-setting manufacturers.

credit: Paul Whitby

The show will also be holding its second annual Aquatic Experience Aquascaping Competition.  Contestants are invited to compete in one of two categories (Small and Large Tank) for $3,900 dollars in prize money.

Small Tank: A maximum of twenty-five individuals will compete in the small tank category for $1,900 dollars in prize money.  In addition to potential prize money all small tank competitors will have access to the show floor plus education seminars and will take home a fully equipped Fluval Nano tank, a $150+ retail value! The small tank contest is open to all levels of aquascapers.

Large Tank: Six teams will compete in the large tank category for $2,000 dollars in prize money.  In addition to potential prize money all teams will have access to the show floor and education seminars, as well as $400 worth of merchandise.  All team applicants will be screened by the Aquatic Gardeners Association with the top 6 receiving invitations. The contests and judging will take place on the exhibit show floor of the Aquatic Experience during show hours.  The work-in-progress and award winning aquascapes will be on display for attendees to view all three days of the Show.

For more information, visit the show’s website.