Hello all aquarium enthusiasts!
The British Killifish Association (BKA) warmly invites you to the first in a series of summer online seminars, taking place this Wednesday, June 10th. If you are interested in killifishes, their care, color forms, or just want to gain inspiration from an experienced foreign aquarist, don’t miss this lecture. Everyone is welcome!
- Speaker: Dieter Ott
- Topic: “Fascinating Killifishes” (The Fascinating World of Killifishes)
- When: Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 20:30 CEST (19:30 BST / GMT)
- Where: Online via Zoom
You can join the lecture directly by clicking the link below or entering the details in the Zoom app:
- Join link: Enter Zoom room
- Meeting ID: 827 0388 5789
- Passcode: australe
> 📅 Tip: If you want to save the meeting directly to your calendar, you can download the iCalendar (.ics) file here.
More information about other upcoming seminars (July, September, October) can be found on the official website killis.org.uk.
We look forward to your participation! 🐠 Feel free to share the invitation with other fellow aquarists.
Akváristé a teraristé, zbystřete! Máme pro vás skvělý tip na akci, kterou byste si letos na podzim rozhodně neměli nechat ujít. Akva-tera klub ZO ČSCH Rychnov nad Kněžnou pořádá již 47. ročník legendární výstavy AkvaEXPO 2026 RK.
Přijďte načerpat inspiraci, nakoupit do svých nádrží nebo si jen užít skvělou atmosféru mezi lidmi se stejnou vášní.
- Termín: 12. – 20. září 2026
- Čas: denně od 8:30 do 18:00 (poslední den 20. 9. pouze do 16:00)
- Místo: Dům chovatelů, Trčkova 437, Rychnov nad Kněžnou
- Velká výstava: Fascinující expozice akvarijních ryb, vodních rostlin a terarijních živočichů.
- AkvaEXPO v Rychnově nad Kněžnou není jen obyčejná prodejní burza, ale kompletní zážitek pro všechny milovníky podvodního života a terarijních zvířat.
- Nádrže budou připraveny jen těmi nejlepšími a nejšikovnějšími akvaristy!
- Tradiční prodej: Bohatý výběr ryb, krevet, živých rostlin, kvalitních krmiv a dalšího akvaristického i teraristického vybavení přímo od chovatelů.
- Přímo na místě bude probíhat velký prodej akvarijních ryb, krevet, šneků a vodních rostlin. Chovatelé zde nabídnou také kvalitní krmiva, akvarijní techniku a další chovatelské potřeby. Máte tak jedinečnou šanci pořídit vše potřebné pro váš aquascaping nebo chov na jednom místě a za skvělé ceny.
- Odborné přednášky: Možnost rozšířit si obzory a pobavit se s experty z oboru.
- Součástí doprovodného programu jsou odborné přednášky. Můžete zde konzultovat své chovatelské úspěchy i starosti s předními českými akvaristy a terarity. Těšte se známá akvaristická jména!(více zveřejníme brzy)
Výstava v Rychnově má neopakovatelnou atmosféru s téměř padesátiletou tradicí. Je ideálním místem pro setkání komunity, načerpání nové inspirace a nákup zdravých živočichů přímo z českých odchovů.
Tip pro návštěvníky:
- Pokud jedete na výstavu primárně za nákupy rostlin a ryb, doporučujeme dorazit v prvních dnech konání, kdy je výběr nejširší. Pokud chcete klidnější prohlídku expozic, zvolte pracovní dny v dopoledních hodinách.
- Akce je známá také skvělým pohoštěním, takže můžete využít posezení k diskuzi a občerstvení.
Aquarium after the renovation, how is it doing and what changes have occurred? The first photo is right after the renovation and the second one is after 1 month and 17 days. What do you think? Would you change anything?
On the banks of the Vistula, a system operates that would have seemed more like an experiment than a part of urban infrastructure just a few years ago. Warsaw utilizes freshwater mussels as living sensors for water quality. This is not a curiosity, but a full-fledged layer of protection for drinking water, directly connected to the control systems of the waterworks.
The basic principle is simple: mussels filter water, and if something harmful appears in it, they immediately close their shells. This movement, which is a matter of survival for the organism, is translated into data in Warsaw using sensors attached to their shells. The system monitors group behavior and responds to synchronous changes.
Technical Solution
Small sensors are attached to the shells, measuring their opening in real-time. Data is continuously evaluated and filtered to eliminate random behavior of individual organisms, thus the behavior of the entire group is closely monitored. Once multiple mussels begin to close simultaneously within a defined time frame, the algorithm evaluates this as an anomaly and responds by issuing an alarm. This signal is connected to the waterworks control system (SCADA), which can automatically react—such as by shutting off the water supply.
The technical implementation is simple yet precise. Small sensors are attached to both halves of the mussel, capable of measuring the distance between them with high accuracy, that is, the degree of opening. Data is transmitted to the control unit at short intervals, where it is processed. Importantly, the system does not work with a single immediate impulse. It first filters out random movements and the natural behavior of individual organisms, then tracks trends over time, and primarily compares reactions among multiple mussels.
Mussels Discover More Than Classic Sensors
Unlike traditional probes that measure specific parameters such as pH, conductivity, or the presence of defined chemical substances, mussels operate differently. They respond to the overall impact of the environment on a living organism. This means they can detect situations where an unknown substance or a combination of multiple factors appears in the water, which individually might not exceed any limits from the sensors' perspective.
In the case of contamination, mussels close within seconds, and the entire system can evaluate the situation within tens of seconds to one minute. This speed makes biomonitoring an ideal "first warning layer" that complements more detailed but slower laboratory analyses.
To maintain reliability, the system works with a group of several individuals, and their behavior is continuously calibrated. Mussels are placed in a flow chamber, where they constantly filter water from the river, and after a certain period, they are replaced to prevent adaptation to the environment.
The great thing about this is that the mussels are not harmed; they live in an environment similar to their natural habitat and are returned to nature after a few months, with their place taken by their successors.
This is what aquaristics can look like in a country where theft is practically nonexistent and rules are followed. In a residential area, there is this open aquaristics where you can choose fish or accessories and pay into a donation box.
Official Announcement of the National Exhibition of Aquarium Fish, Reptiles, and Skills
Open Championship of the Czech Republic in Breeding Livebearers (Guppy, Xipho, and Molly) – Czech Open
Following the championship exhibitions organized by the former association Akvárium, established in 1899.
Organizer: AQUARIO & spol. n.o., ID: 27016439 | aquario@aquario-euro.net
Venue: Lysá nad Labem, Exhibition Grounds (Masarykova 1727, 289 22 Lysá nad Labem)
Member of IKGH – International Kuratorium Guppy High-breeding
Václav Schebelle – Associate judge for clubs for the 2026 European Championship season
Held as part of the exhibition EXOTIKA 2026
Date: October 28 to November 1, 2026 (Wednesday to Sunday)
Program 2026:
- Competitive Exhibition: Championship of the Czech Republic in Breeding Guppy, Xipho, and Molly.
- Natural Biotopes: Exhibition display – Central America, Amazon, Africa, Asia.
- Aquascaping: Exhibition of “aqua players” (tanks 0–200 l).
- Aquarium Free: Open competition creation and presentation by aquarists (tanks over 200 l).
- Marine Aquariums: Exhibition display (octopuses, seahorses, corals, etc.).
- Snails and Beetles: Bred forms from Africa.
- Orchid: Thematic flower exhibition.
- Antiquarian: Specialized literature from the respective fields.
- Lectures: Marine aquaristics, genetics, invasive species + GMOs, Czech aquarium pond, and more.
Details of the Exhibitions:
Championship Exhibition: Conducted according to the global regulations of IKGH.
Guppy: collection of 3 males + 1 female, or pairs (male + female). Evaluated based on similar traits (fin shape, color, size, vitality).
Xipho and Molly: always a pair with similar traits.
Biotope Exhibits: A glimpse into pure nature without artificial decorations and visible technology.
RETRO Exhibition: A reminder of the beginnings of aquaristics in Europe.
Aquascaping: A modern style of aquaristics emphasizing the harmony of plants, light, and decorations.
Snails and Beetles: Exhibition and sales display (African snails, terrestrial crustaceans – “pigs,” etc.).
The exhibitions will showcase both natural and highly bred forms. The event will include the sale of fish from domestic breeders and the distribution of the AQUA directory (contacts for breeders of specific species).
NEW: Open Amateur Exhibition with Sales
We invite all hobby aquarists to present their breeding stocks of GUPPY, XIPHO, and MOLLY to the wider public. Separate tanks will be prepared for registered participants (smaller exhibition tanks and larger sales tanks).
We encourage all aquarists and clubs to participate! Come compare your breeding successes and experience the prestigious atmosphere of the championship.
Further organizational information will follow, or we will provide it in person.
On behalf of AQUARIO & spol.
Václav Schebelle
The first photo is before the edit and the second one is after the edit. Which one do you like more? And what would you change or add, if anything?
Do you have a full calendar, but you only find out about the best auction or lecture the day after? The German Cichliden-Forum.de is hosting an online lecture that will delight anyone who wants to have a perfect overview of what’s happening in the world of aquaristics.
Online Lecture: Vivaristik Calendar in Practice
Manfred Dietz will introduce a revolutionary tool for all aquarists – the Vivaristik Calendar.
When: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 7:30 PM
Where: Online (Zoom)
Language: German with real-time Czech subtitles (over 40 languages available)
What will it be about?
The goal is to unify all dates, events, links, and locations in one place in the cloud. Manfred will show you:
✅ How to find all aquaristic events with one click.
✅ How to avoid unfortunate scheduling conflicts.
✅ How to connect the calendar with your own phone or applications.
✅ Practical demonstrations directly in the calendar interface.
At the end of the lecture, there will be plenty of time for your questions and assistance with setup.
Why join?
Vivaristics is not just about fish in the aquarium, but also about meeting and sharing experiences. This calendar is a bridge that connects us all. Guests are warmly welcomed!
Tip for Czech aquarists: Thanks to Zoom's feature, automatic Czech subtitles will be available, so you don’t have to worry about the language barrier.
Want to participate?
Follow the Cichliden-Forum.de website to get the access link to Zoom.
To join the Zoom meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82319496616?pwd=LjA2oPUsfVaOxub63B32TB3wDvGuji.1
Meeting ID: 823 1949 6616
Passcode: 020589
