AkvaEXPO 2026 - the largest aquarium exhibition starts tomorrow, Saturday, September 12, 2026

AkvaEXPO 2026 RK: Rychnov nad Kněžnou awaits the 47th edition of the traditional aquarium exhibition

AkvaEXPO is among the longest-running aquarist events in the Czech Republic. The exhibition is organized by the Akva-tera association from Rychnov nad Kněžnou, and this year the organizers promise an extensive exhibition that aims to appeal not only to experienced breeders but also to visitors who want to simply explore aquaristics up close.

The 47th edition will take place from September 12 to 20, 2026, daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. On the last day, Sunday, September 20, the exhibition will be open until 4:00 PM.

Over 200 aquariums from small tanks to thousand-liter exhibits

One of the main attractions of the Rychnov exhibition is the multitude of displayed tanks. The organizers state that every year they prepare more than 200 aquariums with a volume ranging from approximately 20 to 1,000 liters.

The diversity of the exhibition is one of the reasons why the exhibition is interesting even for more experienced aquarists. In addition to smaller species tanks, visitors can also see prominently larger aquariums, various methods of tank arrangement, and a wide spectrum of freshwater fish and plants.

The exhibition can thus serve not only as a place to admire interesting fish but also as inspiration for one's own aquarium – whether it concerns the choice of stock, the combination of plants, or the way of arranging the tank.

Aquascaping will receive more space this year

A significant part of AkvaEXPO is also aquascaping, which involves creating aesthetically composed aquariums where plants, stones, roots, and the overall arrangement of space are worked with, similar to creating a garden or landscape.

This year, even more space is to be allocated for aquascaping than in previous years. The organizers are expanding the exhibition spaces, and the change is also related to the relocation of the terraristics exhibition to a larger hall. This will free up additional space specifically for aquascaping.

For visitors, it is a good opportunity to see not only the fish themselves but also modern approaches to creating naturally appearing aquariums.

More space for terraristics

AkvaEXPO is no longer just an aquarium showcase. A part of the event is also terraristics, which is set to significantly expand in 2026.

The organizers announced that the terraristics section will move to a new and larger hall. The exhibition itself is prepared by Petr Hammerschmied, who is associated with the Reptiplanet brand and has long been involved in the field of terraristics.

In addition to aquarium plants and fish, visitors will also have the opportunity to see terrarium exhibits and gain inspiration from this related breeding field.

Fish, shrimp, and a wide selection of plants

The exhibition will, of course, remain primarily an aquarium event. Various species of aquarium fish will be on display, from commonly kept species to less usual examples.

Also on display will be shrimp, aquarium plants, and terrarium plants.

The very opportunity to compare a larger number of species in one place is for many visitors one of the main reasons to return to similar exhibitions. Photos on the internet or offers in regular stores often cannot replace the view of adult and well-colored fish in a well-arranged aquarium.

Not just an exhibition, but also shopping

AkvaEXPO is also a sales event. Visitors can purchase not only fish and plants but also the equipment necessary for their breeding.

According to the organizers, the offer will include, for example, aquarium technology, accessories, decorations, water treatment products, and other breeding supplies.

For experienced aquarists, the opportunity to buy directly from breeders or specialized sellers and to ask about specific species or products right away may be particularly interesting.

A place where aquarists from the Czech Republic and abroad meet

An important part of AkvaEXPO is traditionally also the meeting of people around aquaristics.

The organizers expect the participation of experienced aquarists from various parts of the Czech Republic and abroad.

Visitors can thus obtain information about specific species, their breeding, breeding conditions, or suitable conditions directly from people who have long-term experience with them.

An event with nearly half a century of tradition

This year's number 47 itself shows that it is not a new or one-time event. The Rychnov exhibition is one of the traditional events in Czech aquaristics, and its history is approaching half a century.

The organization involves volunteers, amateur breeders, and professionals. The organizers themselves emphasize that the preparation of the entire exhibition relies on the work of several enthusiasts who have long been taking care of individual exhibits.

Who is AkvaEXPO 2026 suitable for?

The event is not only intended for experienced aquarists but rather for all nature lovers. It can be interesting for practically anyone who has a relationship with nature or is considering setting up their own aquarium.

A beginner can get an idea of what different types of aquariums look like in practice, an experienced aquarist can look for new species or inspiration, and families with children will especially appreciate the multitude of colorful fish and other animals.

Thanks to the expanded terraristics section, this year the exhibition will also offer more to visitors who are not exclusively interested in aquaristics.

When does AkvaEXPO 2026 take place?

47th AkvaEXPO RK

Date: September 12–20, 2026, (Sunday, September 20 only until 4:00 PM)
Opening hours: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
Location: Rychnov nad Kněžnou (link to Google map here)

For inspiration, take a look at the photos of how the 2025 edition of AkvaEXPO looked.