Perhaps reflecting the much larger freshwater audience that exists in the U.S., beautiful freshwater aquaria dominated the vendor displays at the 2016 Aquatic Experience – Chicago.
Some vendors hired well-known aquascapers to further push the envelope, creating what could be described as true works of art, only to be seen and enjoyed for a brief three-day period on the convention floor. There were some downright captivating freshwater displays this year, as evidenced by the fact that at the end of day one, when I reviewed the photographs I took, I realized I hadn’t photographed a single marine-themed product or display!
The Aquatic Experience – Chicago offered so many freshwater aquariums to review that we’ll have to publish multiple installments. Enjoy Part 1, and get ready for even more in Part 2.

Dutch Aquarium Systems (DAS) had many aquariums on display, both empty and filled to the brim with livestock. Here’s a look at the first of several.

Livestock wholesaler Sunpet had a stunning shoal of Blackberry Silver Dollars roaming around this large cube aquarium.

Mollies and Swordtails furnished by Segrest Farms filled this Livebearer display at the entrance of the show.

Fluval’s floorspace offered up several beautiful planted aquariums. Update – we’ve learned that Karen Randall of the AGA can be credited with this aquascape’s design.

Another strongly aquascaped planted aquarium shown off by Fluval; note that this is the same aquarium aquascapers used for the 2016 Aquascaping Live! competition at the show.

A large planted aquarium at the front of the Aqueon floorspace, this one set up by Old Orchard Aquarium.

These Colbalt C-View aquariums feature low-iron glass, non-tempered rear panels (to allow for drilling), and piano lacquered stands to increase longevity.
There is so much more in store in Freshwater Tanks of the Aquatic Experience 2016, Part 2.
We are export growers and breeders of aquatic pond water plants and exotic tropical cichlids, peivicachrimis,polyterus etc,more of rare fishes from Africa,