October brings opportunities to connect with fellow hobbyists, explore a major regional fish event and learn a practical skill for the fish room. This month, we’re highlighting KWAS Oktoberfish and our hands-on TEAS workshop on live food cultures.
Coming up this month
KWAS Oktoberfish 2026 — Tropical Fish Show & Annual Auction
Sunday, October 25 · St. Jacobs, Ontario
The Kitchener-Waterloo Aquarium Society is hosting its annual Oktoberfish event, bringing hobbyists together for a tropical fish show and a large auction featuring freshwater fish, aquatic plants, invertebrates and aquarium equipment.
- Location: 1075 Bo De Ln, St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0.
- Doors open: 8:00 a.m.
- Auction and show: Auction starts and show entries are tabled by 10:00 a.m.; the event runs until 5:00 p.m.
- Admission: Open to the public, with free admission for buyers.
The show includes judging by accredited Canadian Association of Aquarium Clubs staff. Whether you’re looking for fish, plants or a chance to meet other Ontario aquarists, Oktoberfish is an opportunity to explore the wider aquarium community.
October TEAS meeting — Get hands-on with live food cultures
Wednesday, October 28 · With Tania from Selva Acuática
Our October monthly meeting features an interactive workshop with TEAS’s own Tania. Learn how to create and maintain live food cultures for your aquariums, follow along during the session and get hands-on experience starting a culture of your own.
The workshop includes materials to take home so you can put your new skills into practice. Cultures featured in the event notice include vinegar eels, microworms, grindal worms, infusoria and earthworms.
- Learn how to start and maintain live food cultures.
- Take part in the workshop and create your own culture.
- Learn how to use your cultures at home.
- Bring your questions and leave with materials to get started.
New to live foods or already keeping cultures? This is a chance to learn together and take home something useful for your aquarium.
Aquatic news and learning
Make the most of the live-food workshop
A successful culture starts with understanding the organism you’re keeping. During the workshop, ask about the recommended container, culture medium, feeding routine, harvesting method and signs that a culture needs attention. Different cultures have different requirements, so keep notes for each one.
Label the cultures you take home with their name and start date. A simple record of feeding, maintenance and harvesting will help you spot patterns and remember what works in your fish room.
Match the food to the fish
When choosing a live food, consider the size of the fish and where they feed. Ask which cultures are suitable for the species or fry you’re raising, how to harvest them cleanly and how much to offer. Observe feeding closely and adjust portions to avoid unnecessary waste.
Plan before buying at an auction
Before heading to Oktoberfish, make a short list of what your aquariums can accommodate. Check adult size, water requirements, temperament and available space before bidding. Bring suitable transport supplies and have a separate observation or quarantine setup ready for new livestock.
For plants and unfamiliar species, confirm the identification and check current Ontario rules before buying or trading. Never release aquarium fish, plants, invertebrates or live cultures into local waterways.
Club news and reminders
Keep an eye on the website’s Events section for meeting details and any updates before travelling. Visit TEAS Connect to explore member education resources, record templates and the Society’s programs.
Have an experience, breeding milestone or fishkeeping question to share? Bring it to a meeting. The knowledge exchanged between members is one of the best parts of belonging to the Society.
See you this month
We look forward to connecting with members in October and learning together at the culture workshop. Thank you for supporting The Eastern Aquatic Society and responsible fishkeeping.
