Is anyone going to the GCCA Swap in Northern Illinois

[BrandyCat]

Is anyone going to the Greater Chicago Cichlid Association Swap meet on April 17th?
If you are going, what are you bringing?

I'm looking for:

• pygmy corydoras
• Least killie (H. Formosa)
• Snake & Cobra guppies
• Bolivian Rams
• Wild type betta
• Halfmoon Betta
• Colorful/prolific killies

 

[KLGFCG]

I'm probably not going to this one, but I went to the last one. My big advice is get there early! It starts lining up at least 30 minutes prior to the doors opening, and it's nice to be closer to the front of the line so you can get a jump on browsing as the room fills up (it'll be a mad-house!).

Also, since you have a specific wish list, I'd advise putting an ad on the GCCA classifieds page in hopes that you can pre-arrange to pick up at the swap. There was a great selection at the swap I went to, but if you're looking for certain species, I think it's better to pre-arrange rather than leave it to chance.

 

[BrandyCat]

I actually did try to get an ad out there on GCCA through the "Scavangers/ non-cihclid" category but when you post an add there is an error when selecting "for sale" or "wanted" ads. I'm trying desperately to pic up a local colony at the swap so I thought I would put it out there. I'm slowly starting to realize that gas prices are making it cheaper to simply priority ship instead of throwing $20 at the pump.

If I do go to the swap (this is only my 2nd) I will definitely be heeding your advice. I did pre-order my bolivian rams and picked them up at the last show and that worked out well. I was there a little late and the only other thing I walked out with was a swallow tail female guppy paired with a black lace male.

If anyone else decides to go (and you should get out there to network if anything)... my advice would be to bring your own little light. Heck a cheap led book light will work, but the lighting really does suck in the new convention center. Nice looking place but crap lighting. I think allot of vendors realized that and will hopefully be bringing some extra lighting rigs of their own.