CCAC Auctions are free and open to the public. Attending an auction is a fun, surprisingly lively experience — part social event, part marketplace, and part education. Here’s what it’s typically like:
🎉 The Vibe
- Casual and friendly: Most attendees are hobbyists—some beginners, some experts—so there’s a welcoming atmosphere and lots of chatting.
- Energetic but relaxed: There’s excitement when rare fish come up, but overall it feels like a community gathering rather than a high-pressure auction.
🐠 What’s Being Auctioned
These auctions often include:
- Locally bred fish (often healthier and hardier than store-bought)
- Rare or unusual species that hobbyists have bred
- Aquatic plants, including big portions at low prices
- Equipment—filters, lights, pumps, full setups
- Food, fertilizers, and books
Everything is usually bagged or labeled clearly, with the species, quantity, and sometimes care notes.
🔨 How the Auction Works
- Registration: You get a bidder number when you arrive. Cash or Credit card are accepted. If you pay cash, you do so upon winning each bag. With a credit card, you just pay once when you are ready to leave.
- Viewing period: People walk around tables of items, taking notes on what they want.
- Running the auction:
- A volunteer auctioneer calls items one at a time.
- Runners carry items around so bidders can see them up close.
- Bidding increments are small—often $1 or $2.
- Upon a winning bid, items are delivered by “runners” directly to the winner.
- Prices:
- Common fish and plants can go shockingly cheap.
- Rare specimens may spark friendly bidding wars.
- CCAC splits profit between the seller and the club.
👥 The People
You’ll meet:
- Long-time breeders offering advice freely
- Members showing off the fry or plants they raised
- New hobbyists looking for deals
- Enthusiasts geeking out over Latin names and genetics
There’s usually a lot of knowledge-sharing, and many people love answering questions.
💡 Benefits of Going
- Fantastic deals on healthy, locally bred fish
- Chance to get species you’ll never see in stores
- Educational: You learn about breeding, husbandry, and even identifying strains
- Great networking: You meet people who can source fish, help with problems, or trade with you later
- Supports the local fish community
🧺 What to Bring
- A cooler or insulated bag for your new fish
- Cash (some clubs take cards, many don’t)
- A notepad for tracking lots you want
- A budget—auctions can get addictive!
📅 Schedule
- CCAC hosts two auctions per year — Spring and Fall.
- Held on a Sunday morning, with the auction beginning at 10:00 AM.
📍 Location
La Quinta Inn
5120 Victory Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46203
This location is easy to access from I-465, has plenty of parking, and provides a comfortable indoor space for long events. Auctions may run until mid to late afternoon, so expect a full day of hobby excitement.
🏠 Audience & Atmosphere at CCAC
CCAC has an enthusiastic and knowledgeable membership base. Their auctions often feature:
- A strong selection of locally bred fish and plants
- Participation from well-known hobbyists and regional breeders
- A friendly, supportive environment ideal for beginners and experienced keepers alike
🛍️ Why CCAC Auctions Are Worth Attending
- They’re one of the most active aquarium clubs in the region.
- Great opportunities for rare fish, healthy stock, and excellent plant portions.
- A fantastic place to meet Midwest hobbyists and expand your connections.