Chicago Area Local Fish Stores - Page 2

am944 · 04/22/2010, 10:24 PM

Hey, I'm from Indianapolis and am going to be in Chicago this weekend. The map that you guys have of the LFSes was awesome! However, I was hoping that you could help me figure out which one might have the largest coral selection and which one might have the largest fish selection? I'll be in Lakeview but am willing to drive to get some good stuff. Thanks for the help in advance!

britestar101 · 04/23/2010, 09:53 AM

For coral this weekend:
go to Coral Reef Pet Center
or come to the 2010 JOLIET AREA REEF CLUB FRAG SWAP
Date: Saturday, April 24th
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Joliet Elk's Lodge, 250 SE Frontage Road, Joliet, IL
or Midwest Coral Farms
or Sho Tank Aquariums
These all should have some fish, I think Sho Tank has the most.

dohc97 · 04/23/2010, 10:55 AM

Not sure what your looking for as far as fish but a store that is not too far from where you will be is aquatic reef, the corals are pretty basic but the fish selection is pretty nice. They are located right by damen and belmont ave. Otherwise i would try old orchard aquarium in skokie for fish, for corals i would go to midwest coral farms as mentioned or sho tank.

dohc97 · 04/23/2010, 09:26 PM

meant to say aquatic world, sorry about that

lockus · 08/13/2010, 12:30 PM

Rob's Aquatics
17135 S Harlem Ave
Tinley Park IL 60477
708-444-ROBS (7627)

Closed Mon
Tues - Fri 11am - 7pm
Sat - Sun 11am - 5pm

Tank2379 · 08/28/2010, 10:20 AM

Julie's Pet Shop- Saltwater Dept Located in the Basement
2214 N Milwaukee Ave
(between Attrill St & Prindiville St)
Chicago, IL 60647

M-F 9am to 8pm

Saturday and Sunday 9am to 6pm

Kmiec123 · 08/29/2010, 10:25 AM

...

grom · 10/05/2010, 04:59 PM

Just went here today for first time...it is the largest fish store i have ever seen...Almost 4 times as big as the next biggest ive seen.
For its size, the corals are lacking, but have decent sw fish selection, and AMAZING freshwater section (both plants and fish), including 2 2000+ gallon tanks that are in a hallway. If i was doin fw id shop here to doubt...
Its definetly worth the drive to check out, they have some really really cool display tanks set up.

Aquarium Adventure
11 Golf Center
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

and

744 East Boughton Rd.
Bolingbrook, IL 60440

They have 2 locations

http://www.aquariumadventure.com/

Definetly worth checking out.

Bob60070 · 10/05/2010, 07:15 PM

Wait for it...

mystery_reef · 10/05/2010, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob60070

Wait for it...

i dont wana ruin this sticky

nixer · 10/05/2010, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grom

Just went here today for first time...it is the largest fish store i have ever seen...Almost 4 times as big as the next biggest ive seen.
For its size, the corals are lacking, but have decent sw fish selection, and AMAZING freshwater section (both plants and fish), including 2 2000+ gallon tanks that are in a hallway. If i was doin fw id shop here to doubt...
Its definetly worth the drive to check out, they have some really really cool display tanks set up.

Aquarium Adventure
11 Golf Center
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

and

744 East Boughton Rd.
Bolingbrook, IL 60440

They have 2 locations

http://www.aquariumadventure.com/

Definetly worth checking out.

the hoffman estates one had nicer displays and more fish for sale.
the bolingbrook one has more tanks for sale and dry goods. it also has a SW pond in the front door
they have a fish club and sometimes has killer sales, but not always the best fish. like all stores they get shipped to them what they get.

mstewart · 10/10/2010, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nixer

the hoffman estates one had nicer displays and more fish for sale.
the bolingbrook one has more tanks for sale and dry goods. it also has a SW pond in the front door
they have a fish club and sometimes has killer sales, but not always the best fish. like all stores they get shipped to them what they get.

I'm happy to see someone else post about the Aqaurium Adventure in Bollingbrook. I've been checking in on them since they opened and I've got to give them some credit for what they are doing there. Sure the fish selections are going to vary, and their prices are average. However, I've seen a steady attention to the health of the livestock and their presentation. On several occasions I've asked questions of enthusiastic young employess who were quite knowledgable. Even better, I asked how large a particular fish would get and the employee went and looked it up rather than try to bluff me and sell me something inappropriate for my tank. Needless to say, I didnt' buy that day but I've been back to make purchases since then.

britestar101 · 11/16/2010, 11:52 AM

Hobbyland Pet Shop
2947 West Jefferson Street
Joliet, IL 60435-5235
(815) 730-8230

jrpark22000 · 12/01/2010, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mstewart

I'm happy to see someone else post about the Aqaurium Adventure in Bollingbrook. I've been checking in on them since they opened and I've got to give them some credit for what they are doing there. Sure the fish selections are going to vary, and their prices are average. However, I've seen a steady attention to the health of the livestock and their presentation. On several occasions I've asked questions of enthusiastic young employess who were quite knowledgable. Even better, I asked how large a particular fish would get and the employee went and looked it up rather than try to bluff me and sell me something inappropriate for my tank. Needless to say, I didnt' buy that day but I've been back to make purchases since then.

Wow, I went to the bolingbrook store. I did not see clean tanks nor fair prices. $55 for Koralia evo 1050. They had tanks of Aptasia and bubble algea, I'm not sure how much they were charging. One tank had a nasty rusty razor blade in the bottom and after I pointed it to a employee, he shrugged.

Just my honest opionion.

hurrafreak · 12/08/2010, 11:00 AM

Hello all Chicagolanders! I'm from Colorado and am in Chicago for vacation. I had a huge list of LFS's that I was planning on visiting while I was here, but to my surprise most of them either their phones are disconnected so I don't know if they exist anymore, or they don't exist. I was just wondering if the map on the first page is updated?? That's a great tool if it is! I also am open to any suggestions as well!! Ill only be here through today and tomorrow as I wasted yesterday chasing down my list. Thanks in advance for any help!!

jrpark22000 · 12/08/2010, 11:23 AM

MY 2 favorites by far are tropi-quatics in lombard and aquatica in tinnley park.

http://www.aquaticatinleypark.com/
http://www.tropi-quatics.com/contact.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by hurrafreak

Hello all Chicagolanders! I'm from Colorado and am in Chicago for vacation. I had a huge list of LFS's that I was planning on visiting while I was here, but to my surprise most of them either their phones are disconnected so I don't know if they exist anymore, or they don't exist. I was just wondering if the map on the first page is updated?? That's a great tool if it is! I also am open to any suggestions as well!! Ill only be here through today and tomorrow as I wasted yesterday chasing down my list. Thanks in advance for any help!!

MeatWad · 12/08/2010, 12:37 PM

Yea its pretty updated as far as i can tell I like tropiquatics and reef plus the best but Advanced Aquatics, Petland's Aquarium Adventure and Beyond the Reef are all minutes from one another. you can get to Beyond the Reef from Aquarium Adventure's parking lot. so the next question is what area are you around?

hurrafreak · 12/08/2010, 02:04 PM

I have my own car while I'm here so I can pretty much go anywhere, I just got done visiting "the living sea."

Alex_il · 12/19/2010, 09:47 PM

AquaPros
500 Pensylvania Ave
Glen Ellyn, IL 60139 (Rear Unit)
(630) 935-1363

MeatWad · 12/19/2010, 10:20 PM

Alex are you with them? I see there posts on CL but havent had time to stop by.

tcmfish · 12/19/2010, 10:26 PM

I didn't want to post it, but whats up? I work at Aquarium Adventure in Bollingbrook (seasonal bc of school). Its cool to have this list as I like to visit them all too.

Alex_il · 12/20/2010, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeatWad

Alex are you with them? I see there posts on CL but havent had time to stop by.

The owner name is David, and he nice, the price is reasonable, when you buy more, he can give you discount and his next shipment will be on this Tuesday. I just bought some soft corals and i'll return to ask him find for me pair dark organe percula clowns.

lolgranny · 01/06/2011, 06:19 PM

Awesome this is what ive been looking for.

+10 for Exotic Aquatics, the guys there have been real good to me and lately he has quite the selection of nice frags.

OpTiCz · 01/14/2011, 07:22 AM

Sea Escapes isn't too bad. Their Fiji LR is good and on sale right now for 5.69 a pound. A bit expensive for other things, like Premix Instant Ocean Salt Water at 1.69 a gallon, and a 10 gallon box of Instant ocean was 9.99. Aquarium Adventure in Schaumburg also uses Instant Ocean salt water, 1.00 per gallon, and a 25 gallon box was 12.99.

Oh, and a lot of places put their coupons on their website.
Sea Escapes currently has a 5 off 25, and 15 off 100.

BackReefer · 01/31/2011, 07:55 PM

Scott's has a fairly new store in Clarendon Hills on Ogden Ave., just west of Kingery Rd. (Rt. 83)

04/23/2010, 10:55 AM	#28
dohc97 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 4,183	Not sure what your looking for as far as fish but a store that is not too far from where you will be is aquatic reef, the corals are pretty basic but the fish selection is pretty nice. They are located right by damen and belmont ave. Otherwise i would try old orchard aquarium in skokie for fish, for corals i would go to midwest coral farms as mentioned or sho tank. __________________ "I upgraded my lighting to HID with angel eyes" Current Tank Info: IM 25 lagoon, diy stand, kessil A360we, mp10 wes qd, apex jr

04/23/2010, 09:26 PM	#29
dohc97 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 4,183	meant to say aquatic world, sorry about that __________________ "I upgraded my lighting to HID with angel eyes" Current Tank Info: IM 25 lagoon, diy stand, kessil A360we, mp10 wes qd, apex jr

08/13/2010, 12:30 PM	#30
lockus Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: The armpit of the U.S.A. Dyer (NW Indiana) Posts: 252	Rob's Aquatics 17135 S Harlem Ave Tinley Park IL 60477 708-444-ROBS (7627) Closed Mon Tues - Fri 11am - 7pm Sat - Sun 11am - 5pm __________________ Solving the world's problems one beer at a time. It does not suck to be me. Current Tank Info: 75 reef that is in the process of upgrading all the equipment

08/28/2010, 10:20 AM	#31
Tank2379 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago(Logan Square/Humbolt Park) Posts: 4,204	Julie's Pet Shop- Saltwater Dept Located in the Basement 2214 N Milwaukee Ave (between Attrill St & Prindiville St) Chicago, IL 60647 M-F 9am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday 9am to 6pm __________________ 90G- Powered By Tek T-5 8 bulb 1X MP10wES,1 MP40wes, Waveline DC4000, Octopus Skimmer NW150, Apex lite, Eshopps RS200 sump 80G Frag system- Powered by 2X MH Pendants with 250W 20K Radiums, DIY S

08/29/2010, 10:25 AM	#32
Kmiec123 Actual CMAS Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: NW Side Chicago Posts: 2,743 Blog Entries: 1	... __________________ Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground. Current Tank Info: All-Glass 120 Gal #12348 W/ Dual overflow 48x24x24. Dual 400w MH with VHO atintic. Rod's sump design with old Euro reef skimmer Wife's tank 55 Gal w/cylone Bio-filter #cy194 w/ Sendra 3500 on Skimmer. Korella's for flow.

04/22/2010, 10:24 PM	#26
am944 Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 65	Hey, I'm from Indianapolis and am going to be in Chicago this weekend. The map that you guys have of the LFSes was awesome! However, I was hoping that you could help me figure out which one might have the largest coral selection and which one might have the largest fish selection? I'll be in Lakeview but am willing to drive to get some good stuff. Thanks for the help in advance!

04/23/2010, 09:53 AM	#27
britestar101 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Crest Hill, IL Posts: 348	For coral this weekend: go to Coral Reef Pet Center or come to the 2010 JOLIET AREA REEF CLUB FRAG SWAP Date: Saturday, April 24th Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Location: Joliet Elk's Lodge, 250 SE Frontage Road, Joliet, IL or Midwest Coral Farms or Sho Tank Aquariums These all should have some fish, I think Sho Tank has the most.

10/05/2010, 04:59 PM	#33
grom Moved On Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 485	Just went here today for first time...it is the largest fish store i have ever seen...Almost 4 times as big as the next biggest ive seen. For its size, the corals are lacking, but have decent sw fish selection, and AMAZING freshwater section (both plants and fish), including 2 2000+ gallon tanks that are in a hallway. If i was doin fw id shop here to doubt... Its definetly worth the drive to check out, they have some really really cool display tanks set up. Aquarium Adventure 11 Golf Center Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 and 744 East Boughton Rd. Bolingbrook, IL 60440 They have 2 locations http://www.aquariumadventure.com/ Definetly worth checking out.

10/05/2010, 07:15 PM	#34
Bob60070 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: St Louis, MO Posts: 944	Wait for it...

11/16/2010, 11:52 AM	#38
britestar101 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Crest Hill, IL Posts: 348	Hobbyland Pet Shop 2947 West Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60435-5235 (815) 730-8230

12/08/2010, 11:00 AM	#40
hurrafreak Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: FOCO Posts: 38	Hello all Chicagolanders! I'm from Colorado and am in Chicago for vacation. I had a huge list of LFS's that I was planning on visiting while I was here, but to my surprise most of them either their phones are disconnected so I don't know if they exist anymore, or they don't exist. I was just wondering if the map on the first page is updated?? That's a great tool if it is! I also am open to any suggestions as well!! Ill only be here through today and tomorrow as I wasted yesterday chasing down my list. Thanks in advance for any help!! __________________ THE GREAT ONE Current Tank Info: Upgrading, ask me later

12/08/2010, 12:37 PM	#42
MeatWad Registered Member. Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Bartlett IL Posts: 193	Yea its pretty updated as far as i can tell I like tropiquatics and reef plus the best but Advanced Aquatics, Petland's Aquarium Adventure and Beyond the Reef are all minutes from one another. you can get to Beyond the Reef from Aquarium Adventure's parking lot. so the next question is what area are you around?

12/08/2010, 02:04 PM	#43
hurrafreak Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: FOCO Posts: 38	I have my own car while I'm here so I can pretty much go anywhere, I just got done visiting "the living sea." __________________ THE GREAT ONE Current Tank Info: Upgrading, ask me later

12/19/2010, 09:47 PM	#44
Alex_il Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 23	AquaPros 500 Pensylvania Ave Glen Ellyn, IL 60139 (Rear Unit) (630) 935-1363

12/19/2010, 10:20 PM	#45
MeatWad Registered Member. Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Bartlett IL Posts: 193	Alex are you with them? I see there posts on CL but havent had time to stop by.

12/19/2010, 10:26 PM	#46
tcmfish Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,658	I didn't want to post it, but whats up? I work at Aquarium Adventure in Bollingbrook (seasonal bc of school). Its cool to have this list as I like to visit them all too.

01/06/2011, 06:19 PM	#48
lolgranny The DQ King Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Chicago (McHenry) Posts: 2,414	Awesome this is what ive been looking for. +10 for Exotic Aquatics, the guys there have been real good to me and lately he has quite the selection of nice frags. __________________ -Dave Current Tank Info: 40g RIP. 300g system, 180g display.

01/14/2011, 07:22 AM	#49
OpTiCz Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Elgin, IL Posts: 303	Sea Escapes isn't too bad. Their Fiji LR is good and on sale right now for 5.69 a pound. A bit expensive for other things, like Premix Instant Ocean Salt Water at 1.69 a gallon, and a 10 gallon box of Instant ocean was 9.99. Aquarium Adventure in Schaumburg also uses Instant Ocean salt water, 1.00 per gallon, and a 25 gallon box was 12.99. Oh, and a lot of places put their coupons on their website. Sea Escapes currently has a 5 off 25, and 15 off 100. Last edited by OpTiCz; 01/14/2011 at 07:30 AM.

01/31/2011, 07:55 PM	#50
BackReefer Moved On Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Cicero, Il. Posts: 61	Scott's other location Scott's has a fairly new store in Clarendon Hills on Ogden Ave., just west of Kingery Rd. (Rt. 83)