About
Aquarium Adventure in Bolingbrook, Illinois is a sprawling pet store with a fish department large enough to draw hobbyists on two-hour round trips from as far as northwest Indiana. The freshwater selection is the main draw — reviewers consistently note species they've never encountered before, the kind of rare and unusual fish you simply won't find at chain stores. The saltwater section exists but is more limited, and coral pricing has drawn criticism for being significantly above what local competitors and online retailers charge.
The live aquarium plant selection is another standout, with enough variety and quality to warrant dedicated trips. On the dry goods side, the store stocks a solid range of supplies, hardscape materials at various price points, and an impressive wall of fish food — Hikari in all its varieties, Bug Bites, sinking pellets, floating granules, and more. Filter media and equipment round out the offerings.
Staff knowledge is frequently praised by name. Xavier has earned recognition for deep-dive consultations on water chemistry and tank optimization. Chris, a manager, is called out for his genuine enthusiasm and expertise with both fish and live plants.
Brian gets applause for his customer service at the fish counter. These aren't scripted interactions — multiple reviewers describe learning things they'd never known about their own setups. The store does have its friction points.
5 times what you'd pay at PetSmart, which most shoppers accept as a trade-off for better selection and healthier livestock. However, some visitors have reported inconsistent tank maintenance and fish health issues, suggesting quality can vary depending on when you visit. A few reviews note the physical space could use attention.
For Bolingbrook-area fishkeepers looking for uncommon freshwater species, quality aquatic plants, and staff who can actually talk water parameters, Aquarium Adventure delivers an experience that big-box stores simply can't match — just budget accordingly.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Exceptionally large selection of rare and hard-to-find freshwater fish species
- Extensive live aquarium plant inventory that draws customers from hours away
- Knowledgeable staff members like Chris, Xavier, and Brian who provide detailed fish care guidance
- Wide range of fish food including Hikari and Bug Bites in multiple formulations
- Membership program offering additional value for returning customers
From keepers
Customer reviews
“The place is dirty i don't see how them fish living in them tanks and if u black the workers just walk right pass u and don't ask if u need help when helping other people that don't look like me...”
— KEITH M1.0a week ago“The employees are very helpful”
— Jose Cardenas5.03 weeks ago“Any fish you buy from here you must out in an isolation tank. I have had so many fish die from here, some with fin rot, some just don't even make it a week. I would recommend finding someone who raises fish as a hobby to get fish from or a fish swap. The fish here are poorly kept care of.”
— Garrett Glinski2.0a month ago“Friendly quick service.”
— Brian Fullerton5.0a month ago“Very nice and helpful staff. Has a great assortment .”
— Carl C5.0a month ago“Great quality and large fish selection. We had a few fish die right after the 2 day return window and Chris the manager was helpful in making an exception. We’ll be coming back.”
— Gint5.0a month ago“I took my fiance here, and she loves turtles.”
— Christopher Matthews5.02 months ago“Great selection, fish species not commonly found at big, chain pet stores.”
— Brian Romero5.02 months ago“Just wanted to give a huge shoutout to Chris! I don’t know if he already is in management but if you see this please make sure you retain people like him. He was super friendly, knowledgeable about all the aspects of fish and the live plants and on top of that seemed like he genuinely enjoyed his job. Definitely will come back for all our aquarium needs.”
— Ricky Lentz5.03 months ago“Solid pet store. Wide selection of animals. My kids loved it. Great selection of fish.”
— Brian Kunes5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (630) 739-1128 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquarium Adventure.