About
AquaticHQ in Bolingbrook, Illinois has quickly established itself as a destination store for aquarium hobbyists across the Chicago metro area, with multiple reviewers noting they drive 45 minutes to two hours to shop here. The store leans saltwater-dominant, with a huge coral selection that customers consistently describe as gorgeous, alongside a strong reef fish lineup, clean-up crew invertebrates, and specialty foods like live roe, pods, mysis, and clam on the half shell. Reef Moonshiner supplements and other hard-to-find products round out the saltwater side.
But freshwater keepers aren't an afterthought. The store stocks a solid variety of freshwater fish — from yellow labs and parrot cichlids to harlequin rasboras and panda garras — plus ornamental shrimp, crabs, and live plants. Staff member Brody has gone the extra mile for customers, sourcing specific species like clown loaches on request and even helping rehome fish.
That kind of personalized service runs deep here; multiple reviewers describe spending 30 minutes to an hour with staff working through tank setups, plant selections, and stocking decisions. The store itself is spacious and immaculately clean, a detail that comes up in nearly every review. Display tanks are crystal clear and the livestock looks healthy.
They carry lights, pumps, sand, rock, and some used equipment, though a few customers note the dry goods selection is more limited than the livestock side. If something isn't in stock, staff will order it. AquaticHQ also offers tank maintenance services — owners and staff will come out to care for tanks when customers travel.
Located right off the expressway, the shop is easy to reach and the team is responsive by phone. With involved owners like Grahm and Jason leading a crew that genuinely takes time with each customer, this Bolingbrook shop has earned fierce loyalty in DuPage County and well beyond.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Tank MaintenanceConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Huge coral selection with quality reef livestock and specialty foods like live roe and pods
- Staff sources hard-to-find species on request, including yellow labs and clown loaches
- Immaculately clean store with crystal-clear display tanks
- Tank maintenance services available for customers who travel
- Carries hard-to-find products like Reef Moonshiner supplements
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great store it's laid out well and the employees are very nice and knowledgeable. I'm happy to find a store that has both fresh and salt water and at great prices.”
— Andrew M5.0a month ago“This is my favorite fish shop around. It's always very clean, prices are reasonable, and the staff is always attentive. I highly recommend them to everyone in the aquarium hobby.”
— Terrance Waddell5.0a month ago“Super supportive staff. Clean and Great displays. Corals. Salt water trophies. And a excellent supply of fresh water fish!”
— Lynn Capone Thompson5.0a month ago“This place is very clean, which is great compared to other similar placed. The staff is very friendly and helpful and the overall experience is always positive. Definitely appreciate the cleanliness and customer service here.”
— Medalith Somers5.02 months ago“I have been here a few times now and enjoyed both visits. The display tanks are gorgeous and the other aquariums seem to be well taken care of. Bought a few fish and inverts and all are doing great!”
— Luke H5.02 months ago“If I could, I would give a million stars. The staff is insanely friendly. I am setting up a new aquarium and they helped me with picking out plants. Also being relatively new to the hobby they answered ALL of my questions. I probably spent an hour with the folks there. I had made two trips so talked with 4 different employees and they were all knowledgeable. I will definitely be returning! for my plant needs!”
— Scott Senka5.0Edited 2 months ago“Owners and staff are awesome place always clean with great selections of freshwater and saltwater fish/corals. We even have them come out to take care of tanks when we go out of town.”
— Julie Ellis5.03 months ago“10/10 very understanding and friendly i recommend”
— John Mchennis5.03 months ago“Excelente lugar y muy buena atención de las personas !!”
— Alejandro Villa5.05 months ago“Brody sourced yellow labs and clown loaches for me, even helped me get rid of my parrot cichlids to a good home. Highly recommend!!”
— Alex Perez5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (630) 349-7333 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting AquaticHQ.