AquaticHQ

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.