Aquatic World

Tucked into the Chicago aquarium scene, Aquatic World is a neighborhood shop that draws customers in with its clean tanks, healthy livestock, and staff who genuinely want to talk through your setup before handing you a bag of fish. Multiple reviewers highlight the store's strength in live plants and planted aquariums — Lisa, one of the staff members frequently mentioned by name, has earned a reputation for walking customers through the planted tank process with patience and honesty. Whether you're picking out rocks, selecting plants for a new aquascape, or browsing the freshwater and saltwater livestock, the team here tends to ask the right questions first: tank size, stocking plans, what you're trying to build.

The freshwater side is where Aquatic World seems to shine brightest. Reviewers consistently note that the plants and animals look healthy and well cared for, with adequate space in the display tanks. The staff's willingness to help narrow down options rather than just upsell is a detail that comes up again and again.

For Chicago hobbyists setting up a new planted aquarium, the consultative approach here — discussing process, compatibility, and realistic expectations — feels genuinely useful rather than performative. The saltwater side of the store includes corals, though reviews are more mixed in that department. At least one customer reported pest issues (aiptasia, flatworms, bubble algae) introduced through coral purchases, and flagged the condition of coral display tanks.

It's worth inspecting frags carefully and considering a quarantine protocol if you're buying corals here. At its best, Aquatic World delivers a personalized, low-pressure shopping experience backed by staff who clearly care about the hobby and the animals they sell. The store's real draw is its knowledgeable team and well-maintained freshwater and plant inventory.

For Chicago-area fishkeepers building out a planted tank or stocking a new setup, it's a solid local resource worth the visit.