About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Tank SetupConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Staff actively consult on tank size, stocking plans, and build goals before recommending purchases
- Strong selection of live plants and planted aquarium supplies
- Lisa praised for honest, knowledgeable guidance on planted tank setups
- Clean tanks with healthy-looking freshwater livestock
- Both freshwater and saltwater fish and coral inventory available
From keepers
Customer reviews
“The owner and wife are very weird and rude people. Wife genuinely doesn't know anything about the hobby. They always have a horrible selection of fish. I've bought several corals there and tried to be friendly, but these three corals, which weren't in great shape to begin with, have introduced aptasia, an absurd number of flat worms, and bubble algae to my aquarium. The coral display tanks are horribly maintained. Do not shop here.”
— Baby Ray1.03 weeks ago“I had a very good experience both times I went here. The first time, the woman that works there helped me pick out a few plants for my aquarium. We had a nice conversation and I left. The second time, the gentleman that works there helped me pick out some more plants and some rocks as well. Both were very helpful and I could tell they were knowledgeable. They both asked me what kind of tank I was trying to build, how big it was, what I wanted to put in there, etc. I felt like that helped narrow down the scope of things when it came to buying. I’ll definitely be going there again.”
— Kylie5.02 months ago“A really fantastic store. All the animals and plants look very healthy and well looked after, the staff not only appear to really care for all the aquatic life in their care but also seem to be highly knowledgeable and helpful to customers. I couldn't recommend a place higher for aquatic/aquarium needs!”
— Emps Rd5.02 months ago“Such a wonderful store, with a wide selection of livestock! Lisa was so helpful with setting up my new tank. Very knowledgeable and honest about the planted aquarium process. Overall, 10/10 :)”
— Jake Lopez5.03 months ago“I came in with a general idea and received exactly the help I needed. The two people that helped me were kind and professional. Their plants and animals looked especially well taken care of, with plenty of room. I’m sure I’ll be back.”
— Ryan5.04 months ago“Great and friendly staff. Very knowledgeable and willing to answer questions. They really care about the hobby and they really care that the fish go home to a good situation.”
— Frank V5.04 months ago“Super knowledgeable, great selection”
— Joshua Wesalo5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (773) 935-2028 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquatic World.