Ocean Design Aquarium

Tucked into Chicago's Northwest side, Ocean Design Aquarium has been a fixture of the local fishkeeping community for over two decades — first in Dunning Square and now at their current location. Owned and operated by Tony and Linda, this family-run shop has built a fiercely loyal following, with some customers making the trip from 50 miles away and others returning faithfully since 2005. The first thing you notice walking in is how clean everything is.

Multiple reviewers compare it to a miniature Shedd Aquarium, and the beautifully aquascaped display tanks scattered throughout the store back that up. These aren't just sales tanks — they're works of art that showcase what's possible with the right plants, hardscape, and fish. The freshwater selection is extensive and genuinely exciting.

This is the kind of shop where you'll find otocinclus, dwarf shrimp, dwarf frogs, duckweed, and other species that big box stores simply don't carry. Their angelfish are legendarily hardy — one customer reported theirs thriving eight years after purchase. The planted tank section is a standout, with a wide range of aquatic plants and aquascaping elements like rocks and driftwood.

For saltwater hobbyists, they stock a solid selection of fish and corals. Ocean Design carries Aquarium Co-op products, which draws dedicated hobbyists who prefer that brand's approach to fishkeeping. They also handle special orders with impressive turnaround — a service that chain stores struggle to match.

What sets this shop apart from the rest of the Chicago-area aquarium scene is livestock quality. Reviewer after reviewer notes that fish purchased here arrive healthy and stay healthy, with no ich outbreaks or mysterious die-offs. The tank water is so clean that customers feel comfortable mixing it directly with their home aquariums.

Tony's encyclopedic knowledge and genuine willingness to talk through tank setups, stocking questions, and troubleshooting makes every visit feel like a consultation. Whether you need feeder fish for your axolotl or rare shrimp for a planted nano tank, Ocean Design delivers.