Walk into Fish Planet in Deerfield, Illinois, and the first thing you'll notice is the water clarity. Reviewers consistently call out how remarkably clean the tanks are — one customer joked you could practically drink the tank water. It's not just aesthetics; it speaks to a store that takes livestock health seriously, and that care translates directly to what you bring home.
The freshwater selection is the main draw, ranging from everyday community fish to uncommon finds like Congo puffers and feather fin catfish. Their discus collection gets special praise — one repeat customer described them as gorgeous, sweet, and thriving long after purchase. Axolotls are available too, with staff member Riley earning shout-outs for helping customers set up proper care.
Goldfish lovers will find what reviewers call the best selection they've ever seen, and the store stocks a solid variety of shrimp, snails, frogs, and live plants for planted tank enthusiasts. The saltwater side is smaller but well-curated, with Australian corals mentioned and enough quality livestock that at least one family chose Fish Planet as their permanent saltwater shop after visiting every competitor in the area. You can easily tell salt from fresh sections by the sand color — white for saltwater, beige for freshwater.
Staff names like Riley, Eli, and owner Steve come up repeatedly. They'll walk you through tank cycling, filter pump setup, and fish health questions over the phone. One customer recounted buying two feather fin catfish on a freezing day and finding heater pouches tucked into the bag — a small gesture that says a lot.
The store also accepts donated livebearers, a thoughtful touch for hobbyists overrun with fry. Prices run moderate to higher than chain stores, but customers consistently say the health of the fish justifies the cost. The atmosphere is calm and immersive — one reviewer's kid calls it their happy place.
For anyone in the northern Chicago suburbs building or maintaining a freshwater or saltwater setup, Fish Planet delivers the real thing.
Luke
6 reviews
Beautifully maintained store with knowledgeable staff. Truly a pleasure to visit. Always have new, hard to find, interesting fish available. Quick Story: On a super cold day I bought 2 feather fin catfish. These were no more than $10 each. Anyway, after I took them out of the double-bag when i got home, I noticed two heater pouches at the bottom of the bag! Are you kidding me!? Above and beyond (the reef lol). Keep up the good work!!!
CBFB
449 reviews
As my younger son says Fish Planet is my happy place! A great store with a wide selection and competitive pricing. We always prefer to shop smal businesses when given the opportunity so we will continue to shop here for the foreseeable future!
P4lerider
7 reviews
Wonderful staff, wonderful selections. From congo puffers to australian coral, you will always find what you're looking for. Their staff are always ready to pick up the phone and guide you through any process, be it setting up a filter pump, or caring for a sick fish. They also have been very helpful with accepting donations. As someone with six aquariums and many livebearing fish, I frequently have dozens of new babies each month. They have gratefully taken in my donations and its wonderful to see my little guys thriving! Please skip the petco or petsmart and head straight here, for beginners or for experts!
Timothy Newell
3 reviews
Lots of freshwater and some good saltwater. Nice LFS!
World Peace
51 reviews
Sarcastic, rude Employee scenario… Employee: Can I help you? Me: No thank you. I’m just browsing. Employee: Oh, ok…we’re just a free Shedd Aquarium.
Michele Sultan
51 reviews
Only spot for live feeders
Dylan Neff
9 reviews
Excellent freshwater store with a great selection of both common and uncommon fish, and very nice and helpful staff. Definitely one of my new favorite local stores!
Alex S
36 reviews
Helpful and friendly, truly an amazing variety of fish. Riley is very knowledgeable and set me up with everything I needed to bring home 2 healthy axolotl. Definitely worth the visit.
Jared
The staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. They’ve been able to answer all questions and provide great recommendations as I set up my first tank and I look forward to every trip to look at the tanks they have set up
Sherri Kiefner
9 reviews
This place is the best! I have only had fish for about 2 years now, so I really appreciate the knowledgeable and friendly staff. The place is clean and fish are healthy! They always have a nice selection as well. I highly recommend.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (847) 945-4700 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fish Planet.
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839 N Waukegan Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015
February 7, 2026
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