Aquarium Adventure

Aquarium Adventure in Bolingbrook, Illinois is a sprawling pet store with a fish department large enough to draw hobbyists on two-hour round trips from as far as northwest Indiana. The freshwater selection is the main draw — reviewers consistently note species they've never encountered before, the kind of rare and unusual fish you simply won't find at chain stores. The saltwater section exists but is more limited, and coral pricing has drawn criticism for being significantly above what local competitors and online retailers charge.

The live aquarium plant selection is another standout, with enough variety and quality to warrant dedicated trips. On the dry goods side, the store stocks a solid range of supplies, hardscape materials at various price points, and an impressive wall of fish food — Hikari in all its varieties, Bug Bites, sinking pellets, floating granules, and more. Filter media and equipment round out the offerings.

Staff knowledge is frequently praised by name. Xavier has earned recognition for deep-dive consultations on water chemistry and tank optimization. Chris, a manager, is called out for his genuine enthusiasm and expertise with both fish and live plants.

Brian gets applause for his customer service at the fish counter. These aren't scripted interactions — multiple reviewers describe learning things they'd never known about their own setups. The store does have its friction points.

5 times what you'd pay at PetSmart, which most shoppers accept as a trade-off for better selection and healthier livestock. However, some visitors have reported inconsistent tank maintenance and fish health issues, suggesting quality can vary depending on when you visit. A few reviews note the physical space could use attention.

For Bolingbrook-area fishkeepers looking for uncommon freshwater species, quality aquatic plants, and staff who can actually talk water parameters, Aquarium Adventure delivers an experience that big-box stores simply can't match — just budget accordingly.