Tropi-Quatics Pet Center

For over a decade, Tropi-Quatics Pet Center in Lombard, Illinois operated as one of the western suburbs' most beloved independent fish shops — an old-school store where personalized attention and fish health came first. Though the store has since permanently closed, its legacy among local aquarists remains strong, and its 650+ reviews paint a vivid picture of what made it special. The freshwater selection was the heart of the operation.

Reviewers consistently praised the variety — bettas, cichlids, puffers, rainbowfish, nano fish, and cherry shrimp all made regular appearances in clean, well-maintained display tanks. The store also carried saltwater fish and corals, and was known for sourcing hard-to-find species on customer request. Aquatic plants, driftwood, rocks, and a deep inventory of dry goods and aquarium supplies rounded out the stock.

One reviewer noted the shop even carried terrestrial plants and reptile supplies, including feeder dubias and specialty reptile bulbs. What set Tropi-Quatics apart was the staff's genuine investment in animal welfare. Multiple reviews highlighted their practice of marking and treating sick fish rather than selling them — a policy that earned enormous trust.

Staff members Josh and Mike were singled out for their encyclopedic knowledge of plant care and fish compatibility, taking the time to educate rather than simply ring up sales. Kenzie earned praise for walking a first-time visitor through reptile lighting options with patience and expertise. The team was also responsive on social media, even sending Facebook photos of aquarium stands to a customer in a pinch.

Parents appreciated how the staff guided kids through setting up their first tanks, refusing to sell fish that wouldn't thrive in a customer's existing setup. Long-time hobbyists valued the honest advice and consistently healthy stock. One reviewer had been a loyal customer for 16 years.

Tropi-Quatics represented what independent fish stores do best — prioritize the animals and the people who care for them over volume sales.