Tucked away in an industrial park in Orland Park, Illinois, Nu Aqua is the kind of freshwater fish store that inspires hour-long pilgrimages from across the Chicagoland area — and rewards every mile. The space is deceptively large once you step inside, and every tank is styled like a display aquascape, brimming with healthy, vibrant livestock. Staff members like Zachary and Dominic are consistently praised for walking customers through stocking options based on tank size and existing inhabitants, offering the kind of personalized guidance that chain stores simply can't match.
What sets Nu Aqua apart starts before a fish ever reaches the sales floor: every animal goes through a multi-week quarantine process, a detail customers cite repeatedly as the reason they haven't lost a single fish after purchase. The selection skews toward the uncommon — Corydoras habrosus, koi swordtails, and a deep bench of both Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp that will make any invertebrate keeper's heart race. They also carry axolotls at prices that undercut the big-box stores, and a koi selection that has pond owners driving in specifically for Father's Day gifts.
The store is built around a smart online-first model: browse the full catalog on their website, add fish to your cart, then choose pickup, in-store ordering, or home delivery. Their website chat connects you with a real person — reportedly the owner — with fast, thoughtful responses. For planted tank enthusiasts, the live plant selection and beautiful spider wood collection make this a one-stop destination, and the rimless tank displays throughout the shop serve as genuine inspiration for aquascaping projects.
Nu Aqua also takes fish back from hobbyists whose livestock have bred, giving animals a temporary home before rehoming them. That kind of community-minded stewardship, combined with competitive pricing, expert care, and a nose-friendly atmosphere (no fishy smell — regulars notice), makes the drive to Orland Park feel less like an errand and more like a hobby event.
Megan Benoit
4 reviews
My husband and I took the hour drive to Nu Aqua to check the place out and hopefully bring some fish home and that we did. We are new to the aquarium life and they were so helpful and knowledgeable. We love the idea that they quarantine their fish before they sell them. Very neat and cleanly place as opposed to some places we have visited. We’ve decided that this will be the only place we buy fish from moving forward even though it is a drive!
michael flatt
34 reviews
Only one star because online it says they're open, but when I went there doors were locked. Even boxes sitting outside in the freezing cold, saying, live fish inside! Called the number but no answer. Edited after another visit week later in the middle of the day and I thought the place was nice and had great potential! Very nice tanks and livestock. All the fish, shrimp and snails looked healthy! The young man and women there were helpful and polite.
Karla Valenzuela
3 reviews
Zack was very helpful, I love when people know what they’re talking about
BOB ROLSKY
76 reviews
Zachary was so helpful. It's a little off the beaten path but well worth the trip. Beautiful aquariums. Great assortment of fish and wisdom! If you have a fresh water tank, they should be your first stop!
A Del Rey
123 reviews
Love the place worth the one hour drive.
Nicole B
8 reviews
The best freshwater fish selection in the Chicagoland area, truly unmatched in quality. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and you can tell they care about what they do. It’s such a fun and beautiful place to bring the kids. I could honestly spend all day in this store!
Mackenzie Drake
2 reviews
Great place
Ryan
11 reviews
Amazingly good freshwater pet shop. Great selection, healthy fish, and complete online catalog of what they have in store. I'm lucky to live in the area but they also deliver
Joshua Szarzynski
2 reviews
Loved everything about this place. You can tell that they take the care of their animals very seriously which as an enthusiast in the hobby I can truly appreciate. All the staff are kind and knowledgeable and quick to help. Would highly recommend shopping here for all your aquatic needs
Tyler A
22 reviews
Cool place, tucked into an industrial area. You order online, and pick it up, order online in store and get it then or there, or get it shipped to your house. A bit out of the way for me, but staff is professional and all livestock and plants I received are in good shape in my current tanks
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (708) 995-7745 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Nu Aqua.
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11555 183rd Pl, Orland Park, IL 60467
February 7, 2026
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