








Rob's Aquatics in Tinley Park, Illinois has built a loyal local following over more than a decade, anchored by owner Rob's deep knowledge of the saltwater hobby and a genuine willingness to guide customers through everything from their first reef tank to advanced predatory setups. The shop's primary focus is saltwater fish and corals, and multiple reviewers credit Rob and his team with helping them build entire reef systems from scratch — selecting livestock, dialing in filtration, and troubleshooting water chemistry along the way. The in-store experience draws consistent praise.
Tanks are well-maintained, and customers regularly note they've never seen a sick fish on the premises. Rob reportedly quarantines new arrivals and won't sell livestock until it's eating and healthy — a practice that earns trust among hobbyists who've been burned elsewhere. The selection spans beginner-friendly saltwater species to more exotic offerings like axolotls and arowanas, and the crew is happy to source items they don't have in stock.
Pricing is another draw. Reviewers highlight strong deals on tanks, stands, and equipment — one customer scored a 55-gallon setup with a pump, stand, and décor extras at a price that left them thrilled. The staff provides honest, low-pressure consultations, often steering newer hobbyists away from purchases that could cause problems rather than just ringing up a sale.
One first-time saltwater keeper described how Rob replaced fish that died due to the customer's own inexperience, saying he didn't want anyone's introduction to the hobby to go badly. It's worth noting that Rob's online shipping operation has drawn sharp criticism from several buyers who reported poor packaging — no styrofoam, no heat packs — and dead-on-arrival fish with little recourse. The in-store experience and the shipping experience appear to be very different, and prospective online buyers should weigh those reviews carefully.
For south suburban Chicago hobbyists looking for knowledgeable saltwater guidance, competitive equipment pricing, and healthy in-store livestock, Rob's Aquatics remains a destination worth the drive to Tinley Park.
Patrick James
12 reviews
By far the best shop in town! Rob and his team are extremely helpful and everything they have in store is healthy/thriving. A+
Tony Smith
4 reviews
Experienced nice team to work with
Chris Ernest
2 reviews
I usually order fish from predatory fins and decide I would give rob’s aquatics a try. Big mistake. He offered to bring me the fish since I’m located in the same city. He only had a couple types of fish. I only wanted to get 1 bass but, my thoughts were he’s a new entrepreneur let grab a couple other fish and support the guy. I got a catfish labeled on the website 3”. Nope when handed me the fish it was half the size. So, the tank I originally thought it was going in would not work. So, I set up a new tank for the fish. Only to find out he just got the fish off the airplane took it to his place put it in a tank then takes it out and bring it to me all in the same day. If I was told this before he brought it to me I would’ve had him hold the fish to not put too much stress on the fish. About 15 hours later after trying to feed him I noticed ich and he didn’t eat.I haven’t had a ich break out in several years. When I contacted rob he told me. All the other catfish are perfect no ich. Because they had time to adjust. It’s bad practice to do it like he did. I also bought 2 puffer fish, he said that 2 would be fine together well they immediately went after each other. I had to separate them into two different tanks so that was two tanks I had to set up. One for the catfish and one for the puffer. I told him about my complaints and he basically told me at least the others survived. He said once it is out of his hands he is not responsible. So, shame on me for trying to help someone new in the business out. I will be ordering for predatory fins from now on. I gave him several days to make it right and he chose not to. I never write google reviews but, people need to here my bad experience with robs aquatics.
Kiyanna Howard ,Realtor
2 reviews
A SCAM. Sends fish in cardboard box & doesn’t respond after they’re inevitably dead on arrival. Reporting to BBB immediately. Not upholding industry standard or at least providing a remedy or response is not legal.
Kiyanna Howard
4 reviews
The horror stories are true. DO NOT ORDER FISH FROM THIS BOY. He sends fish in PACKING PEANUTS & NOTHING ELSE. Simple cardboard box with “live fish” written in marker. No warmers, no styrofoam. No fish alive could survive shipped by this guy. ITS ANIMAL CRUELTY TO THESE FISH. Then he blames it on shipping timing, claiming you should purchase overnight as if they would even survive that. We’ve purchased many fish over the years with 2-day or longer shipping. If we knew he’d package the fish so far beneath industry standard, we would’nt have ordered at all. Tropical fish need heat, this amateur doesn’t even provide the industry bare minimum of including hand warmers. Terribly ran business, couldn’t care less about customer satisfaction or retention! Doesn’t even respond to your complaint!
NewtHub
45 reviews
Good selection, knowledgeable staff and if they don't carry something just ask and they can probably get it.
Robert Serafino
15 reviews
Great place for saltwater fish and corals
Delta 173
Absolutely wonderful place got an amazing deal on a 55 gallon tank with pump and stand with decor items as entra for free 10/10 will always Recommend
Anthony Zimbicki
454 reviews
Hand delivered, good experience.
Ben Ford
This is a horrible business, ordered a juvenile arowana and it took forever to get it when I messaged him about it he gives me bs excuses and when I receive the fish it was dead and when I message him again about a refund he never responds, now he’s saying he didn’t have that website just excuse after excuse and nothing to make it right report this business who knows how many other people he’s done that to, then he deletes his instagram account just super shady all around
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (708) 444-7627 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Rob's Aquatics.
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17135 S Harlem Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477
February 7, 2026
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