Reviews of Aquatica (Fish Shop)

Brandon Myres

The best fish store in illinois.

Peter Sus

Mario and his staff are amazing. They will always give you honest advice, they have a fantastic selection, and go above and beyond to take care of their customers.

Francisco Gunman

Great service

Williams Benita

I LUV this place!!

Vaughn Lubarski

Very clean selection, friendly staff

jarrett Webb

All your salt water fish needs...

Jake Thorns

Went to this store years ago looking for piranhas. Got a huge spiel on why piranhas are stupid and I should buy something else. Like dude, I get that you don't have them and that's fine, but insulting a customer's taste to try to get them to buy something from you isn't exactly a great business plan. Also I noticed one of his tanks was getting overrun with ich and brought it to his attention. Instead of getting a thank you for trying to help him save stock, I got an angry confrontation, as in he's the expert and I don't know what I'm looking at. Recently went back in and talked to a different employee. Was looking for mbuna cichlids and asked if he was open to trading fish down the line (most small local shops will do this as mbuna cichlids need a certain M:F ratio to maintain a stable colony and are virtually impossible to sex as juveniles) and got a no. I elaborated that I wasn't talking about just bringing in random fish, I was talking about buying his and if they matured and I had too many males if I could exchange the extra males for females/juvie. Got an angry no. Also, these fish were priced about 3x what they're worth. So yeah, in summary rude and not very knowledgeable staff and very high prices. I'm not sure about how they treat their saltwater customers, but freshwater service definitely leaves something to be desired. Do yourself a favor, if you're local and looking for freshwater fish go to Animal Island in Midlothian. Well worth the extra drive.

José Abreu

Great place is like the Walmart for Fish... everything that you need

Joshua Breen

Best and only place for aquatic needs in the Chicagoland area. Knowledgeable and friendly staff - huge selection - unbeatable prices. Mario saved me a ton of money and time and actually gave me products to borrow and try out with no commitment to purchase additional items. You won't find better customer care anywhere else! Don't waste your time going elsewhere. Head to Aquatica on Oak Park Avenue in Tinley Park, IL.

John Jawor

Very diverse collection of fish species

Clayton Wismer

Best place to buy fish and fish related products in the south suburbs

Benjamin Valencia

Lots of interesting fish to choose from Friendly employees

Artur augustynek

Honestly should be given 6 stars. A+ to the whole team at the store

10 K

Best aquatic store around. Extremely knowledgeable, customer friendly, and healthy life stock. I recommend this place to everyone!

David Torres

Just picked up a complete fish take set up for our company Illinois Lift Equipment.I sold Mario two forklifts and decided that it was appropriate to get a nice fish tank for our office. Mario took care of us and my employees were very happy with how the tank turned out. I plan on purchasing a home within the next ten months and will definitely go back to Aquatica for all my tank needs. Also two other coworkers plan on getting a tank for there homes as well.

Dee K

Good selection of fish, good service but so small it's so hard to move around.

Trailhead RC

Great selection of fish and corals. Tons of accessories, pumps, filters, decor, etc. Helpful, knowledgeable staff. Great expierence over the chain pet stores.

Rob Ondracek

Relocated to the area and this is by far my favorite store for salt water fish. Great selection very reasonable prices. Employees very helpful. Only draw back is limited selection for coral

Samuel Ramos

Awesome place great service and they know what there doing

N Stgo

Love this place. A great variety of fish. Prices are great

Chris Galassi

As a customer for many years the service, advice, and selection is consistently outstanding! After one visit you will never consider another aquatic store again.

James Jakeway

Great selection. A bit overpriced though. If you're looking for something specific, this is your place!

Terry Runyon

Awesome fish store! They had so many saltwater fish to choose from at good prices. Employees go above and beyond to help you out! I will be going back. Thank you for a great experience

jeff salcik

Great store Mario is excellent full of knowledge.

Echo the Bot

Mario is the best, when it comes to saltwater. He is always there to help you out. Would still be going there for fish and supplies; if i didn't move to florida.

Steven Salcik

I have been coming here for a few years now. They have everything you could need for a successful aquarium. Great prices and variety, plus their tanks are very clean and healthy looking. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable.

Ryan Matthew

Best place around!

radusfx

Great place. The guys know their stuff and their fish are healthy and beautiful. I wish they were closer, but than again I would be buying bigger tank and more fish. Go here, they will help you, not just sell u stuff just to sell

Sean O'Leary

Excellent store and extremely knowledgeable staff. I've had Marine fish for 37 years. Aquatica is up there with the best of the best!

LadyDee Rocks Rocks

very Nice just not enough variety of freshwater fish.

Daniel Taraszka

Super knowledgeable owner. Has awesome memory too. Great little shop for all fish related stuff.

Dana Kolodziejczyk

Mario knows his stuff and has a large selection of marine fish and creatures as well as fresh water fish. Tanks of all sizes. There was one there today that was enormous. I assume it was a custom order.

Warren Baczynski

Love the selection of coral, staff is very helpful and very educated. I will never shop another store for salt water. The definite go to place for anything salt water

JAMES DOCKERY

Mario and staff are fantastic and very no knowledgable. Go in check k it out.

Kyle Herald

I love this place becuase the fish are extremely healthy and are very beautiful. The only downside is there stock of freshwater plants. Reason why is that they have none. Now for saltwater corals etc this is the place for you and i would highly recommend him for his fish and corals.

Lalita Wilkes

Great experience, beautiful fish

L HUNTER

Love this place. No matter how busy they are the manager/owner always has the time to help you out. The entire staff appears to be very knowledgeable. My first saltwater tank and it's going well. Their fish selection looks awesome. Makes me feel like a regular there.

Robert Hirtz

Great customer service and selection of products.

John Hernandez

Mario and his crew are always very helpful, the store is full of livestock and accessories. I visit regularly even though I have not had a tank in service at home.

Gary Bland

This place a WOW factor.. See for yourself. Really enjoyed it..

PAUL DECKER

Thanks

fred brunetti

Nice clean place

Paul P

Great products, great service. Mario and his crew are top notch.

SherFlo

My favorite lfs! Store and tanks are very clean and organized, staff is very friendly and helpful, and the fish always look nice and healthy. The shark pond is really cool too!

Garry Marthaler

You must be a rival fish store owner Christopher. They go out of their way to be friendly. Great staff, great prices.

Melinda Victor

Love the variety of fish and accessories

Joseph Escalante

Mostly salt water fish but if you need supplies for any side of the hobby Mario has you covered!

DM’s Reef Tank

I would not go anywhere els the staff here are the best in Chicago i been gioing there for 10 plus years an theyhave anything u need if he dont have he can get so if u are wanting a god place look no more thanks to Mario an stafffor everything

Jake Huppenthal

Very nice shop!!! Plentiful varieties to choose from, both salt and fresh water. The coral section is nicely laid out as well. Only thing that I didn’t like too much is how crowded the inside felt and the premium prices on the marine fish and coral (for example, really small yellow tang, maybe 1-1.5,” was $59)

Jerry Gabriel

What a place. If your are into aquariums or just want to see a neat shop stop on in.

Kim Lash

They were incredible about helping me out when I didn't know what I needed and were willing to go the extra mile to get me what I needed. Very impressed with the customer service.

john miller

Mario is awesome!!! New to the hobby and he knows his stuff. Great advice for what you should and should not start up with. Great selection!!! Can get anything or he has it already! Price matched for me!!! This is my home away from home!

Justin Butts

They always have what I need for a great price.

carol simp

I love this place!

Matt Sienko

Knowledgeable staff and awesome livestock selection. Prices tend to be higher but it's because the fish and coral are healthy and really exotic. Coral selection is outstanding and the colors are good, it's not just browned out crap that you hope will color up in your tank. It's obvious these guys care about their hobby.

Robert Lubbinga

These guys are INCREDIBLE, Helpful, Knowledgeable, and Professional

Ryan Krusinger

Ha e been going here about a year love it ...MARIO is a good guy knows his stuff ended up buying a week ago a 265 gallon with everything from him solely because he takes excellent care of his customers

Taylor Sudantas

Amazing service and great people all around. Highly recommend anyone who's looking for there next fish tank and fish and supplies to go here. Ask for Mario

Andrea Adamore

The people who work there are very friendly and helpful

Bob Hum

good people

Elizabeth Sustaita

This is one of the coolest places to go for fish for your aquarium! The people are very helpful and well informed. They always have fish that are not at your local pet store which is awesome!

stacey Boetto

Been going to Aqiatica for several years. The owner is FANTASTIC! He has always helped is out, answered questions, and NEVER over sells to us. His stock is always healthy and the store is pristine! Fantastic selection of all stock.

Keenan Davi

Always awesome service, very helpful and the staff is super knowledgeable. Mario is a very smart guy.

JOSEPH CROUSE

Awesome

Adrian zamudio

This place is awesome has everything you need for saltwater aquariums

B Katz

Aquatica is your one stop shop. They have the best selection of tanks, livestock, and coral in Chicago. Mario and the other guys know what works and stand behind their products. If you've never been there it's worth the visit. Livestock is vibrant and healthy, and his equipment options for saltwater are unmatched. Great shop!

Carmille Barnes

I went to look at a fish tank but no one even asked did I need help so I'll find another place to buy a fish tank not spending my money where I'm not welcomed

oreo puppy

Two words ( live sharks).

King James Bow Down

Great selection..prices too high though. Won't ever go back

William Lohrman

Has whatever you need for fish

Mark Bahena

Awesome place to visit.

ken sacauskas

I bought a clownfish here and it died the next day and he has signs everywhere saying no guarantee on livestock. but I called the owner anyway and he helped me out . He is very professional and runs a great fish store . I will definitely be back love this place and the huge shark tank

tim Kane

Go there all the time for my salt water aquarium needs. Mario and the staff know their stuff

Adrian G

The best aquarium in the south suburbs!!!! But very expensive

Mango Fisherman

Called the place 5 times on the phone and nobody ever picks up...

Freddy Morales

I am new to the hobby so I decided to lookup some local fish stores in the area. This store had some of the best reviews so I decided to check it out. I went in originally to find a new fish to add to my tank. I was advised by one of the employees there that I should get an anemone for my two clown fish. Me not being experienced in the hobby and not knowing any better, I was sold a bleaching anemone for $100. The anemone was completely white/clear, thinking it looked nice had no clue it was dying. When I got home I spent hours researching the long tentacle anemone that I bought, it being so expensive I wanted to make sure I took care of it the right way. I came across many articles and videos online stating to be careful about making a "stupid" decision and buying bleaching anemones as they are slowly dying and are difficult to recover. I also found out some other local stores were selling the same anemones that were healthy for $30-$50. If your planning to visit this store make sure you do your research, don't let an employee happily sell you a stressed out and dying animal and remember like all the signs in the store say "There Is No Guarantee on Live Stock." This was my first time and my last time coming here.

Bob O'Toole

Mario and the entire team at Aquatica are the best. It is a beautiful store with an incredible inventory of livestock, tanks, parts, accessories, food, medication, etc. Everything you need. I am new to the hobby and made alot of mistakes. When I (finally) asked for help Mario came up with a plan for me to correct my mistakes amd rebuild my livestock and it is working perfectly. This is not an inexpensive hobby but Aquatica's prices are right inline with what you would pay elsewhere(even online) but you also get the service and expertise that you cannot get anywhere else. You cannot get this combination of selection, price, friendly service, expertise and advice anywhere else. Simply said, this is the only store for me. It is obvious that Mario and the Aquatica team want you to enjoy your hobby and are there to help you succeed.

Christine Flaherty

Magnificent!

Nazmy Ziyad

Excellent service..very nice people..always helpful

Michael Perkins

mario always gets me the fish that I want

Cody Johnson

Very nice, helpful and knowledgable. Always a good experience.

Gina Renzulli

This place is awesome. They have an actual shark tank, which the kids luv....

Brian

The cleanest tanks I have ever seen. Wonderful freshwater fish. I don't do marine fish anymore but they looked wonderful to. Not your run of the mill pet store. Little more high end.

Thomas Wehmeier

I have been going to this store for about 2 years, very helpful, professional, great selection of fish and related equipment. I would do recomend these guys over the big box pet stores.

Steve Kaiser

Mario is the man!

Bonnie Brazzale

Great variety of salt water fiah

Richard Nowak

Good selection of live fish and all the supplies you need.

Ted Brockly

Aquarium paradise . Great prices , selection ,and knowlegeable staff.

Tom Mack

Not much Room but great pricese friendly , Knowledgeable staff nice corals got every thing one would need to start or have Reef tanks I will be going back there for all my needs for my reef tank ., for get about ordering on line you wouldn't have to pay for delivery changes , go there you will thank your self for it

Michael Wright

Not really freshwater as much as a saltwater shop. They have anything you need as far as home aquatic pet care. Their stock is well kept and beautiful!

Jacqueline Filippin

Staff is knowledgeable and always helpful. They go above and beyond customer service. I have never been more satisfied with customer service.

Nate Herbst

The guy named Erik G that works there is a gentle giant of brilliance and patience. I hope the store owner takes good care of him or he'll get hired by some budding company in California or something. Great store too. check out the sharks!

Carleasa Bradford

First time here and I felt like I was at Shedd. It was awesome!

kissmywrasse

One stop shop

Cystal Terrell

Mario is the best, I can call him for anything. We call him our fish doctor and I will continue to purchase my koi fish from Aquatica. We are very satisfied customers.

Robert Peterson

Great for your saltwater fish needs

Brett Armstrong

They have a great selection of fish and coral. All of the tanks are clean and well kept. Highly recommended.

Ren Shan

Friendly service and quality pets!

Erik M

Great variety but not the cheap prices I was told by people on Facebook

Karen Bernard

I can't say enough about Aquatica! I was looking for an aquarium setup and happened to find this place. Mario and his staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. Mario set up my aquarium and since has walked me thru step by step to make sure I was successful. For a newbie to this hobby, that is very important! Aquatica has a large selection of saltwater fish, corals, and supplies. If you are looking for beautiful aquariums and top notch service, Aquatica is your place!

Erik K.

Amazing staff and amazingly well taken care of fish and coral

Mike Drinkwater

Excellent service, Mario is super knowledgeable, and makes sure your getting the best deal he can give.

yo skit

One of the best saltwater fish stores in Chicago the guys here are very knowledgeable and fun to joke around

Daniel Camer

They tested my water and they told what to do and why.

Cricket B

Mario and his staff are very knowledgeable regarding all products and livestock sold in their store. We visit often for items for our 500 gallon reef aquarium and our 30 gallon saltwater fish aquarium. The staff is very friendly and quick to help with any questions or recommendations. The choices of coral and fish are amazing.

Steve Reed

Very well stocked and well kept. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Go here for your aquatic life needs, it's worth the trip.

Connor Schmidt

Mario and the people there are very knowledgeable. You can tell the tanks there are in great condition. The prices as well are very reasonable.

LaF Dillionger

Very nice place, not much moving room if customers there.

Steven Rollins

The best customer service in the world

Julie Ritt

Having gone here for a tank and all the fixings, I would never ever ever go anywhere else for fish care. I can't recommend them enough - they're the very best! I became the unwitting owner of a clown knife fish last year - he was sold to me by a big box pet store when I asked *specifically* for fish that would go well in a 15 gallon tank. (For those who don't know, a clown knife can reach 7-8" in its first year or so and 24" in adulthood. Their prey drive kicks in around 12", and they'll then eat anything small enough to fit in their mouth. To say one is inappropriate for a 15 gallon tank is an insult to the word "inappropriate".) Rather than dumping the poor thing - it's not his fault - I bought a 60 gallon tank for him. Aquatica made me a deal on a full set up, gave me 15% off on all the "fixings" needed, and set it all up in the store before packing everything back in boxes for the trip home to make sure everything fit properly. They were incredibly helpful. I've since had my water tested there - which they did for free - to make sure the tank was stable and ready for more fish. (Turned out the ammonia was high, so we decided to wait for it to settle.) We'll be going back this week to have the warer tested again and hopefully get more fish this time. I wouldn't go anywhere else!

Rene Valtierra

Beautiful pet store with a large variety of fresh water and salt water fish as well as tons of supplies for both. Tanks are clean and beautiful, however some prices are outrageous. Staff wasn't the nicest and ignored me when I asked questions, I felt rushed out of the door. Besides prices this place is great! Be aware there is no guarentee on any livestock(fish/coral/etc) though!

Anthony Trueblood Jr.

Very friendly an help you understand what you are getting into dealing with reef tanks.

Susan Kucharski

Terrific selection and expertise

victor brown

Awesome inventory always new fish and products. Owner and staff is very helpful and knowledgeable

Jeff Witt

Mario and his staff are very knowledgeable and take great care of their customer. The select is great too.

JJ

Fantastic salt water assortment and fish you never see elsewhere. Freshwater is only cichlids

eumir arreguin

One stop shop for all your fish and supply needs. Good prices, great and knowledgeable staff!

Chris Sladowski

I rediscovered the aquarium hobby and introduced it to my daughter and we looked around for a local store that we could go to and find healthy fish and the supplies we need to keep them and this shop is by far the best place that I have been to. Mario has been a great help from new tank setup to helping with issues that arise. His team there is extremely knowledgeable and Eric has been a fantastic source of information and guidance. The store itself is clean and stocked up on almost every product I could imagine. Their tanks are pristine and fish are active and healthy and the corals are beautiful. There is a tank showroom that has a very wide selection of sizes and styles. I would absolutely and unquestionably recommend going here.

Rick E Fox Jr

Pros. Great selection.

Amanda Onusaitis

Great store, large selection of goods. The staff cares about customer satisfaction.

nick schutzenhofer

They have everything in stock all the time. Livestock is a little pricey but you know your getting quality so it's worth it.

Darren Zwonitzer

Amazing place with great selection, deep knowledge and experience and excellent customer service.

Bill McConnell

Mario is very knowledgeable and the livestock has been very healthy. Definitely recommend visiting the store

Larron Roundtree

Great place, and they are very knowledgeable about their products.

Maurice Thomas

Mario and team always takes care of me. Won't sell me something that will fail.

Bob Watson

Mario and the guys there are the Best!

tony decker

Excellent staff, very knowledgeable. They have everything you need or they can get it quickly.

Sarah Dowd

So knowledgeable and so friendly!

Jonathan Flores

Lots good options for hard to find items

Steve Falica

Knowlegeable staff, great selection of livestock. it was well worth the three hour trip to visit. I got a great deal on a reef light and the live rock I purchased was unbelievable. After I told them I was from out of town, they went out of thier way to package up my live rock for the long ride home. Aquatica is by far the best!!!

Daniel Williams

Pretty good priced fish

David Buchanan

Great place. Very knowledgeable, my first stop for anything fish related.

Goran Paunovic

Best fish store around!

James Guadgnola

Absolutely love this place,,, I will never go to any other aquarium place,,,The staff here truly know their stuff, They are always happy to answer your questions and they will let you know were you are going wrong with your aquarium.. We have had aquarium's for years now and in the past few months we have learned so very much...We just love this place and the people there. Their prices are right on spot,,, They have everything you can think of that you will need..

Christopher Kelly

Staff was extremely rude. I was shocked to see positive reviews for this business, and can only imagine that these were posted by friends/family of the owner. Avoid at all costs.

dan gbur

Been Going to this place for over 15 years. Mario the owner and all of his staff are extremely knowledgeable and very helpful and friendly. Excellent place.

Janice Lutz

Good and helpful

Theresa Frazier

Great, everyone their is very knowledgeable about the fish and what kind of care they need, especially Mario the owner of Aquatica, they make you feel like we're all one big family. Thank you for love Mario and Jason.

Hugo Solano

Great service, a little on the expensive side.

LISA POWELL

Very high quality fish store..friendly, helpful staff