Fish Stores

[Pygmey]

I will be in the Chicago area and wondered if there were any fish stores or hobbyists tanks that I would just have to see..

Please respond

Eric

 

[pondfrog]

Define Chicago.....

There are many, but where exactly are you going to be and how far are you willing to drive.
Many of the gotta see stores are out in the burbs.

 

[Pygmey]

Stores

Stores

I will drive anywhere

 

[whiirly]

chicago is a huge place you reallyneed to say where it is your planing on going North south or west I could give you a bunch of stores to stop at but you would spend more time in the car than at the stores

 

[Pygmey]

Stores

Stores

That is fine.. I plan on being there early in the morning and hit what I can then hit a hotel that night.. Just want to see some real stores so I will plan my route based on what you guys suggest.. Coming from Iowa..

Thanks alot for the help guys

 

[schiavonir]

Ocean's Floor in Lake in the Hills is one of my favorites and seems to be highly regarded on this forum.
I've heard good things about Deep Reef Aquatics in Downers Grove, though I haven't been there yet myself.
I also hear good things about Sea Schor in Buffalo Grove. I know he's in the process of moving, so I'm not sure of the status of the current store.

There are several others in the suburbs that I frequent, but probably wouldn't have you make a special trip to visit.

 

[md fishes]

If you are coming from Iowa you have to hit Rod Reef in Decalb on the way. So I would take 88 east. I don't know suburb stores very well but I really like reef dweller aquarium in the city. I believe it is approximatley 5800 North Lincoln. If you look under the thread what is your favorite pet store you'll get all addresses and get a good idea of places to visit.

BTW I am orginally from the Quad Cities. Actually heading back that way this weekend.

 

[FiberLux]

I agree that you may want to visit the recommended LFS. You can use this map to see where they are all located and plan your trip accordingly!

http://zoyzoy.com/aquarium/aquariumstoresmap.asp?Zip=60610&Size=800

You may also want to visit Shedd Aquarium and the new IMAX underwater movie showing at Navy Oier while you are here!

Enjoy your visit to Chicago!

 

[FiberLux]

Thats IMAX at Navy Pier!

 

[md fishes]

I agree about the Shed. I would hit one or two highly recommended stores then the shedd aquarium. Not really much out there that can beat that.

 

[Pygmey]

Shedd

Shedd

I have already been to the shedd and behind the scenes.. Just want to see some really good stores.. Any good SPS places? Is JCigar in your area?

 

[FiberLux]

We have a bunch of awesome LFS around Chicago, but I would recommend the following:

1. For Jimmy Cigar - visit his website at www.jimmysreef.com or contact him via www.zoosrus.com to set something up with him.

2. Deep Reef Aquatics in Downers Grove always has a great selection of rare fish.

3. Oceans Floor in Lake in the Hills has a great selection of corals, including SPS.

4. Coral Paradise in Arlington Heights - Newer store, Jim Roberts is great.

5. Sea Schor in Buffalo Grove - They're just finishing a move and their brand new store is really great. Big selection of corals.

6. Sho Tank in Mundelein - Matt has a good selection too!

7. You just gotta visit Rods Reef in DeKalb if you haven't already planned it. Great place, one of the most knowledgeable guys in our business. Don't forget to get some Rods Food while you are there.

8. I've not been to Reef Dweller in Chicago, but several people have recommended it.

There, you have it! I'm sure others have many more to recommend, but the above eight would make for an awesome trip! A virtual "ocean" of reef stores! :lol: