Pet Store · Chicago, IL

Big Fish Aquarium

Big Fish Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois, specializes in freshwater and saltwater aquariums, offering expert guidance and services for hobbyists and beginners. The store provides a range of aquarium fish, corals, equipment, and supplies to support healthy aquatic environments

4.8Closed12:00 – 7:00 PMAquariumFreshwaterSaltwaterNano AquariumAquascaping
6816 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60707, USA

About

About this store

Big Fish Aquarium in Chicago serves hobbyists and beginners with a comprehensive selection of freshwater and saltwater aquarium products and services. The store offers aquarium fish, corals, invertebrates, live plants, and essential supplies such as filtration systems, water pumps, heaters, lighting, and water testing products. Equipment includes protein skimmers, filter media, and aquarium tools to support both freshwater and saltwater setups. Services include aquascaping, aquarium maintenance, custom aquarium design, consultation, and quarantine services. These offerings are tailored to support both new and experienced hobbyists in creating and maintaining thriving aquatic environments. The store emphasizes healthy livestock and proper system setup, with services designed to assist with installation, maintenance, and long-term care. Customers can access expert advice on water quality, livestock compatibility, and system stability. The focus remains on sustainable practices and informed decision-making to promote the well-being of aquatic life. All services and products are aligned with verified offerings and supported by documented store capabilities

What they offer

Fish & livestock at Big Fish Aquarium in Chicago, IL

Big Fish Aquarium in Chicago specializes in freshwater and saltwater aquarium systems, supporting both beginners and experienced hobbyists. The store offers a wide range of aquarium fish, corals, invertebrates, live plants, and essential supplies such as filtration, heating, lighting, and water testing products. Services include aquascaping, aquarium maintenance, custom aquarium design, consultation, and quarantine support. These offerings are designed to meet the needs of diverse aquarium types, including nano tanks, reef systems, and freshwater setups. The focus is on creating balanced, sustainable aquatic environments through proper equipment selection, livestock compatibility, and ongoing care. The store’s services are grounded in verified capabilities and support long-term system health through expert guidance and professional installation

Livestock & products
Aquarium Fish
Aquariums
Freshwater Fish
Corals
Anemones
Equipment
Filtration
Protein Skimmers
Water Pumps
Heating
Water Testing Products
Supplies
Fish Food
Live Plants
Tropical Fish
Marine Fish
Shrimp
Mussels & Clams
Invertebrates
Macroalgae & Algae
Live Food
Filter Media
Lighting
Aquarium Tools
Koi & Pond Fish
Aquatic Snails
Crabs
Crayfish
Substrate
Specializes in
Aquarium
Freshwater
Saltwater
Nano Aquarium
Aquascaping
Services
Aquascaping
Delivery
Aquarium Maintenance
Custom Aquariums
Consultation
Quarantine Service

Highlights

What makes them special

  • Expert aquascaping services to enhance tank aesthetics and ecosystem balance
  • Professional aquarium maintenance to ensure consistent water quality and system stability
  • Custom aquarium design tailored to space, budget, and livestock goals
  • Consultation services to guide setup, stocking, and long-term care decisions
  • Quarantine service to support healthy introduction of new livestock
  • Delivery of aquarium supplies and equipment to support system needs

Reference

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about visiting Big Fish Aquarium, based on verified store information.

What should customers know about aquascaping at this store?

The store offers professional aquascaping services to create visually appealing and ecologically balanced aquariums. This includes plant selection, substrate layering, hardscape placement, and long-term maintenance planning. The goal is to support plant growth and fish behavior while enhancing the tank's natural appearance. Staff provide guidance on lighting, CO2, and nutrient needs based on the chosen design

What should customers know about quarantine service at this store?

The store provides quarantine services to support the safe introduction of new livestock. This includes temporary housing in a separate system to monitor health and prevent disease spread. Staff help assess fish and invertebrates for signs of stress or illness before they are added to a main display. Quarantine is recommended for all new arrivals to maintain system stability

What should customers know about aquarium maintenance at this store?

The store offers professional aquarium maintenance services to support long-term system health. This includes water testing, partial water changes, filter cleaning, and equipment checks. Staff help monitor water parameters and adjust routines based on tank size, livestock, and filtration type. Regular maintenance helps prevent issues and supports stable conditions for fish and invertebrates

What should customers know about custom aquariums at this store?

The store provides custom aquarium design services to meet specific space, budget, and livestock goals. This includes selecting tank size, stand type, and equipment layout. Staff work with customers to plan filtration, lighting, and water flow based on intended species. Custom builds are tailored to support long-term stability and ease of maintenance

What should customers know about delivery at this store?

The store provides delivery services for aquarium supplies and equipment. This includes transportation of tanks, filters, lighting, and other components to support setup and maintenance. Delivery is available within the local area, with arrangements made through direct contact. Customers should confirm availability and timing when placing orders

What should visitors know about the store's saltwater focus?

The store supports saltwater aquariums with a range of marine fish, corals, invertebrates, and equipment. This includes systems for reef and fish-only setups, with supplies for filtration, lighting, and water quality management. Staff provide guidance on salinity, flow, and compatibility to support stable marine environments. The focus is on long-term health and sustainable reefkeeping

What should customers know about consultation at this store?

The store offers consultation services to guide customers through setup, stocking, and maintenance decisions. Staff provide advice on tank size, equipment selection, water parameters, and livestock compatibility. This support helps ensure systems are properly balanced and sustainable over time. Consultations are available to both new and experienced hobbyists

What should visitors know about the store's aquarium focus?

The store specializes in aquarium systems, supporting both freshwater and saltwater environments. This includes a range of tank sizes, equipment, and livestock to meet diverse hobbyist needs. The focus is on creating balanced, sustainable aquatic habitats through proper setup, maintenance, and care. Staff provide guidance on system design and long-term health

What should visitors know about the store's freshwater focus?

The store supports freshwater aquariums with a range of fish, plants, and equipment. This includes species suitable for beginners and experienced hobbyists, along with supplies for filtration, heating, and water testing. Staff provide guidance on cycling, stocking, and maintenance to ensure stable conditions. The focus is on creating thriving, balanced freshwater ecosystems

What should visitors know about the store's nano aquarium focus?

The store supports nano aquariums with compact equipment, small-scale filtration, and species suitable for limited space. This includes tanks, lighting, and livestock designed for stability in smaller systems. Staff provide guidance on water quality, stocking, and maintenance to ensure long-term success. The focus is on creating balanced, low-maintenance nano environments

Answers are compiled from the store's website and listing data. Hours, inventory, and services can change — call ahead to confirm before visiting.

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