Old Town Aquarium

Address:	1538 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
Phone:	+1 312-642-8763
Site:	oldtownaquarium.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	12–7PM 12–8PM 12–7PM 12–8PM 12–7PM 11AM–6PM 12–6PM

Location

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Leaflet

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Quetzalli Castro

This place is as amazing as the reviews indicated. A while ago my Betta (Moby III) died and I decided that I no longer wanted a Betta from Pets Mart or other mainstream pet store chains. I typically go into a pet store thinking Ill buy a Betta that looks like the amazing ones I see online in forum pictures but often come out a bit disappointed in the coloring and vitality of the Bettas that these pet stores offer. I vowed to do research this time and purchase the Betta of my dreams. Thus after some research and questions I came across Old Town Aquarium. The staff there were friendly and answered questions that my friend and I had - they even pointed out that the owner goes out to HAND PICK the Bettas from breeders! They dont have the typical pet store large amount of Bettas. With that being said, Old Town Aquarium has QUALITY over quantity. I had a hard time picking a Betta out because they had quite a few colors and fin types to choose from - the selection of Bettas blows Pets Marts selection out of the water. All those Bettas looked happy, healthy, and were definitely NOT looking lifeless at the bottom of a cup (and they didnt have a suspect dead one in the mix either, which is a common sight at other pet stores). I chose a Betta and brought it home. He is lively, he has an amazing iridescent blue color (that ive never found at a mainstream pet store), and I am totally happy that he (Moby IV) is now currently residing in my tank. Ill definitely keep coming back here for tank landscape inspiration, equipment, and future fish!

Joe Rogers

Really the only place to get quality coral and equipment on the north side of Chicago. The prices are higher than what you would pay online or at some suburban stores, but that should be expected for the quality of the product. Employees always seem to be willing to help with questions (yes, even the stupid questions). You dont have to worry about them trying to up sell you with unnecessary products in order to make money, expect honest answers and recommendations. Huge variety of coral/fish/equipment (not quite as much variety of inverts). Overall highly recommended! Edit: I am reading some old reviews from people who complain about not being approached by customer service in this place. I can tell when I am in there that there are a lot of people who are only stopping by to check out the tanks. I would guess that is why they dont approach every person coming in. Just go up to the employees and start asking questions.... Ive never had an issue. Even was able to get detailed answers on questions about plumbing in my sump.

George S

I purchased $140 worth of cichlids from this store to put in my take that had other fish that were between 3 and 7 years old. Within 3 weeks two of them had died and shortly after the other with the same symptoms. Kevin told me that they probably had a virus and offered me some medicine to help cure them after the first ones died. After the second set died I spoke with the owner who only over inflated his ego by stating that in 37 years no one has ever called with issue of fish dying from his store and refused to offer a refund or replace the fish. They have beautiful fish and store but the owner is a terrible person who seems to only care about money. I had spent almost $400 in this store over the past month and a half and the owner treated me like a piece of crap and hung up on me.

Andrew Sharkey

Expect everything to be slightly on the expensive side; but this is due to exceptional quality! No where else will you find such a high concentration of rare and interesting species. If you are into coral, this place doesnt hold any frags u fortunately. They always have 10-12 tanks filled with small colonies. However, Old Town Aquarium stands out as the best in Chicago to find huge showpieces with stunning color... and usually at a pretty great price (for their size). Additionally, the staff is exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable. If you have an issue, they are there to help. For new hobbyists and experienced; they have all the equipment, food, and supplies you ever need. Finally, Ill say that I havent seen any Bettas as beautiful as the ones they always keep in stock.

Steve Dobrow

Generally liked the place. But bought $150 bucks of fresh water fish from them several weeks ago and then the die off began. All of the fish I bought from them died and half of the resident fish are dead as well. I have been buying fish there for a long time and even spent a a couple of thousand on a nice acrylic tank a couple of years ago. You would think when I asked for a credit on the last purchase they would try to accommodate me. However since they have a 7 day return period it was too bad so sad. They wouldnt even offer a token credit for a long time customer. Not a very customer service focused operation. Sorry I am not a regular big spender but you lost this customer for good.

Allen Silva

Ask for Kevin K. He is Always helpful and patient whenever I need help. Very new to the saltwater hobby and he is always willing to assist with all my questions. I found this place a place a couple months ago after driving to somewhere a lot farther for moths whenever I needed something for my tank. Store is small but carries a good variety of nice saltwater fish which is great and also carries fresh water fish. Live stock is a little higher than other places but the quality is always great from what I have purchased regarding saltwater fish. Stop in a take a look, its a nice spot.

A Private User

This place is AWFUL. ABSOLUTELY ZERO CUSTOMER SERVICE. I walked in asking for help, since I didnt know exactly what I was looking for or what I needed for my tank, all 3 customer service reps blew me off. I stood there for 30 minutes before leaving. Not one person would help me. Not the first time ive heard this happen either, i have a few friends that warned be before hand. Plenty of other places in the city. not the widest selection either, not worth your time since your worth theirs

Tran Vo

Awesome place with friendly, knowledgeable staff! Great selection of freshwater and salt water fish; was hoping they had a larger inventory of plants but thats okay. Tanks are well kept and fish look healthy. I came in looking for stones for my next aquascaping project and to my surprise, they had seiryu stones! Good selection of those and a number of others such as dragon stone and zebra stone, all fairly priced. Will definitely be returning for all my aquarium needs!

Mark Hassman

There is nothing to say about Old Town Aquarium except it is the best (and perhaps only - never been to another) fish store in the city of Chicago. Top notch staff that is knowledgeable about everything and anything. Great accessories. Their live fish stock is healthy and varied. They will take care of you here. Be warned though, prices are on the high end. Then again, you get what you pay for... which is a good thing in this case.

A Private User

I had a very sick fish (purchased elsewhere) and came to Old Town Aquarium for their assistance. They were absolutely fantastic in providing advice and guidance in which product to use and how best to treat my fish. Im happy to report my fish survived a bacterial infection and is now thriving thanks to their help. I find their customer service to be above average and they really know their product and are serious about it.