Sho Tank Aquariums

Address:	433 N Lake St, Mundelein, IL 60060, USA
Phone:	+1 847-949-8265
Site:	facebook.com
Rating:	4.8
Working:	1–8PM Closed 1–8PM Closed 1–8PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

A Private User

We are frequent customers over the last several years, this is one of the best saltwater shops around. The fish are always well stocked and healthy. There are usually fish there that you wont come across in other LFS. We have several fish in our tank from there and they are all doing very well (and its been over a year). If a fish doesnt work out, hell work with you. He is always pleasant when answering my questions, which are many, and will steer us clear from things that wont work well in our tank. Thats very important to me, since having been in just about every LFS in the Chicagoland area at some point, weve come across lots of clueless fish store employees that will give bad advice just to make a sale, and paid the price for listening to some of them. Not with Matt, he is knowledgable and reliable. Half of the corals in our tank are from there. And to that other reviewer... He must be retaining customers just fine, since theres always someone in there that hes helping, so yeah, there probably will be a wait. But sounds like you are reallllly exaggerating at 20 minutes every time? And if you think the store is filled with "used junk", LOL@U. Weve bought some nice used items there, and sold some too, including a skimmer and tank. I think its really nice that he offers that service! Its not at all filthy (though it did used to smell strongly of cigarette smoke, I havent noticed that in quite a while). His prices are very reasonable compared to other shops we visit and better in many instances. AND he has a gorgeous HUGE display tank that I never tire of seeing! Its a shame that you had a bad experience but if you wanted to write and insult him calling him a moron, it really makes me wonder what else is up, something personal youre not telling? Hmmm....

A Private User

Ive been a customer of Sho Tank Aquariums since they opened and drive from SE WI every two weeks for my RO/DI. Ive been to all the shops within 100 miles and have yet to find one that provides better all around service. Whether its sps, lps, inverts, fish (fresh or salt), or equipment Matt either has it or can get it. He is also very willing to share his knowledge and experiences. The saltwater fish are contained individually or with compatible types as to diminish the stress you see in other stores. He builds out tanks into custom sumps/refugiums and will also drill them to your specifications. Another big plus (for me) is that he has a selection of used equipment to include lighting, pumps, skimmers, heaters, chillers, tanks, etc. The display at the front of the store is HUGE and will amaze (and probably cause delusions of in-home tank grandeur). To the person who earlier balked at waiting: Your cowardice in calling someone a "moron" online behind your anonymity is staggering. Matt provides each customer time and guidance in making their decision, something missing in many retail outlets. I will gladly wait my turn.

Zachary DeSwarte

I am lucky that this is the closest reef store to me. Matt is a really chill guy and very knowledgeable. He doesnt come up to you and ask you if you want help every 5 minutes, you have to go up and ask him. It is nice to be able to look around the store at your leisure this way without being pressured by overzealous store clerks. The prices are always great (havent found anywhere cheaper) and his livestock is always in great shape. I would not recommend going on Mondays - because of his prices and quality, there typically isnt much left, but he does get shipments on Wednesdays. There is a back parking lot/entrance which is much easier to get in and out - the back door is not marked but you can easily distinguish it by the glowing blue light in the window above it.

Sarah L

Great store, great service. Steve, the owner is super friendly and nice. He literally set up my saltwater tank for me without charging me any delivery or labor fees! I couldnt believe it. Another thing I can hardly believe is he lets anyone have free RO water--I can come pick it up myself whenever I want, while other stores I have seen charge to buy even a small bottle of it. On top of that he will replace dead fish for free if they die within a week of purchase. Highly recommend over Fish Planet in Deerfield, whose prices are much higher, store is smaller and they also will not refund or replace dead fish regardless of who is to blame for any problems. Keep up the good work, Sho Tank!

A Private User

Not big but has alot of live stock, the best prices by far. It is a one man opperation which you saw in the review above, but to me that is why he has the best prices and he awlays rembers me when I go in. There has been many times he has told me not to buy something because it wont work well with the other fish in my tank, unlike the young kids working at the chain stores. He also have the crazyst display tank I have ever seen

Ryan F

There is a reason his reviews are good! We had Steve help us set up our 450 gallon saltwater tank and he and his crew did a FANTASTIC job. I honestly cant say enough about it!! You definitely feel that he and his staff really care about you as a customer and want whats best for you! He doesnt treat you like you are just another customer to him. I highly recommend Sho Tank for anything you need regarding your aquarium!!

Caryn Hlavac

I have run the gamet of all the fish store in all the various suburban areas, and have yet to find any store that has the variety and quality as SHO Tank Aquarium. The owner, Steve is both extremely knowledgeable, fair, and honest to a fault! After getting opinions from many sources the advice he has given me has always been the most accurate! If you are aquarium hobbiest, I would strongly suggest you pay him a visit!

Jeff R

Just started going to this store recently after years of driving 45 minutes to Schaumburg. This place is great and they have the healthiest fresh and saltwater fish and many beautiful corals. Every fish we have purchased in the last 2 months for our 3 tanks is still alive! Beautiful selection and the owner gives honest advice and recommendations. They have some supplies - but its not a Petsmart.

john jiang

Very nice fish store. Huge selection. Price is decent and sometimes cheaper than other fish stores, the quality of the fish is higher than other fish store I would say. I believe the owner Matt always QT his fish before introduce them into stock, very responsible owner. Since I live close by, I always visit Sho tank, it became my No.1 option when I need to look into new live stock.

Catherine Keener

By far the best salt water fish store in the area. We travel from Cary and pass three other fish stores just to get to Sho Tank Aquariums. They have the largest selection of corals for literally half the price of their competitors. Then on top of that the owner and his staff are always eager to assist with any and all of our questions. We appreciate you guys!