Any Reefers near the SW Suburbs?

A Reef Creation
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Orland Park near 135th St and 82nd Ave. I'm a beginner, though. Just added my first zoas to my first tank.
 
AtlantiCat said:
Orland Park near 135th St and 82nd Ave. I'm a beginner, though. Just added my first zoas to my first tank.
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Well, congrats and welcome to the hobby! I just read your "story" on your build. Nice job! =)
So what LFSs do you frequent?
 
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www.dinkinsaquaticgardens.com
Thanks! I set up literally one of the smallest possible, a one-gallon AIO. I keep (12) freshwater nano tanks and this fit into my personal aesthetic. I hope to have a flourishing Zoa garden over the next year as I am all about the tiny things. :smiling-face:
 
Yeah, me too! My tank is in shambles right now, mostly due to the stock light malfunctioning but I have corrected course and hope to be flourishing again soon!
 
Hanover Park, near the menards, just getting into fragging and selling some corals!
 
www.dinkinsaquaticgardens.com
Ecoscape Reef Rock
Lord_Mort said:
Subject kind of says it all.

I'm in Hickory Hills near I-294 and 95th street.

Any reefers nearby?
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I’m in New Lenox . Been reefing a couple years now. Glad to hear there’s more nearby . I have so much extra crap let me know if you need anything . I’ve bought everything in this hobby 3 times lol
 
What fish shops do you all prefer in the area?
 
www.dinkinsaquaticgardens.com
pblogic said:
What fish shops do you all prefer in the area
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The only ones I know of (locally) are Chicago Fish and Coral in Orland Park, Robs Aquatics in Tinley Park, and Aquatica, also in Tinley. They each have their pros and cons and should be checked out.

What size tank do you have?
 
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Lord_Mort said:
The only ones I know of (locally) are Chicago Fish and Coral in Orland Park, Robs Aquatics in Tinley Park, and Aquatica, also in Tinley. They each have their pros and cons and should be checked out.

What size tank do you have?
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I’m just planning right now, haven’t decided on size yet. I used to run a 75 gallon mixed reef and a 20 gallon nano, I am going to start up again in the nano range. I’ll check out all three of those places for sure.
 
As an update, today I visited both Aquatica and Rob's in Tinley. They were very helpful at Aquatica, but their prices were high and I don't feel like they are properly caring for their animals. Tanks were in general dirty, lighting was insufficient, and some of the livestock looked unhealthy. It seems like a very beginner friendly place, and the staff themselves were great. A+ on the kids working there for attitude and helpfulness.

Rob's seems like a place for experienced Reefer's. Rob himself was friendly and helpful, but obviously very busy and a little distracted. That's not a dig at him though, he was very helpful, I imagine he just runs a leaner shop with less staff, which is fine. His tanks and livestock however were in much better condition. Every tank was clean, all of his livestock looked healthy, he had a better frag selection and all of his tanks were lit appropriately. No animals struggling for light.

I would visit Aquatica again if I were looking for equipment or a tank, but for live stock I would go to Rob's. Better selection, better prices, and his animals are cared for better. From a livestock perspective I feel Rob's wins by a long shot. A very long shot.
 
www.dinkinsaquaticgardens.com
pblogic said:
As an update, today I visited both Aquatica and Rob's in Tinley. They were very helpful at Aquatica, but their prices were high and I don't feel like they are properly caring for their animals. Tanks were in general dirty, lighting was insufficient, and some of the livestock looked unhealthy. It seems like a very beginner friendly place, and the staff themselves were great. A+ on the kids working there for attitude and helpfulness.

Rob's seems like a place for experienced Reefer's. Rob himself was friendly and helpful, but obviously very busy and a little distracted. That's not a dig at him though, he was very helpful, I imagine he just runs a leaner shop with less staff, which is fine. His tanks and livestock however were in much better condition. Every tank was clean, all of his livestock looked healthy, he had a better frag selection and all of his tanks were lit appropriately. No animals struggling for light.

I would visit Aquatica again if I were looking for equipment or a tank, but for live stock I would go to Rob's. Better selection, better prices, and his animals are cared for better. From a livestock perspective I feel Rob's wins by a long shot. A very long shot.
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Good to know! I knew the previous owner of Aquatica (Mario) but he sold the business sometime last year. I haven't been there in a while and I'm sad to hear the place is going downhill. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Chicago Fish and Coral (aka Chicago Reptile House). Let me know when/if you check them out!
 
pblogic said:
As an update, today I visited both Aquatica and Rob's in Tinley. They were very helpful at Aquatica, but their prices were high and I don't feel like they are properly caring for their animals. Tanks were in general dirty, lighting was insufficient, and some of the livestock looked unhealthy. It seems like a very beginner friendly place, and the staff themselves were great. A+ on the kids working there for attitude and helpfulness.

Rob's seems like a place for experienced Reefer's. Rob himself was friendly and helpful, but obviously very busy and a little distracted. That's not a dig at him though, he was very helpful, I imagine he just runs a leaner shop with less staff, which is fine. His tanks and livestock however were in much better condition. Every tank was clean, all of his livestock looked healthy, he had a better frag selection and all of his tanks were lit appropriately. No animals struggling for light.

I would visit Aquatica again if I were looking for equipment or a tank, but for live stock I would go to Rob's. Better selection, better prices, and his animals are cared for better. From a livestock perspective I feel Rob's wins by a long shot. A very long shot.
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I forgot to mention, Aquatica (at least with the previous owner) would always price match BRS on equipment so that might help you if they still honor that.
 
Lord_Mort said:
Good to know! I knew the previous owner of Aquatica (Mario) but he sold the business sometime last year. I haven't been there in a while and I'm sad to hear the place is going downhill. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Chicago Fish and Coral (aka Chicago Reptile House). Let me know when/if you check them out!
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Ah, I hadn't realized he had sold it. That makes a lot of sense then. Whoever owns it now isn't making sure the animals are cared for properly in my opinion, and that's not going to be something I want to support so for now Rob's will be my destination. I am also curious about Chicago Fish and Coral. I think I may take a trip over there this weekend. If I do, I will update here with my impressions.
 
Orphek OR3 reef aquarium LED bar
I'm in ottawa and drive to naperville for blueline corals you should look them up and tell Jay I sent you lol
 
Saint John, Indiana here. I bought most of my stuff from Mario at Aquatica but since he sold it I haven't been back. I have been buying online lately.
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%

  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%

  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%

  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
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