Chicago area fish stores

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lps and softies-wojtek’s reek
little of everything-aqua pros, gingerbread corals
it all depends what you looking for. few people selling from home sps.
 
Many specials at Reef Geeks
 
Not really the western burns but I hear Sho Tank aquariums is having an end of year sale this Saturday with an event through CMAS. Might be worth hitting them up.
 
Not really the western burns but I hear Sho Tank aquariums is having an end of year sale this Saturday with an event through CMAS. Might be worth hitting them up.

Thanks for the heads up on the event.
I travel that way as there’s a good ol’ Italian barber directly across the street.

And occasionally when I go get cleaned up I’ll walk across and pop into Sho Tank and see what’s what.

Most often has some nice corals in there and specials running. I’d personally say I go there to check out corals rather than fish.
 
Many specials at Reef Geeks

I’ll second the recommendation on Reek Geeks.
Had a 50% off sale there the other weekend and picked up 3 nice pieces of Euphyllia along with a Sunkist Bounce. And all are very healthy and doing great.
He recently did have some identical pieces of what I’ll include pics of if you like them.

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your 1st stop should be wojtek’s reef

I’ll also second this place as well.

So many different things to choose from. All colored up and healthy.

He also was running a sale last week and couldn’t pass on this Aussie Gold gem.

Another place I’d suggest checking out thru FB and contacting him (Ryan).....is Chummingham’s Reef.
Grabbed some stuff from him recently as well. Paid my first visit to his place a couple months ago and his system is eye popping.
If you ever heard of the saying for restaurants "small place with big taste".....this is exactly how to describe his setup in relation to getting your coral fix.


If you stop by any of them tell them UPS Craig sent you and hopefully they’ll offer you a beer and some good deals and not just toss you out on your butt for mentioning me. :)

Happy hunting for those prized pieces and good luck.

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Hiya guys! Someone said Reefwise and my ears perked up lol!
Our Illinois Valley Reef Club has a sponsor list tagged that has many stores both brick and mortar, and basement guys that's worth taking a look at.
 
For Fish, Tank it Easy is #1 IMO. They have a proper QT method with slightly above Therapeutic copper usage during QT.
So far I have had great success with them. I have purchased any coral though but they have a nice selection.
I normally get LPs from Wojtek's Reef and SPS from a local reefer as well as WWC.
 
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Hi! The day after Christmas we saw a Facebook post from Seven Seas on the north side of Chicago, they were not opening til 4 pm but we messaged the owner and he said he would open early since we were driving from Green Bay. We drove down to Chicago and bought several corals hammers and lobo also bought a new sump and a unicorn and vlamingi tang. Fish and corals are awesome! Sump was the same price as on line 1k. His prices are fair, store is clean, tanks look healthy, the owner was very nice and treated us great!!! Gave us deals for driving down except on sump which we didn’t mind since we knew the online price anyway and no one in our area carries the brand or the size we needed. And I did not quarantine the tang they went into 8’ 300 fish only no disease so far. We liked the store and will go back. We are fully stocked on fish at this time. But I really liked the owner and service he gave us. Worth the drive.
 
What are some of your favorite fish stores around Chicago?

I've been ordering online for the past couple years. I'd like to start frequenting some lfs. Haven't found a favorite yet. I've been going to Beyond the Reef, which is an ok store. Just want to expand my options. So, I turn to the R2R community to fill me in on some pf your favorite fish stores around Chicago:)
You're in Carpentersville? I'm right in your neighborhood, Sleepy Hollow. I've only gone to Sea Escapes and Exotic Aquatics, but will definitely try some of the others mentioned.
 
I’m not a LFS, but if anyone is in the area and wants SPS, I always have stuff for sale. I’d like to think that I’m MUCH cheaper than any LFS.

I’ll second the recommendation for Ryan Cunningham. He’s a buddy of mine and I’ve gotten a bunch of coral from him. Plus, we live about a mile apart so you can make it a twofer.

This is my tank which I cut frags:

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Nice to see this thread come back to life. Always good to read reviews before heading to the store.

I'm going to go through this thread and get a list of all stores listed and add the list to the first post.
 
Nice to see this thread come back to life. Always good to read reviews before heading to the store.

I'm going to go through this thread and get a list of all stores listed and add the list to the first post.
Let me know what you find to be a good LFS resource. Kind of being your neighbor, I am always interested in a good spot to go for reef stuff.
 

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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