Chicago Area LFS?

dbraun15 · Dec 12, 2009

I am going to be in the Chicagoland area for Christmas(Schaumburg area) and am looking for some stores that are worth while to hit--thanks for the help--

Deron

thomasdo87 · Dec 12, 2009

Midwest Coral Farms just opened, probably the largest selection of frags but they still adding more things since they are opened but haven't had the official grand opening. There's Sea Schor in Buffalo Grove. Not sure about the Schaumburg area, I know theres Advanced Aquatics but Ive never been there before and heard mixed reviews.

Cuda · Dec 12, 2009

I have over 200 zoo/Paly frags alone. Im in Lockport 60441 what are you looking for?

CSJIII · Dec 12, 2009

Im in Willow Springs, Id love to buy some higher end zoo frags.

dbraun15 · Dec 12, 2009

Cuda said:
I have over 200 zoo/Paly frags alone. Im in Lockport 60441 what are you looking for?

Nothing special--just some place different. If there is something that I just can't live without, I would bring it back. What do you have and where is Lockport in relation to Schaumburg?

dbraun15 · Dec 12, 2009

fastandsneaky said:
Midwest Coral Farms just opened, probably the largest selection of frags but they still adding more things since they are opened but haven't had the official grand opening. There's Sea Schor in Buffalo Grove. Not sure about the Schaumburg area, I know theres Advanced Aquatics but Ive never been there before and heard mixed reviews.

Where is Midwest Coral Farms? Also, is Advanced Aquatics on Roselle Rd?--if so I have been there before and it was OK.

Crooks · Dec 13, 2009

Advanced Aquatics is on Roselle Rd. Aquarium Adventure and Beyond the Reef are 3 miles north of there and about right next to each other. I dont think any of those are anything to special. Sea Schor is 15min north of them and has good sales and decent selection of corals when they get their shipments in from Australia. I think they are getting one next week.

thomasdo87 · Dec 13, 2009

I went to Sea Schor on Wed, not sure if thats normal, but their shipment of fish look terrible, with nearly all of them breathing heavily, dying, or dead. I understand it probably happens at a lot of fish stores, but it was a sight. I like them though, they are professional and knowledgeable that isnt out to make a quick buck. I have never had any issues with their livestock, and I cant believe how nearly all of their scolies sold out last week

MCF is in deerfield on Old Deerfield Rd. Its about 30 mins away from Schaumburg. They definitely have a nice selection but nothing spectacular yet, since they just opened. However, they have 3-4 large frag tanks. They are by far are the best priced place in Chicago selling frags nearly half the price. You can also try Exotics Aquatics, its in my top three, decent selection, but still not that great.

IMO, try MCF. The prices they offer are hard to pass up selling SPS colonies for 48.99 and have promotions to get the word out and build a customer base.

dbraun15 · Dec 13, 2009

Thanks for the help--I will check most of them out and report back on how they compare the the shops in Louisiana--

Ike · Dec 14, 2009

If you get downtown Old Town Aquarium is always an interesting stop and has some interesting history to it.

thomasdo87 · Dec 14, 2009

idk, they are pretty high priced. a rock of gsp was 80-140 dollars the last time I was there. and some of the fish are 20 dollars more than other stores.

Ike · Dec 14, 2009

Also, if you get north Sho Tank is supposed to be a good place, though I've never been.

Neptune Aquatics · Dec 14, 2009

What about Living Sea Aquarium? Aren't they in the Chicago area?

Ike · Dec 14, 2009

fastandsneaky said:
idk, they are pretty high priced. a rock of gsp was 80-140 dollars the last time I was there. and some of the fish are 20 dollars more than other stores.

It has always been expensive and it's usually better just to look than to buy... They used to be the only place in Chicago that got super high end/rare fish and they sometimes carry things that other stores world never even be offered. Still the only LFS I've ever seen a conspicuous angel.

Ike · Dec 14, 2009

Neptune Aquatics said:
What about Living Sea Aquarium? Aren't they in the Chicago area?

Park Ridge if they're still in the same spot, don't hear many people talk about them anymore so if they are around I get the feeling it's gone downhill...

Ike · Dec 14, 2009

Heh, doesn't look like its changed in the last 15 years...

http://www.livingseaaquarium.com/

thomasdo87 · Dec 14, 2009

Neptune Aquatics said:
What about Living Sea Aquarium? Aren't they in the Chicago area?

its in the chicago area but not in chicago, Park Ridge. Some people and I have had some bad experiences with their fish. My yellow clown goby had ich and so did my friend's clowns. their corals are decent but nothing special

I will give credit to Old Town though, it is one nice aquarium. Their location allows them to charge the prices they do I guess since its in the heart of Old Town and basically the only fish store in the city other than Ocean Design but thats sorta in a Chicago "neighborhood"

Crooks · Dec 14, 2009

Sho Tank is a good store if you get up by there. They have a 1300 gallon display tank and great frag section. With them and Sea Schor check their hours I know they both keep weird hours.