Big Fish Aquarium Introduce
For aquatic enthusiasts and those looking to dive into the captivating world of fishkeeping across Chicago and the wider Illinois region, Big Fish Aquarium stands as a beacon of knowledge, selection, and exceptional customer service. Located on North Avenue, this specialized store is far more than just a place to buy fish; it's a comprehensive hub designed to support both seasoned aquarists and complete beginners on their aquatic journey. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Big Fish Aquarium, helping local users understand its unique strengths and why it has become a cherished resource within the Illinois fishkeeping community.
Big Fish Aquarium distinguishes itself through an unwavering commitment to its customers' success and the well-being of aquatic life. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a team of incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely passionate staff who treat every inquiry with patience and respect, regardless of your experience level. This dedication to education and support is a cornerstone of their philosophy. They not only provide a wide array of products but also offer invaluable guidance on crucial aspects like tank setup, water cycling, and fish health. Their mission is clearly to make aquarium keeping an approachable, educational, and rewarding hobby for everyone in Illinois, fostering a thriving underwater world in every home.
Big Fish Aquarium is conveniently located at 6816 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60707, USA. Situated on North Avenue, a major east-west artery traversing Chicago and its western suburbs, the store offers excellent accessibility for residents throughout the city and surrounding Illinois communities. Its placement on such a significant road means straightforward driving access, and typically, there is ample parking available in the vicinity, which is a key convenience for customers, especially when purchasing larger tanks or heavier supplies.
The store's location allows it to serve a broad demographic of aquatic hobbyists, from those in nearby neighborhoods like Galewood and Montclare to those traveling from further afield in Illinois. Public transportation options along North Avenue also contribute to its accessibility, ensuring that a wide range of residents can reach this specialized aquatic destination with ease. Its integration into a bustling commercial street provides a familiar and convenient setting for all your fishkeeping needs.
- Extensive Live Aquatic Selection: Big Fish Aquarium boasts a well-stocked inventory of healthy freshwater and saltwater fish, including popular species like angels, plecos, cichlids, livebearers, tetras, as well as a fantastic selection of shrimp and snails. For marine enthusiasts, they offer a great variety of corals and other marine invertebrates.
- Aquarium Equipment and Supplies: The store provides all the necessary equipment for setting up and maintaining aquariums, including tanks, filters (excluding sponge filters, as noted by a reviewer), substrates (like sand), lighting, heating, and water treatment products.
- Expert Guidance and Consultation: Staff are highly knowledgeable and passionate, offering invaluable step-by-step guidance on tank setup, understanding the nitrogen cycle, choosing the right equipment and substrates, and diagnosing fish health issues. They are patient with beginner questions and committed to helping customers succeed.
- In-Home Aquarium Services: For busy hobbyists or those needing professional assistance, Big Fish Aquarium offers in-home aquarium services, providing ongoing support and maintenance for your tank.
- Water Testing: They offer free water testing services, which is crucial for maintaining optimal water conditions and ensuring the health of your aquatic inhabitants.
- Membership Program: Big Fish Aquarium offers a tiered membership program with various perks, including monthly livestock coupons ($5, $10, or $20 depending on the tier), free RO freshwater with a qualifying purchase, and warranties on quarantined fish (2-day for Silver, 7-day for higher tiers), and discounts on purchases.
- Educational Demonstrations: Staff go above and beyond, as evidenced by them showing a customer how to vacuum a tank by letting them practice in a real tank, demonstrating their commitment to practical education.
- Outstanding Customer Service: Consistently highlighted by reviews, the staff's passion, knowledge, patience, and genuine care for fish and customers are a standout feature. They are praised for treating every inquiry with respect, from beginner to seasoned aquarist.
- Comprehensive Expertise: The team, including staff members like Julie, possesses deep knowledge across all aspects of aquarium keeping, from freshwater to saltwater, including complex topics like the nitrogen cycle and diagnosing fish illnesses.
- Honest and Practical Advice: Customers appreciate the staff's honesty, even suggesting cost-effective alternatives like buying sand from a hardware store, demonstrating a focus on customer success over immediate sales.
- Healthy and Diverse Livestock: The store maintains a wide selection of healthy fish, shrimp, snails, plants, and corals, ensuring variety and quality for all types of setups. Their practice of quarantining fish before sale contributes to the health guarantee.
- Supportive Community Hub: Beyond being a retail store, Big Fish Aquarium fosters a sense of community, providing continuous support and becoming a go-to resource for local fishkeepers.
- Valuable Membership Program: The tiered membership program offers tangible benefits like monthly livestock coupons, free RO water, and extended warranties on fish, making it very appealing for regular customers.
Address: 6816 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60707, USA
Phone: (773) 295-5175
Mobile Phone: +1 773-295-5175
For aquatic enthusiasts and aspiring fishkeepers across Chicago and the broader Illinois region, Big Fish Aquarium at 6816 W North Ave is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local resource. Its core strength lies in its unparalleled commitment to customer success, powered by a team of genuinely passionate and incredibly knowledgeable staff. As demonstrated by glowing customer testimonials, from helping novices set up their first tank and understand the cycling process to patiently guiding someone through caring for sick betta fish, the level of personalized support and honest advice is truly outstanding.
Beyond the expert guidance, Big Fish Aquarium offers an impressive and healthy selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish, along with diverse corals, live plants, and all the necessary equipment. The valuable membership program, offering monthly coupons, free RO water, and fish warranties, makes ongoing participation in the hobby more affordable and reassuring for Illinois residents. Whether you're just starting out, looking to expand your existing setup, or simply need reliable advice for your aquatic companions, Big Fish Aquarium provides a supportive community, a vast selection, and the expertise to ensure your underwater world thrives. For any local seeking to embark on or continue their fishkeeping journey, this establishment is an invaluable asset right here in Illinois.
Big Fish Aquarium Photos










Big Fish Aquarium Location
Big Fish Aquarium
6816 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60707, USA
Big Fish Aquarium Reviews
I want to give a huge thank you to Big Fish Aquarium for their outstanding customer service and overall amazing experience. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a team of incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely passionate staff. Whether you're a seasoned aquarist or just starting out, they make you feel completely comfortable even if your questions seem small or beginner level, they treat every inquiry with patience and respect.I came in looking to set up a new tank, and they walked me through the entire process step-by-step. From choosing the right equipment and substrates to helping me understand the cycling process, their guidance was invaluable. It’s rare to find a place where the staff not only know their stuff but also care about helping you succeed with your aquarium long after the purchase.The store itself is well-stocked with a wide selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish, as well as a great variety of corals, plants, tanks, and accessories. Whether you're into vibrant reef setups or peaceful freshwater communities, they have something for everyone.Another great perk is their membership program and in-home aquarium services, which offer even more support for hobbyists at any level. It's clear that Big Fish Aquarium is more than just a store—it’s a hub for the local fishkeeping community.I'm so glad I discovered this place. If you're even remotely interested in aquariums, don’t hesitate to stop by and ask questions. You won’t regret it!
Jun 11, 2025 · Samuel CervantesBig Fish Aquarium has a fantastic selection of shrimp, snails, freshwater and saltwater fish, plants, and corals, as well as all the necessary equipment (though they don’t carry sponge filters). They even took the time to show me how to vacuum a tank by letting me practice in a real tank, which was incredibly helpful.Recently, I had the challenge of caring for two sick betta fish that I was babysitting for a friend. With no prior experience in fish keeping, I was quite anxious about their condition. After visiting several aquarium stores, I found that Big Fish Aquarium truly stood out. Their knowledgeable and passionate staff not only helped me diagnose the issues but also guided me step by step to improve the bettas' health. They recommended changes like switching from marble to sand substrate, adding live plants, and taught me about the nitrogen cycle to maintain optimal water conditions. What really impressed me was their honesty—they even suggested cost-effective alternatives, like buying sand from a hardware store and thoroughly cleaning it myself.Throughout the month, the staff at Big Fish Aquarium continued to support me with free water testing, and they were always patient and welcoming, even with my frequent visits. Thanks to their expert advice, the bettas became much more active and healthy, and they were thriving by the time their owner returned.The staff's genuine care for the fish and their commitment to providing only what was necessary made a huge difference. I was so inspired by their help that I started my own heavily planted tank with snails and shrimp, all purchased from Big Fish Aquarium. They are all thriving and living their best life!If you're looking for an aquarium store that combines an impressive selection with expert, honest advice, and a truly caring team, I highly recommend Big Fish Aquarium.Special thanks to Julie and the rest of the staff for making this hobby such a joy. Plus, their $5 livestock coupon for members is a great perk!
Aug 10, 2024 · Pantira KetkaewThis place is so fun to visit randomly to explore. I love the variety of fresh and saltwater fish.My boyfriend and I discovered silver hatchets and panda loaches! They are the cutest fish. 🐟 We also love a variety of shrimps.They also have a rewards program which provides points and discounts when you spend!
Apr 01, 2025 · DasomEddie and his staff are a wealth of knowledge. I’ve been able to elevate my beginner fish tank into something that I am proud of. They offer great advice and products and will walk you through how to tackle your next project. I am happy and my fish are as well!
Aug 28, 2024 · Nicholas ReyesBig Fish in a tiny shop. Cool local fish store/ in a nondescript strip mall right on the border of Chicago and Oak Park. They seem to have something for everyone; whether it is saltwater tanks, freshwater tanks. A good selection of nano fish, rimless tanks, betas and plants and materials for aquascaping. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
Jun 10, 2024 · Ramon Gonzalez
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