Big Fish Aquarium

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

6816 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60707, USA