Ocean Design Aquarium Introduce
For aquatic enthusiasts and those looking to bring the tranquility of an underwater world into their homes or offices, Ocean Design Aquarium in Chicago stands as a highly respected and cherished local destination. This isn't just another pet store; it’s a specialized haven dedicated entirely to the art and science of aquariums, offering an extensive selection of both freshwater and saltwater inhabitants, along with all the essential elements to create stunning and thriving aquatic environments. With a strong emphasis on the health and quality of their livestock, and a reputation for providing invaluable expert advice, Ocean Design Aquarium has cultivated a loyal following among Illinois residents. This article will guide you through the unique aspects that make Ocean Design Aquarium a top choice for local aquarists, from its convenient location to its specialized offerings and the exceptional service that sets it apart.
Ocean Design Aquarium is conveniently located at 7542 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60634, USA. This prime address positions it in a readily accessible part of Chicago's Northwest Side, making it a go-to spot for residents of neighborhoods like Dunning, Belmont Cragin, and Portage Park, as well as those coming from nearby suburbs. Addison Street is a major east-west thoroughfare, providing straightforward access for drivers, with generally available street parking in the vicinity. For those utilizing public transportation, various CTA bus routes operate along Addison Street and connecting major roads, offering convenient options for reaching the store. Its embeddedness within the local community ensures that it's not only a destination for specialized purchases but also a convenient stop for regular supplies, making it a practical choice for maintaining vibrant aquatic setups without extensive travel.
Ocean Design Aquarium offers a highly specialized range of products and services, tailored specifically to the needs of aquatic enthusiasts, whether they are just starting out or are seasoned hobbyists.
- Extensive Fish Selection: They boast a "great selection of salt water and freshwater fish," catering to diverse preferences and tank setups. This includes a wide array of species, ensuring customers can find the perfect inhabitants for their aquatic ecosystems.
- Live Coral and Anemone Selection: For marine aquarium enthusiasts, the store provides a variety of live corals and anemones, essential for creating vibrant and biodiverse reef tanks.
- Aquascaping Elements: Customers can find a "very wide range of tanks, plants, fish, shrimp, and aquascape elements like rocks," indicating a comprehensive inventory for designing and maintaining beautifully arranged planted tanks and naturalistic environments.
- Aquarium Plants: For freshwater tanks, they offer a diverse selection of live aquatic plants, crucial for both aesthetic appeal and biological balance.
- Expert Consultation: The staff, including "Tony," are highly knowledgeable and willing to "help you with any questions you might have regarding your setup," providing invaluable advice on tank compatibility, water parameters, and general care.
- Aquarium Supplies: While not explicitly detailed, a store specializing in aquatic life would naturally offer all necessary aquarium supplies, including filters, heaters, lighting, food, water conditioners, and testing kits.
- High-Quality Livestock: A significant emphasis is placed on the health and quality of their fish, with customers noting that "all the fish are very high quality and healthy," surpassing the quality often found at larger chain stores.
Ocean Design Aquarium stands out in the Chicago aquatic scene due to several distinct features and highlights that are consistently praised by its clientele:
- Superior Fish Health and Quality: This is arguably the most significant highlight. Customers consistently note the "very high quality and healthy" fish, and contrast this favorably with fish from larger chains that often have mortality issues post-purchase. This commitment to healthy livestock directly translates to successful and enjoyable experiences for customers.
- Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff: The personal touch of staff members like Tony, who "will help you with any questions you might have regarding your setup," is a major asset. This expert guidance is invaluable for both novice and experienced aquarists navigating the complexities of aquatic care. The owners are also described as "very nice and friendly."
- Diverse and Unique Selection: The store offers a "great selection of salt water and freshwater fish" and "cool fish that many large chains don't have." This variety, combined with their selection of shrimp, aquatic plants, and aquascaping elements, makes it a comprehensive stop for diverse aquatic needs.
- Beautifully Aquascaped Display Tanks: The presence of "beautifully aquascaped aquariums" not only enhances the shopping experience but also serves as inspiration and a testament to the staff's expertise and dedication to creating thriving aquatic environments.
- Long-Standing Reputation and Customer Loyalty: The fact that customers have been "going here for many years" and are "always happy with purchases" speaks volumes about the consistent quality and service provided over time, fostering strong customer loyalty.
- Focused Specialization: Unlike general pet stores, Ocean Design Aquarium's exclusive focus on aquatic life allows for a deeper inventory and a higher level of specialized knowledge among staff, making it a true go-to for serious aquarists.
For direct inquiries, to inquire about specific livestock, or to seek expert advice for your aquarium setup, you can contact Ocean Design Aquarium using the following details:
- Address: 7542 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60634, USA
- Phone: (773) 625-3474
- Mobile Phone: +1 773-625-3474
For locals in Chicago and across the wider Illinois region, Ocean Design Aquarium is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for all aquatic pet needs. Its unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, healthy fish and livestock sets it apart from larger, less specialized stores, ensuring that customers start their aquatic journeys with the best possible foundation. The invaluable expertise offered by the friendly and knowledgeable staff, exemplified by individuals like Tony, provides crucial support and guidance for everything from initial tank setup to addressing complex questions, making the hobby more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Furthermore, the store's extensive selection of both common and "cool fish that many large chains don't have," alongside a wide array of aquascaping elements and plants, positions it as a comprehensive resource. Its convenient Chicago location on Addison Street further enhances its appeal, allowing for easy access for regular visits. Ocean Design Aquarium is more than just a pet store; it's a dedicated community hub for aquarists, fostering success and enjoyment in the captivating world of aquatic life, making it an indispensable part of the local Illinois pet scene.
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Ocean Design Aquarium Location
Ocean Design Aquarium
7542 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60634, USA
Ocean Design Aquarium Reviews
Been going here for many years. Great selection of salt water and freshwater fish. Always happy with my purchases here. Also Tony will help you with any questions you might have regarding your setup.
Apr 13, 2025 · Tomas ArteagaBeautifully aquascaped aquariums, had a very wide range of tanks, plants, fish, shrimp, and aquascape elements like rocks. everything you would need for a planted tank and cool fish that many large chains don't have. Moreover, all the fish are very high quality and healthy. Often times from shops like Petco that operate all over the country, I would have many fish die after being bought, but you can visibly see that these fish are way better. Owners were also very nice and friendly. Would definitely come back in the near future!!
Mar 15, 2025 · failuremanThe best aquarium store in the Chicagoland area! The owners have helped me created a beautiful, fresh planted aquarium start to finish. Tony always gives solid advice on aquarium set up, filter care and fish mates.I will not go anywhere else. I have, there is no comparison.Plus, the store plays great music while you shop.For fish friends, this shop is a must see!
Jun 16, 2023 · Colette DiBasilioBest aquarium store in the Chicago land area, by far! Tony and his wife are super friendly and knowledgeable on everything you could want to know about fish keeping. Highly recommended!
Feb 02, 2025 · Matt MI have purchased all of my axolotl's food here over the past year or two...big juicy earthworms, ghost shrimp, and feeder fish. The owners are knowledgeable and delightful to talk to. This is a clean and nice neighborhood aquarium and fish store with ample free parking and great hours. Their fish are healthy and the aquariums are super clean. But it's so much more than just that. A special order or request has always been filled in record time when the big pet chains can't even seem to answer my phone calls because they're too busy. Stop in and you will definitely like what you see with their freshwater and saltwater selections.
Dec 31, 2024 · Tracy Davies
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