Old Town Aquarium

For aquatic enthusiasts and aspiring aquarium owners throughout Chicago and the wider Illinois region, discovering a specialized store that offers expert guidance and a comprehensive selection is paramount. Old Town Aquarium, located at 4018 W Irving Park Rd in Chicago, stands as a premier destination for all things aquatic. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of this unique establishment, helping local users understand its specialized focus and why it has earned a reputation as a trusted resource for fish hobbyists.

Founded in 1975, Old Town Aquarium has established itself as one of the nation's top aquarium specialty stores, boasting over 40 years of experience. Unlike general pet stores, Old Town Aquarium dedicates itself entirely to the fascinating world of aquatic life. With a strong passion for marine environments and a commitment to responsible practices, the store offers a complete resource for collectors, from novices setting up their first tank to advanced hobbyists seeking rare specimens or custom solutions. Owned by Ian Schakowsky, an experienced diver with first-hand knowledge of aquatic ecosystems worldwide, the store emphasizes not only sales but also education and responsible collecting practices, including the endorsement of farm-raised specimens to minimize environmental impact. For Illinois residents eager to dive into the world of aquariums or enhance their existing aquatic setups, Old Town Aquarium offers unparalleled expertise and service.

Old Town Aquarium is conveniently situated at 4018 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641, USA. This location places it on a well-known thoroughfare in Chicago, making it highly accessible for residents across various city neighborhoods and surrounding Illinois communities. Irving Park Road is a major street that connects different parts of the city, ensuring straightforward driving access for those traveling by car. Ample parking is typically available in the vicinity, which is a definite advantage when transporting delicate aquatic purchases or larger aquarium equipment.

While the store's operating hours are somewhat specific (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM, with Monday-Thursday by appointment only), this focused schedule allows for dedicated service during peak times and personalized attention during off-hours. Its integration into the local Chicago landscape means it's a familiar spot for dedicated hobbyists and those looking to explore the aquatic world. Public transportation options, including bus routes along Irving Park Road, also contribute to its accessibility for a broader range of Illinois residents.

• Extensive Selection of Live Aquatic Life: Old Town Aquarium boasts a wide selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish, including common species and rare, exotic specimens. They also offer marine invertebrates, corals, and live rock.
• Aquatic Plants: For freshwater enthusiasts, a variety of aquatic plants are available to create lush, natural habitats within aquariums.
• Custom Aquarium Design and Installation: A key service for customers looking to create a unique aquatic display. The owner and crew work closely with clients to design, build, and install custom aquariums, from beginning to end, ensuring the vision comes to life. They specialize in durable, virtually leak-proof acrylic aquariums that can be custom-made into almost any shape.
• Aquarium Maintenance Services: For busy individuals or those seeking expert care, Old Town Aquarium provides complete "turnkey" aquarium service, which includes ongoing maintenance to ensure the health and vibrancy of your aquatic ecosystem. This service is highly praised by customers for keeping large saltwater tanks thriving.
• Aquarium Equipment and Supplies: A full line of dry goods is available, including filters, pumps, lighting systems, testing equipment, and other essential supplies needed to set up and maintain all types of aquariums.
• Expert Advice and Education: The staff, extensively trained by the knowledgeable owner Ian Schakowsky, provides expert advice and care instructions. They are equipped to help both novice and advanced collectors with everything from water treatment to setting up a first betta fish tank.

• Specialized Expertise: Unlike general pet stores, Old Town Aquarium's singular focus on aquatic life means unparalleled expertise. The owner, Ian Schakowsky, is an experienced diver with deep knowledge of marine environments, which translates into a highly informed staff and carefully sourced livestock.
• Custom Aquarium Solutions: The ability to design and install world-class, custom acrylic aquariums that are guaranteed for life is a significant highlight. This service caters to those desiring bespoke aquatic displays tailored to their homes or businesses.
• Healthy and Diverse Livestock: Customers consistently praise the health and quality of the fish, marine inverts, and corals. The tanks are noted for being clean and gorgeous, with healthy specimens.
• Commitment to Responsible Collecting: The store's endorsement of farm-raised specimens and the owner's participation in continuing education and marine aquarium conferences highlight a commitment to minimizing environmental impact and staying current with industry best practices.
• Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff: Reviews frequently commend the staff, including individuals like Kevin, for their helpfulness, extensive knowledge, and willingness to provide detailed care instructions and answer questions, making even beginners feel welcome.
• Visually Stunning Displays: The store itself is noted for its "enticing aquatic displays" and "beautiful freshwater & saltwater fish" and coral displays, which can be an enjoyable experience even for casual visitors.

Address: 4018 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641, USA

Phone: (312) 642-8763

Mobile Phone: +1 312-642-8763

For residents of Chicago and the broader Illinois region with a passion for aquatic life, Old Town Aquarium at 4018 W Irving Park Rd stands as an exceptional and highly suitable local resource. Its deep specialization in aquariums, from intricate design and seamless installation services to providing a diverse and healthy selection of freshwater and saltwater fish, truly sets it apart from general pet stores. The glowing testimonials from customers, who praise the owner and staff like Kevin for their politeness, efficiency, and expert guidance on everything from initial setup to water treatment, underscore the high level of dedicated support available.

Whether you're embarking on your first betta fish tank journey, as one customer happily noted, or looking to commission a complex, custom-designed marine ecosystem, Old Town Aquarium offers the knowledge, products, and services to make your aquatic dreams a reality. The commitment to responsible practices, along with the sheer beauty and health of their livestock and displays, creates an immersive and trustworthy environment for all aquatic enthusiasts. For any Illinois local seeking unparalleled expertise and a comprehensive range of quality products and services for their home or office aquarium, Old Town Aquarium is undoubtedly a must-visit destination.

Old Town Aquarium

4018 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641, USA