i had the same experience in Old Orchard. Way too pricey. The manager was complaining to his staff one day that he was spending to much time talk to customers and answering questions. Last time I'm going there.
Scott's isn't bad. Wet Pets in Roselle isn't bad, but they had just moved when I was there and didn't have much setup. There is another in Schaumburg that is also ok.
But the living sea aquarium rocks!