LFS in Chicago

[infalable]

Any one in the Chicago burbs have a reliable lfs nearby?

 

[sterling]

I can list several for you. These are the ones I shop at. Reliability, you'll have to decide for yourself. But i've been pretty satisfied.
Living Seas in Park Ridge
Exotic Aquatics in Lake In The Hills
Beyond the Reef in Schaumburg
Old Orchard Aquarium near Old Orchard in Skokie
Sho Tank in Mundelein
Good luck.

 

[phil1964]

The only one mentioned above that I have been to is Living Sea.
I bought there a lot even though the prices were high because they always had a good and diverse lot of fish. This was 5 years ago as I have moved out of the area. I heard they had a few fire years ago.

 

[infalable]

Thanks. I knew of only one in westchester, Scotts, but wanted to compare live and dry goods. I will try one or two of them.

 

[infalable]

Hey sterling, Do you know any one personnaly at Beyond the Reef. About 8 years ago I worked with a guy who wanted to start a business, saltwater related, and that was the name they picked out. Just wondering if this might be his business.

 

[sterling]

No, actually, I don't know the owner by name. He's about, I'd say mid-50's, slightly balding, wears glasses. Not the most personable guy, but OK.

 

[infalable]

Prob not the guy I new. Thanks.

 

[searcher]

Advanced Aquatics is also in Schaumburg and close to Beyond the Reef. I usually visit both to shop around.
Also, in Chicago, there is Old Town Aquarium at North and Wells. And Aquatic World at Belmont and Lincoln.
I would recommend Aquatic World if you're a begginer the owner is very helpful and won't sell you creatures your system can't handle.
The other stores usually have a better selection though.

 

[phil1964]

Is that place still there?!
Interisting neighborhood!

 

[pufferfreak]

Concerning Beyond the Reef, there are 2 owners that I know of. One is the guy described above, and I agree not the most personable. The other guy is Jeff, he is younger I would say 30's or 40's and has black hair. He is a really nice guy.

 

[infalable]

Thanks puffer. I called there and Jeff is the guy I worked with many years ago. Small world. Thanks for the tip.

 

[pufferfreak]

No Problem glad I could help you. Beyond the Reef is good but there LR is expensive.

 

[infalable]

Thanks again Puffer. I noticed that you have 40ls ls. Did you buy any of the play sand that so many people talk about? If so, what kind did you get and where. Thanks.

 

[pufferfreak]

I actually just used the Nature's Ocean it was good stuff but no critters but my lr from the some of the lfs seeded it with critters.

 

[infalable]

Thanks Puffer