What LFS do you use?

[reefer_wannabe]

Glad it was a positive experience for you! I need to make a trip down there soon. After seeing the prices in the stores in Chicago yesterday.... YIKES!!! Talk about "sticker shock"!!!! I'll stay down state!!

[fergieturk]

Hi all,
I'm a student at U of I in Champaign and frequent Sailfin (about once a week to walk around - I don't buy much). I find their staff to be very knowledgeable and compassionate. When I got my little tank (30 gallons with an eclipse hood) on a Saturday they spent 2 hours setting me up and giving advise. The store was packed and I was surprised I got so much attention for the amount of money I was spending. The staff is also very nice about dead fish returns; when I added and killed my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fish they refunded the money (after testing my water). Needless to say I just sticking to my original fish, Rod (ocellarius clownfish). Over all - it's an awesome store.
Today I went to Capture the Sea in Tinley Park. My boyfriend wanted a tank from our permanent home in New Lenox (and I wanted a bigger tank for Rod). They set us up with a 165 gallon tank with all the goodies we needed. Jim, the owner, was very patient answering all my questions and the prices did seem fairly reasonable. They've been in business for 12 years and do a lot of office set ups (Jim told us this about ten thousand times). The tanks are very clean and bright.
Just my experiences. Hope they help!
Michelle

[RogerMcAllen]

Wow, I am also a New Lenox native at the U of I. I have a pond at my dad's house in Flosmoor and have found Capital Dog Food to be a great store. I know it sounds like just a dogfood warehouse, but it is mostly fish stuff. They guys there are very knowledgeable, and the tanks seem clean.

[fergieturk]

Hi Roger,
Where is Capital Dog Food at? Do they have SW fish? I've been all over looking at different fish stores in the area. We need a decent one in New Lenox. I've heard Alsip Nursery has SW fish, but I haven't looked at their fish in about 5 years (never really had any luck there). Have you been there recently?

[loganizzi]

Here in Naperville (western suburb of Chicago) I've used the following shops:

Petco (rte 59) for my damsels to cycle the tank with (probably would have gone fishless if I knew I could at the time) and my perc. clown. Good prices, hit or miss with staff, probably wouldn't buy fish there without a quarantine tank (just my gut feeling). Don't guarantee.

Petland (rte 59) has an excellent selection, although not the cleanest store. I think they will guarantee to some extent.

Advanced Aquatics (Roselle Rd in Schaumburg) is where I purchased most of my live rock (~$5/lbs) they are very clean, good selection with knowledgeable staff and not too expensive.

Pets, Etc. (75th & Naper) in Naperville has just gotten into the salt water biz so it will be a few months before I think they are ready to be evaluated. So far mostly a ton of damsels in stock and most of their invertebrates I've found are not reef safe or good for beginners.

Would be interested to hear of any other good shops within 15 miles or so.

[RogerMcAllen]

The only thing I buy at alsip is plants for my pont. I can't remember the exact location of capital. From the intersection of 183rd and Cicero, you north until you go under 80, and it is right on the left/west.

[Bearfan]

Loganizzi-

I am a former Napervillian, now I live just over the border.

Petco - Have not had any problems with FW I have bought there, but don't rely on the staff for info. I bought my favorite predator (Sorubim Lima - Shovelnosed Cat) there and was promptly informed that it was a scavenger and loved Algae wafers. I knew better, and weened them onto frozen blood worms over live fish.

Petland - Their prices are not the best, but I've gotten to know people there and have spent a large stack of bills there. They've special ordered for me and have the best selection of plants. Their salt water section is also extensive.

Pets, Etc. - Inexperienced high school kids maintain their tanks. One guy cleaning the tanks asked another if he was supposed to vacuum the gravel after about his 5th tank. I don't recommend them anymore, they've lost a step or two.

Petsmart - Dry goods.

A Pet Paradise - 2009 W 63rd, Downers Grove - They've got a large selection, but keep all of their fish in small tanks. Never bought here before, but their selection is wide.

Critters Pet Shop - St. Charles - Just avoid it. Horrid.

Scott's Pet Shop - 3054 S Wolf Road, Westchester - Don't call them, they won't answer. Good luck getting help when it's busy. With that said, they have the biggest selection of exotics. They have jelly fish, sting rays, all kinds of stuff. Great place to even just browse.

Tropi-quatics - 426 S Main St, Lomard - If you want a new tank, this is the place. I got a new 72 gal bowfront, glass top, strip light, solid wood stand for $400. The tanks are dirty, but if you want a new tank, look here.

Dog Patch - On Ogden in Naperville - Dirty, algae ridden tanks, I don't recommend it. But if you are in the market for birdseed, great selection.

Just a couple to wet the whistle.

[loganizzi]

I've heard about Scott's and been meaning to get over there to have a look around.

Does Pet Paradise have Salt Water? How do their prices look?

[RogerMcAllen]

Was just at capital again, and wow their tanks look great. As far as salt, they have a wide selection of things including LR. Their prices are great compared to petsmart. $.30 cheaper for neons, and I got a 5" pleco for $5, which would have only gotten me a 3" at petsmart. As I was picking up some more fish for my pond the guy asked me about how I had cycled it, so they obviously know what they are doing. I will be going back this weekend, so if anyone wants me to check any prices/selections just let me know.

[loganizzi]

Hey Roger,

If you have time, I'd love to get a report on their Salt Water livestock. How varied is their selection? Do they have corals, mushrooms or any invertebrates? What do they charge?

It's a good drive for me, so any reconnaissance you can do would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!