US listings often include big-box pet chains plus independents. For aquascaping, call ahead about plant tissue culture, aquasoil, and diffuser stock.
What to look for in-store
A useful shopping order: hardscape first, then substrate, then plants, then lighting/CO₂ if the shop carries them. Compare options in our guides: Best HOB filters · CO₂ diffuser guides.
FAQ
Are there specialty aquascape stores in Chicago?
Start with highly rated options such as Shedd Aquarium (4.5, 32,004 reviews), Pet Supplies Plus Archer-Ashland (4.5, 873 reviews) and Ocean Design Aquarium (4.8, 391 reviews). Many cities also list general pet shops — ask staff about planted-tank soil and fertiliser before assuming they only sell fish kits.
Should I call before visiting?
Yes — stock of live plants, aquasoil, and CO₂ accessories changes quickly. Confirm hours on the store card and ask whether they carry the brands you need.
What if Chicago shops do not stock aquascaping gear?
Use the Amazon picks on this page when available, and read our guides: Best HOB filters · CO₂ diffuser guides.
Chicago has 15 aquarium-related stores in our list. Standouts include Shedd Aquarium (4.5, 32,004 reviews), Pet Supplies Plus Archer-Ashland (4.5, 873 reviews) and Ocean Design Aquarium (4.8, 391 reviews) — use the cards below for phone numbers, hours, and directions.
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Top #1
Shedd Aquarium
Open
★4.5
(32,004 reviews) Aquarium, Historical landmark, Learning center, Tourist attraction
📍1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
🕑Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM; Tuesday: 9 AM to 5 PM; Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM; Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM; Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM; Saturday: 9 AM to 6 PM; Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM
★4.5
(873 reviews) Pet supply store, Bird shop, Animal feed store, Fish store, Goldfish store, Pet adoption service, Pet store, Reptile store, Tropical fish store
📍3145 S Ashland Ave #102, Chicago, IL 60608
🕑Monday: 9 AM to 9 PM; Tuesday: 9 AM to 9 PM; Wednesday: 9 AM to 9 PM; Thursday: 9 AM to 9 PM; Friday: 9 AM to 9 PM; Saturday: 9 AM to 9 PM; Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM
🕑Monday: 11 AM to 7 PM; Tuesday: 11 AM to 7 PM; Wednesday: 11 AM to 7 PM; Thursday: 11 AM to 7 PM; Friday: 11 AM to 7 PM; Saturday: 11 AM to 6:30 PM; Sunday: Closed
🕑Monday: 12 to 7 PM; Tuesday: 12 to 7 PM; Wednesday: 12 to 7 PM; Thursday: 12 to 7 PM; Friday: 12 to 7 PM; Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM; Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM
★4.4
(308 reviews) Pet store, Bird shop, Animal feed store, Pet groomer, Pet supply store, Tropical fish store
📍3040 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60623
🕑Monday: 10 AM to 5 PM; Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM; Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM; Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM; Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM; Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday: 11 AM to 3 PM
🕑Monday: 11 AM to 7 PM; Tuesday: 11 AM to 7 PM; Wednesday: 11 AM to 7 PM; Thursday: 11 AM to 7 PM; Friday: 11 AM to 7 PM; Saturday: 12 to 6 PM; Sunday: Closed
🕑Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM; Tuesday: 9 AM to 5 PM; Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM; Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM; Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM; Saturday: 9 AM to 6 PM; Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
★4.3
(266 reviews) Pet store, Bar, Rehabilitation center, Weight loss service
📍13311 S Brandon Ave, Chicago, IL 60633
🕑Monday: 9 AM to 6 PM; Tuesday: 9 AM to 6 PM; Wednesday: 9 AM to 6 PM; Thursday: 9 AM to 6 PM; Friday: 9 AM to 6 PM; Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM; Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
🕑Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 10 AM to 7 PM; Wednesday: 10 AM to 7 PM; Thursday: 10 AM to 7 PM; Friday: 10 AM to 7 PM; Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM; Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
🕑Monday: 10 AM to 7 PM; Tuesday: 10 AM to 7 PM; Wednesday: 10 AM to 7 PM; Thursday: 10 AM to 7 PM; Friday: 10 AM to 7 PM; Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM; Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM
🕑Monday: 8 AM to 5 PM; Tuesday: 8 AM to 5 PM; Wednesday: 8 AM to 5 PM; Thursday: 8 AM to 5 PM; Friday: 8 AM to 5 PM; Saturday: 8 AM to 5 PM; Sunday: Closed
🕑Monday: 8:30 AM to 6 PM; Tuesday: 8:30 AM to 6 PM; Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 6 PM; Thursday: 8:30 AM to 6 PM; Friday: 8:30 AM to 6 PM; Saturday: Closed; Sunday: Closed
