Old Town Aquarium offers custom-designed aquariums, professional installation, and ongoing maintenance services. As Chicagoland’s premier aquarium store since 1975, we proudly guarantee the health of our fish for 7 days.
We had tried establishing a tank ourselves with little success and many tears. The staff at Old Town Aquarium gave us great advice setting up a very successful small freshwater tank that's thriving today.
RN
Ryan Norwood
Sep 27, 2025
5.0
From Start to Finish Ian and Staff have been very helpful and knowledge for this hobby is really hard to beat. 50 years 🫡 I really appreciate all the kindness shown and help with everything on my tanks. I am extremely happy with both Red Sea tank purchases. From installation to service and general guidance in this hobby that is actually CORRECT INFO. I HIGHLY RECOMNEND OLD TOWN AQUARIUM FOR ANYTHING INVOLVING FISH / TANKS 👉👌
MR
Michael Rose
Sep 18, 2025
5.0
Helped me start my salt water tank; helpful and knowledgeable
AA
Alison
Sep 3, 2025
5.0
My favorite aquarium shop in the city. Healthy fish, awesome selection of hardscape, and really nice plants that are free of pests and snails. Beautiful betta fish too and all the supplies you could need. Highly recommend!
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Town Aquarium
How big of a tank do I need for my aquarium?
We recommend selecting the largest tank that your space and budget can accommodate. Our clients consistently express satisfaction with larger tanks, while some regret choosing smaller ones. For personalized guidance on the ideal tank size for your specific needs, please contact our team of aquarium experts.
How many fish can I keep in my aquarium tank?
The number of fish your tank can support depends on various factors including tank size, shape, fish species, and filtration system. As a general guideline, freshwater aquariums can typically accommodate more fish than saltwater ones. For freshwater tanks, a common rule is one inch of fish per gallon of water. Saltwater tanks usually support about one-third of that capacity, with approximately 3 inches of fish per 10 gallons of water. These are rough estimates, and we recommend consulting with our experts for more precise recommendations.
Do you carry products for freshwater and saltwater aquariums?
Indeed, we offer a comprehensive range of fish and aquarium supplies suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Do you sell aquarium water?
Certainly, we provide filtered freshwater and distilled saltwater specifically formulated for aquarium use.
I'm looking for specific fish; can you get it?
We gladly accept special orders for specific fish. Please note that availability may vary, and some species might require additional time to source. In such cases, we'll collect your contact information and update you on the status of your request.
Is there parking available?
Yes, we provide convenient parking for our customers. Our dedicated parking lot is located behind our building. For detailed directions, please visit the contact page on our website.
Can I bring my dog inside your store?
Absolutely, we welcome well-behaved dogs in our store. Our shop maintains a pet-friendly environment for our customers.
Does Old Town Aquarium offer a guarantee?
We stand behind the health of our fish with a 7-day guarantee. If you observe any health issues with your purchase, please contact us promptly. This allows us to address the problem swiftly and assist you in resolving any potential concerns.