A good LFS

sohal1025 · #1 08/30/2007, 09:57 AM

Im traveling through Chicago this weekend and thought it might be cool to stop at a good LFS(instead of the same old stores).

I'm going from Cleve. to Minneapolis
Can anyone recommend anythimg?

Steverino · #2 08/30/2007, 10:04 AM

taking I-294, then I-90 west near the airport, right?

sohal1025 · #3 08/30/2007, 10:55 AM

yes

flapjack1439 · #4 08/30/2007, 11:14 AM

These are all good stores and not too far out of the way.

Sea Schor http://www.seaschor.biz/page/page/3866510.htm

Advanced Aquatics

https://ssl.adgrafix.com/users/coral.../web_store.cgi

Beyond the Reef http://www.beyondthereef.org/

Aquatic reef http://www.aquaticreef.com/

Musho3210 · #5 08/30/2007, 11:40 AM

old orchard aquarium is a bit far away and a bit on the pricey side, but i like it there, good place if you want soft corals or freshwater plants.

jglackin · #6 08/30/2007, 12:04 PM

It depends on what you are looking for. Corals? Fish? Inverts?

If you are looking for fish, Living Sea cannot be beat. If you are looking for SPS, Aquatic Reef (not many fish). If you are looking for a mix of coral types, Sea Schor (not many fish).

LFS's are like religion around here. I figure that you are doing like I do when I travel. I am not going to buy, since I won't be able to get the livestock home, but I am going in to see what is out there. I was in Cleveland a few weeks ago and checked out a few stores. Anyway, If you want to check out a cool store with a LARGE amount of fish, shark tanks, ray tanks, 1000 gallon display tanks, and a mix of different variety of corals, go to Living Sea. It is very interesting. If you are looking for good deals on corals and a very large variety, because you want to buy, Aquatic Reef would be my recommendation.

http://www.livingseaaquarium.com/

fishb8 · #7 08/30/2007, 04:53 PM

livingsea is great. beyond the reef is not bad either

nmprisons · #8 08/30/2007, 06:17 PM

darklordcoral.com The best.

ghostman · #9 08/30/2007, 08:21 PM

Another vote for DarkLordCoral. Man their stuff is nice.

jglackin · #10 08/30/2007, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Steverino
taking I-294, then I-90 west near the airport, right?

I just caught this. Coming in from Cleveland and heading to MN, when would you be on 294? You wouldn't. You would come in on 94 and head out on 90.

chaseracing · #11 08/30/2007, 09:07 PM

Living Sea is near the airport and probably worth stopping in. The store is huge and they have a great selection of just about everything.

Also....If you are taking 90W out of the state (towards rockford) then you could also stop off at Oceans Floor (10 minutes off of 90) or ther is another place off of Rt 31 which I somehow forgot the name of.

If you are taking 294N into Wisc, then you could check out Sharky's reef. It is about 15 minutes off of the expressway just before you hit Wisc.

-=E=-

sohal1025 · #12 08/31/2007, 02:14 AM

Thanks for everyones help, I now have alot to choose from.

dangtang25 · #13 08/31/2007, 09:23 AM

dark lord coral is the one stop shop.. you'll be disapointed w/ any other I think..

Beyond the reef is garbage..

sea schor is the next best after DLC

Steverino · #14 08/31/2007, 09:45 AM

Quote:

jglackin quote:I just caught this. Coming in from Cleveland and heading to MN, when would you be on 294? You wouldn't. You would come in on 94 and head out on 90.

I would not take 94 into the city, with the Dan Ryan mess, going through downtown, forgeddaboutit!!! Better off going a bit west, taking 294 up, plus it puts you in position for DLC & Scotts. You could also peel off at the 290 extension and go up 53 near schaumburg to hit 90 going west.

....or peel off of 294 onto 88 west and go visit Dekalb-Rods.

chitwnfish · #15 08/31/2007, 10:32 AM

Avoid Sea Schor! I seem to be one of the few that have had a horrendous experience with shady business practices and very dishonest people.

Living Sea is expensive but does have quite a bit to see.

I do not know how familiar you are with the area but Coral Reef is much more reasonable in price for fish.

As far as supplies, I am not sure! I have been looking....

DarklordCoral also gets my vote.

kimoy · #16 08/31/2007, 10:40 AM

aquatic reef in west dundee is a place to visit. they also have an amazing sale this weekend. it's off of I90 on your way to minn

Pufferpunk · #17 08/31/2007, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chitwnfish
Avoid Sea Schor! I seem to be one of the few that have had a horrendous experience with shady business practices and very dishonest people.
Living Sea is expensive but does have quite a bit to see.

Gosh, I've found the exact opposite! Very honest, generous folks at SeaSchor & owners only interested in the almighty $$$ at Living Sea. Even had to turn them into the Dept of Ag, for knowingly selling dozens of fish to a fellow, with the intention of fighting them. When I approached the owners on it, they laughed at me. Not so, the DOA.

m.jumbo · #18 08/31/2007, 10:56 AM

Aquatic Reef is probably a mile and a half north of 90 and route 31 so this is very convenient if you are heading west on 90. Make to not to miss their SALE today and tomorrow. Living sea is probably about a mile north of 90 and cumberland. After route 31 you can take Randall Rd to go to Exotic Aquatics (maybe 4-5miles north of 90 and Randall)

hebygb · #19 08/31/2007, 12:54 PM

Living Sea is probably the most complete and unrivaled in terms of livestock. There is a nice store in Orland Park as well, not far off of 294. Chicago something... I dont know the names anymore... I just close my eyes and know when to turn the steering wheel.

yankeereefer · #20 08/31/2007, 01:09 PM

From Mike (DLC) on another board:

"Hi Labor Day Hours:
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm
Monday 9am - 6pm

Lots of great stuff in. We are still waiting on one more shipment, but might not be until next week."

YR

craftytony · #21 08/31/2007, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pufferpunk
Gosh, I've found the exact opposite! Very honest, generous folks at SeaSchor & owners only interested in the almighty $$$ at Living Sea. Even had to turn them into the Dept of Ag, for knowingly selling dozens of fish to a fellow, with the intention of fighting them. When I approached the owners on it, they laughed at me. Not so, the DOA.

I agree, they usually have great SPS!

tanked001 · #22 09/02/2007, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hebygb
Living Sea is probably the most complete and unrivaled in terms of livestock. There is a nice store in Orland Park as well, not far off of 294. Chicago something... I dont know the names anymore... I just close my eyes and know when to turn the steering wheel.

There called Chicago reptile house... AKA GoFish, you have to enter thru the reptile side to get to fish side...
addy: 14412 john humphrey drive orland Park 708-403-1810

btw if your checking out the south side there's also:

Aquatica, 16649 S oak park ave Tinley Park 708-633-7333

Aquatic Environments, in mokena 708-478-5810
aquaticenvironmentsmokena.com