Exotic Aquatics

- 388 Hiawatha Dr, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156

Introduction / Overview

Welcome to Exotic Aquatics, a dedicated tropical fish store located in Lake in the Hills, Illinois, that brings the beauty and complexity of the ocean to the heart of the Midwest. As a small, locally-owned business, Exotic Aquatics specializes in the fascinating world of saltwater aquariums, offering a curated selection of healthy fish, vibrant corals, and unique invertebrates. This focus on saltwater aquatic life sets it apart from general pet stores and makes it a destination for hobbyists and newcomers alike who are looking to create or expand their reef aquariums.

The experience at Exotic Aquatics is defined by the passion and expertise of its staff. For those new to the hobby, the overwhelming task of setting up a saltwater tank is made simple and enjoyable with the guidance of knowledgeable professionals. The store is designed to be more than just a place to buy supplies; it’s a source of education and support for the aquatic community. As one customer review states, "Being new to the hobby, Elise is always helpful with sharing knowledge and awesome to work with!!! Always a positive experience!" This kind of personalized, hands-on assistance is a hallmark of the store's service and is crucial for the success of any aquatic venture.

While the store has received some mixed feedback on its appearance, the commitment to the health of the livestock is a major point of pride. A customer's detailed review praises the business for being "always clean, and filled with a great selection of healthy fish and coral." This positive sentiment, highlighting the health of the animals, speaks directly to the core mission of Exotic Aquatics: to provide quality, healthy livestock that will thrive in customers' home aquariums. The store's dedication to maintaining a clean and vibrant environment for its aquatic life is a testament to its professionalism and expertise.

In an industry where the health of animals is paramount, Exotic Aquatics aims to be a reliable and trustworthy resource for the Illinois community. By focusing on a specialized niche and offering a high level of expertise, this small business creates a valuable and supportive environment for everyone from a beginner setting up their first tank to a seasoned expert looking for a rare coral.

Location and Accessibility

Exotic Aquatics is located at 388 Hiawatha Dr, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156, USA. This location makes it easily accessible for residents throughout Lake in the Hills and the surrounding suburbs of Chicago. Situated in a suburban area, the store provides a convenient option for those who want to avoid the traffic and congestion of a major city to find specialized aquatic supplies. Its presence as a local business in the area makes it a valuable resource for the community of aquatic enthusiasts.

The store is committed to being accessible to all customers. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can enter and navigate the store with ease. A wheelchair-accessible parking lot is also available, providing a convenient and stress-free experience from the moment customers arrive. These features demonstrate the business's dedication to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

The store's layout is designed for a "quick visit," which is ideal for customers who know what they need and want to get in and out efficiently. However, the knowledgeable staff ensures that even a quick visit can be a learning experience. The various payment options—including checks, credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments—further enhance convenience and accessibility for all patrons.

Services Offered

• In-Store Shopping: Explore a wide selection of saltwater fish, live corals, invertebrates, and all the necessary dry goods and equipment to set up and maintain a thriving aquarium.
• Curbside Pickup: For added convenience, customers can place orders and pick them up at the curb, making it a quick and efficient way to get essential supplies.
• Expert Consultation and Aquarium Services: The business offers professional services for aquarium setup and maintenance. This includes help with tank selection, water parameters, filtration, and ongoing care for both freshwater and saltwater tanks.
• Troubleshooting and Consultation: For those experiencing problems with their current tank, the expert staff can provide consultations to help diagnose and solve issues related to water chemistry, algae, or sick livestock.

Features / Highlights

• Specialized Expertise: Exotic Aquatics is a tropical fish store with a strong focus on saltwater aquariums, offering a specialized inventory and a high level of knowledge that is often not available at general pet stores.
• Healthy Livestock: The store is known for its healthy selection of fish and coral, a direct result of the owners' and staff's meticulous care and commitment to the well-being of their animals.
• Personalized Service: As a small business, Exotic Aquatics provides one-on-one attention and expert guidance, which is especially valuable for beginners in the complex hobby of saltwater aquariums.
• Professional Aquarium Services: Beyond retail, the business offers professional setup, maintenance, and consultation services, making it a full-service provider for all your aquarium needs.
• Flexible Payment Options: The store accepts a variety of payment methods, including checks and NFC mobile payments, catering to the diverse preferences of its customers.

Contact Information

Address: 388 Hiawatha Dr, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156, USA

What is worth choosing

For residents of Illinois, especially those in the greater Chicago area, Exotic Aquatics is worth choosing for its specialization, expertise, and dedication to the aquatic hobby. While some may be used to the convenience of larger retail chains, this small business offers a level of personalized service and product quality that is simply unparalleled. The most significant reason to choose Exotic Aquatics is the health and vitality of their livestock. The positive customer reviews that highlight a clean store and healthy animals are a testament to the high standards maintained by the owners and staff. This assurance is invaluable when investing in living creatures that require specific care.

The knowledge shared by the staff is a major draw for both new and experienced hobbyists. The world of saltwater aquariums can be complex and intimidating, but having a trusted, local expert like Exotic Aquatics to turn to for advice and troubleshooting is a priceless resource. The option for professional aquarium maintenance and consultation services further cements the store's role as a true partner in your hobby, ensuring long-term success and enjoyment.

Supporting a local small business also provides a more direct and personal shopping experience. The owners and staff are invested in their community and the success of their customers’ tanks. While there might be some variation in the appearance of the tanks from time to time, as noted in a review, the consistent commitment to providing healthy livestock and expert advice makes Exotic Aquatics a reliable and valuable choice. For anyone serious about creating or maintaining a beautiful and thriving aquatic environment, this store is a must-visit destination.

Exotic Aquatics

388 Hiawatha Dr, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156, USA