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WE'RE MOVING! 📍 New Location: 6622 W. North Ave, Chicago. Soft Opening May 23, 2026.
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Trusted Brands for a Thriving Aquarium
Big Fish Aquarium is a premier aquatic pet store specializing in healthy live fish, custom reef tanks, and expert saltwater aquarium maintenance. Serving enthusiasts with the highest quality livestock and supplies since 2022, we invite you to shop our most trusted aquarium brands—selected by our team for quality and performance.
We carry top names like Fritz Aquatics, Ocean Nutrition, HYDROS, and Tropic Marin—known for reliable fish foods, water treatments, filtration, and reef care. Whether you’re running a freshwater tank or a saltwater reef, these brands are chosen for proven results and livestock safety.
Tropic Marin’s Professional STANDARD ICP test provides high-precision measurement of the most important seawater parameters — calcium, magnesium, potassium, strontium, and trace elements — directly from your tank sample.
This mail-in kit offers easy sample collection, secure laboratory analysis, and detailed digital results to guide precise dosing and maintenance routines. Perfect for saltwater aquariums of any scale that need consistent water chemistry tracking.
Why We Like It:
Reliable, professional-grade water testing with straightforward sample submission and clear results — ideal for hobbyists or professionals maintaining stable reef conditions.
The Sicce XStream SDC Wave Pump is designed to deliver impressive performance with a flow range of 270 to 2250 gallons per hour. This versatile pump is ideal for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, providing adjustable flow rates to suit the specific needs of your aquatic environment.
Featuring a compact design, the XStream SDC is easy to install and maintain. Its efficient engineering ensures low energy consumption while delivering strong flow, making it an eco-friendly choice for aquarium enthusiasts. The pump operates quietly, minimizing disturbances in your aquatic habitat.
One of the standout features of the XStream SDC is its smart control capabilities. Equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, users can easily adjust settings and monitor performance through a mobile app. This functionality adds convenience and enables precise management of water movement to enhance the health of your aquatic life.
The Sicce XStream SDC Wave Pump is constructed from durable materials, ensuring longevity and reliability. Its versatility makes it suitable for various applications, including creating waves, enhancing circulation, or simulating natural currents within your aquarium setup.
Overall, the XStream SDC is a powerful and adaptable option for aquarists looking to optimize their aquarium environment while ensuring the well-being of their fish and plants.
Don't want to handle the installation? Our Chicago specialists provide professional setup and ongoing maintenance for this equipment. Explore Chicago Maintenance Services.
Give your fish a nutrient-packed diet with SFB Frozen Krill Flat Packs! Sourced from high-quality Euphausia superba, this premium krill is rich in protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and natural color-enhancing carotenoids, promoting vibrant colors and optimal health in both freshwater and marine species.
Key Benefits:
✔ High-Protein Formula – Supports growth and muscle development
✔ Enhances Natural Colors – Rich in carotenoids to intensify fish pigmentation
✔ Ideal for Carnivorous Fish – Perfect for large cichlids, marine fish, and predatory species
✔ Easy-to-Use Flat Pack – Simple portioning for convenient feeding
Feeding Instructions:
Thaw desired amount, rinse, and feed to fish. Avoid overfeeding.
Ingredients:
Whole Krill (Euphausia superba)
Storage:
Keep frozen. Do not refreeze after thawing.
A top-choice frozen treat for your fish, providing the essential nutrients they need for a healthy, active life!
The LifeRock Reef Forest Extension Kit is an ideal addition to enhance your existing LifeRock Reef Forest setup. Designed to seamlessly connect with your current system, this extension kit provides extra space for coral growth and increases the biological filtration capacity of your aquarium.
Key Features:
Natural, porous structure: Promotes beneficial bacterial colonization critical for maintaining water quality.
Easy integration: Specifically engineered to attach directly to LifeRock Reef Forest modules without needing extra tools or modifications.
Durable and safe materials: Made from aquarium-safe, non-toxic components to ensure the health of all aquatic life.
Increased surface area: Supports a thriving reef environment by allowing more coral placement and habitat complexity.
The LifeRock Reef Forest Extension Kit is perfect for hobbyists looking to expand their reef environment while maintaining the natural aesthetics and functionality of their aquarium ecosystem. Trust Big Fish Aquarium to help you integrate this kit smoothly with expert guidance and support.
San Francisco Bay Brand Frozen Bloodworms are a premium aquatic food option designed to meet the nutritional needs of various freshwater and marine fish. Each cube is packed with high-quality, nutritious bloodworms, making them an ideal treat for fish species that thrive on protein-rich diets.
These frozen bloodworms are convenient and easy to use; simply drop a cube into your aquarium, and watch your fish enjoy. Ideal for both top-feeding and bottom-feeding species, they provide essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals to promote healthy growth and vibrant colors.
With their great taste and appealing texture, San Francisco Bay Brand Frozen Bloodworms can stimulate natural feeding behaviors in fish, enhancing their overall well-being. This product is a great addition to your aquarium care routine, ensuring that your aquatic life receives the variety they need for a balanced diet.
Fritz Expel-F is an antiparasitic treatment formulated specifically for freshwater and marine aquaria. Each box contains 20 premeasured doses designed to eliminate external fish parasites such as flukes, ich (protozoan parasites), and other ectoparasites. The product is intended for spot treatment of infected fish and for quarantine use.
Key Features
Quantity: 20 individual doses per box
Use: Treats external parasites (flukes, ich, other ectoparasites)
Aquarium type: Suitable for freshwater and marine systems
Dosing: Premeasured doses for accurate, convenient application
Application: Designed for bath or targeted treatment rather than continuous whole-tank dosing
Benefits
Convenience: Premeasured packets remove the guesswork and reduce the risk of overdosing
Effectiveness: Formulated to act on a broad range of external parasites commonly seen in aquarium fish
Safety: When used as directed, safe for most fish; minimizes stress with short-duration treatments compared to continuous medications
Quarantine-ready: Useful for treating new or sick fish in hospital/quarantine tanks before introduction to main displays
Usage Instructions (General Guidance)
Read the label and instructions included with the product before use.
Use in a quarantine or hospital tank when possible to protect invertebrates, corals, and sensitive species in display tanks.
Prepare a treatment bath by dissolving one dose in the specified volume of water as directed on the packet.
Move the affected fish into the treatment bath and monitor closely for signs of improvement or distress.
Follow recommended exposure time and number of treatments; do not exceed maximum stated concentration or duration.
Perform water changes and water quality checks after treatment as recommended.
Safety and Compatibility
Not recommended for use in tanks containing invertebrates (shrimp, snails), corals, or sensitive species unless the label explicitly states compatibility.
Consult product instructions regarding use with filtration, activated carbon, and UV sterilizers; remove or bypass as directed to ensure efficacy.
Avoid concurrent use with other medications unless approved by the manufacturer or a veterinarian.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets.
When to Use
Visible signs of ectoparasitic infection (white spots, flashing/scratching, rapid breathing, clamped fins)
New fish arriving from a store or another system (as a precautionary quarantine treatment)
After observing parasites on tankmates despite regular maintenance
Packaging
Boxes contain 20 individual treatment packets, clearly labeled with dosing information.
Manufacturer Notes
Follow the manufacturer's label for exact dosing instructions and safety warnings.
If unsure about diagnosing the problem or choosing a treatment, consult an aquatic veterinarian or experienced aquarium professional.
For assistance with application, compatibility with your aquarium inhabitants, or alternative treatment options, contact Big Fish Aquarium for expert guidance.
TROPIC MARIN ®
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SICCE
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OCEAN NUTRITION
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CORALVUE
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TROPIC MARIN ® 〰️ SICCE 〰️ OCEAN NUTRITION 〰️ CORALVUE 〰️
Now In Stock: Explore Our Latest General Livestock Arrivals
The Andinoacara Pulcher - Electric Blue Acara is a spectacular centerpiece for the modern freshwater aquarium, known for its brilliant coloration and sophisticated social behavior. Characterized by an electric, metallic blue sheen across its entire body and a subtle, contrasting orange-to-yellow trim on the dorsal fin, this species is a masterclass in aquatic aesthetics. In the "Answering Machine" era of South American cichlid husbandry, the Electric Blue Acara is highly prized for its peaceful temperament and its ability to cohabit beautifully with other mid-to-large peaceful community residents.
Unlike many more aggressive cichlid species, the Electric Blue Acara is relatively docile, making it a favorite for hobbyists looking for "big fish" personality without the territorial carnage. They are exceptionally active swimmers that occupy the middle and lower levels of the water column, providing a constant display of color and intelligent movement.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Semi-peaceful (Community safe)
Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Compatible: N/A (Freshwater)
Max Size: 6 to 8 Inches
Water Conditions: 72 to 82°F, dKH 5 to 12, pH 6.0 to 7.5
Husbandry Notes
The Electric Blue Acara is an ideal candidate for a community setup or a dedicated South American biotope. While they do not require specific substrate for survival, they thrive in tanks with a sandy bottom and plenty of driftwood or flat stones to establish potential spawning sites. They are high-metabolism fish and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworms, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp at least twice daily. While they are peaceful, they can become protective of their space during breeding, so providing adequate sight-breaks with plants and hardscape is mandatory for a harmonious tank.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Amphiprion Ocellaris - False Percula Clown (Tank Bred) is a spectacular centerpiece for the modern reef aquarium, known for its brilliant coloration and sophisticated social behavior. Characterized by a vibrant orange body and three strikingly white vertical bands outlined in thin black margins, this species is a masterclass in reef aesthetics. In the "Answering Machine" era of saltwater husbandry, the False Percula Clown is highly prized for its peaceful temperament, legendary hardiness, and its ability to cohabit beautifully with other peaceful reef residents and hosting anemones.
Unlike many wild-caught species, these Tank Bred specimens are acclimated to aquarium life from day one, making them more resilient and environmentally sustainable. They are active swimmers that typically hover near their chosen territory or host, providing a constant display of color and classic movement that has made them the most iconic fish in the hobby.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 3.5 Inches
Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.020 to 1.025
Husbandry Notes
The False Percula Clown is an ideal candidate for any community reef tank or nano setup. While they are famous for their symbiotic relationship with anemones like the Bubble Tip (Entacmaea quadricolor), they do not require one to thrive and will often host in corals or specific rockwork. They are high-metabolism fish and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality pellets, flakes, and frozen meaty foods—such as mysis and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp—at least twice daily. Being tank-bred, they are generally less aggressive and more social than their wild counterparts, but only one pair should be kept per tank unless the system is large enough to support multiple territories.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Apogon Nematoptera - Pajama Cardinal is a spectacular centerpiece for the modern reef aquarium, known for its brilliant coloration and sophisticated social behavior. Characterized by a greenish-yellow face, a bold black vertical mid-section band, and a posterior body adorned with striking orange polka dots, this species is a masterclass in reef aesthetics. In the "Answering Machine" era of saltwater husbandry, the Pajama Cardinal is highly prized for its peaceful temperament and its ability to cohabit beautifully with other peaceful reef residents.
Unlike many other cardinalfish species, the Pajama Cardinal is a diurnal-leaning nocturnal species that prefers to hang suspended in the water column in small groups. They are exceptionally active swimmers that occupy the middle levels of the water column, providing a constant display of color and unique, synchronized movement.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 3.5 Inches
Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.020 to 1.025
Husbandry Notes
The Pajama Cardinal is an ideal candidate for a community reef tank. While they do not require a sand bed for sleeping, they do require plenty of live rock with caves and crevices to feel secure during the day. They are high-metabolism fish and should be fed a varied diet of frozen meaty foods—such as mysis and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp—at least twice daily. To see their best behavior, it is recommended to keep them in small schools. They are notoriously hardy and adjust well to captive life, making them a staple for any stable reef system.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Gold Tiger Barb (Capoeta tetrazona) is a powerhouse addition to any freshwater aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring a striking, solid metallic gold body that replaces the traditional stripes of its wild counterparts, this active schooler is a master of the "Answering Machine" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological control for maintaining high kinetic energy and social interaction within the tank. It is a dedicated and opportunistic feeder, making it a functional cornerstone of a healthy freshwater ecosystem.
This hardy barb thrives in established systems with plenty of open swimming space and moderate water flow. While generally peaceful when kept in proper numbers, their bold personality and playful nature add a layer of constant motion to the mid-water column. To ensure long-term health, provide a varied diet of high-quality flakes, sinking pellets, and occasional frozen treats like Mysis or brine shrimp.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (if not schooled)
Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Diet: Omnivore
Max Size: 3 Inches
Water Conditions: 72 to 82°F, KH 4 to 10, pH 6.0 to 7.0
Husbandry Notes
The Gold Tiger Barb is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "high-visibility movement" without the visual distraction of heavy patterning. Its shimmering coloration and synchronized darting add a layer of kinetic energy to the aquarium that few other species can match. In the context of modern freshwater keeping, it is widely considered an essential "utility fish" for preventing stagnation in community setups. For maximum success, keep in schools of 6 or more to facilitate natural shoaling behaviors and minimize fin-nipping tendencies.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery from our Chicago-area facility to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from our facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
JOIN THE BIG FISH MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
Included:
$5 coupon for livestock every month
10 gallons of free RO freshwater with $10 purchase
2-day warranty on fish out of quarantine
Free basic strip test
Included:
$10 Livestock coupon every month
10 gallons of free RO freshwater with $10 purchase
7-day guarantee on fish out of QT Free advanced water tests
5% Discount on all purchases
Included:
$20 Livestock coupon every month
10 gallons of free RO freshwater with $10 purchase
7-day guarantee on fish out of QT Free advanced water tests
10% Discount on all purchases
The Complete Aquarium Experience: Premium Live Fish & Expert Services
Join the Big Fish Community
Dive into the conversation! The Big Fish Aquarium Forum is where local hobbyists, reef enthusiasts, and beginners alike come together to ask questions, share tank setups, and trade advice. Whether you’re troubleshooting water chemistry or showing off your latest coral addition, this is your space to connect and learn from fellow aquarists.
Why Choose Big Fish Aquarium?
Verified Livestock: Every fish is quarantined and inspected for health to ensure a thriving start for your aquarium.
Custom Reef Consulting: We design and install professional-grade reef systems tailored to your space and lifestyle.
Professional Water Testing: On-site analysis for pH, salinity, and nitrates. Learn about Saltwater Chemistry and how we maintain perfect parameters for our clients.
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