Big Fish Aquarium
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re starting your first tank or you’re an experienced reef keeper, find answers to common questions about Big Fish Aquarium, WYSIWYG corals, shipping, store policies and the areas we serve.
General Questions
Where is Big Fish Aquarium located?
Big Fish Aquarium is located in Chicago, Illinois, near the West Side and Western Suburbs. We’re proud to serve local freshwater, saltwater and reef aquarium hobbyists throughout the Chicago area.
Customers regularly visit us from Oak Park, Berwyn, Cicero, Forest Park, Brookfield, Lyons, North Riverside, Riverside, Austin, Downtown Chicago, Skokie, Morton Grove, Glenview and surrounding communities.
Do you serve customers outside Chicago?
Yes. We welcome local customers from throughout the Chicago metro area, and eligible products from our online catalog can be shipped throughout the continental United States.
Local communities we regularly serve include:
WYSIWYG Corals & Livestock
What does WYSIWYG mean?
WYSIWYG means “What You See Is What You Get.” Each coral in our WYSIWYG section is individually photographed so you can see the exact specimen you’re purchasing.
How often are WYSIWYG corals updated?
New WYSIWYG corals are added weekly and selected for color, health and uniqueness. Check the WYSIWYG collection regularly for newly available specimens.
Shipping & Pickup
What items do you ship?
We ship eligible products from our online catalog throughout the continental United States, including:
- Freshwater fish
- Saltwater fish
- Corals, including WYSIWYG corals
- Eligible invertebrates and aquatic plants
- Dry goods
- Frozen foods
Shipping eligibility can vary by product. Some online livestock may ship directly from our breeder and fulfillment partners rather than from our Chicago store.
How much does shipping cost?
Livestock: $34.95 overnight shipping, or FREE shipping on eligible livestock orders of $150 or more.
Dry goods: $5 shipping, or FREE shipping on qualifying dry-goods orders of $49 or more.
Frozen foods: $39.99 shipping.
A $25 minimum order applies to online purchases.
Where do you ship?
Eligible online products ship throughout the continental United States. Available shipping methods and rates vary by product type and fulfillment source.
Which shipping carrier do you use?
Shipping carriers can vary by product and fulfillment source. Tracking information is provided when your order ships so you can monitor your delivery.
When are WYSIWYG corals shipped?
WYSIWYG corals are shipped Monday through Wednesday to reduce the risk of weekend delays. Coral shipments are sent overnight through FedEx.
Can I pick up my online order in-store?
Online inventory and in-store inventory are separate. General-stock online livestock may ship directly from our breeder and fulfillment partners and is not available for in-store pickup.
For livestock currently available in our Chicago store, please visit or contact us before your trip.
Live Arrival Guarantee
Do you offer a Live Arrival Guarantee?
Yes. Qualifying overnight livestock shipments are protected by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
To qualify:
- Email bigfish@bigfishaquariums.com within 2 hours of delivery.
- Include clear photos of the affected livestock while it is still inside the unopened shipping bag.
- The package must be received on the first delivery attempt.
The guarantee is void if:
- Delivery is missed or delayed due to customer availability.
- The bag is opened before photos are taken.
- You do not contact us within 2 hours of delivery.
Ordering & Returns
Can I change or cancel my order?
Contact us immediately at bigfish@bigfishaquariums.com .
Orders can only be modified or canceled before they have been packed or shipped.
Do you accept returns?
WYSIWYG corals: All sales are final. Returns and exchanges are not accepted.
Dry goods: Unopened items may be eligible for return within 14 days. Contact Big Fish Aquarium for approval before returning an item.
Still Have a Question?
Contact Big Fish Aquarium and our team can help point you in the right direction.