I spent weeks visiting aquarium stores around the Chicagoland area trying to find the right fish tank and setup for my home. While several stores had nice displays, I often felt like I was being sold whatever they had in stock rather than getting advice tailored to my needs. Tank It Easy was a completely different experience. The staff took the time to understand my budget, space, experience level and what I wanted to achieve with my aquarium. They walked me through different options, answered all of my questions and never made me feel pressured into making a purchase. Their knowledge of both freshwater and saltwater aquariums was impressive, and it was clear they genuinely care about helping customers succeed. Thanks to their guidance, I ended up with a setup that was exactly what I was looking for. If you're considering an aquarium and want honest advice from people who truly know the hobby, I highly recommend Tank It Easy. read more

My tank looks great. Water's clear, fish are healthy, and it's been holding up way better since he took over. Knows his stuff. Would recommend. read more

"Tank It Easy" helps me take the ideas I have for my home aquarium and realize them while making sure I maximize my enjoyment of it while sharing it with others. First of all, the owner and head of the design team, Brian, always provides excellent advice on equipment, aquarium fish, invertebrates and especially corals - and the supply in his store is outstanding! (Take a peak at the picture I took of a scene in one of the shop's display tanks as an example). What's really great is his vast knowledge on the behavior, dietary needs, and compatibility with other tank mates you can choose. He's so generous in helping you learn and he does so while always thinking of you first, and what's right for your aquarium and your budget! I sincerely feel I have a friend in the business, which is why I prefer to "Tank It Easy"! read more

Tank it Easy - Scene of invertebrates and fish in one of the display tanks at the "Tank It Easy" retail showroom. - Aquariums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hey, I really enjoyed this place and they really put a ton of effort and variety of salt water fish and sea elements that support this fish. A ton of variety that no one store could compete with. They are willing to share a ton of information about fish and how to maintain it. I was nicely greeted by the store and willing to help. Since I am doing a fresh water tank, I am limited although they had about ten or more tanks with these kinds of fish. I was able to pick a several fish with the common neons and tetras. I did a bunch of watching and reading online and so I have tons for good questions that they were able to answer. I enjoyed seeing the other tanks as well. Great place for anyone that is serious about their tank. Please note that they open only two days per week and so you need to make time to visit. It's worth your wait. read more

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I have had a tank for 20 years and just found this place 6 months ago. Conner and his team are great. They are always super helpful and passionate about what they do and trying to help and educate. Their saltwater selection is awesome. They have everything from big pieces to frags and plenty of choices. Abundance of fish and inverts. If you have a saltwater tank this is THE best place- service, atmosphere, selection, layout. read more

This is an update to my original review. I have since moved a couple times and wanted to purchase a new custom tank, and I've had good experiences with Tank It Easy in the past, so I thought I would try them again. I filled out their form online to request an inquiry response, but received none. After a couple weeks, I reached out to the manager/owner and he had one of his staff reach out to me. I told the staff member exactly what I was looking for, over email, but never got a reply. I reached out to him again a couple weeks later, and got a reply that he's been very busy and he will look at my request soon. Again, no reply after that. I reached out again to the owner telling him about my experience, and never heard back from the owner again. It's too bad that this once great company has gone completely downhill. Will be taking my business elsewhere and will recommend it for everybody else as well.. read more

Tank it Easy is a store for hobbyist, by hobbyists. These guys are the best in the reef game and know what it takes to make a reef tank thrive. I'm fortunate that I live nearby, so I've stocked my entire tank from Tank it Easy, which btw, offers wholesale low prices and top quality frags. Definitely worth a visit, and a repeat visit! read more

Tank it Easy - Aquariums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

These guys actually quarantine fish before they sell them to you. This means the probability of getting a parasite or a non-eater is tremendously lowered. They also know what they're doing at this store. Great place highly recommend and prices are as low as buying online with huge risk. read more

As an individual, and not a business with lots of money, I was really disappointed that I was strung along and my final date for getting my aquarium was not near what they originally agreed to. I guess if you're a big business this is the place, but if you're a little person just looking for a nice aquarium - I would recommend that you go somewhere that treats you fairly and does not discriminate against the individual. read more

I have nothing, but incredibly positive things to say about my experience with this company! I called and left a voicemail on Sunday morning...they sent me a text message that evening confirming my appointment for the very next day...and then they arrived on time and redecorated AND cleaned my 40 gallon fresh water tank within like 20 minutes. I'm not exaggerating. It was honestly that fast! I went in the other room while they worked...answered maybe 3 emails...and then they were done. And the tank looks FANTASTIC! I always thought I had done a good job of keeping up with it, but WOW. My work pales in comparison to theirs! Now my giant 7 year old goldfish and his even bigger (but younger by 3 years) algae fish best friend are visibly more active and happy in their new environment. Bottom Line: Tank It Easy is amazing at what they do! Plus, they were incredibly patient with me when I asked a million and one questions that I'm sure they get asked every day from clueless fish owners like me. Follow my lead and hire them for any of your fish tank related needs! :-) read more

Tank it Easy - This doesn't do it justice, but this is my tank after it was cleaned and redesigned. Look how happy my goldfish is! :-) - Aquariums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We had Tank It Easy custom design our 400 gallon Aquarium and we couldn't be happier. We love purchasing all our fish there because the quarantine the fish before they sell it, unlike some other places. They are by far the best salt water fish store in the Chicagoland area. read more

Tank it Easy - Aquariums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Tank it Easy is seriously the GREATEST. It's like having a doctor on speed dial. Every time I call them with a problem then help me right on the spot. Not because I'm a customer or because I want to spend money, they help me just because I am another Aquarist who needs advice. They stay on the phone with me and take the time to explain what is wrong and how to fix it. They have patience and extensive knowledge. They even helped me write notes on what I need to do to fix. By the way Reed, is a lighting expert, he truly understood which lights I own and how to modify the settings to save my corals. I called with an issue about my SPS starting to bleach and he was able to identify the problem and most importantly, help me fix it. THANKS GUYS!!! I will be calling back in a few weeks for the next step to getting my reef back on track. read more

Tank it Easy - My tank which is being saved by tank it easy - Aquariums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Tom and the Tank It Easy team are awesome to work with. They really know what they are doing and have made our tank look 1000 times better than the previous company had ever made it look. The response time is also a good reason to use them - with living things you want to have someone really care about them and be there when something goes wrong. I'd highly recommend them! They sure make it easy read more

Tank it Easy - Aquariums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

While I've never used their tank services, I have purchased livestock from them. They've offered wonderful expert advice. They offer free water testing if you're having issues and can always recommend how to fix it. Their tank moving services are incredibly expensive, though I've never used another service before, I had complete sticker shock. Prices start at $500 plus $100 per hour. Way outside of what I'm able to afford. That's starts at more than I paid for movers to move my entire condo. It's actually cheaper for me to go buy a new tank, get it up and running then transfer my livestock. Parking is street only, but they do have a "flashing lights" loading zone near by if you're just stopping in to pick up something quickly. read more

Tank-it-Easy is taking the final step from a well-regarded neighborhood store to a must visit Chicago reefing destination. I'm a little bias here, as this is my neighborhood store. However, by no means did it start off as my go-to source for livestock or supplies. Initially (six or so years ago), Tank-it-Easy appeared to be service-focused and maintained a store front only in support of its service business. For context, early on, the livestock selection was limited and a little bland, but ideal for restocking the tanks of service clients. Over the years, the store has shifted its focus and grown its retail presence with its affiliation with/acquisition of Insane Coral, the expansion of its current (but soon to be old) location and a renewed marketing focus (which included sponsorship of local reefing events, such as frag swaps). Along with this shift in focus came a dedicated and knowledgeable retail staff, increased livestock selection, an online presence and my growing loyalty. Tank-it-Easy will be moving from its current retail location (Ashland and Waveland) westward. I understand the space will be several times bigger than its current local and have a "destination" showroom. I'm sorry to see them leave the neighborhood, but its expansion continues. read more

What a place! It wasn't super clear from their website or even from previous reviews here: this shop deals with saltwater fish only. Well, they have Betta fish, and a beautiful selection. The tanks were beautiful, well-kept, stocked with a great variety, and pricing was reasonable. I currently only maintain a freshwater tank, so I was unfortunately unable to actually patronize this shop, but I figured the friendly service and exceptionally nice shop I encountered deserved, at the very least, a positive Yelp review. This shop knows what they're doing. I'm sure I'll splurge on a saltwater setup someday. When I do, this will be the place I'll go for both livestock and advice. read more

You will be hard pressed to find a store or custom shops as solid. Straight a gem in an area unexpected.

I'm just getting into the aquarium hobby, and have done a good amount of independent research as well as shopping around various aquarium stores in the Chicagoland area. I can say without a doubt that the experience at Aquarium Design and Maintenance has by far exceeded my expectations and left me wanting to return to continue to give this company my business. I first walked in on a Saturday afternoon and was immediately greeted by Reed who intently listened to what I was trying to accomplish with my tank, and made relevant suggestions to help meet my needs. He also went above and beyond--he gave me a bucket they had lying around on-the-house and quickly responded to my follow-up email on removing scratches from my secondhand tank. I then spoke to Tom on a separate occasion who was equally as helpful and knowledgable. What I love about these guys is that they clearly love the hobby and want you to have a great experience keeping fish. They don't pressure you, they don't try to sell you what you don't need. It's honest advice from real hobbyists. I'm looking forward to buying my fish from ADM (do they call it that? If not I'm starting the trend!) as well! You can email them your fish wishlist ("fishlist?" OK now I'm out of control), and they'll pick up what you're looking for directly from their dealer. How cool is that? Extremely professional. Knowledgable. Friendly. read more

These guys are always on their A game. Brian usually comes to work on my tank and I'm always happy with the result. He answers my questions in idiot-proof terms.. I've never had a bad experience with him, the company or my tank. Their prices are extremely reasonable in comparison to some other companies I've used in the past. My fish are happy and their tank looks great- couldn't ask for anything more. read more

I've been working with Brian, Tom, and Ed for about 6 months now, using them to service my 360 gallon reef tank. I was trying to do all the cleaning and maintenance myself and just couldn't get the job done. Setting that aside, i have all top of the line equipment, but my tank was just doing OK, not GREAT. After these guys started working with me, they helped me set up an awesome RO water system, and turned my tank around inside of a couple short months. My reef tank is now showroom floor quality and lovely to watch. I give them highest recommendations they do a great job Bruce in Chicago read more

I am not someone who wants fish in my house on display. However I appreciate the aesthetic of the window display as I wait for the Ashland bus. If I meet someone looking for a tank, I will send them your way. Thanks for the window art. read more

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WOW! Trully the best saltwater store in Chicagoland tanks are not my hobby they are my life and I wouldn't go anywhere else but TANK IT EASY such good service they are very respectful and the most knowledgeable in the Chicago area STOP IN if you want your tank done right!!! read more

Tank it Easy - 7 weeks in and running strong thanks to tank it easy and there crew!!! - Aquariums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Can not tell you how incredibly thankful we are to this company. We have a new tank. Been running about 10 months. Put in a new APEX system with trident and didn't know anything about it. Needless to say it wasn't set up correctly. Called tank it easy up and Kyle and Tom were thrilled to help us. Not only was it a quick turnaround for them to come to us but the knowledge that we got out of this was more then we could have ever imagined. Kyle was incredibly helpful and a true expert on the Apex system. But beyond that he helped us move some corals around so they would be happier and healthier. We also got an introduction to Tom who informed us about all the different services that Tank It Easy offered. Things we didn't even know we could get help with. Not only that but they have a beautiful showroom to see how wonderful they are. We were able to find some absolutely stunning corals that are thriving and growing already. The selection and variety being one thing but the CARE that you can see in the craft. Truly inspiring. Take the hobby to a completely different level. We wish we're were more articulate to truly describe how great the experience has been so far. Could not be happier and recommend them to all in and out of this awesome hobby. read more

The owner was so knowledgeable and happy to answer any and all questions we had. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking to start a tank or just to go in and appreciate the beautiful fish!! read more

I used this service to clean my saltwater aquarium while I was recently in Asia for several weeks. My aquarium pro Ryan of Blue Thumb Chicago was unavailable. Tank It Easy did a good job with removal and replacement of 9-10 gallons of water on a weekly basis. However, I arrived home to a terrible absolutely awful cyanobacteria issue in my tank. I had a slight problem with the red slime in areas on the sandbed prior to leaving which was physically removed by hand. I was surprised at the amount of red slime growth present upon return, but blame on my overzealous friend who fed too much food for three days after Tank It Easy's final water change. However, I'm disappointed they didn't attempt removal by hand or dosing with non-toxic medication. I will stick with using my trusted aquarium expert Ryan of Blue Thumb Chicago for maintenance. read more

Tank it Easy - my 60 gallon saltwater aquarium - Aquariums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is an overdue review of Thanks to the entire Tank It Easy team. We have been customers of the store for aquarium maintenance on our 75 gallon freshwater tank. Over the New Year's holiday, we had filter problems and the Tank It Easy crew adjusted their schedules to help out. Much appreciate by us (and our fish). Just another example of their excellent customer service and concern for the fish. read more

The service is amazing what they do makes my aquarium look beautiful every day. These guys pay extreme attention not just the look of my aquarium but the health of my fish. They are are also very detail oriented today I saw them cleaning my air hose that goes up to my tank the air pump and the outlets they all plug into. They also work like ninjas there in and out and I barely even see them! My fish and I would highly recommend them my fish tank and my fish I've never look so good! read more

The salon that I work in was new to the fish world, but we forged ahead on our own anyway. We quickly realized that we needed help. We were concerned about water temperature, food, and whether or not our fish was depressed. Brian has been great! Our frantic irrational concerns have been put to rest by him on more that one occasion. He even came over on a Friday night after work when we called him with an emergency. I could not imagine that there would be a more patient, friendly or fun person to work on your aquarium. I cannot recommend them highly enough! read more

Stopped in last weekend and what an awesome LFS. Small store but so clean and efficient use of space. Lots of corals and fish to choose from with prices clearly marked. They even add the date they received the fish so you can see how long the fish been there. Had great conversation with the staff, and they clearly are passionate about the hobby. Purchased a frag of blastos for a good price. Will definitely come back for fish next time. read more

Reed and the crew always make the tank look great. They just installed a new overhead light and it looks sweet! My puffer fish is a superstar ;) read more

After researching several different Aquarium Maint- shops I chose Aquarium Design and Maintenance. I have to say, the experience has been wonderful. Everyone on their team is a pleasure to deal with, full of knowledge, and cares about their work. They also leave your home spotless, and most importantly- your tank GLOWING. I find their pricing to be competative with others I've researched- which, if your reading this review you already know it's not cheap; but again, if you were worried about that you'd be doing your own maint right? You have two techs that come out with this company and both workers are highly efficent at what they do. I can call any time I need them, and quite frankly I rest easy at night knowing I have them servcing a VERY large investement of mine- aka my tank. Best of all, I like how they work with your schedule- and your fish's schedule (most importantly) What they've done for my tank I couldn't have done myself. Tom, one of the owners did a beautiful job aquascaping my tank and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of all this. I choose a bi-weekly maint. service and my fish are healthier and happier then ever. Thanks guys! read more

Our office wanted to add some character to the office...in comes Tom! Our clients love coming in and checking out what new additions Tom and his crew have added to our tank. They built the tank and even had a custom cabinet built to match our office furniture. Tom and co. take care of everything, and bring us new and exciting fish to show off to our clients almost monthly. If you have ever been hesitant to go down the road of getting an aquarium or not; hesitate no more and give Tom a call! read more

Tom has always done an amazing job on my fish tank.....when he leaves it GLOWS! Love it ! Very professional and always cleans up after wards as well. read more

Tom and Max are the BEST! They have been taking care of our fish tank for years! Always attentive and carling about our fish life. :)

This place is great. Just opened and there are several displays/tanks that are unique. The shop has saltwater and freshwater fish....really beautifully set up. The owner gives you options for what is possible and what he can provide for you. They can do the maintenance and set everything up for you. Definitely check it out. read more

Great service! I was getting bored with my tank and needed some help with decor. The guys came over and did a deep cleaning and redecorated my tank and it looks 100% better. They were very helpful and offered me great advice on feeding and a light schedule. It was a very small price to pay to breathe new life into my tank and renew my interest in the hobby. read more

Ridiculously overpriced. Even higher than old town and pushy service. Especially for a new place

Just bought a great saltwater aquarium from Tom. Phenomenal knowledge and service. This was my first saltwater aquarium and Tom made it very very easy. He set it up and continues to follow-up with me to ensure that I do not have any further questions!!! read more

Great aquarium store with a wide selection of fish. I was truly impressed by their selection and competitive prices. Eddie, one of the employees, was extremely knowledgable and friendly. I left happy with a some new fish that are all doing well and didn't hurt my wallet too bad at the same time! read more

This is an awesome place with awesome fish! And the staff is really helpful to tell you about them. I want the neon fishtank