Old Town Aquarium, located in the heart of Chicago, is a unique and specialized aquarium shop that is distinguished by its passion for aquatic life. Owned by Ian Schakowsky, Old Town Aquarium is a one-stop-shop for everything aquatic, from collecting and maintaining aquariums to providing complete turnkey aquarium services.
What sets Old Town Aquarium apart from other aquarium shops is Ian’s commitment to responsible collecting. As an experienced diver with hundreds of dives logged on reefs throughout the world, Ian has first-hand knowledge of the behavior and environment of many of the species offered for sale at Old Town Aquarium. He has participated in collection trips as far away as Fiji, where he observed the environmental impact of such activities and familiarized himself with the handling of marine life at the point of collection.
Ian is also committed to promoting responsible collecting practices, seeking to minimize the environmental impact on natural reefs. He enthusiastically endorses the new farm-raised specimens now available to collectors, recognizing their potential to reduce the impact of collection on natural reefs.
As part of his commitment to responsible collecting, Ian participates in continuing education and attends annual marine aquarium conferences. This ongoing education and training ensure that he remains up-to-date with the latest developments in the science of collecting and maintaining aquariums.
Old Town Aquarium is a complete resource for collectors, offering a well-stocked selection of freshwater and saltwater marine life, as well as everything collectors need to maintain their own aquariums. Customers can either stock and maintain their own aquariums from OTA’s well-stocked shelves, or they can employ Old Town Aquarium experts to provide complete “turnkey” aquarium service – everything from design and installation to stocking and ongoing maintenance.
In addition to serving customers personally, Ian educates and trains employees intensively so they, too, can expertly serve all levels of collectors. The staff at Old Town Aquarium is committed to providing the highest quality products and services to ensure that customers have the best possible experience with their aquariums.
Old Town Aquarium offers a wide range of marine life, from common species to rare and exotic specimens. The shop’s extensive selection includes a variety of fish, corals, invertebrates, and live rock. Customers can also find a wide range of aquarium equipment and supplies, including filters, pumps, lighting, and testing equipment.
Old Town Aquarium also offers a range of services to help customers get the most out of their aquariums. These services include tank maintenance, custom aquarium design and installation, and consultations on aquarium equipment and setup. With these services, customers can rest assured that their aquariums will be properly maintained and functioning at their best.
Overall, Old Town Aquarium is a unique and specialized aquarium shop that is distinguished by its passion for aquatic life. With its commitment to responsible collecting practices and its well-stocked selection of freshwater and saltwater marine life, Old Town Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone with an interest in aquariums and marine life. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, the knowledgeable staff at Old Town Aquarium can help you create and maintain the perfect aquarium for your needs.
