Frequently Asked Questions | Big Fish Aquarium Chicago

Welcome to the Big Fish Aquarium FAQ page! Whether you’re just starting your first tank or are a seasoned reef keeper, we’re here to answer your most common questions about WYSIWYG corals, shipping, store policies, and local service areas.

General Questions

Where is Big Fish Aquarium located?

Big Fish Aquarium is based in Chicago, Illinois, near the West Side and Western Suburbs. We're proud to be a local favorite for quality aquarium livestock and supplies.

We are easily accessible from:

  • Oak Park

  • Berwyn

  • Cicero

  • Forest Park

  • Brookfield

  • Lyons

  • North Riverside

  • Riverside

  • Austin

  • Downtown Chicago

  • Skokie

  • Morton Grove

  • Glenview

Areas We Serve

We welcome local customers from across the Chicago metro area and ship nationwide across the continental United States.

Our regular in-store customers come from:

  • Oak Park

  • Berwyn

  • Cicero

  • Forest Park

  • Brookfield

  • La Grange

  • North Riverside

  • Riverside

  • Elmwood Park

  • Chicago neighborhoods (Austin, Humboldt Park, Garfield Park, Downtown)

  • Skokie, Morton Grove, and Glenview

We’re committed to bringing vibrant, healthy aquarium livestock and supplies to both local hobbyists and reefers across the country.

WYSIWYG Corals & Livestock

What is WYSIWYG?

WYSIWYG means "What You See Is What You Get." Every coral in our WYSIWYG section is individually photographed under optimal lighting—so you know exactly what you're getting.

How often are WYSIWYG corals updated?

New WYSIWYG corals are added weekly, carefully curated by our staff for color, health, and uniqueness. Don’t miss our Staff Picks for rare and vibrant specimens.

Shipping & Pickup

What items do you ship?

We currently ship:

  • WYSIWYG corals (via FedEx Overnight)

  • Dry goods (via standard FedEx Ground or Home Delivery)

We do not ship freshwater fish, marine fish, invertebrates, or plants.

Where do you ship?

We ship WYSIWYG corals and dry goods nationwide throughout the continental United States.

Which shipping carrier do you use?

All shipments are sent via FedEx, ensuring fast, reliable delivery with tracking and live arrival protection for livestock.

When are corals shipped?

We ship WYSIWYG corals Monday through Wednesday to avoid weekend delays. All corals are shipped overnight using FedEx.

Can I pick up my order in-store?

Local pickup is only available for in-store purchases.

Online orders—including WYSIWYG and dry goods—cannot be picked up.

Live Arrival Guarantee

Do you guarantee live arrival on WYSIWYG corals?

Yes! All WYSIWYG coral shipments are protected by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

To qualify:

  • Email bigfish@bigfishaquariums.com within 2 hours of delivery

  • Include photos of the coral in the unopened bag

  • Package must be received on the first delivery attempt

The guarantee is void if:

  • Delivery is missed or delayed due to customer availability

  • Bag is opened before photos are taken

  • You fail to email us within 2 hours

Ordering & Returns

Can I change or cancel my order?

Yes—email us at bigfish@bigfishaquariums.com immediately. Orders can only be modified before they are packed or shipped.

Do you accept returns?

  • WYSIWYG corals: All sales are final—no returns or exchanges.

  • Dry goods: Returns may be accepted if unopened and within 14 days; contact us for approval.