Aqua Escape

Aquarium pet supplies stores near Lisle?

I am looking for a store (besides PetsMart, PETCO, or Pets Supplies) that sells fresh water Aquarium Fish. I am specifically looking for some Loaches (YoYo Loaches) to help combat a snail outbreak in a 30 gal tank.

So I am looking for a place near Lisle, Glen Ellen, Downers Grove etc. that would carry fresh water aquarium fish.

Thanks
If it isn't clear, I mean near Lisle, IL
Beyond the reef is Salt Water only, I need Freshwater. Thanks

You could try contacting these: http://yp.yahoo.com/py/ypResults.py?&&city=Lisle&state=IL&uzip=60532&country=us&msa=1600&cs=4&ed=CmCO.K1o2TwqvGfaRLpF4dA4yIK2n.ni_pIwhC22pQ4V&stp=y&stx=8120306

If you can't find a source through those, you could also try contacting a local aquarium society: http://fins.actwin.com/dir/clubs.php?c=1&r=27 Members often breed and raise species, then sell them (as well as unused equipment) at club auctions. These are usually a great source for better quality fish than you can find in pet stores (and often at a lower cost). I don't know how commonly you'd find yoyos for sale in your area, though.

Whilst when many of us think about aquarium pet supplies we most commonly think of a range of fish – whether that’s coldwater fish, tropical freshwater fish or marine fish – there are actually quite a wide range of other pets that kept be kept in aquariums if you’re looking for something a little bit different.

In this article we’re going to take a closer look at some of the types of aquarium pets for you if for whatever reason keeping fish in your aquarium isn’t quite what you’re looking for.

Crayfish/Lobsters

Some aquarium shops sell these interesting arthropods from time to time. Whilst large specimens are seen from time to time it is most normal to find small youngsters of a few inches for sale. The specimens most normally seen are tropical freshwater creatures rather than their saltwater cousins.

Crayfish are reasonably easy to care for in captivity though have been known to nip at fish so it is recommended to keep them on their own rather than as part of a community fish tank.

A basic set-up of a tropical fish tank works well for these animals though there are a few minor changes that will be welcome. Firstly crayfish can be quite shy animals and like to hide away safely. Because of this a number of flat rocks are recommended behind which your crayfish can hide.

Whilst this will keep your crayfish much happier and healthier than being on display all the time, appreciate that you may only see your pet from time to time. The most likely time to observe your pet will either be late in the evening or whilst feeding.

Speaking of feeding, this is really the second major change you will need to make to your fish tank. Rather than feeding fish flakes or life food, most crayfish are scavengers and so it is best to feed them on sinking catfish pellets which they will readily run over to collect when they are dropped into the tank.

Newts

There are a surprising number of newts available from specialist reptile suppliers and many can be easily kept in an aquarium. Depending on the species involved they may require warm water or cold so check with your supplier before making a purchase.

In addition, many newts appreciate access to dry land where they can climb out of the water which may therefore require some modifications to your fish tank layout. However there are species, like the Japanese fire bellied newt, which are almost exclusively aquatic and a pair will not only live happily in a cold-water tank but well well also mate and lay eggs which can be a fascinating process to watch.

Triops

Triops are shrimp-like creatures which are the bigger, more exciting cousins of “sea monkeys”. These creatures are easy to keep and feed and may grow up to around 2 inches in length in a very short space of time.

Eggs and food can easily be bought from many online aquarium pet suppliers which are then hatched out at home. Unlike many of the other animals here you are unlikely to see too much fascinating behaviour but triops are cheap to buy, easy to care for and can make quite a pleasant change if only for the few months they will live.

Toads

Like newts, some species of toad can be kept in a totally aquatic environment while others will require a dry land area so they can leave the water from time to time.

Also like newts there are a huge range of species offering many different choices for the aquarium keeper. From large, grey clawed frogs that will happily live in the water at all times to the smaller, more brightly-colored fire-bellied toads which ideally like some dry land. As always, carry out suitable research on the species you are considering before investing but for me exotic toads are one of the most exciting types of aquarium pets.

Terrapins/Turtles

The final type of aquarium pet worth mentioning in this short article is the possibility of keeping turtles or terrapins. I mention both these words meaning the same thing: in the USA we typically refer to these reptiles as turtles though in Europe they are generally known as terrapins.

Turtles appreciate warm water together with an area where they can climb out of the water to bask in the “sun”. Because of this additional equipment will be required in the form of a basking lamp and a UV tube though if you already own an aquarium these pieces of equipment should be simple-enough to add to your existing setup.

Among aquarium pet supplies turtles can grow quite large, they are understandably popular as they are one of the few types of aquarium pet that seem to show some real personality. Over time they will gain confidence around you and may even become willing to eat out of your hand.

Ultimate Reef Aquarium