I was just wondering if anyone knows of some good fish/coral stores in the Chicago area that aren't over the top expensive?

Where are you at?

Check this thread.

im from the area in that link (mainly around algonquin, lake in the hills, crystal lake, huntley, elgin)....those places in the link sound good..does anyone know anything about SeaEscapes in south elgin/st. charles area?

If you are looking for something insane hard to get - http://www.oldtownaquarium.com

I used to work at the shop that was owned by the guy who started Exotic Aquatics after it shut down in Woodstock. SeaEscapes used to be a direct competitor but we normally won out because they were normally more for things. They did have a better fish selection then we did but that was years ago.

is that place really expensive? it sounds like it could be if there is really hard to find stuff there...has anyone ever been there?

I have, they have every range of items. They also have a nice weekly news letter.

is it expensive?