Aquarium Arts

6 stars, the numbers back up the reputation. Walking in, you'll find clean, well-maintained tanks stocked with healthy freshwater and saltwater fish, a solid selection of live plants, and corals for reef enthusiasts. The store helped more than a few hobbyists make the leap from freshwater to saltwater, guiding them through the transition with genuine care.

The staff is the beating heart of this operation. Names like Brandon, Gavin, Kyle, Kendal, and Bella come up repeatedly in reviews — not as anonymous employees, but as people customers actually look forward to seeing. Kyle gets called out for being "the chillest" and just doing right by people.

Bella earns praise for being attentive and deeply knowledgeable. This isn't scripted customer service; it's a team that clearly loves the hobby and wants to share it. Aquarium Arts also caters to aquascapers, supplying plants, substrates, and other essentials — though a few customers have noted they'd love to see a wider variety of hardscape materials like rocks and driftwood.

The store stocks chemicals and medications at prices multiple reviewers call competitive, with staff who can explain exactly how to use them. More than one customer credits Aquarium Arts with saving their fish during a crisis. Shrimp pricing has drawn some criticism, with at least one reviewer noting that online retailers with shipping can undercut the store significantly.

That's worth knowing if you're specifically shopping for freshwater shrimp on a budget. But the bigger picture is clear: Aquarium Arts is a Mesa staple where hobbyists return week after week for reliable livestock, trustworthy advice, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. It's the kind of local fish store that earns regulars, not just customers.