About
Walk into The Chlorophyll Corner in Mesa, Arizona, and the first thing you notice is that this isn't a typical fish store. It feels like stepping into someone's passion project — lush planted tanks line the walls, terrariums and paludariums spark ideas you didn't know you had, and every enclosure looks meticulously maintained. Owners Joe and Katrin (Kat) have built something special here, a store that doubles as a creative space for freshwater hobbyists and terrarium enthusiasts alike.
The planted tank selection is the real draw. Customers consistently rave about the quality and variety of aquatic plants, with prices that undercut most competitors in the Phoenix metro area. Whether you're setting up a nano tank or sourcing plants for a larger aquascape, the inventory delivers.
One reviewer set up their first planted aquarium entirely on Kat's recommendations and was stunned by the results. The livestock is equally impressive. Healthy angelfish — including Koi Angels that one customer affectionately dubbed "Charlie's Angels" — share space with caridina shrimp, snails, and a rotating selection of freshwater species.
A customer building a 6-gallon caridina tank found everything they needed in one trip, from the shrimp themselves to the associated supplies. Axolotl keepers have also found the staff well-versed in their specific needs. What sets The Chlorophyll Corner apart is the consultation you get with every visit.
Kat and Joe take real time with each customer, explaining planting techniques, stocking advice (like why you shouldn't add angelfish to an established angel tank), and equipment recommendations. Multiple reviewers who live 40-plus minutes away say they happily make the drive, bypassing closer shops entirely. Kat keeps the community engaged through Instagram, announcing frequent sales events that are apparently worth attending.
The store also stocks carnivorous plants, terrarium and reptile supplies, and general aquarium equipment. With an expansion planned, The Chlorophyll Corner is clearly just getting started — and Mesa's freshwater community is better for it.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationTank Setup
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Exceptional aquatic plant selection with the best prices reviewers have seen locally
- Owners Kat and Joe provide in-depth, personalized consultation with every visit
- Healthy livestock including Koi Angelfish, caridina shrimp, and axolotl supplies
- Inspiring store atmosphere with beautifully maintained planted tanks and terrariums
- Customers regularly drive 40+ minutes across the Phoenix metro to shop here
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Absolutely Love this Store! Owners are friendly and knowledgeable. Plants and fish are healthy with a great variety for nano-tanks.”
— H S5.0a day ago“If you are newer to the aquarium hobby (like myself) or even a seasoned veteran I would highly recommend visiting “The Chlorophyll Corner”. I saw a video and was enticed to check out the shop. Needless to say I will forever choose to be a repeat customer. Thank you Joe and Katrin for the treasure trove of knowledge you shared with me and the very friendly environment you provided me. This is my first planted aquarium and the recommendations have made my tank look far more amazing than I could have possibly hoped for. I look forward to returning to get some lively friends for my tank as your guys’ selection of fish are amazing as well. Anyone taking the time to read this review, thank you and don’t hesitate to check them out, you will not be disappointed!”
— Ryan James5.04 days ago“We stopped by here for the first time this weekend and ended up going back 3 times. Extremely knowledgeable and beautiful selection of fish and plants - probably the best I have seen at a local shop. Definitely the first place you should go for anything freshwater or terrarium.”
— Patrick Barker5.05 days ago“Awesome store, so much variety and staff is helpful!”
— Arthur Miranda5.0a week ago“We took a chance and drove a little further than our usual fish shop to explore the ever beloved “Chlorophyll Corner.” Needless to say, that other fish shop no longer exists for us. If I had to choose a store to be left at for hours, -it would be here. I can confidently say as an avid plants and aquatics lover that this should be your first and only stop. Kat knows everything plants or fish or shrimp or snail or lizard or bird or etc and loves announcing sales events on Instagram (actually worth going to and held quite often!). Her husband side kick is very knowledgeable on products and has the patience to help set you up with whatever you need. Tons of respect for this awesome place!”
— Alyssa R5.0a month ago“Amazing place and great hospitality. They are always extremely helpful and have a large variety of plants, fish, and terrarium accessories, best prices too compared to other places I’ve been to, I recommend this place 100%”
— Luis Rodriguez5.0a month ago“My first time there was 12/31 they where busy.But they helped me after they finished with the person before me less then 10 minutes not a problem I looked around. When it was my turn I had her full attention though the entire fish hunt and plants. Even explained how to plant them. Got my 3 Koi Angels which are referred to as Charlie's Angels. And 3 Orange something and 2 plants. Was told to wait 2 weeks before I add anymore fish. But told once the 3 Angels go in I can't add anymore Angels because a high risk of territory issues. Didn't know that makes since because I done that in the pass and it was nothing but fighting to the death. But I will be back on day 10 or 11 I need to find a Charlie. I will be a regular customer. No more Box Stores for me. Service was a 12 out of 10”
— Danette Bonham5.0a month ago“Always helpful and friendly! Carries everything I need and answers their phone to check stock which is important because I live far.”
— Kim Cooper5.0a month ago“Such a cool and unique shop! The Chlorophyll Corner isn’t your typical aquarium or plant store. You can really feel the passion as soon as you walk in — the tanks are beautiful, the plants are healthy, and everything is clearly well cared for. It feels more like a creative space than a store. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and easy to talk to. They actually take the time to answer questions and give advice, whether you’re brand new to the hobby or have been doing it for years. I never feel rushed, and I always leave learning something new. If you’re into planted tanks, reefs, terrariums, or just appreciate a place that truly knows their stuff, this spot is 100% worth a visit. One of those rare local businesses that really stands out. Highly recommend!”
— Nathan V5.0Edited a month ago“This is a very cool shop. Lots of things to look at around every corner. Staff is friendly and helpful. All of the tanks and enclosures looked in good health and well cared for.”
— Nicole Sellers5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (888) 247-5268 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Chlorophyll Corner - Mesa, AZ.