--- type: store name: "Aquarium Specialties" city: "Redding" state: "CA" rating: 5 reviews: 99 url: https://www.fishstores.org/california/redding/aquarium-specialties --- # Aquarium Specialties Fish store in Redding, California - **Address**: 925 Merchant St, Redding, CA, 96002 - **Phone**: (530) 255-8777 - **Website**: [m.facebook.com/AquariumSpecialtiesRedding/about/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0](https://m.facebook.com/AquariumSpecialtiesRedding/about/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0) - **Rating**: 5.0/5 (99 reviews) ## Hours | Day | Hours | | --- | --- | | Monday | Closed | | Tuesday | 12:00 – 6:00 PM | | Wednesday | 12:00 – 6:00 PM | | Thursday | 12:00 – 6:00 PM | | Friday | 12:00 – 6:00 PM | | Saturday | 12:00 – 6:00 PM | | Sunday | Closed | ## About Aquarium Specialties in Redding, California is the kind of store that earns devotion — and owner Carl has been earning it for decades. With over 30 years in the aquarium business in Shasta County, Carl previously ran a well-known shop on Victor and Cypress before eventually opening this current location, which longtime customers tracked down with relief. The store carries both freshwater and saltwater fish, with a noticeable lean toward freshwater tropical species, though the saltwater displays are described as incredible, featuring corals and marine fish that catch visitors off guard in a smaller shop. What sets Aquarium Specialties apart from the big-box pet stores is the health of the livestock. Multiple reviewers note they've never brought home a sick fish from Carl's shop, and the tanks themselves are spotlessly maintained with no detectable fish smell — a telling sign of meticulous water quality management. Carl stocks species you won't find at chain stores, including koi and what customers describe as exotic and rare tropical fish. If something specific isn't in stock, he's known for accommodating special orders on fish, corals, and other marine life at reasonable prices. The store is stocked with a solid selection of aquarium supplies and equipment alongside the livestock. Carl and his employee Jeff are consistently praised for their depth of knowledge — not just about fish compatibility and care, but about tank setup and water quality. Carl has helped customers select and install new tanks, guided beginners through their first builds, and served as an ongoing resource for hobbyists at every level. Several reviewers mention calling him for advice well after their purchase. The space itself is compact but beautifully arranged, with display tanks that double as showpieces. It's tucked away and easy to miss if you're not looking, and the hours are limited, so calling ahead is wise. But the consistent message across nearly 100 five-star reviews is clear: for healthy fish, fair prices, and genuinely knowledgeable service in Redding, this is where the aquarium community shops. ## Specializations - **Water Types**: Freshwater, Saltwater - **Livestock & Products**: Corals, Koi, Rare Species, Bettas, Aquarium Equipment - **Services**: Consultation, Tank Setup, Custom Tanks, Water Testing - **Known For**: Knowledgeable Staff, Healthy Fish ## Highlights - Owner Carl brings 30+ years of aquarium expertise in Shasta County - Exceptionally healthy fish — multiple reviewers report zero losses after purchase - Carries both freshwater and saltwater fish, plus corals and koi - Special orders available for rare and exotic species - Immaculately clean tanks with no fish odor ## Customer Reviews **"Nicole Eccles"** - 4/5 - 5 days ago > Lots of cool fish, friendly staff. **"Jamie Rouland"** - 5/5 - a week ago > Carl is just an all around good dude. He knows his fish and treats everyone like a friend. Prices are good and staff is friendly. **"Lorrie Ingram"** - 5/5 - 2 weeks ago > I love it there. Fish are super healthy. Tons of aquarium supplies. This is the only place I'll go to. **"Ryan Nugent"** - 5/5 - Edited 3 weeks ago > Been going to this store for 2 years at least now, and I won't shop anywhere else **"Hilari Freeman"** - 5/5 - a month ago > Great service. Nice selection. **"Jeff Taylor"** - 5/5 - 3 months ago > Karl is very knowledgeable about everything and is a nice guy. Great store with very clean tanks. You can special order fish that you want. **"michael hammer"** - 5/5 - 3 months ago > Excellent fish store. Owner is very helpful and knowledgeable and he doesn't keep alot of the every day fish you see at the box stores. Also open to ordering special fish **"Zay Dalton"** - 5/5 - 3 months ago > Great little shop with lots of merchandise. It's very nice and clean inside. The setups are beautiful! **"Katsu_Images188"** - 5/5 - Edited 6 months ago > Fish store of all time ☆ **"Pamela Johnson"** - 5/5 - 6 months ago > These guys are the best when it comes to aquariums, they really know their stuff, thanks for coming back out of retirement Carl don't know what I'd do if you weren't around to guide me in this hobby I love 💙🐠 ## Nearby Stores - [NorCal Corals](https://www.fishstores.org/california/redding/norcal-corals) - Redding, CA - 4.9/5 - [The Deep](https://www.fishstores.org/california/redding/the-deep) - Redding, CA - 4.8/5 - [Art’s Underwater Reef](https://www.fishstores.org/california/pasadena/arts-underwater-reef) - Pasadena, CA - 5.0/5 - [Fintastic Fish](https://www.fishstores.org/california/scotts-valley/fintastic-fish) - Scotts Valley, CA - 5.0/5 - [High Tide Aquatics](https://www.fishstores.org/california/oakland/high-tide-aquatics) - Oakland, CA - 5.0/5 - [Holy Reef](https://www.fishstores.org/california/morro-bay/holy-reef) - Morro Bay, CA - 5.0/5 --- *Source: [FishStores.org](https://www.fishstores.org/california/redding/aquarium-specialties)* *Last updated: February 8, 2026*