About
Tucked into Redding, California — a town where local fish stores are a rare find — The Deep has become the go-to aquatic shop for hobbyists across the northern Sacramento Valley. Owned and operated by Mike and Lanee, this mom-and-pop establishment punches well above its weight with a surprisingly broad inventory spanning both freshwater and saltwater species, live corals, aquatic plants, and a hardscape selection that reviewers call the best in town. Mike's encyclopedic knowledge is the store's biggest draw.
Customers routinely describe him identifying mystery shrimp species from photos, walking first-time tank owners through complete setups, and fielding ongoing questions about tank maintenance long after the sale. When a customer ordered short-body Green Texas cichlids, the fish arrived healthy and more affordable than online alternatives. Mbunas, clown loaches, a variety of eels, and an impressive assortment of snails in different colors and shapes fill the freshwater side, while saltwater enthusiasts find corals and marine fish well-represented.
Malaysian mangrove driftwood and quality rocks round out the décor options, consistently praised as superior to big-box offerings. The Deep operates on a special-order model that keeps customers coming back: if something isn't in stock, Mike will source it. He's sold everything from 75-gallon freshwater setups to specialty tanks, and multiple reviewers note he'll recommend products he doesn't even carry if they're the better fit — a refreshing level of honesty.
One customer recounted Mike giving away a similar feeder product for free when their preferred brand was out, tossing in bonus snails for good measure. The shop is small and unpolished — nobody's coming for the interior design. A handful of reviewers have noted dead fish in freshwater tanks, and some purchased fish haven't thrived.
8 rating speaks to a store where genuine expertise, fair pricing, and personal care define the experience. For Redding's aquarium community, The Deep is the real deal.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationCustom Tanks
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Mike offers encyclopedic knowledge of both freshwater and saltwater aquatics
- Best hardscape selection in Redding — Malaysian mangrove driftwood, rocks, and decorations
- Special orders available for fish and aquarium supplies not in stock
- Wide variety of freshwater species including cichlids, mbunas, clown loaches, eels, and shrimp
- Saltwater fish, corals, and marine products well-stocked
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Mike and Lanee are the best! Very knowledgeable and very personable. Purchased a 75 gallon fresh water aquarium from them in January 2026 and could not be more pleased. Highly recommended!”
— Dennis Churchill5.04 days ago“It is great to have this LFS here in Redding. I recently ordered 3 short body Green Texas cichlids through The Deep. A week later I picked it up at their shop and the fish are healthy and more affordable than it would be to purchase online. I also picked up some clown loaches from The Deep that are better colored and more affordable than the big box pet stores.”
— Trevor Lewis5.02 weeks ago“Best, hardscape selection in town! Very happy with our Malaysian mangrove root! Also wonderful selection of snails, wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Really cool to see all the different kinds of eels too. The freshwater turtle in his aquarium is larger and healthier looking than the one in the museum of turtle Bay! Super great place to come and look around.”
— Christina Monk5.03 weeks ago“Just found this nice local aquarium shop. Super helpful, friendly people. Nice collection of fish ,plants ,and aquarium supplies, Good prices too. Super happy with our fish and plants from here.”
— mondo kunz5.04 weeks ago“Its a nice and freindly place. We managed to find exactly what we needed for our first setup.”
— Zay Dalton5.03 months ago“Just bought a fish from The Deep. Answered all the questions I had. They sale live plants also! Great place!!”
— Laura Hodson5.04 months ago“Everytime i go in here and I get fish they’re always sick with fin rot and all his animals always look sick.”
— Amily Pearl1.07 months ago“Very friendly owners. Eager to help and had a large variety of fish. Placed or order for more fish and excited to get them on Wednesday!”
— Kimberly Fancey5.07 months ago“I was attacked by an “enforcer” for a trail? somehow I survived and was woken from the deep”
— hamid bucarqa5.08 months ago“We gave the a creature from the ocean. They were in a shel. Didn't know they were in it And they survived 4 days and we took them in and they kept them they came out of their shel and looked so happy. Thank you for saving them for us us . deep your awesome 💖 😍 ❤️ ❣️ 💕”
— Theresa Mcgaughey5.011 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (530) 241-5344 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Deep.