About
Age of Aquariums in Cookeville, Tennessee is one of those sprawling, eclectic operations that defies easy categorization. Part aquarium store, part thrift shop, part flea market, the massive space is packed with fish tanks alongside vintage records, electronics, games, and collectibles. Reviewers consistently note the sheer volume of what's on offer — hundreds of pieces of driftwood, a wide selection of freshwater fish including cichlids, plus frogs, turtles, and axolotls.
One customer drove from Crossville specifically to pick up 17 cichlids and reported them all thriving at home. Pond fish and supplies are also part of the inventory, along with plants, rocks, decor, and aquarium gear. The store has moved through several Cookeville locations over the years — at least three or four by some accounts — and currently operates out of a large warehouse-style space that regulars describe as worth exploring corner to corner.
There's an online store component as well, though at least one customer reported significant shipping delays and difficulty getting a response. However, Age of Aquariums is a genuinely polarizing business. For every reviewer praising the variety and affordable prices, there's another documenting troubling conditions.
Multiple reviewers have flagged concerns about reptile and small animal care — bearded dragons without proper UVB lighting, chinchillas in stacked cages with inadequate bedding, and rabbits in unsanitary enclosures. Some fish tanks have been called dirty, and there are reports of sick fish being sold. Local authorities and news outlets have reportedly been involved at various points.
The store's rating reflects this deep divide: loyal fish hobbyists who find exactly what they need at good prices, set against serious and recurring animal welfare complaints. For freshwater fish keepers focused strictly on aquatic livestock and supplies, there's a genuinely large selection at competitive prices. But prospective customers should visit in person, inspect tank conditions carefully, and make their own assessment before purchasing any live animals.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Online Store
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterPond
Highlights
What makes them special
- Massive freshwater fish selection including cichlids, frogs, turtles, and axolotls
- Hundreds of affordable driftwood pieces and aquatic decor
- Unique hybrid store combining aquarium supplies with thrift and vintage goods
- Pond fish and pond supplies available
- Large warehouse-style space worth exploring thoroughly
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Just found this place. They have the best variety of fish in cookeville, tn. They sell everything aquatic from fish to frogs, turtles, axelots. They have hundreds of driftwood and they're affordable.”
— Jeff Lackey4.0a month ago“DO NOT BUY FROM HERE!! The poor reptiles & animals in this store!! I saw this poor milk snake screaming for help, his scales were raised & he was clearly unwell & hungry. I brought it to the workers attention & they seemed to not care. In fact, they acted like I was being dramatic. I would’ve taken him home just to nurse him, but I’m not an expert & can’t afford to spend $250 on a sick snake… Animal control needs to shut this place down!! They need to remain a thrift store & maybe aquarium equipment, but they should NOT have anything ALIVE in their store. They don’t know how to care for them.”
— Drew Peterson1.02 months ago“I found my new favorite store and that is this store. Age of Aquariums...This store is 3 stores in 1 and it has any and everything u ever wanted and then some. Its like walking into a 1 of a kind thrift store. And if u know me at all u would know I love me a thrift store. They have old records, what nots, pictures vintage and new and the fish aquarium is pretty neat too. They have everything u would need to get u started on getting all the necessities to start on having a fish tank. From the decor all the way to the rocks in diff sizes to the fish and even have lil frogs which I thought were so stinkin cute!! I highly recommend u to go check out this store if u r ever in Tennessee. My boyfriend and I stopped in the other day to check it out and. I was very impressed with all the different and the variety to choose from. I highly recommend this store to anyone young and old!”
— Candice Osborne5.0Edited 4 months ago“i had just bought a bearded dragon 2 days ago and come to find out if i hadn’t of bought him he would’ve died within 2 weeks. i had no knowledge of how to take care of a bearded dragon before buying my baby but i had to save him he was in an enclosure with wood chips as substrate (very bad for them) and no heat lamp and a very bad uvb light with over 50 dubia roaches in the tank crawling around and also missing the end of his tail and a few fingers. after taking this poor baby to the vet we found out she is super malnourished and dehydrated and underweight with metabolic bone disease due to the lack of calcium. the tank was so dirty and stunk so bad. please don’t support these people they are abusing these animals!!!”
— hey day1.05 months ago“Wonderful store absolutely chock full of fish and tons and tons of accessories from plants to rocks to gear! Sinoky a wonderful place to come see the variety and diversity of beautiful aquatic life just waiting to be taken home!”
— Jason Licsko5.06 months ago“Dirty store Dirty tanks”
— Teresa Shearrer Lewis Trosin (Lady T)3.07 months ago“Ive had fish for around 30 years, and I can tell you now that if you have fish tank and have looked everywhere for anything specific Age of Aquariums is where you should go, This was my first visit to this store but I have however visited the other 3 or 4 locations it has been setup in. This newest spot has a Lil bit of everything, and is HUGE!! If your looking for a TRUELY interesting place to just go browse around in, this is the spot!! Make sure you travel over the whole store, there's something to find in every corner!!:) LOL!!”
— Jeremy Jolley4.07 months ago“So many cool fish, frogs, AND TURTLES!! ❤️❤️”
— Shelbie Edmonds (Shelbie Lynn)5.08 months ago“Absolutely heartbreaking conditions. The police and local news have been involved over the years over the neglect, poor conditions and abuse of these animals. When police got involved last time the owner told us he would just drown the chinchillas instead of letting a rescue take them.”
— Amber Underwood1.08 months ago“Interesting place. A lot of pond and aquarium fish and supplies. Part of it is flea market items, electronics,games records. Worth stopping in to check it out”
— Todd Bynon5.08 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (931) 651-1411 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Age of Aquariums.