About
Creation Pet in Woodstock, Georgia is a family-owned shop run by Phil and his team that has built a loyal following over more than a decade. At its heart, this is a freshwater-focused store with a strong selection of fish, live plants, and shrimp, though they also carry saltwater livestock including corals and frags. Reviewers consistently praise the staff — Phil and Teja get regular shout-outs — for their patience and willingness to spend real time walking customers through tank setup, water chemistry, and stocking choices.
One of Creation Pet's standout features is their aquascaping studio, which fans describe as "awesome" and a draw for planted tank enthusiasts looking for hardscape materials and creative inspiration. The store also stocks a decent range of dry goods for freshwater setups and herp keepers, and they maintain a small reptile section. Cichlid keepers have found what they need here, and oddball fish hunters consider it a go-to destination for species they can't find at big box stores.
Water testing is a popular service — customers regularly bring in samples and receive detailed feedback on tank conditions and treatment recommendations. The staff's approach leans educational rather than sales-driven, which newer hobbyists appreciate. Multiple reviewers mention feeling comfortable asking questions without judgment, even as total beginners setting up their first tanks.
That said, recent reviews paint a more complicated picture. Some long-time customers have noted a decline in livestock quality, with reports of offline tanks, limited saltwater selection, and inventory that doesn't match what the store once offered. A few visitors have flagged cleanliness concerns and inconsistent customer service, particularly when the owner is manning the floor.
Pricing on certain items — like shrimp and aquatic plants — has also drawn criticism. Creation Pet clearly has deep roots in the Woodstock aquarium community and a core staff that genuinely cares about fishkeeping. For freshwater hobbyists especially, the combination of healthy livestock, knowledgeable guidance, and that aquascaping studio makes it worth the visit.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Aquascaping studio with hardscape materials for planted tank enthusiasts
- Knowledgeable staff including Phil and Teja who spend time educating customers
- Strong freshwater fish, live plant, and shrimp selection
- Free water testing with detailed feedback and treatment advice
- Family-owned shop with over a decade serving Woodstock's aquarium community
From keepers
Customer reviews
“This store is no longer worth visiting. I've been going here for a decade or more for most things freshwater and herp related and some saltwater stuff, but I would be a fool to put anything from their tanks in my system. Sick, starving fish, tons of unkempt and out of commission holding tanks, dead plants and corals that have clearly been rotting for a while, and massively high prices for what you're getting. $55 for a 1/2" skunk cleaner shrimp, $17 for a 4 oz cup of half-dead, smelly Java moss, the list goes on. Their selection of dry goods is fairly good for fresh and herps, and I'm glad they've shrunk the dog section to make space for more hard scape, but in my opinion it's far too little too late. Very disappointed with my visit and I will not be coming back here.”
— Jikkermanccini (Jikkermanccini)1.03 weeks ago“I have been buying my fish and shrimp here for 3 years. The staff are great! My fish and shrimp are healthy and the staff have patiently answered all my questions.”
— Pam Jordi5.04 weeks ago“Great place with very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly staff! Found them when we needed to add to our cichlid tank and I’m so glad we did!”
— Tia Perry5.0a month ago“Really cool place to see and get nee pets. The staff is knowledgeable and does not rush to just sell you something but rather help set yourself for success”
— Julius M4.02 months ago“Always great customer service, great quality fish and plants. Employees are also really knowledgeable about the animals. I highly recommend this shop.”
— Cassandra Longino5.02 months ago“My loval Go-To aquatics supply and assistance store!”
— Salem Azarra5.04 months ago“Love this place”
— Skylar Wolf5.06 months ago“Staff was very informative - answered all of my questions - and patient. I throughly enjoyed my visit.”
— Alternate Infinite5.06 months ago“The few people that work there are nice. The owner did not acknowledge us. They're holding on to that mom and pop vibe, and I dig it, but step it up. The frag selection was very minimal, lots of tanks off line. Needs more dry goods for sure. This place has tremendous potential.”
— Phantom Reefer3.07 months ago“Knowledgeable and polite, and all my shrimp, fish, and plants look great. I love this store! My favorite spot for oddball fish, and the aquascaping studio is awesome.”
— sharp sharp5.0Edited 7 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (877) 438-5415 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Creation Pet.