Premium Pet Supply

Premium Pet Supply in Bloomington, Illinois is the kind of family-owned store that inspires fierce loyalty — the kind where customers drive over 50 miles just to browse the tanks and pick Monty's brain about their next setup. And Monty, along with staffers like Madison, are a big part of why people keep coming back. They don't just sell fish; they walk you through the dos and don'ts of cycling a new tank, help you pick hearty starter fish, and remember your setup well enough to offer tailored suggestions on return visits.

The freshwater selection draws the most praise. Reviewers highlight a wide variety of fish, from guppies and rope fish to pond goldfish sold at great prices. One customer gleefully picked up a breeding pair of crawdads for an aquaponic garden, which speaks to the store's range of invertebrates beyond typical hobby fare.

The live plant selection is described as tremendous, and Monty's plant recommendations have helped customers build genuinely beautiful planted tanks. Beyond livestock, Premium Pet carries a solid inventory of aquarium equipment — filter media, airstones, driftwood, and décor. The driftwood selection in particular gets singled out as impressive.

They also stock premium pet foods for dogs and cats, reptile feeder insects like Dubia roaches and hornworms, and even à la carte snake food. Their frequent buyer card program keeps pricing competitive with big-box stores, which is notable for an independent shop. The store features what one reviewer calls a "fun fish cave" — a dedicated viewing area where you can get a closer look at the aquatic livestock.

The atmosphere is warm and unhurried, with staff in signature bowling shirts who genuinely enjoy talking fish. A few reviewers have noted occasional health issues with livestock, so quarantining new arrivals is wise — standard practice for any serious hobbyist. But for the Bloomington area, Premium Pet Supply remains the clear first stop for freshwater fish, live plants, pond supplies, and honest aquarium advice from people who actually care.