About
Tucked into a compact space in Edwardsville, Illinois, Aqua-Nook is a family-run fish store that punches well above its square footage. Owners Mike and Tammy, along with staff members like Jake and Mark, have built something that draws hobbyists from 40-plus minutes away — and keeps them coming back. The store stocks both freshwater and saltwater livestock in immaculately clean tanks, with a coral selection that surprises visitors who aren't expecting such depth from a smaller shop.
" Saltwater enthusiasts will discover an impressive coral inventory alongside specialty fish — one customer found both a Triggerfish and a Radiata Lionfish sourced within the same week. The store carries Aquarium Co-op products and curates only high-quality fish foods, skipping the filler brands that clutter chain store shelves. What sets Aqua-Nook apart is the level of care that extends beyond the register.
When a customer's fish started dying, the staff diagnosed the problem remotely — insufficient oxygen exchange — and helped save the remaining livestock. They've helped hobbyists transition from freshwater to saltwater, troubleshoot algae problems, and rehomed fish that weren't thriving. Mike handles tank maintenance services for customers who want their saltwater setups professionally serviced on a biweekly basis.
One reviewer noted the staff even stayed past closing to help with a cichlid emergency. The space is tight — every square inch is utilized — but that density is part of the charm. Around every corner there's another tank, another species, another piece of equipment worth examining.
The staff are hobbyists themselves, and their passion translates into honest, detailed advice that respects where each customer is in their fishkeeping journey. For aquarists in the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon area, Aqua-Nook has become the obvious local fish store of choice.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned store with passionate, hobbyist staff including Mike, Tammy, and Jake
- Extensive coral selection packed into a compact but well-organized space
- Carries Aquarium Co-op products and curated high-quality fish foods
- Biweekly saltwater tank maintenance services available
- Specialty saltwater fish sourcing — Triggerfish, Radiata Lionfish, and more
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Extremely helpful. More salt water fish than I expected.”
— Gysgt Randy Walker USMC5.0a week ago“Highly recommend this store. It’s small but mighty!!! They are always willing to answer my millions of questions as someone new to this hobby, and quick to reply to my many Facebook messages. The employee working the day I went in with my 2 kiddos was extremely helpful and they were unbothered by my kids being a little over excited. We are so lucky to have a great local salt water store in Edwardsville!!”
— Jordan5.0a month ago“Best little fish store I have found look at this beauty”
— Richard P5.0a month ago“What a great little shop! Lots of beautiful SW corals and tons of FW fish & plants. Clean tanks & nice people. I’ve been in a couple of times for schooling nano fish like tetras and pygmy corydoras, I will definitely be back.”
— Nicole Hamilton5.03 months ago“Nice owner, nice selection, prices are high but that’s everywhere I guess.”
— Abu Zaid4.03 months ago“Really nice Local Fish Store. Great selection of products including Aquarium Co-op stuff and only very high quality foods. Selection of fish are very nice and the livestock is in wonderful shape. Staff are hobbyists with a lot of knowledge.”
— Eric Email5.05 months ago“Great location and very helpful owner. We stopped on our way back home and were very pleased. Will defiantly stop again next time we are down that way”
— Jayson Hoteling5.0Edited 7 months ago“By far the best fish store around! Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Awesome variety of fish, corals, and plants! If you need anything fish related this should be your new spot! I highly recommend aqua nook to everyone!”
— Nathan Walter5.08 months ago“Great local fish store! Fish and live plants I bought were healthy and are doing great!”
— Jonathan French5.09 months ago“Vast amount of knowledge from 3 guys, with a vast amount of options. Got some unique and beautiful snails and will definitely be back for some cory catfish. Would definitely recommend.”
— Brent Kassing5.0Edited 9 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (618) 307-5517 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aqua-Nook.