Aqua-Nook

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.