Walk into The Fish Geek in Peoria, Illinois, and the first thing you'll notice are the aquascapes. Not just functional display tanks, but genuinely stunning planted setups that double as inspiration boards for anyone thinking about their next build. Owner Dan has earned a near-perfect reputation across more than a hundred reviews, and the reason is simple: he treats every customer's tank like it matters.
This is a freshwater-focused shop stocked with a thoughtful selection of tropical fish, shrimp, snails, live plants, rocks, and driftwood. Reviewers consistently call out the health of the livestock — fish are vibrant, plants arrive ready to thrive, and the bettas are notably kept in proper tanks rather than tiny cups. You'll find popular community species like neon tetras alongside harder-to-find rare fish that make the drive worthwhile.
One customer happily travels ninety minutes each way, and it's easy to see why. The hardscape selection stands out, with rock and driftwood priced well below what you'd find at chain stores. Dan price-matches big competitors and carries quality equipment and foods, including Aquarium Co-Op products like their nano food.
Whether you need substrate, gear, or a full tank setup, the inventory is solid for a smaller independent shop. What truly sets The Fish Geek apart is the consultation. Dan tests water samples, walks newcomers through the nitrogen cycle, advises on fish compatibility, and has helped multiple customers rescue neglected tanks.
He's the kind of shop owner who will talk you out of a bad purchase rather than upsell you into one. Several reviewers credit him directly with transforming their aquariums from struggling messes into living works of art. The store is clean, well-organized, and smells good — a detail that says a lot about tank maintenance standards.
Don't miss the mudskipper in the tank by the register. For freshwater hobbyists in central Illinois, The Fish Geek is the real deal.
Chris Eckert
21 reviews
Dan is the best! Very knowledgeable about all aspects of aqurium ownership. He is super helpful and very pleasant to talk to. He has helped us set up an aquarium, stock with plants and guided us through which fish would be compatible.
Tonya Corey
3 reviews
I really love this place, He has a good assortment of fish and he is very knowledgeable and kind to us.
Willy Walker
10 reviews
Good selection and will price match all the big competitors.
Haz
24 reviews
Very helpful and nice owner! Prices on rock are way better than anything I have local. Have gone a couple times now and will absolutely be stopping by any time we come through Peoria. Beautifully scaped tanks to look at while you browse the store is always a major bonus as well. *edit autocorrect being incorrect
Moon Blue
4 reviews
A great store with lots of beautiful tanks inside. It's definitely a smaller store but still a cool place with lots of cool fish & shrimp selection. Not a HUGE plant selection but they still have good options that grow super fast. All the new plants made my tank look amazing, and they have all been thriving and growing. They also have lots of rocks and driftwood as well. Would definitely go again.
Shauna Bliss
12 reviews
Dan is always so friendly and knowledgeable. He helped me get my start tank from an absolute mess that would have killed a fish instantly to a pristine crystal clear tank. You can tell he is so passionate about what he does. He has the cleanest set ups and his fish are all very healthy. Even if you are not wanting to start a fish tank I highly recommend going and seeing this shop.
Nick Friedrich
4 reviews
Dan is great! He is knowledgeable and always extremely helpful and he will take the time to explain anything. I can’t believe I’m just now writing a review, but he has helped transform what was a mess into a living piece of art!
Toni Judnitch
9 reviews
Great little shop with healthy fish and a number of truly impressive aquascapes. You can definitely tell they’re passionate about what they do. My favorite is seeing the various names given to bettas, who are (refreshingly) NOT in tiny cups.
Travis Watson
6 reviews
Dan is truly the best!! Most knowledgeable and friendly shop keeper I have ever come across. He has everything you could ever need and if he doesn’t, he can get it! I don’t even consider petsmart/petco an option anymore. Fish geek is the best place for high quality, healthy plants and livestock. He’s got a ton of other quality equipment, food, and anything aquatic you’d need at a fair price. The tank pictured in my review and everything inside it came from Fish Geek!!
Judith Cunningham
19 reviews
Love this place! Best quality fresh water fish 🐟🐠 Dan is so informative and always gives the best advice.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (309) 232-7093 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Fish Geek.
Phone
(309) 232-7093Website
www.thefishgeekpeoria.com/Address
4325 N Sheridan Rd Suite 7, Peoria, IL 61614
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4325 N Sheridan Rd Suite 7, Peoria, IL 61614
February 7, 2026
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