Roe Aquarium & Pet Co

Roe Aquarium & Pet Co in Rock Island, Illinois has quietly earned a devoted following across the Quad Cities Area, with customers gladly driving past other shops to get there. This family-owned and operated store specializes in freshwater tropical fish and aquatic plants, and the selection of both reflects a genuine passion for the hobby rather than a big-box approach to stocking shelves. The live plant selection is a standout draw.

Reviewers consistently call it the best around, and the store pairs those plants with an eye-catching assortment of hardscape rocks and décor that make browsing feel more like visiting a curated aquarium gallery than a retail shop. The in-store display tanks are described as beautifully set up, with visibly healthy fish — a detail that speaks to the care going on behind the scenes. What keeps people coming back, though, is the personal attention.

The staff — largely the owners themselves — are deeply knowledgeable about fishkeeping and take the time to have real conversations about stocking, compatibility, and tank care. Multiple customers mention feeling greeted like family on return visits, and several credit the shop's guidance with the long-term success of their home aquariums. One reviewer noted that nearly everything in their thriving 50-gallon tank came from Roe.

The store also stocks a solid range of aquarium supplies and equipment, and loyal customers actively encourage others to skip online retailers and support this local business instead. Prices are described as fair, and the value proposition extends beyond the receipt — you're getting expert consultation with every purchase. For anyone building or maintaining a freshwater setup in the Rock Island area, Roe Aquarium is the kind of neighborhood shop that makes the hobby more enjoyable.

The tanks are gorgeous, the fish are healthy, and the people behind the counter genuinely care about helping you succeed.