About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned shop with an outstanding selection of live aquatic plants and hardscape rocks
- Beautifully maintained display tanks with visibly healthy freshwater tropical fish
- Staff provides in-depth fishkeeping advice and builds lasting relationships with customers
- Recognized as the best tropical fish store in the Quad Cities Area
- Strong selection of aquarium supplies at fair prices
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Has the best selection of plants and cool rocks. They are well educated when it comes to fish and anything scaly. The customer service is amazing as well. Love this family owned business. These fish were bought from Roe and have been doing fabulous. Even if your not in the market to buy things there, it's a cool place to peek into. Edit: went in and still greeted like family. I love this place. Go take a peek and have some good conversations too :) Edited again: their set up is always so beautiful, and their fish so healthy 🫶”
— Nicole5.0Edited 17 hours ago“Friendly knowledgeable people.”
— Rebecca Hoffmann5.0a week ago“Been going here for several years. Family owned and operated. Do yourself a favour and skip Amazon next time you need aquarium supplies, and go talk to these fine folks instead. I don't know what I'd do without their shop!”
— Holly Stotler5.02 weeks ago“Went here today. I’m a beginner looking to get into the hobby. I work right next to the store and was excited to have a store so close. The lady that helped us was very condescending. Immediately made me extremely uncomfortable and we left without anything from this store. If you’re a beginner I suggest you go elsewhere. May have better experience if you’re more experienced. But ours was shockingly bad.”
— David B1.0a month ago“Owners very knowledgeable”
— Stephanie Prince5.02 months ago“Been there plenty of times, great place very knowledgeable and friendly.prices are good”
— Barbara Bohm-osborn5.04 months ago“Great team and great value for what you buy. Nearly everything in my 50 gal is from Roe Aquarium and my fish are doing great”
— MrSeanix5.04 months ago“This is easily the best place to buy tropical fish in the QCA. Best selection, best service, and best experience. I have to drive past other places to go here, and I do so willingly!”
— Matt Winquist5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (309) 788-7153 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Roe Aquarium & Pet Co.