About
Tucked away in an Elkhart neighborhood — up a memorable flight of stairs — Northside Aquatics LLC is the kind of place that earns its loyal following one conversation at a time. Run by owner Larry and staff including Randy, this small-footprint shop punches well above its weight through deep fishkeeping knowledge, ethical animal care, and a willingness to go the extra mile for every customer who walks through the door. The freshwater selection is the main draw.
Reviewers mention healthy plecos ranging from common varieties to higher-end specimens, axolotls (including Golden GFP morphs), bettas, and rope fish, among others. What sets Northside apart is their ordering service — if they don't have the species you want in stock, they'll source it for you. Staff have also helped multiple customers get started with outdoor pond setups, expanding their reach beyond glass tanks.
The bettas deserve special mention. Rather than cramming them into cups like big-box retailers, the owner keeps them in individual tanks, ordering just one or two at a time. It's a slower approach, but it reflects a genuine commitment to animal welfare that resonates with customers who care about where their fish come from.
Consultation is arguably Northside's strongest service. Multiple first-time fishkeepers describe patient, detailed guidance on tank cycling, filtration, and stocking choices. One customer received a used filter seeded with beneficial bacteria to jumpstart their cycle — the kind of hands-on mentoring you simply won't find at a chain store.
The shop also accepts surrendered fish, giving hobbyists a responsible rehoming option. Pricing draws mixed opinions — some find it very reasonable, while others note that specialty plecos can run $26 to $99. The trade-off is healthy, well-maintained livestock from people who clearly love what they do.
Note that the second-floor location involves a serious staircase and limited accessibility. For freshwater hobbyists in the Elkhart area, Northside Aquatics is the real deal — personal, passionate, and deeply rooted in the community.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationTank SetupFish Boarding
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterPond
Highlights
What makes them special
- Bettas kept in individual tanks rather than cups, ordered one or two at a time for ethical care
- Custom fish ordering service for species not currently in stock
- Hands-on consultation for beginners including tank cycling guidance and starter equipment
- Accepts surrendered and unwanted fish from hobbyists
- Outdoor pond setup assistance and supplies
From keepers
Customer reviews
“They have zero supplies or fish for salt water and they are not handicap accessible i only recommend for fresh water only”
— Ryan Gregory1.0a month ago“I've only had the opportunity to interact over call but the attention to detail and help in properly setting up a tank to see the utmost success has pushed me fully to only using Northside. Having someone who not only is knowledgeable but passionate about the hobby/lifestyle of keeping fish is a huge step above what I have typically ran into. They've made a customer for life.”
— Nathan Hechtl5.02 months ago“Great place super friendly, and you can order fish that you would like for your tank!😀”
— Michael Cork4.02 months ago“Have been trying to start my first tank and have been struggling. Visited the store and the owner was wonderful in taking the time to share expertise on steps to take including providing me a used filter for bacteria development. Look forward to returning soon for fish!”
— Daniel Flowers5.04 months ago“Impeccable customer service. I brought in some fish and didn't know much what I was talking about, but he explained everything and took care of my fish. Choose this guy over Petco any day of the week!!!”
— Jeremiah5.05 months ago“Those stairs are no joke when moving a large tank”
— jaybird18684.05 months ago“Very helpful and knowledgeable Helped me to get started on my little outdoor pond.”
— DANIELA RODRIGUEZ5.06 months ago“This shop is legend”
— Michael Spears5.06 months ago“Was not expecting a backyard business when I saw the reviews, the fish looked healthy and the few tanks they did have seemed very clean but we stopped in to look for a few algae eaters and plecos... the prices are quite high, I cant justify spending between 26 and 99 dollars for a single pleco. It's a good place to go if you dont care about price all too much but we have a larger aggressive tank and for them being only about 2 inches long thats one expensive snack.”
— Tina Werner2.06 months ago“Best place to find or purchase mostly any fish. Really nice store clean and workers are very friendly.”
— James Britton5.08 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (574) 612-4416 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Northside Aquatics LLC.