West Lake Aquatics

Tucked inside a storage unit facility in an industrial park in Davenport, Iowa, West Lake Aquatics is the kind of place you'd never stumble upon by accident — but once you spot the fish windsock and park in the gravel lot, you're in for something special. Owner Alex has built what many consider the best freshwater fish store in the Quad Cities, stocking an impressive diversity of species that ranges from healthy Hillstream Loaches and a wide variety of plecos to genuine rarities like Anableps (four-eyed fish) that you simply won't find at big-box pet stores. The cichlid selection draws serious hobbyists from hours away, and Alex supplements his inventory with fish he breeds on-site, including locally raised fry.

Community fish, rasboras, Amano shrimp, ramshorn snails, crabs — the variety is broad and the livestock consistently looks healthy and active. Alex also makes his own homemade fish food, which customers report their fish love. What truly sets West Lake Aquatics apart is Alex's hands-on approach to fishkeeping support.

He's been known to give away dirty sponge filter water to help customers cycle new tanks, troubleshoot pH issues, and identify broken equipment — often without charging a dime. He's the kind of owner who'd rather send you home informed than sell you something you don't need. Multiple reviewers note his generosity with extras: ask for two Amano shrimp and you might walk out with four.

The dry goods selection is surprisingly robust for a warehouse operation, with driftwood, filters, tanks, and supplies that cover most aquarium needs at prices that consistently undercut the competition. The store also hosts periodic fish swaps that have developed a loyal following in the region. The warehouse setting is clean and well-organized, with well-maintained tanks throughout.

People drive from Burlington, from two hours out, and keep coming back. If you're a freshwater fishkeeper anywhere near the Quad Cities, West Lake Aquatics is worth every mile of the trip.