








Aqualand Pets Plus is a long-standing, independently owned pet shop in Des Moines, Iowa, that has been part of the local community for decades. Run by owner Mike, the store stocks a broad mix of animals — freshwater fish, birds, reptiles, rodents, and occasionally small mammals — alongside pet food and supplies. It's the kind of old-school neighborhood pet shop where the owner knows his customers by name and will spend time walking you through animal care, from setting up a fish tank to nursing a snake back to health.
The freshwater fish selection draws hobbyists looking for community tank species, and the store also serves as a go-to source for feeder animals, with reviewers noting some of the best feeder cricket prices in Des Moines. Bulk rat food and other staple supplies are priced competitively compared to big-box chains, which keeps regulars coming back. That said, Aqualand is a polarizing shop.
Loyal customers praise Mike's hands-on knowledge, built over years of direct experience with animals, and emphasize that their fish and reptiles purchased here have thrived. Several families have returned for generations, buying everything from guinea pigs to kittens to mice with no health issues. On the other hand, a significant number of reviewers report encountering ich-infected fish tanks, overcrowded animal enclosures, and cleanliness problems that range from dirty tanks to odor concerns.
Multiple customers describe losing newly purchased fish within days, raising questions about quarantine practices and tank health management. The store's atmosphere is unmistakably that of a working pet shop — not a polished retail experience. Whether that reads as charmingly authentic or concerning depends largely on what you encounter on a given visit.
For Des Moines fish keepers, Aqualand can be a convenient local source for freshwater stock and affordable supplies, but inspecting fish carefully before purchase and quarantining new arrivals at home would be wise precautions.
Zoey Phipps
They gave my fish ich ☹️✌🏻
Jacob Haddican
16 reviews
First impression the staff is not just trying to make a sale. They actually want you to have the right start. Very knowledgeable. Will be back.
zach Kiefer
4 reviews
To be honest went there twice in the last two months becauseits labeled as a fish store. When I was looking at the fish the majority of them had ick and there was a few with fin rot too. I also saw deads in the tank that look like they've been in there for a few days. They have a huge selection of other animals as well that are not getting properly taken care of, rodents crammed into small tanks a nice size bearded dragon in a tank where he could barely turn around. They don't have any frozen foods either for fish or reptiles only "live" that are crammed into aquariums that can barely support the amount of rodents that are in them. Definitely need more training and better treatment of the animals.
Tom Thompson
4 reviews
Great staff and best feeder cricket prices in town. Supporting a local business is easy thanks to their hours.
Zac Steben
7 reviews
Mike has been great over the years I have not even on fish let alone any other animal die from him he even took the time tonight to try to bring back a snake someone else's mis handling caused injury with no requests for anything just bring it on over and Care..I would stand next to Mike in court in front of judge dnr officer and say the same.. this man has been here before most people coming in to buy animals were in diapers and I'm not Mike but I'm not a spring chicken.so rethink what your accusing and if you want any more explanation. Read on how non birds of prey digest how lizards grow snakes don't look at Google no offense mike was doing this before Google I trust Mike. I have bought fish snakes lizards quite a few things over years and never had any problems as I have had with other stores. So I will continue to buy animals from Mike get care advise.and people who don't think so well get some new crayons maybe some new lights upstairs in the attic. Couple more latches up top of cage. And give the hamster some more food. Mike you have been great to us if you wanted my family to stand with on anything on animals anytime anywhere just so. Anyone who believes otherwise your is malnutritioned feed it get it a new cage it's sick. If agree then go to aqualand and listen to Mike. So Mrs Dona I would suggest to you at your age while doing your petition to take into account age has no bearing on experience also you can have computer or book know how but not physically have experience what your age does count for is how much experience in areas of animals you have had in your adult life and times to deal with those situations or animal care and knowledge so before you go starting petitions understand you can do a lot I'm life but it takes time for hands on experience degrees situations and in any account by age and experience mikes got you on that so do something worthwhile like maybe start a petition for donations for cages or offer free community help if you think Mike needs it but stop your keyboard Google Job and let Mike do his. Again thank you for all you do Mike for animals and people.
Matthew Townsend
GO THERE TO WITNESS THE Complacent, lazy, dirty, and disgusting way to treat animals and customers. When I first got into the hobby I purchased several fish the first visit and they all died within the first 24h. So I thought maybe it was my fault. So tried two more times months later and had the same result.
amanda michael
23 reviews
Great local pet shop
John Desaulniers, Jr.
6 reviews
Mike and his team are always friendly and helpful. I drive past at least two other pet stores to make sure I get my supplies from them.
Jessica Magill
3 reviews
I always get the best service while at this store. Prices are reasonable and the place smells like a pet store... crazy. The quality is great and they have great insight and expertise.
Marcus Aschan
198 reviews
Great place, I have been coming here since I was a kid. They have birds, fish, reptiles, and mice or rats. Pet food too
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (515) 206-2372 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aqualand Pets Plus.
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3600 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
February 7, 2026
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