About
Exotic Aquariums and Pets is a small, independently owned fish store in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, run by a young entrepreneur named Jacob who has been steadily growing the operation since opening. The shop carries both freshwater and saltwater fish, along with corals, cherry shrimp, plecos, bettas, and aquatic plants — plus pet supplies like dog toys and fish food that keep non-fish customers coming back. It's a compact space, and reviewers are honest about the limited selection, but the livestock tends to look noticeably healthier than what you'd find at big-box chains.
Where Exotic Aquariums stands out is in its service offerings. Jacob handles tank installations and monthly maintenance visits for customers around the Des Moines metro area, including commercial accounts like the local Molly Maid office. He shows up on schedule, communicates proactively about any changes, and brings real expertise to each visit.
For newcomers setting up their first saltwater tank, he'll walk through the entire process — equipment selection, setup, and ongoing care — with patience and genuine enthusiasm. The store experience is personal in a way that chain retailers simply can't replicate. One first-time fish owner described Jacob answering every question thoroughly and helping carry supplies to the car.
A high school student found everything needed for a biology project — shrimp, a snail, and aquatic plants — in a single trip. If Jacob doesn't have a specific fish in stock, he'll order it in for you. He's also been known to direct people to other local businesses when his shop doesn't carry what they need, like birds.
The reviews aren't universally glowing — some visitors have found the store understocked, tanks occasionally dark or dirty, and a few had less-than-warm interactions. But the shop has reportedly expanded into a larger space with more inventory, and the core of loyal customers speaks to something real. For Pleasant Hill residents who value supporting a local operation with personalized service and healthy fish, it's worth a visit to see how things are coming along.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Monthly tank maintenance and cleaning service for homes and businesses
- Full tank installation and setup for freshwater and saltwater systems
- Healthy cherry shrimp reported breeding successfully within a month of purchase
- Owner Jacob offers personalized consultations for first-time fish keepers
- Carries both freshwater and saltwater livestock plus corals and aquatic plants
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Little to no selection of aquatic fish. Guy behind the counter couldn’t be bothered to answer questions. When asked if he had experience in fish keeping he said no. Rather spend my money elsewhere.”
— Danny1.0a week ago“Place was ok....owner was pretty opionated about a certain product....some marine supplies in stock.....”
— dallas balzer3.03 weeks ago“They have all the essentials.”
— Josh E.4.03 months ago“They had sugar gliders and some cool fresh and salt water fish it’s on the smaller side but it was nice”
— Blake Tucker5.0a year ago“Only place I trust for my fish food, and of course I have to check out the dog toys when I stop in!”
— Mere5.0a year ago“Jacob cleans our tank at Molly Maid, shows up when scheduled, informs us of any changes and very knowledgeable about our fish. Great service and healthy fish!”
— Kevin Gracey5.02 years ago“So glad to have found this store. He is very knowledgable and helpful. Im working on establishing a new tank and received some awesome pointers. I look forward to coming back for more fish and supplies!”
— Amber wood5.02 years ago“Guy shows no interest in selling anything, tried to talk to him, just looked at his screen and did not even come to say hello. Only costumer in the shop at that time.”
— Erika Schukk1.02 years ago“I shopped around town for my first ever saltwater fish tank. I found Jacob at Exotic Aquariums to be the absolute best! He was very knowledgeable and polite. Jacobs customer service exceeds the other shops I checked out. All of my questions were answered with a smile. Exotic Aquarium installed my tank and will come every month to service it. The pricing is great as well. Stop in and look around. They will be happy to order in any fish you are needing. Highly recommend.”
— Shawna Walker5.03 years ago“Really neat little shop! Beautiful healthy fresh and saltwater fish.”
— Amelia Hughes5.03 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (515) 619-9922 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Exotic Aquariums and Pets.