Tucked away in tiny Thayer, Iowa — a dot on the map south of Des Moines — Fish Fix has built a reputation that reaches well beyond Warren County. With over 150 tanks filling a meticulously maintained space, owner Al and his wife Lisa have created what many customers call the best freshwater fish store in the state, and possibly the Midwest. What strikes visitors first is the cleanliness.
Reviewers repeatedly note the tanks are spotless, the water crystal clear, and there's no fishy odor — a rarity for a store of this size. The animal husbandry is evident in the fish themselves: customers report receiving Skunk Corydoras and Columbian Tetras in peak health, platinum bichirs with vivid coloring, and zebra pike cichlids that look like they belong in a breeder's showcase. Al stocks everything from African peacock cichlids to planted tank supplies, and his hardscape selection draws hobbyists who've given up on the chain stores in Des Moines.
Fish Fix also runs a solid shipping operation. Customers from Pennsylvania and Nebraska report fish arriving well-packed, healthy, and notably larger and more colored-up than specimens from other sellers. Al communicates personally throughout the ordering process, coordinating ship dates to ensure safe arrival.
For those closer to central Iowa, the store offers free delivery to the greater Des Moines area. The pricing consistently surprises people — fair and affordable for species that can be difficult to source, including uncommon and rare freshwater varieties that hobbyists simply can't find elsewhere. Live blackworms, reportedly parasite-free, are another draw for serious fishkeepers.
But what earns Fish Fix its devoted following is the family atmosphere. Al treats customers like neighbors, happily spending an hour talking fish, answering emails, and even arranging special orders. People drive two and three hours — from Omaha, from across Iowa — and leave planning their next visit.
The building is wheelchair accessible, and the whole operation reflects a family that genuinely loves what they do. For freshwater hobbyists in the heartland, Fish Fix is a destination worth the scenic drive.
Amanda Bader
11 reviews
A+ experience. I bought 20 fish online to be shipped to PA. The fish I bought are still relatively rare and sought-after, yet the pricing at Fish Fix was very fair. Al communicated with me every step of the way to figure out the best ship date for them to arrive safely. I got them in today and they are stunners. I have some that I aquired from a different seller and the ones that came from Fish Fix were twice the size and more colored up. I am not a novice in the hobby and can tell they were well fed in the 6 months that Fish Fix had them before I bought them. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase from then again should I decide to add more to the school later on! Thank you Al and the rest of the staff.
Danny
7 reviews
Best in the biz! Fish Fix is the real deal. Amazing selection of freshwater fish, the quality of the fish is excellent. A quick scenic drive from Des Moines makes it worth the trip!
Bro Derrick
41 reviews
Al is such a nice guy and has true passion for the hobby! I ordered fish from him and they’re still going strong, happy and healthy! I finally had a chance to visit this place and it is without a doubt the best freshwater fish store in the state of Iowa. The tanks are kept clean very clean and you can tell Al and his family care a lot. The fish all seemed very healthy and well treated. He has a great stock of equipment and hardscape.
Mr. Baldhead 1
42 reviews
I've ordered twice with them and never received a unhealthy fish this company really help me and meet all my needs. As long there are in business i will buy all my fish from them. Thanks guys
Peggy Fry-Goodvin-Kingery
19 reviews
Very helpful with what I was looking for. One of my fish does already, 3 days later, but the other ones are still doing well. Don't know if there is any warranty on any of the fish but can get expensive. The hobby is very expensive anyway.
Richard Hanlon
300 reviews
Nice fish supply store. Had a large collection of fresh water fish including some uncommon things. I am very glad I went there. I was able to get exactly what I wanted.
Ethan DeRoy
14 reviews
One of the best, if not the best, fish stores I've ever seen. The animal husbandry, care, and attention to detail in every fish tank is amazing. I purchased some Skunk Cory's and Columbian Tetras that are some of the healthiest fish I've ever purchased. Great place and will be buying my all my future fish from here.
Ron S
36 reviews
If only this post could reach the entirety of the United States, the level of coolness and attention to detail this place has. To include the variety of fish is A testament to the owner's passion. If you're in the Osceola Des Moines Warren county area, go see this place. It's worth the trip.
Michael Burgett
6 reviews
They treat you like family and by far the best fish shop near central Iowa. Healthy beautiful fish. Highly recommend.
Calvin Colson
18 reviews
Al and Lisa are awesome people. They have the best fish store I've ever been to.They have the biggest variety, cleanest tanks. . They are very knowledgeable and very helpful. They answer emails, they deliver. They will order special fish for you and they always have good healthy fish for sale. All my visits there are at least an hour either from looking at all, the fish or having a good conversation with Al
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (641) 347-5005 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fish Fix.
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2923 US-34, Thayer, IA 50254
February 7, 2026
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