Fish Barn

Tucked into a pastoral setting just east of Iowa City in West Branch, Iowa, the Fish Barn is the kind of place that makes aquarium hobbyists drive an hour each way and call it worthwhile. Owner Cody has transformed a barn into an astonishing aquatic destination housing over 436 active indoor tanks and 22 outdoor setups — a staggering footprint for a small-town operation that routinely leaves visitors speechless. The freshwater selection is the main draw and arguably the best in the state.

Reviewers rave about finding species they've never encountered elsewhere — Urau, Red Shoulder Rotkeil Severums, Beckford's Pencilfish, pearl danios, and a rotating cast of corydoras and rasboras. The common stuff is here too, but with notably better genetics; longtime fishkeepers report zero issues with neon tetra disease, which speaks volumes about Cody's sourcing. Shrimp, snails, African dwarf frogs, axolotls, and bettas — each kept in proper individual tanks rather than cups — round out the livestock.

Some saltwater species are available as well, and the outdoor tanks cater to pond enthusiasts with goldfish and koi. Live plants are a real strength. Hornwort, guppy weed, java moss, and other aquatic plants fill dedicated tanks, making the Fish Barn one of the few reliable sources for fresh plants in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids corridor.

The dry goods section covers tanks, filtration systems, driftwood, spider wood, rocks, crystals, fish food, and water treatments. What sets this place apart beyond the sheer volume of livestock is the care behind it. Tanks are immaculately maintained — crystal clear water, no floaters, live plants in the display tanks themselves.

The staff answers questions patiently, never upsells, and will even track down specific species on request. A loyalty rewards program sweetens repeat visits. And yes, the French bulldogs wandering between the aisles are as charming as everyone says.

The Fish Barn is a destination store that earns every mile of the drive.