About
For more than two decades, Iowa Pet Foods & Seascapes has been a West Des Moines fixture — a family-owned shop where regulars come for premium pet food and stay for one of the area's most engaging fish rooms. Recent visitors still rave about the "great variety of aquatic plants and fish" and owners with "vast knowledge," and the store's partnership with the Animal Rescue League means adoptable cats lounge in the back corner: spoiled, well-loved, and often headed home with a first-time adopter. The aquatics department is the reason to make the drive.
Saltwater and freshwater tanks line the walls, with corals, reef supplies, and live aquatic plants alongside the livestock. You'll find saltwater and freshwater fish for sale in West Des Moines, IA, plus bettas given their own properly sized tanks instead of cramped cups. Shopping in person means you actually see the fish before you choose, a detail longtime customers love.
The store carries Waterbox aquariums and walks first-time reef keepers through setup, and staff member Tim has gone out of his way to special-order koi late in the season, with the fish arriving larger and more colorful than expected. Water testing is a genuine standout. Bring in a sample for a struggling Oscar and you'll leave with exact parameter numbers, a prescribed treatment plan, and handwritten care instructions — the kind of patient, hands-on help that turns a worried fish-keeper into a confident one.
If you're searching for koi or live plants near me, this is the spot to start. The pet-food side is just as serious. Staff steer customers toward quality brands like Open Farm, stock deep selections of single-ingredient treats and raw diets, and cheerfully carry heavy bags to your car.
Clean, bright, and staffed by people who clearly care, Iowa Pet Foods & Seascapes remains West Des Moines' go-to independent aquarium store and pet shop.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Iowa Pet Foods & Seascapes ARL west in West Des Moines, IA
Iowa Pet Foods & Seascapes ARL west stocks corals, reef fish, betta fish, koi, aquarium plants and freshwater, saltwater & pond fish for sale in West Des Moines, IA. As an aquarium store serving West Des Moines, IA, it also carries aquarium equipment and fish food and offers water testing, aquarium setup and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned West Des Moines shop serving local fishkeepers for over 20 years
- Dedicated fish room with saltwater, freshwater, corals, reef supplies, and live aquatic plants
- Waterbox aquariums with in-store setup guidance for first-time reef keepers
- Detailed water testing with exact parameter numbers and handwritten care plans
- Seasonal special-order koi via staff member Tim; ARL adoptable cats in-store
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great family owned pet shop and good variety of aquatic plants and fish.”
— Tanner Francisco5.02 days ago“Great business! Love supporting the ARL by having adoptable animals in the back.”
— Kyle (Yoshi)5.02 weeks ago“The employees here are great. Very helpful.”
— Kerry McGuire5.02 weeks ago“Great local shop and the owners have vast knowledge.”
— Scott C5.02 weeks ago“Love getting fish here! They have a great variety!”
— Kimberly Hancock5.03 weeks ago“The guys working there were welcoming and nice, the lady not so much. The fish room was…not super well kept. Lot of empty tanks, lights flickering and quite a few dead fish, and fish swimming on their sides indicating something is wrong. Made me a little sad but hopefully it was just an off day!”
— Jennifer Schmidt3.0a month ago“Currently working on a fishless cycle and the guy working (owner? Not sure) was very helpful and knowledgeable, they'll definitely be my go-to when it's time to add critters. The tanks are always well tended, no visibly sick or floating dead fish like so many other places have in town. The cats in the back corner are so loved and spoiled. Even their noisy, naughty bird seems content and loved. 🩷 Will be back, and often!”
— Bethany Fast5.02 months ago“Just love it here and its a great place to support local 🥰”
— Malia Hansen5.02 months ago“The staff is so helpful and kind. Even when they seem overwhelmed by customers they still smile and help with whatever I need. Clean and bright store and huge selection. The only pet supply place I’ll go to”
— Jenn White5.03 months ago“Friendly and knowledgable staff, very glad I found that my dogs food was available locally here. This place is a must for all pet owners”
— Calvin Conley5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (515) 223-0254 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Iowa Pet Foods & Seascapes ARL west.