About
Tucked into Salina, Kansas, Pet Life By Roberts is the kind of family-owned pet shop that makes you want to linger. The store may be compact, but the aquarium section punches well above its weight — planted tanks line the walls, healthy and diverse, with live aquatic plants that draw freshwater hobbyists from around the region. Owner and staff clearly pour care into every display, and customers consistently note how clean and well-maintained the setups are.
The freshwater fish selection leans toward community tank staples done right. Reviewers have picked up corydoras, guppies, hillstream loaches, and bristlenose plecos here, and the store stocks feeder fish as well. Live plants are a particular draw, with multiple customers singling them out alongside the fish as reasons to visit.
If you're building a planted tank in central Kansas, this is the place to start that conversation. What sets Pet Life apart from the big-box alternatives is the hands-on guidance. Staff have walked first-time fishkeepers through complete 40-gallon tank setups, from equipment selection to stocking plans, with ongoing support along the way.
That level of personal consultation is rare and clearly valued — customers drive in from out of town specifically for the expertise and specialty items they can't find at chain stores. Beyond aquatics, the shop carries birds (including English parakeets), small mammals like hamsters, and feeder rodents for reptile owners. Dog and cat supplies round out the inventory, and the cages throughout the store are noted for being clean and well-kept.
The real magic here is the atmosphere. The owner's passion is obvious, and the staff treat every question like it matters. For freshwater enthusiasts in Salina looking for quality livestock, healthy plants, and advice rooted in genuine experience, Pet Life By Roberts has earned its loyal following one planted tank at a time.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Tank SetupConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Beautifully maintained planted freshwater aquarium displays
- Personalized tank setup guidance for new fishkeepers
- Quality live aquatic plants and community fish like corydoras, guppies, and bristlenose plecos
- Family-owned with passionate, knowledgeable staff
- Specialty items and livestock not found at chain pet stores
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Friendly and very knowledgeable staff. Great selection of fish and aquarium plants. Also has beautiful birds and other mammals. A hidden gem for sure … highly recommend.”
— Teresa Nicholson5.03 weeks ago“Great deals, beautiful pets love the atmosphere here wonderful.”
— Kelly Raymond5.06 months ago“Small but full of great choices. We get rats & mice for our snake. I'm happy to say the cages are clean.”
— Cassie Stutler5.06 months ago“If you haven't been outback, go for a visit!”
— Andy W5.07 months ago“Great local pet shop, knowledgeable staff”
— Samuel Loy5.011 months ago“What a great small business! The owner is sweet and clearly loves his shop. The aquariums are planted and healthy and diverse and beautiful! They have been working with me to help me set up my first 40g tank, and I am so grateful for their guidance and quality products. My pack of corydoras, guppies, hillstream loach, and bristlenose pleco all agree it's pretty awesome!”
— Joanna Kerby5.0Edited 11 months ago“Tienen cachorros de perros.. ? estoy buscando uno para mi nieto”
— Yenis Nunez4.0a year ago“Prices are reasonable. Bought the cage , bird , and food from Pet Life.”
— Sanong Sin5.0a year ago“A lovely family owned business!! The people there are so friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful!! Any time I can go there to get what I need I do. We will be long time customers!!”
— Cassie Biery5.0a year ago“Staff was friendly and very helpful. I went to see the fish selection but found the English parakeet I have been looking for!”
— Jeri Schupman5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (785) 827-9082 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Pet Life By Roberts.