Aquatic Pets - Wichita Aquarium

Aquatic Pets in Wichita, Kansas has quickly established itself as the go-to aquarium store in the region, drawing visitors from as far as Manhattan, Kansas who consider it a highlight of their trip. The store makes a striking first impression with beautifully maintained display tanks, including a showstopping cylindrical cardinal tetra tank near the entrance that stops visitors in their tracks. The livestock selection spans both freshwater and saltwater, with healthy fish that reviewers consistently note look better than big-box alternatives.

On the freshwater side, you'll find everything from bichirs and red honey gouramis to guppies, discus (including a mating pair spotted by one visitor), and algae-eating plecos alongside driftwood for their dietary needs. The saltwater section is equally compelling — staff member Mark has earned a devoted following for walking customers through the entire reef-keeping journey, from live rock cycling timelines to coral and anemone compatibility. The store also stocks live plants and invertebrates like assassin snails, and their team has earned a reputation for solid axolotl care advice.

Staff knowledge is the consistent thread running through nearly every review. Mark, Wes, and store manager Drip each get called out by name for patience and genuine enthusiasm. One customer came in planning to buy a few freshwater fish and left with a complete saltwater setup after Mark walked them through every step of the process — rocks, coral, anemones, fish compatibility, and realistic expectations for the first year.

That kind of hands-on consultation is hard to find. The store runs a rewards program that regulars appreciate, and quarantine tanks are visible on the sales floor — a detail that signals real commitment to livestock health. Equipment, filters, pumps, tubing, and fish food round out the inventory.

Prices run slightly above chain stores, but customers consistently say the quality of fish and personalized service more than justify the difference. For Wichita's aquarium community, this is the real deal.