About
Tucked inside a former movie rental shop in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Movie Vault & PETropoliS is one of those unlikely local fish stores that has quietly built a devoted following. The owners transitioned from DVD rentals to aquatic livestock, and reviewers consistently praise the breadth of what they've assembled — saltwater fish, corals, tropical freshwater species, discus, German blue rams, fancy tail guppies, and hard-to-find stock that goes well beyond the big-box basics. The store's real draw is its people.
Mary, a staff member mentioned by name in review after review, has earned a near-legendary reputation for her aquatic knowledge. One customer credits her with saving a 55-gallon tank after repeated ammonia spikes killed off an entire guppy colony — Mary identified the root cause (wiping out beneficial bacteria during cleaning) and recommended the right chemistry to stabilize the cycle. That kind of hands-on, patient guidance is what keeps hobbyists driving from as far as Bardstown to shop here.
The livestock selection spans both freshwater and saltwater, with reviewers calling out a nice variety of tropical fish and coral alongside the more common goldfish and guppies. The store also carries reptiles — albino milk snakes and crested geckos among them — plus small mammals and fishing worms. The sales floor is described as well laid out and maintained, and prices are generally seen as reasonable for the region.
It's worth noting a handful of reviews raise concerns about fish health and the store's lack of a guarantee policy; a couple of customers reported losses shortly after purchase, including a pair of discus. These are worth weighing, though the majority of feedback is strongly positive. For aquarium keepers in central Kentucky who want more than mass-market options, PETropoliS offers genuine expertise, a rotating inventory of interesting livestock, and the kind of personal service — greeting you at the door, answering every question — that turns a pet store into a community fixture.
Ask for Mary.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationDelivery
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Saltwater fish and coral selection alongside freshwater tropicals
- Staff member Mary widely praised for in-depth aquarium knowledge
- Hard-to-find species including discus and German blue rams
- Reasonable pricing compared to big-box pet stores
- Unique movie rental and pet store hybrid in Lawrenceburg, KY
From keepers
Customer reviews
“awesome great your business ,, I am digital marketer and SEO specialist.”
— Jahir U5.0a month ago“Super friendly and helpful. Good selection available.”
— John Fricker5.0a month ago“Every nice and friendly he answers every question we had and his prices is reasonable definitely be going back to get more”
— Michael Rankin5.03 months ago“Both DvD rentals and Fish/Pet store. They have a lot of unique aquariums and a very decent selection of hard to find items. Owner is very helpful and friendly. 👍👍”
— Jason M5.03 months ago“great place n great selection of fish...”
— Roy Araiza5.04 months ago“Fish not in stable environment, dead fish laying everywhere. Sick fish sold and died within a week and several hundred dollars spent and not even compensated. Atleast Petco gives a replacement on fish that dies within a week!”
— Judy Hardin1.05 months ago“7 fish bought and every one died within 7 days our tanks were clean and tested and appropriate environment and they just weren't healthy fish. And when called to try and fix the situation they blew me off only offering 30%off after spending plenty of money and trading tanks. Was really hoping to be compensated some for the travel and the money and tanks some how after every single fish died.”
— Dawn Hardin1.05 months ago“Bought 3 fish and then went back and traded 2 nice tanks within 1 weeks or less all fish died”
— Dawn Hardin1.05 months ago“Very friendly”
— Water Blossom5.06 months ago“Great selection of fish usually but its hit or miss.”
— blade4.07 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (502) 598-9551 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Movie Vault & PETropoliS.