About
Tucked away on Louisiana's Northshore, The Aqua-Arium in Mandeville is a dedicated saltwater-only shop that draws hobbyists from across the region — some driving from as far as Mississippi and Slidell just to browse its tanks. The store's identity is firmly marine: every tank is saltwater, and the focus is squarely on reef livestock, coral frags, and the equipment needed to keep it all thriving. The clownfish selection alone has earned the shop a reputation.
One customer described finding well over a hundred clowns spanning multiple varieties, sizes, and species — all competitively priced and visibly healthy. Beyond clownfish, the shop stocks anemones, a rotating coral selection (limited by square footage but fairly priced, according to reviewers), and a range of marine fish that can be custom-ordered if not in stock. Staff member Sadie has earned praise for her coral frag picks, and owner Ricky is frequently mentioned for his honest, no-pressure consultations — whether it's diagnosing a stubborn algae outbreak or recommending a calcium reactor pump.
What sets The Aqua-Arium apart from a typical pet store is its service depth. The team has delivered and fully set up 100-gallon systems for customers, walking them through the entire process. A quarantine setup sits right in the middle of the shop floor — a transparency that reef keepers appreciate and a sign the store takes livestock health seriously.
They also offer a military discount, a small touch that resonates with the local community. The shop is family-run, and that intimacy shows in how staff interact with customers — patient with newcomers, generous with advice, and willing to spend time walking through every tank. The store has changed ownership relatively recently, and while a few growing pains around hours and consistency have surfaced, the core experience for most visitors remains strong.
For saltwater hobbyists on the Northshore, it fills a niche that simply didn't exist before — a clean, focused marine shop with real expertise behind the counter.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Tank SetupDeliveryConsultationQuarantineOnline Store
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Dedicated saltwater-only shop with extensive clownfish selection spanning multiple species and varieties
- Full tank delivery and setup service including 100-gallon systems
- Visible quarantine system on the shop floor for incoming livestock
- Custom fish ordering for species not currently in stock
- Knowledgeable staff offering honest, no-pressure consultation on reef keeping
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Super friendly and helpful”
— Steven Smith5.04 days ago“I got an anemone for $30 one week and the next week they charge me $40 - same tank 🤦🏻♂️ Good place otherwise. Hope things get better, we need you!”
— Rrr 5504.03 months ago“I hate to do this. I ordered 2 valves in July and was billed for the items and shipping. I still haven't received the valves. I spoke with the owner multiple times and they said they would check on the status and get back to me. I have never heard back and nobody will respond to my email or calls. I just want the valves we purchased or a refund, and I will gladly take this post down.”
— Logan Hartle1.03 months ago“Aiptasia In every single tank… I worry this new owner isn’t knowledgeable .very disappointed coming here after it’s been 2 years, I miss the old owner very much. Overpriced everything especially to have pest in all tanks, many dead fish, unfortunately.”
— Jiddi1.04 months ago“I’m trying to understand the hours of this store. Sign says starting 08/30/2025 they open at 1pm and I arrive at 1:36pm it’s not open. I look online it says it opens at 3pm, store still not open. I’m coming from Slidell and so we had to find something to do in the area. It’s 3:22pm, still not open. Now this same type of thing has happened to us more than once since the new owners took over. What’s really going on?”
— Summer Dixon1.05 months ago“Very great experience, fantastic care and service”
— Jeffery Payne5.06 months ago“The staff is so friendly and very knowledgeable. Thanks for the help!”
— Christopher Richards5.08 months ago“Great service. nice environment!”
— Estuardo Alvarado5.0a year ago“Good people there you know what they're talking about”
— Derrick4.0a year ago“This is one of the best places to buy fish, coral and anything else needed for you fish aquarium. They are all so friendly and knowledgeable. They always are getting new shipments in. If you’re on the northshore, you have to make sure to stop by!”
— Shawn Hoover5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (985) 888-1989 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Aqua-Arium, LLC.