Fish Works in Ashland, Massachusetts has been a fixture of the local aquarium scene for over 25 years, built on a foundation of hands-on tank maintenance and a personal touch that keeps clients coming back for decades. Led by Rebecca (often spelled ReBecca by loyal customers) and a team that includes technicians like Nicole and Tony, the operation focuses heavily on in-home and commercial tank cleaning services — a niche they've carved out across the MetroWest region. What sets Fish Works apart is the sheer range of tanks they'll tackle.
Multiple reviewers rave about their turtle tank cleaning — a notoriously messy job that most pet sitters flatly refuse. One client searched for a decade before discovering Fish Works could handle their turtle's tank with expertise and zero complaints. Another credits them with reviving a sluggish parrot fish by diagnosing and correcting water quality issues on short notice.
Tony's last-minute house call to save Perry the parrot fish is the kind of story that earns genuine loyalty. The team also handles freshwater tank relocations — one customer's 65-gallon freshwater setup survived a move from Connecticut to Framingham with most fish thriving three years later. They maintain institutional tanks too, including the aquariums at the Morse Institute Library, where children gather to watch the fish in sparkling clean displays.
Fish Works sells tanks, tropical fish, and equipment out of their Ashland location, and they handle custom aquarium installations from scratch. On the saltwater side, they work with reef tanks and SPS corals, though a couple of reef hobbyists reported alkalinity management issues during maintenance visits — a point worth discussing upfront if you run a sensitive reef system with dosing equipment. Monthly maintenance plans, responsive scheduling, and straightforward billing make them easy to work with over the long haul.
Nicole, who handles many of the recurring on-site visits, has become something of an extended family member for clients who've trusted Fish Works with their tanks for nearly a decade. For Ashland-area aquarists who want reliable, recurring tank care, this team has the track record to back it up.
Zenito Pires
6 reviews
Awesome staff! My return pump broke the day before I head off to vacation. They helped me in finding a new return pump to fit my needs. Now I can go on vacation stress free!
Violet
15 reviews
Have used these people several times over the past few years, we have had a few different people come. They are Always late. This time was no different. The person left dirt on my carpet and as usual the tank wasn't as clean as you'd expect from a professional. Epecially at their prices. This time I called to let the manager know and she took forever to return my call and came acoss to bothered at having to answer about an unsatisfactory job. Never apologized, offered money back or to come back to finish the job. I think her name was Rebekka I Do Not recommend this company at All. You might be better off if you are able to find a kid in neighborhood to help. They will probably leave less of a mess lol
Phoebe Theimer
20 reviews
These guys are an absolute godsend!! I have a turtle, and when I'm out of town, it's generally possible to find a pet sitter who will do anything EXCEPT clean his tank. This is 100% understandable, because cleaning a turtle tank involves basically raw, fishy sewage. I'd been searching high and low for literally a decade, and somehow had never found Fish Works. In 2020 I had severe back problems and cleaning the turtle tank was the one thing that it was basically impossible to hire anyone else to do. So, my ONE complaint is, where have you guys been all my life?? But anyway, they are so pleasant to work with and have now cleaned my turtle's tank twice and they did it absolutely perfectly. I couldn't be more thankful! They're a bit pricey so I can't have them come out every week, but I'm absolutely saving their info for future travel. And, honestly, considering how far they have to drive, the specialized knowledge they have to have (since they are HIGHLY trained!) and just the specifics of what their job entails, I would say their pricing is more than fair. So, thank you again!!! I'm sure you will be hearing from us! 🐢
Karen Babcock
30 reviews
I can’t say enough good things about Fish Works. We had a turtle in a 75 pound tank and it became too difficult to clean it myself. Nicole was wonderful and did an amazing job cleaning the tank. Everyone there is so nice and easy to work with. If you need tank cleaning, this is the place!
Matt Hollister
8 reviews
I have worked with FishWorks for many years, getting to know the team and servicing and improving my tank so that it looks beautiful year round. FishWorks has been a trusted partner of mine, and one that I highly recommend. FishWorks has been reliable, efficient and great with communication.
Franchesca Feliciano
24 reviews
This team has been great! They have been cleaning our fish tank monthly for about 2 years and they have helped relocate our tank once( it's a 65 gallon). Most of our fresh water fish made the move from CT to framingham and are thriving 3 years later! Scheduling and billing are easy and no hassle. Thanks fish works!
Kenneth Zais
4 reviews
ReBecca, Nicole and the Fish Works team have taken wonderful care of our tank for nearly 10 years. They are responsive, professional and knowledgeable. They have setup new tanks and taken great care of our fish and other interesting sea creatures. A special shout out to Nicole who comes onsite to handle our monthly maintenance - she's part of our extended family, we all love her!! I highly recommend Fish Works!!
Stephanie Marazzo
8 reviews
Fish Works performs amazingly well. prompt, knowledgeable., polite. 3 star Michelin in the fish business. tom h
Carolyn Ching
3 reviews
Fish Works has been taking care of the two tanks at the Morse Institute Library for many years. The children and their parents love to watch all the fish and how bright and clean the tanks are.
Ben Librandi
9 reviews
Rebecca in the office and Tony who came to my house were both great! Huge help and very knowledgeable! Came right on time and provided my tank with everything that was needed. A++
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (508) 881-8830 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fish Works.
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111 Cherry St, Ashland, MA 01721
February 7, 2026
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