Watercolors Aquarium Gallery

Watercolors Aquarium Gallery has earned its reputation as the go-to aquarium shop in West Michigan, and a visit to this Grand Rapids store makes it easy to understand why. It's not a massive warehouse — it's a thoughtfully curated gallery where every tank reflects genuine care for the hobby. The fish are kept in naturalistic conditions, and the store quarantines new arrivals for a month before putting them out for sale, a practice that speaks volumes about their commitment to livestock health.

The freshwater selection is the star here, with an impressive range that extends well beyond the usual suspects. This is the kind of place where you can strike up a conversation about North American native species and hear about a staff member's recent trip to the Amazon basin for research. If you're looking for rare or unusual fish in West Michigan, Watercolors is where you'll find them.

Their live plant selection is robust and healthy, and even customers running modest setups — barely more than a fish bowl — report walking out with quality plants, snails, and filters that actually work. On the saltwater side, the fish selection runs smaller, but the coral frags draw serious attention. Reviewers describe them as amazing, making it worth a stop for reef keepers hunting quality pieces.

Invertebrates round out the offerings across both freshwater and saltwater. What truly sets Watercolors apart is the staff. Multiple reviewers mention their patience and willingness to educate — including spending real time with kids experiencing their first tank.

The team also produces a podcast and maintains active YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram channels, extending their educational reach well beyond the storefront. Educational signage throughout the store reinforces this teaching-first philosophy. The store will also order in special fish on request, which is a meaningful touch for hobbyists chasing specific species.

Prices run slightly higher than big-box alternatives, but customers consistently note the quality of livestock and personalized service justify the premium. For the Grand Rapids aquarium community, Watercolors is an institution.