About
Tucked along M-59 in Highland Township, Michigan, Fins & Filters is a family-owned aquarium shop that punches well above its weight. The storefront may be compact, but step inside and you'll find an almost overwhelming density of freshwater and saltwater livestock — cichlids, boesemani rainbowfish, angelfish, plecos, corydora catfish, clownfish, and even monster fish sharing wall space with shubunkins and bettas. Owner Gage, his wife, and their two rescued shop dogs Aspin and Gracie create an atmosphere that feels more like visiting a friend's fish room than a retail store.
The live plant selection stands out as one of the best-priced and highest-quality options in the surrounding Waterford and Highland area. Driftwood, rocks, and aquarium decorations fill the shelves alongside the greenery, and they even stock assassin snails for hobbyists battling invasive hitchhiker snails in their planted tanks. Shrimp enthusiasts can pick up livestock along with ready-to-go shrimp tank setups.
For those struggling with local water hardness, the shop sells prepared aquarium water — a practical touch that speaks to how well they understand their customers' day-to-day needs. What sets Fins & Filters apart from competitors is the genuine care behind the counter. Multiple reviewers describe staff who ask about your existing tanks and species before making recommendations, and who will walk an eight-year-old through feeding routines with the same patience they give a seasoned hobbyist.
One customer brought in a sick fish that the shop kept and nursed back to health over several weeks. Their livestock goes through a quarantine process before sale, which accounts for slightly higher price points but means you're far less likely to introduce disease to your home aquarium. The shop also carries reptiles — bearded dragons, turtles, snakes, and lizards — with the same hands-on, knowledgeable approach.
But the heart of Fins & Filters is clearly aquatics, and the Highland Township community has embraced it as the go-to destination for fish keepers who value honest advice and healthy animals over big-box convenience.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned shop with two friendly rescued shop dogs greeting visitors
- Extensive freshwater and saltwater fish selection rivaling much larger stores
- High-quality live plants at competitive prices with driftwood and rocks
- Fish quarantine process before sale to reduce disease risk
- Staff nursed a customer's sick fish back to health over several weeks
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I've been here repeatedly and I will say this is hands down the best place for fish and advice on fish. they are extremely knowledgeable and care about your tanks. If I could recommend them more I would. love this place and the people working within. 10 out of 10”
— Devon Carey5.03 days ago“Nice selection but customer service needs improved. Hard to get assisted even when no other customers are there.”
— Julia Byrd2.0Edited a month ago“I'm happy to do business here over the other two aquarium shops in Waterford which are closer to me. I started coming here when the current owner had just taken over the business. Happy to see he has made it over a year. Definitely more personable than that other place over on highland road. Fair dealings. I know I'll be back. I get things here at better prices that I can't get elsewhere locally. I only take one star away BC of the drive. 😁”
— Cynthia Smith4.03 months ago“Super knowledgeable staff, has a crazy selection of fresh and saltwater fish and their prices? I’ve never seen prices so fair. The plants they offer are by far the best price and quality out of many other places.”
— Brendon Reynolds5.04 months ago“This is our go-to place for all things fish related. We also visit just to see what's new. Very knowledgeable, helpful staff.”
— Bethany Santos5.04 months ago“Bought some beautiful fish friends”
— cor ick4.04 months ago“This is by far the best fish, pet store to go too. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly staff, they help you with whatever you need. They'll help you when your animals or fish are sick. I took my favorite fish here they kept for a few weeks and saved it's life. My bearded dragon I brought here they advised me what to do. Excellent store! Excellent prices! And fair”
— Dawn Bradfield5.05 months ago“Lots of great fish, and the owner is very knowledgeable.”
— Samuel Mangas5.05 months ago“Awesome pet store can't say enough about this place pets are there passion.”
— Scott Tulette5.05 months ago“Very professional and knowledgeable about the Reptiles and fish they have.”
— Michelle Mulliniks5.06 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (248) 714-6023 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Fins & Filters -Pet Suppliers.