Clean Aquariums

Tucked away in Monroe, Michigan, Clean Aquariums lives up to its name in the most literal sense — every single tank in this compact shop gleams, and the fish inside them look vigorous and well-fed. Owner Phillip runs a tight operation, quarantining all livestock before it hits the sales floor, which customers notice immediately in the health of their purchases. From electric blue Jack Dempseys and German black rams to neon gouramis and nerite snails, the freshwater selection punches well above what you'd expect from a smaller independent store.

The live plant section is a major draw. Reviewers consistently praise the variety and condition of aquatic plants, and multiple customers have reported their purchases thriving weeks after bringing them home. Whether you're planting a lush foreground or filling out a background, there's usually something worth grabbing.

While Clean Aquariums is primarily a freshwater shop, Phillip stocks marine food and supplies and has helped at least one customer maintain a saltwater aquarium over the course of three years. His willingness to special order fish — something one customer noted no other Michigan store offered — speaks to a level of personal service that big box retailers simply can't match. One hobbyist drove an hour from Rochester Hills specifically because of that flexibility.

The supply side covers tanks (starting at 5 gallons), filters, nets, filter pads, and a solid food selection. Pricing across the board gets high marks — reviewers use words like "fair" and "reasonable" rather than "cheap," which suggests genuine value rather than cut corners. One customer picked up a full tank setup and was impressed by both the price and quality of the included products.

Phillip's knowledge is the store's secret weapon. He takes time with every customer, answering questions without pressure, offering stocking recommendations (he helped one hobbyist fill a 480-gallon tank), and patiently teaching newcomers the ropes. The shop dog greeting you at the door doesn't hurt either.

For Monroe-area aquarists tired of generic pet store advice, this is where you want to be spending your time and money.