About
Tucked away in Traverse City, Aquallations has earned a devoted following across northern Michigan — with some customers driving ninety minutes each way just to visit. Owner Kevin has been a fixture in the local aquarium community for over two decades, and his passion runs deep. He attends seminars, encourages aquaculture among hobbyists, and treats every question with genuine patience, whether it comes from a first-time tank owner or a seasoned reef keeper.
The store itself is compact but remarkably well-stocked. Saltwater enthusiasts will find one of the strongest coral selections within a hundred miles, with stunning frag tanks that reviewers consistently rave about and prices that undercut expectations for such a specialized offering. Kevin has helped numerous customers set up their first reef tanks from scratch, walking them through equipment, livestock choices, and ongoing care.
House call tank cleanings are available for those who want professional help maintaining their systems at home. Freshwater keepers are equally well served. Aquallations is one of the few shops in the region carrying larger African cichlids, and the live plant selection has helped newcomers build thriving planted tanks.
Neocaridina cherry shrimp, tropical fish, and a rotating cast of specialty livestock fill the tanks, and Kevin will happily place custom orders for anything not currently in stock. Reviewers note the fish arrive healthy and stay that way — a testament to the meticulous care behind the scenes. The dry goods section covers lighting, filtration, food like blood worms, and the other essentials that keep hobbyists from having to resort to big box stores.
Multiple reviews highlight how Kevin helped customers dial in their lighting setups or provided used filter media to speed up a tank cycle — the kind of above-and-beyond gestures that chain stores simply don't offer. For aquarists in the Traverse City area and well beyond, Aquallations is the local fish store that earns fierce loyalty through expertise, fair pricing, and an unmistakable love for the hobby.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Outstanding coral frag selection — one of the only sources for marine livestock within 100 miles
- Owner Kevin brings 20+ years of hands-on freshwater and saltwater expertise
- House call tank cleaning services available for local customers
- Custom fish and livestock ordering for hard-to-find species
- One of the few northern Michigan shops carrying larger African cichlids
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Very nice place .reasonable pricing”
— Phil Yoder5.03 weeks ago“Traverse City is very fortunate to have a fish store like Aquallations. Extremely helpful and accommodating. If your looking for something special , Kevin the owner will find it for you. Always has a store stocked with a huge variety of fish and accessories.”
— Ginger Taibl5.03 months ago“Very knowledgeable staff. They had a ton of patience for my daughter and her millions of questions.”
— Lauren Black5.04 months ago“I've known the owner for over 25 years... great store, very knowledgeable”
— Kevin Glasscock5.08 months ago“Beautiful place”
— Ronnie Madden5.08 months ago“I will give them my business over Petsmart and other big box fish sellers!”
— Wolverine Pride5.09 months ago“Always knowledgeable and helpful”
— Aaron Platt5.011 months ago“Best store in northern Michigan for fish and coral. Very knowledgeable in hobby and has tons of dry goods as well. Great coral selection.”
— Kevin Ray5.0Edited a year ago“Fantastic customer service!! I called ahead to see if they had what I needed. They had it set aside and ready for me when I got there.”
— Anna Caldwell5.0a year ago“Owning a saltwater tank has been a challenging yet rewarding experience, and I honestly couldn’t have done it without the amazing support from this aquarium store. Kevin, has gone above and beyond to answer all my questions and concerns, no matter how small or complicated. His knowledge and patience are unmatched, and he’s always willing to provide helpful advice to make sure my tank thrives. The staff is friendly making every visit enjoyable. On top of that, they offer house call cleanings, which have been a lifesaver for me as a brand new aquarium owner. If you’re in the market for a new tank or need help maintaining an existing one, or finding the perfect new addition to your tank, I highly recommend this store. Kevin and his team truly make the saltwater tank ownership journey much easier and more enjoyable!”
— Bethany Flynn5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (231) 943-2130 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquallations.