About
In a compact storefront in Traverse City, Aquallations has built a devoted following across northern Michigan — some regulars drive an hour and a half each way just to walk through the door. Owner Kevin has been a fixture in the local aquarium scene for more than two decades, and his patience is the reason people keep coming back. First-timers with "millions of questions" and seasoned reef keepers get the same unhurried attention, and reviewers routinely call him the most knowledgeable person in the area.
These days, visitors also stop in to say hello to Clifford, the sweet shop dog who has become part of the experience. For a small shop, the saltwater side punches far above its size. Aquallations carries one of the strongest coral selections within a hundred miles, with frag tanks customers rave about and prices that surprise people for something this specialized.
Kevin has walked countless hobbyists through their very first reef build, from equipment to livestock to the saltwater clean-up crew that keeps a system healthy. If you are searching for corals or marine fish for sale in Traverse City, MI, this is effectively the only aquarium store in the region that stocks them. Freshwater keepers are just as well served.
This is one of the few northern Michigan shops carrying larger African cichlids, and the live plant selection has helped beginners grow their first planted tanks — one reviewer's starter plants thrived so well she moved them to a bigger setup. Neocaridina cherry shrimp, tropical fish, and a rotating cast of specialty livestock fill the clean, well-kept tanks, and Kevin will gladly place a custom order for anything not currently in stock. The dry goods wall covers lighting, filtration, and food like blood worms, sparing locals a trip to the big-box stores.
Whether you need African cichlids near me, a healthy clean-up crew, or help dialing in your lighting, Aquallations rewards the visit with real expertise and fair pricing.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Aquallations in Traverse City, MI
Aquallations stocks corals, reef fish, African cichlids, shrimp, invertebrates, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Traverse City, MI. As an aquarium store serving Traverse City, MI, it also carries dry goods, aquarium equipment and fish food and offers tank maintenance, aquarium setup, tank cleaning, aquarium consultations and custom tank builds.
- 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 available for local aquarium owners
- Custom orders for hard-to-find fish, coral, and livestock
- One of the few northern Michigan shops carrying larger African cichlids
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Amazing. Love going in for Kevin's knowledge and a chance to see Clifford.”
— Megan Zarnick5.02 weeks ago“Amazing very kind and knowledgeable”
— Curtis Shelly5.0a month ago“This is the best aquarium store I have ever visited and I go here for all questions and purchases!!!”
— Emmett Lawson5.02 months ago“They were super nice when I went in and answered my questions. They do have a dog and it's very sweet. Great assortment of fish and clean up crew. The tanks are kept clean.”
— Zach N alyssa family5.02 months ago“Very knowledgeable and helpful with any questions I had, I only just started coming here but it’s awesome! Wide variety of fish, food options and tank stuff”
— Alexis Wilson5.02 months ago“I purchased a few fish and within 5 days I noticed ich on 2 of my fish. I’ve lost 1/2 my tank despite treatment. I won’t shop here again.”
— Mary Beth Hutchinson1.02 months ago“Best aquarium store in the area.”
— Steve Klix5.02 months ago“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
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.