MN Aquatics

Tucked away in East Bethel, Minnesota, MN Aquatics is a dedicated saltwater shop that has quickly built a loyal following among reef keepers across the region. The husband-and-wife team running the store has created something special: a spotlessly clean, brightly lit space where every tank gleams and the livestock looks genuinely healthy. Multiple reviewers note the drive is worth it — and that says a lot in a Minnesota winter.

The focus here is exclusively saltwater, and that specialization shows. The coral selection draws particular praise, with hammer corals, macro algae, and a rotating variety of frags and colonies at prices customers consistently call fair. The fish side is equally strong — blue eye bristletooth tangs, starfish, snails, and a broad range of reef-safe species fill well-maintained display tanks.

Live rock rounds out the inventory for anyone building or restocking a reef setup. What sets MN Aquatics apart is the care taken before anything reaches a customer's tank. All fish go through quarantine before sale, a detail that earns real trust.

One reviewer noted they've never received a sick fish, and the overall health of the livestock is the single most repeated compliment across dozens of reviews. For those not local, the store ships fish with fast turnaround and careful packing — dry goods arrive in excellent condition too. The owners are deeply engaged with their community, even fielding questions on Discord and happily ordering in products or species they don't currently stock.

First-time reef builders get walked through setup with genuine patience, while experienced hobbyists appreciate the depth of knowledge on hand. The store still has room to grow — a few reviewers noticed empty spots on the shelves — but that's the mark of a young business expanding thoughtfully rather than cutting corners. For saltwater enthusiasts in the Twin Cities metro and beyond, MN Aquatics has quickly become a destination worth the drive.