Pure Fish Works

Tucked into Hastings, Minnesota, Pure Fish Works has quickly become a destination shop for aquarium hobbyists across the southeast metro — and beyond. Owners Shawn and Rob have built something special here: a local fish store that feels less like a retail transaction and more like a conversation between fellow hobbyists. Walk in, and one of them is right there, ready to talk tanks, troubleshoot problems, or geek out about a new shipment.

The freshwater selection is the main draw and it's impressive. Reviewers mention everything from neon tetras and adult plecos to wild-caught Green Phantom Plecos, African Dwarf frogs, eels, snails, and shrimp. The live plant selection stands out too, with species many customers say they've never encountered at chain stores.

They also stock reef and saltwater setups, running proper sumps and skimmers alongside sponge filters — a sign the team takes livestock health seriously. If they don't have something in stock, they're willing to source it, even if it takes some time. But what truly sets Pure Fish Works apart is the culture Shawn and Rob have created.

Multiple reviewers — newcomers especially — describe feeling comfortable asking basic questions without judgment. One customer recounted losing fish due to their own mistakes, only to have the store replace them without hesitation. That kind of goodwill doesn't come from a corporate playbook; it comes from people who genuinely care about their customers' success in the hobby.

The shop has expanded over time, adding reptiles, tarantulas, and even birds, but aquatics remains the beating heart. They offer an annual membership program that regulars swear saves them real money. Prices run slightly higher than big-box competitors, but customers consistently say the quality of livestock and expertise justifies every dollar.

For hobbyists in the Twin Cities metro who've been making do with chain stores since other independents closed, Pure Fish Works fills a real gap. The drive to Hastings is one reviewers keep saying is worth it.