Midwest Aquatics

Midwest Aquatics is a locally owned shop in Arnold, Missouri, serving the greater St. Louis area with a mix of freshwater and saltwater fish, corals, live plants, and aquarium equipment. Owner Caleb has built a reputation for being approachable and knowledgeable — customers note that he's willing to sit down and walk through his supplier lists, showing what fish he can special order beyond what's currently on the floor.

That kind of transparency is something you don't always find at chain pet stores. The store stocks a wide variety of fish at prices that reviewers consistently praise as some of the best in the area. Inventory includes species like assassin snails, red tetras, and other selections that customers say are hard to find elsewhere.

Live plants and decorations round out the offerings, making it a reasonable one-stop shop for tank setups. The equipment and dry goods section gives hobbyists another reason to make the trip rather than ordering online. That said, the store has had growing pains.

Several customers have reported health issues with purchased fish, including ich and epistylis, and some reviewers have pointed to the lack of lighting on display tanks as a contributing factor — parasites and infections can be hard to spot without proper illumination. There have also been communication hiccups, including unexpected closures and inconsistent hours that caught regular customers off guard. The store's online presence has occasionally been misleading regarding operating times, so calling ahead before visiting is a smart move.

Despite these bumps, the core appeal remains: competitive pricing, an owner who genuinely engages with the hobby, and a growing selection that reflects a store still finding its footing. For fish keepers in the Arnold and south St. Louis County area looking for an independent shop with personality and potential, Midwest Aquatics is worth checking out — just verify their hours before you drive over.