Becky's Aquarium Works LLC has earned a devoted following in Joplin, Missouri, by pairing a carefully curated selection of freshwater and saltwater fish with the kind of hands-on guidance that chain pet stores simply can't match. Walk through the door and you'll notice it immediately: immaculate tanks, healthy fish, and a staff that genuinely wants to talk aquariums with you — not just ring up a sale. Owner Becky is the driving force behind the shop's reputation.
Customers regularly describe her as someone who will break down the science of aquarium keeping in plain language, whether you're troubleshooting a cloudy tank that won't cycle or choosing compatible tank mates for a new setup. One reviewer credits her recommendation of adding a sponge filter alongside a hang-on-back filter for finally clearing persistent cloudiness within three days. That kind of practical, experience-based advice keeps people coming back.
The store stocks both freshwater and saltwater livestock, including corals, alongside the dry goods and equipment needed to maintain healthy systems. Becky also offers water testing — a service multiple customers have praised as far superior to what big-box retailers provide. For those setting up saltwater tanks for the first time, staff have walked hobbyists through the entire process from equipment selection to stocking decisions.
Beyond fish sales, the shop provides tank maintenance and cleaning services, and the team is readily available for consultation via phone or Facebook message even when you're not buying anything. Several reviewers mention bringing in sick fish questions and receiving thoughtful, knowledgeable responses. One couple described spending an extended visit discussing a tank upgrade and leaving feeling genuinely supported.
The atmosphere is welcoming enough that Becky has helped children learn about aquatic life alongside seasoned hobbyists upgrading their setups. For anyone in the Joplin area looking for a dedicated local fish store with real expertise and consistently healthy livestock, Becky's Aquarium Works delivers on both counts.
Lisa Johnston
128 reviews
Very helpful in getting my aquarium occupants chosen. I had lots of questions & I'm so excited to see everyone in there together.
Clay Morgan
30 reviews
Absolutely marvelous local aquatic supplier
Debra Dougherty
Great Place!! Very helpful, clean and very one is so friendly!
Alexandra Sims
10 reviews
An amazing place with people who know their stuff! Very knowledgeable and personable. Great place to get your aquarium stuff while being taught the process of how aquariums work down to the science of it. Will definitely be going back!
amber parker
We visited this shop today. If I could give it more than 5 starts I definitely would! The tanks are clean and the fish are healthy. Staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. Will definitely be a return customer!
Tim Farmer
3 reviews
Definitely a nice shop and will be going back!
J Dent
8 reviews
We have been long time customers of Becky. We inherited a fish tank from my grandmother and kept them as the cleaners. Knowing nothing about fish at the time we trusted her judgement. That was a big mistake. In the last 5 or so years, her services have gone down hill. Everytime they cleaned the tank, we have had fish die within hours to a couple days after. We got a hold of her and she offered to give us another koi for our tank. Within a couple hours of them adding this fish, it was dead. I messaged her about this and she said he was "hiding pretty bad in the pond." She did not quarantine this fish before putting it in my tank and, as a business owner in the fish hobby, she should have known better. Well, the next day, the last 2 koi we had in our tank were very sick. Water checks were normal, but the fish wouldn't eat, were very lethargic, were starting to have deformed spines, and looked to have lost a ton of weight over night. I looked up the symptoms and got one of 2 thing: nitrate poisoning or fish TB. Nitrate levels were perfectly fine. So, fish TB seems to be the culprit. It took 6 days of treatment to see improvement only to have one of them die 3 days after treatment and the other a week after treatment. If it was fish TB, we are not entirely sure (it has to be tested in a lab after death); but if it was she put my very pregnant self and unborn child at risk because it is transmissible to humans. So, I wouldn't recommend Becky. She seems nice at first, but turns condescending and controlling after any instance that sets her off. I've experienced this first hand, with our own tank and volunteering at the store. She acts knowledgeable, but refuses to learn new ways of fish care. If you love the hobby and don't want someone to kill your fish or sell you something that isn't what they said it was (we've had this happen as well), DO NOT use her services.
Tonya McC
12 reviews
She is very knowledgeable and super friendly. Great selection of aquarium life.
Uwase Samia angel
19 reviews
Good service , and explain to you in the way you understand . And what is best for you for what you're looking for
Judy Stoll
68 reviews
Very helpful with concerns and questions, very clean, friendly staff and building, nice selection of fish.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (417) 825-9710 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Becky's Aquarium Works LLC.
Phone
(417) 825-9710Address
1501 Iowa Ave, Joplin, MO 64804
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1501 Iowa Ave, Joplin, MO 64804
February 7, 2026
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