Treasure State Aquariums

Treasure State Aquariums has become the aquatic heartbeat of Billings, Montana — the kind of store that draws hobbyists from as far as Wyoming willing to make the drive for healthy livestock, quality plants, and advice they can actually trust. Owners Crowell and Lauren have built something rare in Eastern Montana: a proper aquarium shop that covers both freshwater and saltwater with equal care and depth. The freshwater selection is the store's backbone, with everything from bettas and kuhli loaches to shrimp and community tank staples.

Their planted tank offerings are particularly strong — live plants, aquascaping wood, and the supplies to build high-tech planted setups that rival anything you'd see online. On the saltwater side, they stock corals and marine livestock alongside the necessary equipment. One reviewer noted they even carry isopods, hinting at the kind of curiosity-driven inventory that keeps regulars coming back to browse.

What sets Treasure State apart is their quarantine practice — they hold fish before selling, a step most local shops skip entirely. Customers consistently report receiving healthy, vibrant animals, and when something specific isn't in stock, the staff will source specialized species by special order. The water testing service has helped newcomers feel confident enough to start their first tanks, and the team is known for walking customers through compatible species selections and full tank setups from cycling to stocking.

The display tanks are worth a visit on their own — multiple reviewers have posted videos and photos of setups built with Treasure State's guidance, including stunning 60-gallon freshwater arrangements. The store is clean, well-organized, and stocked with competitive prices on both livestock and dry goods. One family came in knowing nothing about fishkeeping and left with shrimp and the confidence to keep them alive.

A 20-year veteran hobbyist called the staff the most knowledgeable they've ever encountered. That range — from absolute beginners to seasoned aquarists — is where Treasure State lives, and it's why nothing else in Billings comes close.