About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Tank SetupAquascapingWater TestingConsultationQuarantine
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Quarantines fish before selling — a rare practice among local fish stores
- Strong freshwater and saltwater selection including corals, bettas, shrimp, and isopods
- Will source and special order specialized species on request
- Extensive live plant and aquascaping supplies for planted tank builds
- Free water quality testing and hands-on tank setup consultation
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Delightful place to learn more aboutout the fish hobby. Owners have tons of information, plants and gorgeous fish to choose from. Definitely recommend if you want to create a stable aquarium for your fish addiction. 💙💙💙”
— Lisa Cetrone5.06 days ago“They are the place to go for all your aquatic needs. They're friendly and helpful”
— Jamie5.0a week ago“It's a treasure to shop here for saltwater and fresh. I feel like a pirate searching for treasure, fish treasure. I thought that would sound cool, but I guess not.”
— Chris Fuqua5.03 weeks ago“Best knowledge about aquariums around. Definitely leave with a smile every time”
— Ultron ILL5.03 weeks ago“Very informative staff, quality products”
— Will Gilbert5.03 months ago“Great selection of healthy fish and plants for very reasonable prices. Also the best source for any information or questions for anybody looking to get into the hobby.”
— Jacob Hutchings5.03 months ago“Would never go anywhere else for my aquarium needs. This is the only place around that actually cares about the customer and their aquarium health”
— Heaven Trevoc5.04 months ago“Super helpful and extremely friendly! This place will be my go-to from now on! *Update* I've been back numerous times since my original review, and they have never let me down. From my stupid product questions to my stupid animal care questions, they always have an answer! A lot of businesses in the area could take some notes from these folks!”
— Brian5.0Edited 5 months ago“I was pleasantly surprised at the variety here.”
— Katie Martinson5.06 months ago“This place is awesome there super helpful an I love to shop here the owners are great! An the have really health fish tanks an a great variety of fish to choose from”
— Chassy Brey5.0Edited 6 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (406) 534-3941 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Treasure State Aquariums.