Tucked into Bozeman, Montana, The Viv Bioactive has earned a devoted following among freshwater fishkeepers and reptile enthusiasts alike. The store started with a strong reptile identity — bioactive terrariums, dart frog setups, snakes, and lizards — but its freshwater fish and planted aquarium section has grown into a real draw for the local aquatics community. Customers consistently praise the health of the animals here.
Multiple reviewers who previously dealt with sick fish from big-box stores say they haven't had an unhealthy animal since switching to The Viv. The shop stocks corydoras, shrimp, axolotls, goldfish, and can special-order species that are hard to find locally — one customer reported receiving fish they'd been searching for, arriving in about two weeks. Live aquatic plants are a standout, with reviewers noting their quality and the staff's willingness to recommend species suited to specific tanks.
What really sets The Viv apart is its custom build work. The team constructs bioactive enclosures and custom aquarium setups, complete with photo updates during the process. One customer described getting a custom tank built with attentive communication throughout, while another had a beautiful bioactive dart frog terrarium created that became a family centerpiece.
Staff have helped customers set up 55-gallon freshwater aquariums from scratch, walking them through equipment, lighting, and plant selection. The shop also offers snake boarding for trips — a rare and practical service — and hosts events including birthday parties and reptile handling experiences. Founded by Lauren, whose legacy of ethical animal care permeates the business, The Viv maintains clean, appropriately sized enclosures and emphasizes education over sales pressure.
Staff members like Nora, Dayton, and Laura are frequently called out by name for their patience and expertise. For Bozeman residents building a planted tank, sourcing healthy freshwater fish, or looking for an axolotl with proper guidance, The Viv Bioactive is the local shop that actually backs up its recommendations with results.
Erin McLaughlin
6 reviews
Love, love, love this place!! Everyone is so friendly and helpful everytime you go in. We got a custom tank built by them for my Oynx who I named after the pokemon. They made my dreams come true with this tank and his as well! He’s been extremely happy so far and the tank is extremely well made, with love honestly. They provided picture updates and were extremely communicative and committed! Can’t thank them enough and I highly highly recommend this place for all pet needs!
kalo koroiyale
7 reviews
very friendly, knowledgeable staff. they put care and time into what they do. beautiful and mindfully arranged very put together. will be recommending to all my other animal lover friends. Nora was awesome!
Katie Kroeger
Any time I've stopped in I've gotten stellar advice on my lizards. The recommendations have always been helpful and effective. When my gecko was being a picky eater with big box store bugs & worms, she has always eaten The Viv's feeder bugs with ease. I highly recommend for advice and products!
Noah Evans
3 reviews
Somehow sold me the wrong species of corydora.
Bree Hogg
2 reviews
Best place to get supplies and pets
Chris Bulkley
2 reviews
Very helpful and friendly staff!
Jenna Patrick
8 reviews
I love that you can always trust the Viv to provide happy, healthy, well-socialized and ethically bred animals + the best supplies to help them thrive. If you are involved in the reptile or amphibian community here in Bozeman, you know what an incredible gift the founder, Lauren, left us. Why would you go anywhere else to find a pet? Going to commercial pet stores, you see a lot of sick animals and obvious missteps when it comes to husbandry and care. These guys know their stuff. My partner and I have purchased 3 animals from them over the past 4 years. They are a super sweet leopard gecko, a sassy/curious ornate uromastyx and (to be picked up soon!!) my dream reptile, a baby rainbow boa. The staff spend a lot of time with us each time telling us about their demeanor and personality quirks + how they may evolve over time. They talk through all of your concerns and help you make good decisions for your animal throughout their lives. They even offer resources for things like snake babysitting for trips. You can feel how much passion the staff has for what they do. It’s always worth the visit even just to say hi to the animals. Keep up the phenomenal work guys! I can’t wait to pick up Winifred this week! 🧡
Sean Douma (DoMA1905)
Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. I went home with some fish and am definitely returning.
catherine reiner
4 reviews
I love this place so much! The staff is always incredibly kind and any reptile/amphibian/fish owner or lover can see the wonderful care The Viv has towards their animals. It’s always such a pleasure to talk with the staff and see the resident animals, even if Envy is usually sleeping when I’m there ;) I’m no longer a reptile owner but still stop by when I can to visit the shop. Such a fun place and the new building looks great.
Joe Garcia
14 reviews
Ordered some fish came in about 2 weeks and picked them up easily very polite staff and good selection
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (406) 580-9681 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Viv Bioactive.
Phone
(406) 580-9681Website
www.thevivbioactive.com/Address
81305 Gallatin Rd Suite A, Bozeman, MT 59718
Take control of your listing to update info and respond to reviews.
Claim This ListingFind on Map
81305 Gallatin Rd Suite A, Bozeman, MT 59718
February 7, 2026
Verified Data
Information verified through Google Places API and community contributions.
Other aquarium shops nearby worth checking out