Too Many Tanks in Omaha, Nebraska lives up to its name — the shop is packed with well-maintained aquariums housing a plentiful stock of both freshwater and saltwater fish, along with corals and a variety of aquatic plants. Owner Jeff runs a hands-on operation where the staff takes genuine time with customers, answering questions and offering options rather than rushing through transactions.
One detail that stands out immediately is how the store displays its bettas. Rather than the sad little cups you'll find at big-box retailers, Too Many Tanks keeps its bettas in individual 3-5 gallon heated tanks. The difference is visible — reviewers note the fish look dramatically healthier and more vibrant, which also makes it easier to pick the right one. It's a small touch that signals how much care goes into the livestock here.
The freshwater selection draws particular praise, with customers consistently noting the health and variety of the fish. Beyond fish, the store stocks a solid selection of driftwood, live plants, and aquatic supplies, making it a worthwhile stop for planted tank enthusiasts building out their setups. Saltwater hobbyists will find coral and marine fish as well, rounding out the inventory across both water types.
Staff knowledge extends to water chemistry and husbandry — they'll test your water and help troubleshoot issues when fish aren't thriving. Multiple reviewers describe the team as attentive and genuinely helpful, and Jeff himself is known for taking the time to have real conversations with customers about their setups and goals.
The tanks throughout the store are clean and well-kept, which speaks to the overall standard of care. Prices are competitive, and the combination of healthy livestock, good equipment selection, and personable service keeps customers coming back. For Omaha fish keepers looking for a shop that feels like it's run by people who actually love what they do, Too Many Tanks delivers.
Tucked along 23rd Street in Columbus, Nebraska—right next to Ginger Moon Insurance—Aquatic Adventures has filled a void that locals say the town needed for decades. Owned and operated by Nikki and Ryan, this independently run fish and reptile shop has quickly become the go-to destination for aquarium hobbyists who previously had to drive two hours to Lincoln or Omaha for quality livestock and supplies.
The store stocks a wide range of freshwater fish, including species reviewers describe as rare and hard to find elsewhere in Nebraska. A smaller but appreciated saltwater selection rounds things out, and axolotls are a consistent draw—one family visited specifically so their grandson could see them, while another purchased one after Nikki thoroughly quizzed their son on proper axolotl care. Live plants are available too, and Nikki has been known to suggest using a plant as a natural filter for a single betta setup rather than upselling customers on unnecessary equipment.
That kind of honest, hands-on guidance defines the Aquatic Adventures experience. Multiple reviewers recount Nikki walking them through tank problems step by step—one customer with persistent cloudy water followed her recommendations and had crystal-clear results by the next morning. She's also known for following up with customers outside store hours to check on newly purchased fish, a level of dedication that builds fierce loyalty.
The tanks are consistently praised as clean and well-maintained, with healthy, lively fish showing no signs of disease or stress. The shop carries a solid range of fish foods, aquarium décor, and accessories, along with reptile supplies and feeder crickets. A friendly bearded dragon roams the store, adding to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
For Columbus-area aquarists, Aquatic Adventures delivers something that big-box pet stores simply can't: genuine expertise, carefully maintained livestock, and owners who clearly love what they do. The store has cultivated a community of repeat customers who keep coming back—some more often than they'd like to admit.
Walk into Fish Freaks on a busy Saturday and you'll immediately understand why this Omaha institution has earned nearly a thousand glowing reviews. The store is deceptively spacious — much bigger inside than it looks from the street — with row after row of clean, well-maintained tanks housing an enormous selection of freshwater and saltwater fish, corals, and aquatic plants. Reviewers describe it as feeling like a visit to the zoo, except you get to take the animals home.
The livestock quality stands out. Bettas are kept individually in their own tanks with bubblers, unable to see each other — a level of care that signals how seriously this shop takes animal welfare. Before purchasing certain fish, customers are asked to show photos of their setup and bring water samples, a policy that earns respect from serious hobbyists. Assassin snails, rare species, and saltwater fish you won't find elsewhere in the region fill the displays, while the plant selection includes oversized anubias at prices that make out-of-state visitors do a double-take.
On the equipment side, Fish Freaks stocks brands like Fluval, Aquarium Co-Op, and Python, along with a wide range of tanks — bare setups, tanks with stands, saltwater-ready configurations with hang-on-back filters. One customer drove home with a Fluval Sienna 72-gallon after staff member Kaedin walked them through every detail of their first big tank purchase.
The store also offers in-home tank maintenance services, a lifeline for hobbyists traveling or on vacation. One longtime customer left their tanks in Fish Freaks' care for a full month and returned to find everything thriving. Their social media responsiveness is another differentiator — staff confirm stock availability before customers make long drives, a small thing that builds real loyalty.
A loyalty program rewards repeat visits, which is smart, because everyone seems to come back. Fish Freaks is the kind of local fish store that makes you want to support independent retail.
Rivers & Reefs in Omaha, Nebraska is one of those stores where the sheer density of tanks stops you in your tracks. Reviewers aren't exaggerating when they say it's wall-to-wall aquariums — big display tanks in the middle of the room, freshwater setups on one side, saltwater on the other, with barely enough walking space to squeeze between them. Owned and operated by Nick and his wife Sasha, the shop has been a fixture since at least 2002, building a reputation as one of the best saltwater destinations in the state and arguably the broader Midwest.
The coral selection draws particular praise, alongside a saltwater fish inventory that rivals the freshwater side in depth. On the freshwater front, the discus are frequently singled out as the nicest in town, and the shrimp selection keeps dedicated invertebrate keepers coming back. Live plants are a genuine strength — water lettuce, floating plants, and a rotating stock of aquatic species that reviewers consistently describe as healthy and well-priced. Mystery snails and other invertebrates round out the livestock offerings.
What makes Rivers & Reefs stand out beyond its inventory is the consultative approach. Multiple customers describe staff members talking them out of unnecessary purchases — one reviewer came in ready to buy a new filter, only to be shown how to fix their existing one. That kind of honesty builds the trust that's evident across hundreds of reviews. The team is equally comfortable helping a parent set up a goldfish tank with snails and floating plants as they are discussing reef chemistry with experienced hobbyists.
The store stocks tanks at competitive prices, along with food, equipment, and medications. They announce new shipments on Facebook, which regulars monitor closely. Tank cleanliness is consistently noted, a detail that speaks to the care behind the operation. For Omaha aquarium enthusiasts, Rivers & Reefs delivers the combination of deep livestock variety, fair pricing, and genuine expertise that keeps people driving across town — and sometimes much farther — to shop here.
The Fish Store has been a Lincoln, Nebraska fixture for decades — long enough that customers who visited as kids are now well into their 40s and still walking through the door. This independently owned shop on the freshwater and saltwater side of the hobby has built its reputation on rotating stock and a staff that genuinely enjoys talking fish.
The selection here is anything but predictable. Month to month, the inventory shifts — one visit might turn up miniature puffer fish and cross-eyed goldfish, the next could feature Taiwan reef cichlids and bright red OB cichlids. Beautiful koi in various sizes occupy their own display, and the store keeps a solid assortment of driftwood and aquarium décor alongside affordable used tanks for hobbyists just getting started. They also stock specialty chemical products and medications that big-box pet stores typically don't carry, which is a real draw for experienced fishkeepers managing established systems.
Staff knowledge is the consistent theme across reviews. Employees readily field questions — whether over the phone or in person — about stocking compatibility, tank setup, and general care. Multiple customers mention driving significant distances (one reviewer makes a four-hour round trip) specifically because the personal attention here outshines chain alternatives. The atmosphere is welcoming and low-pressure; one first-time visitor was impressed enough that the store held a product until payday without hesitation.
That said, the store isn't without its critics. Some customers have reported parasite issues with shrimp and corydoras purchases, and a few have raised concerns about the coloration of certain cichlids fading after purchase. Saltwater livestock has also drawn mixed feedback. These are worth noting for buyers who quarantine new arrivals.
For Lincoln's aquarium community, The Fish Store remains the go-to independent shop — a place where the conversation is as good as the fish, and the ever-changing stock gives you a reason to keep coming back.
Tucked away in Bellevue, Nebraska, Fin-Tastic Fish is one of those independent freshwater shops that draws people in with its unusual stock and keeps them coming back through genuine personal connection. Owner Luke has built a reputation for being deeply knowledgeable about the hobby and endlessly patient with newcomers — the kind of guy who'll walk you through compatibility questions without making you feel foolish for asking.
The inventory leans toward the interesting and uncommon. Puffer fish, including a memorable hairy puffer that one visitor called "cute as can be," share shelf space with axolotls, African cichlids, discus, and a rotating cast of tropical freshwater species you won't find at the big-box chains. One loyal customer bought a one-eyed goldfish here years ago that's now nearly eight inches long and full of personality — a testament to the health of the stock when it leaves the shop. Luke also builds custom aquarium stands, offering a nice one-stop option for anyone setting up a new tank from scratch.
Transparency demands noting what multiple reviewers have flagged: tank maintenance inside the store itself has been a persistent issue. Blackbeard algae and cyanobacteria crop up in several reviews, and some visitors have found the overall presentation off-putting. The fish themselves generally look healthy by most accounts, but the aesthetics of the display tanks have clearly cost the shop some goodwill and repeat business.
That said, the people who love Fin-Tastic Fish genuinely love it. They praise Luke's enthusiasm, his willingness to accept rehomed fish like overcrowded cichlids, and his fair pricing on quality stock. If you're in the Bellevue area hunting for something more distinctive than chain-store fare — a specific discus variant, an oddball puffer, or your first axolotl — this is worth the visit. Come for the fish selection, stay for the conversation, and you'll likely leave with something swimming in a bag.
Nebraska Aquatic Supply in Omaha has built a loyal following among fish keepers drawn to its broad selection of both saltwater and freshwater livestock, along with a reptile section that gives the store a zoo-like atmosphere families love. Reviewers consistently mention the variety — from bettas and shrimp to rare freshwater species and saltwater fish and corals. One customer noted spotting dragon gobies (a brackish species) on the shelves, and another was thrilled to see axolotls in person. The store also stocks live aquatic plants, aquarium rocks, driftwood, and cork wood, making it a solid stop for planted tank enthusiasts and aquascapers alike.
Saltwater hobbyists have found a reliable ally here, with multiple reviewers praising knowledgeable conversations about coral care and saltwater maintenance. A customer named Chuck earned particular gratitude for standing behind the store's livestock and making things right when a couple of saltwater fish didn't survive. Koi pond keepers also report finding everything they need under one roof.
The store has gone through ownership and location changes over the years — moving from a spot near 108th and E Circle to 108th and I Street, and later to a Q Street location. Some reviewers noted a rough period of declining tank maintenance and animal care during one transition, with complaints about dead fish, hard water stains, and understaffed shifts. However, more recent reviews suggest the new ownership has turned things around, with customers highlighting a clean, well-organized store and engaged, helpful staff.
Pricing is frequently called reasonable, especially for fish and shrimp compared to other Omaha shops. The shrimp and betta selections in particular draw repeat buyers. It's worth noting that some reviews from late 2023 suggest the store may have closed its doors, so calling ahead before making the drive is wise. At its best, Nebraska Aquatic Supply offered Omaha a genuine local alternative to big-box pet retailers, with deeper expertise and livestock you won't find at a chain store.
Fish World has been a fixture in Lincoln, Nebraska's aquarium scene for over 25 years, earning a loyal following among local fishkeepers who appreciate straightforward expertise and competitive pricing. Now under the ownership of Steve — who took over from longtime owner John — the shop continues its tradition of hands-on, personalized guidance that big-box pet stores simply can't match.
The freshwater selection is the real draw here. Reviewers consistently praise the variety, with particular enthusiasm for the cichlid collection — one customer picked up 22 cichlids in a single visit and reported excellent health and coloration across the board. You'll also find knife fish, hillstream loaches, Blue Acaras, angelfish, GloFish, and a saltwater section that, while smaller, features some genuinely unique specimens. The store carries live plants, rocks, filtration systems, and general supplies alongside its livestock.
One detail that experienced hobbyists will appreciate: many of the fish sold here are acclimated to Lincoln's notoriously hard city water, and some are locally bred. Fish World also accepts trade-ins of home-bred fish for store credit — a smart perk that keeps the local fishkeeping community circulating healthy, adapted stock.
The shop itself is small and unassuming. Multiple reviewers acknowledge the older equipment displays and compact layout, but urge newcomers to look past appearances and focus on the fish quality and the depth of knowledge available. Steve is frequently spotted doing water changes on the shop tanks, and customers note that the fish consistently look healthy and well-cared-for.
Service experiences are polarizing — the majority of reviews describe patient, generous help with tank setup and stocking decisions, while a handful report feeling brushed off or encountering betta care they found concerning. Pricing on freshwater fish is regularly cited as the best in Lincoln, often comparable to online retailers with the advantage of seeing your fish before purchasing.
For Lincoln fishkeepers who value local expertise and fair prices over flashy retail polish, Fish World delivers where it counts.
Heartland Pet Connection in Hastings, Nebraska is primarily an animal shelter and adoption center rather than a fish or aquarium store. The facility focuses on rehoming dogs and cats, offering adoption services that include spay/neuter procedures, microchipping, flea treatment with Revolution, and up-to-date vaccinations — all bundled into an adoption fee of approximately $120-$160. Reviewers consistently highlight the thorough meet-and-greet process, where prospective adopters can interact with animals in a dedicated playroom, and staff take time to ensure compatibility between new pets and existing household members, including other animals and children. One adopter described doing numerous meet-and-greets with a dog named Kenzo before finding the right fit for her family, praising the staff's patience throughout the process. Another couple shared how the shelter housed a kitten they found for a full month until they were ready to adopt, maintaining communication throughout. The cat adoption experience draws particular praise, with visitors noting the opportunity to vet multiple cats in the playroom before making a decision. However, the facility itself receives mixed feedback — multiple reviewers note that the dog housing area lacks air conditioning, relying on large fans to circulate air, and that space for animals is limited. Staff interactions are polarizing: some find the team friendly and caring, while others describe encounters as unwelcoming or lacking customer service warmth. The shelter's strict adoption protocols, while designed to protect animals, have frustrated some visitors who felt the process was unnecessarily difficult. Note: Despite being categorized as a pet store, Heartland Pet Connection does not appear to sell fish, aquarium supplies, or related equipment based on available reviews. It functions as a community animal shelter serving the Hastings area.
Puppy Shop in Kearney, Nebraska is primarily a puppy retail store rather than an aquarium or fish shop. Operated by owner Cindy, the business focuses on selling small-breed puppies including Yorkipoos and Shih Tzus. The store has generated a polarized reputation among Kearney residents, with some customers praising the cleanliness of the facility and the health of their purchased pups, while others have raised serious concerns about parvo exposure in multiple puppies sold from the shop. Several reviewers reported puppies testing positive for parvovirus within days of purchase, with at least two puppies passing away, and customers described difficulty reaching the shop owner afterward. On the positive side, longtime customers who know the owner personally speak highly of their experiences, describing well-socialized, loving puppies that have become cherished family members. The store has also sold pet accessories alongside puppies. Notably, the business appears to operate seasonally, with at least one review mentioning a closure until April, and another indicating the business had moved from its listed location. This is not an aquarium or fish store, and no fish, aquatic livestock, or aquarium equipment have been mentioned in any customer reviews. Prospective visitors to Kearney looking for aquarium supplies or fish would need to look elsewhere for those needs.
