Tucked into a plaza on Route 28 in Windham, New Hampshire, The Aquarium Gallery is the kind of fish store that turns a quick errand into a two-hour conversation about the hobby. Owner William has decades of experience and a genuine passion that permeates every corner of the shop — from the crystal-clear tanks to the impressive vintage aquarium collection that gives the place a museum-like character you won't find anywhere else in southern New Hampshire.
The freshwater selection is the store's backbone, and it goes well beyond the usual goldfish and guppies. Locally bred fish are a point of pride here — reviewers have picked up apistogramma honsloi dwarf cichlids, white cloud mountain minnows, and species they couldn't track down at any other shop in the region. The live plant section is genuinely remarkable, with healthy, thriving specimens and staff who will walk you through planting and maintenance step by step. One customer even walked out with a free pothos cutting for their tank.
Saltwater is a growing part of the inventory, with corals, live rock, and a selection that William appears to be steadily expanding. The store also stocks quality driftwood, aquascaping materials, and supplies — no need to piece together an order from multiple sources. William has worked with Quantum Technology on custom aquarium pieces for the showroom, and he'll help customers source complete end-to-end setups within budget and on tight timelines.
Staff members Krystian and William consistently earn praise for patience and genuine helpfulness. They'd rather understand your full water chemistry picture before recommending a product than toss a bottle of conditioner at you. Multiple reviewers note they were steered toward what would actually succeed in their tanks rather than pushed toward a sale.
The display tanks double as inspiration — a female koi betta thriving in a lush planted setup caught more than one visitor's eye. People drive from Massachusetts's North Shore and beyond, and they keep coming back. That says everything.
Granite State Geckos in Lancaster, New Hampshire is primarily a reptile and pet supply store rather than a fish shop, but it has earned a devoted following across the region for its impeccable care standards and the expertise of owner Stephanie. Customers drive up to two hours to visit, and the consensus is clear: this is a destination worth the trip.
The store specializes in leopard geckos, crested geckos, bearded dragons, ball pythons, tree frogs, and other reptiles, with Stephanie breeding and raising many of the animals herself. Reviewers consistently praise the health and beauty of the animals — one customer named their new leopard gecko Mango after spending an extended session being introduced to multiple geckos before choosing. The shop also stocks a full range of reptile supplies including tanks, lighting, heating equipment, and feeder insects like crickets, mealworms, and frozen rats and mice. Several reviewers specifically note the quality of the feeder bugs, calling them healthy and odor-free.
What sets Granite State Geckos apart is Stephanie's hands-on approach to customer education. She walks new reptile owners through every aspect of care — from habitat setup to feeding schedules — and remains available for follow-up questions via Facebook and other channels. Multiple reviewers describe how she helped their children pick out their first pet, making the experience memorable for the whole family. She also ships animals for customers who can't visit in person.
The store itself draws frequent compliments for its cleanliness, colorful presentation, and organized layout. A rewards program offers tangible savings for repeat customers. Beyond reptiles, Stephanie has expanded into dog and cat supplies, including treats — she's been known to hand out free samples.
With a perfect five-star rating across more than twenty reviews, Granite State Geckos has become Lancaster's go-to destination for reptile enthusiasts across northern New Hampshire. Stephanie's genuine passion and encyclopedic knowledge make every visit feel personal.
Fish Mike Aquatics has built a devoted following in Manchester, New Hampshire, drawing hobbyists from as far as the Boston area — and for good reason. The store stocks an impressive range of both freshwater and saltwater livestock, from sparkling gouramis and scarlet badis to rummy nose tetras, peacock gudgeons, and cherry shrimp. Their coral selection earns consistent praise for health and variety, and the freshwater plant section is described as "top notch" by regulars who keep planted tanks.
What sets Fish Mike's apart from chain pet stores is the depth of its inventory. Reviewers note hard-to-find nano fish species that simply don't show up at big-box retailers, along with a solid assortment of driftwood, supplies, and equipment — including products that many hobbyists can typically only find online. Owner Mike himself has earned a reputation for going the extra mile, particularly when it comes to sourcing custom fish tanks at various price points and walking customers through their options.
The store recently moved to a new location, which reviewers describe as a major upgrade. Tanks are consistently noted as crystal clear and well-maintained, with healthy livestock throughout. Staff members like Richard and James get called out by name for their knowledge — one employee even spent time carefully sexing a pair of sparkling gouramis for a visiting customer.
Beyond aquatics, Fish Mike's carries reptiles, amphibians, and feeder insects, including banded crickets that customers swear by. The shop also stocks house plants alongside its aquatic greenery.
The store isn't without its growing pains — a few reviewers have reported inconsistent customer service during busy periods, and wait times can stretch when the shop is packed. But with 511 reviews and a 4.8 rating, the overwhelming consensus is clear: Fish Mike Aquatics is a destination-worthy store that rewards the drive with clean tanks, uncommon species, and a staff that genuinely knows their stuff.
Tucked into the heart of Laconia, New Hampshire, Laconia Pet Center is an independent pet shop that has earned fierce loyalty from the local community — and its aquarium section punches well above its weight for a general pet store. Walk past the dog food aisles and head toward the back, where well-maintained fish tanks line the walls. Multiple reviewers single out the store's betta fish as some of the most beautiful they've ever seen, and at least one customer credits the shop with inspiring them to start their first planted aquarium.
What really sets Laconia Pet Center apart for fishkeepers is the depth of care the staff provides. They offer free freshwater and saltwater water testing, and they don't just hand you numbers — they'll walk you through what's off and suggest solutions. They even sell cycled tank water so new fish owners can get their setups properly established from day one. When one customer's betta fell ill, staff reviewed symptoms, studied photos, and offered honest, compassionate guidance rather than just pushing a product.
The store spans two floors, with the upper level often stocked with sale items. Everything is clean, organized, and easy to navigate. Staff members like Karissa, Marcus, and Amy are mentioned by name for their warmth and product knowledge. The rewards program and buy-in-bulk dog food deals keep regulars coming back, and they'll happily special-order items they don't normally carry.
Beyond fish, you'll find small animals, reptile supplies, and a well-regarded DIY dog wash station that customers describe as clean and pressure-free. But it's the fishkeeping community that seems to benefit most from this shop's expertise. In a region where dedicated aquarium stores are scarce, Laconia Pet Center fills a vital role — helping hobbyists build healthy tanks with real guidance and genuine enthusiasm for aquatic life.
Jay's Aquatics in Salem, New Hampshire has built a loyal following across the border region, with customers from both NH and Massachusetts making regular trips for its standout selection of saltwater corals and freshwater livestock. Owner Jay and his team — staffers like John get called out by name — are known for spending real time with customers, walking newcomers through the reef hobby step by step and fielding questions about everything from sick fish to snail control.
The coral selection is a genuine draw. Reviewers who've shopped around New England consistently say Jay's prices and variety are hard to beat, and the store's willingness to special order makes it even more appealing — one customer was eagerly awaiting an octopus Jay sourced for them. On the freshwater side, the store stocks an impressive rotation of livebearers with unusual color morphs and patterns, neocaridina shrimp, albino plecos, axolotls, and live plants including red root floaters. New fish arrive every Wednesday, giving regulars a reason to come back weekly.
The store sells low-priced reverse osmosis water and carries a solid range of hardscape materials for aquascaping projects, along with dry goods and feeding supplies. The physical space is notably more open than the typical cramped fish store, giving customers room to browse without bumping elbows. Jay's also accepts surrendered fish from hobbyists who can no longer care for them — a thoughtful touch that speaks to the store's community-minded approach.
Reviewers repeatedly note the health of the livestock. Platys purchased eight months ago are still thriving with healthy fry, and shrimp acclimate smoothly from day one. The staff doesn't push unnecessary purchases; if anything, they're known for cutting deals and tossing in freebies. A few customers have experienced long waits for floor help during busy periods, but the overwhelming consensus is that Jay's is one of the best aquarium stores in New England — a destination worth the drive for serious hobbyists and curious newcomers alike.
Tucked away in Dover, New Hampshire, Pet Junction is the kind of independent pet store that earns its reputation one customer at a time. Owned and operated by Mike and Dave, this shop pairs a deeply personal approach with a surprisingly impressive freshwater fish selection that rivals — and often surpasses — what you'd find at big-box competitors in the Seacoast area.
The fish section, hidden in the back of the store, is where things get interesting. Customers have spotted red-bellied piranhas, freshwater rays, kuhli loaches, koi, and species rare enough that even experienced fishkeepers do a double-take. The staff doesn't just sell fish — they actively guide customers on compatibility, tank setup, and long-term care. One reviewer recounted how the team spent weeks testing their tank water during weekly check-ins, bringing their aquarium back to healthy parameters before helping them stock it. That kind of patience is rare in the hobby and almost unheard of at a general pet store.
Beyond the tanks, Pet Junction has built a loyal following for its curated selection of high-quality, USA-made pet foods, treats, and supplies. Mike is known for taking his time with every customer, asking what they actually need rather than pushing products. The store stocks items from local businesses and runs a loyalty rewards program that regulars swear by. Multiple reviewers specifically called out the nutritional knowledge of the staff — this isn't a place where someone reads a label back to you.
The atmosphere is warm and unhurried, with a resident shop dog greeting visitors at the door. One customer driving three hours home with new fish was offered an insulated cooler for transport — a small gesture that speaks volumes about how this store operates. Another was able to return koi they'd purchased years earlier when they had to relocate.
Pet Junction proves that an independent store staffed by people who genuinely care can outperform the chains on selection, service, and trust.
Tucked away on a winding road in Chester, New Hampshire, Chester Hollow Water Gardens is the kind of place you might drive past twice before finding — but once you arrive, you'll understand why customers drive an hour or more to get there. This family-run operation, led by Charlie and Krista, is built around a single obsession: ponds. Koi ponds, waterfall features, water gardens — if it involves moving water and living things in your backyard, Chester Hollow has it covered.
The property itself doubles as a showroom. Winding paths lead visitors through a series of beautifully maintained display ponds stocked with koi and goldfish, each one showcasing different design possibilities. Reviewers describe it as 'magical' and 'aspirational,' and several mention bringing their families just to walk the grounds and hand-feed the fish. It's part retail store, part outdoor gallery of what your yard could become.
Inside, you'll find a solid selection of pond supplies — koi food, water plants, pumps, filtration equipment, and everything else needed to build and sustain a water feature. The live inventory includes imported koi and a variety of aquatic plants, and the staff is deeply versed in pond ecosystems, from startup advice to seasonal maintenance. Multiple long-term customers credit Charlie and his team with designing and installing ponds ranging from modest backyard features to a massive 40-by-15-foot koi pond, with results that consistently exceed expectations.
Chester Hollow also offers ongoing pond maintenance services, though a handful of reviewers note that scheduling repairs can require patience. The consultation process stands out — the team takes time to walk newcomers through everything from pond sizing and placement to potential pitfalls, making first-time pond owners feel supported rather than overwhelmed.
For anyone in southern New Hampshire considering a pond project or already maintaining one, Chester Hollow Water Gardens is the regional specialist worth the drive.
Tucked into Plymouth, New Hampshire's Lakes Region, Plymouth Pet & Aquarium is a full-service pet store that consistently surprises visitors with how much it packs inside its modest exterior. The freshwater aquarium section draws fish enthusiasts with a solid selection that includes Red Severums, Cardinal Tetras, goldfish, and bettas — the latter housed in individual one-gallon mini tanks rather than the cramped cups common at chain stores. Reptile keepers will find bearded dragons, feeder insects like superworms and hornworms, and staff who genuinely follow up on animal care questions long after the purchase.
The store's ethical stance shapes its identity in meaningful ways. They've made the deliberate choice not to sell feeder goldfish to prevent needless suffering, and they offer free products and incentives to customers who adopt pets, asking only for proof of adoption. These aren't just policies on paper — reviewers describe staff members playing with animals on the sales floor and personally signing condolence cards when a beloved hamster passes away.
The aquarium section is well-maintained, with reviewers frequently noting the clean tanks and healthy livestock. That said, a handful of customers have reported fish health issues, particularly with more delicate species like Cardinal Tetras, and some frustration with the return process. The store does ask for photo documentation when handling fish complaints, which is standard practice but worth knowing upfront.
Staff knowledge is the store's strongest asset. Employees provide hands-on consultation for first-time reptile owners and experienced fishkeepers alike, walking customers through setup requirements and ongoing care. The personalized service fills a real gap in the Lakes Region, where independent pet shops are scarce.
Plymouth Pet & Aquarium earns its loyal following through genuine animal welfare standards, a diverse freshwater fish selection, and a team that remembers your pet's name. It's the kind of local shop where the relationship doesn't end at the register.
North East Discount Pet Center on Bridge Street in Pelham, New Hampshire is a long-running, owner-operated shop that has built a loyal following over decades — some customers recall shopping at the original Market Street location in Lowell. Run by Scott, with Sharon handling dog grooming, this is very much a mom-and-pop operation where the owner knows his regulars by name and keeps prices competitive against the big box chains.
The fish department is a core draw, with reviewers consistently noting a solid selection of freshwater tropical fish at fair prices. Scott has earned a reputation for not marking up fish the way larger pet stores do, and multiple customers report purchasing healthy stock that thrives long after leaving the shop. One reviewer specifically praised the condition of the fish tanks as the best compared to other shops in the area, though opinions vary — a dissenting review flagged tank cleanliness concerns, so your mileage may depend on when you visit.
This isn't exclusively a fish store. North East Discount Pet Center carries a broad inventory of pet supplies, food, treats, and toys across categories. The shop is home to birds, bunnies, hamsters, and small animals, and several customers have purchased companion pets here over the years with positive results. Bird nail clipping is available and reviewers praise the quick, affordable service. Sharon's dog grooming gets enthusiastic endorsements for her careful, caring approach.
The space itself is compact — don't expect a warehouse-style layout — but customers appreciate the variety packed into the footprint. Some reviewers note that certain dry goods can sit on shelves a while, and pricing opinions split between those who find it reasonable and those who feel select items run high.
For Pelham-area fishkeepers and pet owners looking for a personal, independent alternative to PetSmart and Petco, Scott's shop delivers on selection, price, and the kind of face-to-face expertise that keeps people coming back for years.
Tucked away in Brookline, New Hampshire, Blue Light Aquatics is the kind of place that earns loyalty through obsessive attention to detail and deep saltwater expertise. Owner Myk has spent nearly two decades building a reputation as one of southern New Hampshire's most trusted reef specialists, and his team — including standout employees Becca and Jarrett — delivers a level of personalized care that big-box stores simply can't match.
The heart of the operation is saltwater. Myk has designed and installed systems ranging from modest home setups to ambitious 400-gallon basement reef builds, handling everything from conception to plumbing to livestock selection. Customers rave about picking up quarantined clownfish, montipora frags, and branching hammer coral colonies — all conditioned and healthy before they ever leave the shop. The quarantine protocol is a recurring theme in reviews: you pay a bit more, but the livestock arrives tank-ready, which saves heartache and money down the line.
Service is arguably the backbone of the business. Jarrett handles biweekly maintenance on clients' mixed reef tanks across the region, and the team has moved heavy tanks out of basements, stayed open late to provide emergency frog medication, and coordinated 375-gallon fish-only builds from scratch. Their maintenance clients include 150-gallon and 160-gallon reef systems that have been thriving for years under Blue Light's care.
The shop itself is small — multiple reviewers describe it as a hole-in-the-wall — and calling ahead before visiting is recommended. Don't expect a polished retail showroom. Do expect someone who can diagnose your water chemistry issues on the spot, source specific fish on request, and talk reef compatibility with genuine enthusiasm. Freshwater tanks are available too, though the coral and reef side clearly dominates the inventory and expertise.
For anyone running a saltwater system in the Brookline area or broader southern New Hampshire, Blue Light Aquatics offers the rare combination of custom tank building, reliable ongoing maintenance, and carefully quarantined livestock — all backed by a crew that treats your tank like their own.
