Tucked away in Carthage, North Carolina, Star Ridge Aquatics LLC is a family-run operation that has quietly built a devoted following among pond enthusiasts across the Sandhills and well beyond. People drive from Fayetteville, Holly Springs, and the Raleigh area to walk the property — and they almost always leave with more than they planned to buy. The specialty here is unmistakably koi and pond life.
Owner Joe has been in the business for decades, and his knowledge of koi grades, fish health, and pond ecosystems runs deep. One customer recounted a single phone call with Joe's son that educated them on koi grading before they drove down and left $300 lighter with nine fish, each carefully bagged with o-rings instead of cheap rubber bands and packed with enough oxygen for the long haul back to Fayetteville. That level of care in packaging tells you something about how this operation thinks.
The aquatic plant selection draws just as much praise. " Beyond retail, Star Ridge designs and installs complete pond and waterfall systems, from turnkey koi ponds to full waterfall rebuilds. One customer raved about a waterfall removal, redesign, and reconstruction project that exceeded expectations.
Joe also helps existing pond owners troubleshoot — whether it's algae problems, pump issues, or someone who inherited a pond with their house and has no idea where to start. The inventory rounds out with pond supplies, pumps, liners, decorative boulders, and river rock — essentially everything needed to create or maintain a backyard water feature. Star Ridge operates on limited hours (Wednesday through Saturday, with seasonal adjustments), so calling ahead is wise.
But for anyone building, upgrading, or simply dreaming about a koi pond in central North Carolina, this is the real destination.
Heather Jackson
122 reviews
This place is amazing! The facility is beautiful and very well maintained with so many things to enjoy. The fish are all very healthy and so are their plants which they have a huge selection of. They have everything you need for your koi pond whether you're just getting started or want to do an upgrade. The owner is super friendly and knowledgeable and it was great talking with him.
Thomas Ricker
19 reviews
Great people, very helpful lots of koi and fancy gold fish, lots of pond plants very well kept. They are only open Wed. Thru Saturday but well worth the trip. Fantastic people to work with. They can build you a pond or maintain your existing pond Joe does Fantastic work.
john watson
6 reviews
Always a relaxing visit to star ridge and as always beautiful koi
Lana Remmes
61 reviews
Very nice folks! Enjoyed walking around the property
Soraja
11 reviews
I went to check out this place the other day. Super excited to see what they had. I saw them vend at a koi show in Raleigh awhile back. We pulled up to the property and someone asked what we were looking for. I told them just the plant for right now. They seemed disappointed and pointed us in the direction and went inside. The plant selection is great and the property is beautiful. I chose 2 plants and went to check out. This man behind the register was on the phone the whole time. Never acknowledged our presence as we stood there awkwardly for 10mins waiting to check out holding dripping plants. He was trying to buy dogs or something on the phone from soneones girlfriend. Just having a casual conversation with someone that seemed like he wasn't going to end it to help us checkout. So we decided to take a short walk around the property hoping he will be done soon so that we can buy the plants and leave. After another 20mins or so, a different employee asked if he could help us. We told him we wanted to buy these plants. He said we can go inside to buy them. The man inside was still on his phone. We thanked the other employee for helping us and we put everything back and left. Highly disappointed because we drove quite far to check this place out and was ignored the whole time while trying to buy some things. I probably won't go back again. Not cool to ignore customers for a long time while their trying to spend money there. I guess my money wasn't good enough for this man.
Walter Taylor
19 reviews
Ever think about building a pond with a waterfall in your backyard? Or maybe you already have one and need an upgrade make sure you get over to Star Ridge Aquatics for your pond/waterfall needs one stop shopping at it's best from exotic fish to signature concepts accessories and more let SRA make your day
David Dane
39 reviews
If you are into ponds, pond plants, and koi this is the place for you. A long drive from holly springs but worth the effort. Rebecca is a hoot!
Carol Ege Rock
74 reviews
Friendly, and helpful. Wonderful products!
Kara Smith
5 reviews
This is our first time working with Star Ridge Aquatics and we were blown away by the level of information, professionalism, and detail they delivered. We are so happy with the result of our waterfall project (they removed the old waterfall, did a re-design, and built the new one) and would recommend them in a heartbeat. Their aquatic plants selection is also the best around. Very healthy plants and they gave us all the information we needed to take care of them. We look forward to working with them again!
Ray Linville
290 reviews
Excellent service
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (910) 947-5333 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Star Ridge Aquatics LLC.
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180 Star Ridge Rd, Carthage, NC 28327
February 7, 2026
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