Tucked into Charlotte's growing aquarium scene, The Fish Room of Charlotte has built a loyal following by combining a well-curated selection of freshwater and saltwater livestock with genuinely hands-on service. Owner Mike is the heartbeat of the operation — customers consistently name him as someone who'll spend real time walking through species compatibility, tank cycling, and long-term care. Staff members like Iman, Austin, Chloe, Alex, and Zach earn their own shout-outs, a testament to a team that's clearly been trained to care.
The freshwater selection is a particular strength, with healthy bettas that reviewers compare favorably to Thai imports, plus shrimp (including neocardina), live plants, and floating varieties suitable for water gardens. The saltwater side carries corals and LRS fish food, a favorite among reef keepers. Hardscape, water conditioners, and dry goods round out the inventory, and the store regularly rotates new fish arrivals weekly.
What sets The Fish Room apart from big-box pet retailers is the depth of guidance available. Alex once spent a full hour walking a first-time fishkeeper through every step of setting up a 10-gallon tank. Mike has personally set up tanks and performed first cleanings for customers who needed a turnkey experience.
The store also offers digital water testing, giving hobbyists precise readings rather than guesswork with test strips. The facility itself is clean and well-organized — a detail that matters when you're evaluating livestock health. Reviewers consistently note that fish purchased here arrive home in good condition and thrive long-term.
Prices are described as reasonable and competitive, which helps when you're outfitting a new setup from scratch. Mike's community spirit shows, too: he once opened the store an hour early to host three classes of daycare children for a fish-themed field trip, complete with a guided walk-through and Q&A. For Charlotte-area aquarists looking for a local shop with real expertise and genuinely healthy stock, The Fish Room delivers on both counts.
B. T.
41 reviews
Very nice store with super friendly and knowledgeable employees. Their live stock offerings were low at the time of my visit but I definitely plan to return.
Leila
4 reviews
Staff is super helpful and very willing to share their expertise with you. Iman took time to answer all my questions when I first went and I’ve always had great experiences with all the amazing folks since then. They have an incredible selection of fish and supplies but their customer service is what makes this place the best around!
Morgan Greene
Such friendly employees very helpful and kind Always help you figure out what you want and should get to keep your tanks healthy Love love love Iman and Mike
Jeswin Abraham
10 reviews
Great place. The staff was super friendly and took their time explaining everything. One of those places where you felt like the staff went above and beyond.
Bill
51 reviews
Had the food is needed for my fish. If you need LRS they have it . Convenient for me (within 20 miles) so I dont have to go to Independence. Will shop there again. Shopped there again and this time I thought i would by fish and some coral. Good prices however and good intentions but need training. I'll just say that I left with nothing, due to handling and bad bagging. Products 100%. Other 50/50
Steven Watson
203 reviews
Fintastic experience. Mike is knowledgeable and provided excellent assistance with my selection of a few new fish.
Charles Castelli
3 reviews
Very helpful staff, knowledgeable. Thank you for a great experience.
Carter Morgan
5 reviews
This store is incredible, from inventory to displays to customer service I was able to complete my first tank from start to finish. Austin and Chloe were so incredibly helpful to me both times I went in. They had an immense amount of knowledge about fish, and were more than happy to answer my millions of questions. The customer service was unbeatable, very rarely can I go into a store and feel so comfortable asking for help. They both did fantastic jobs informing me of every step of the process, helping me pick out fish, food, plants etc. The staff here is clearly very passionate and incredibly knowledgeable about fish and the quality of stock is great. I will be a return customer for as long as possible. Thank you guys!
Brendan Fitzgerald
39 reviews
Great associates, especially Zach. Great local place for all your fish needs!
Kaden Bradshaw
Loved this place
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (980) 339-5642 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Fish Room of Charlotte.
Phone
(980) 339-5642Website
www.thefishroom.net/Address
8129 Ardrey Kell Rd STE 103, Charlotte, NC 28277
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8129 Ardrey Kell Rd STE 103, Charlotte, NC 28277
February 7, 2026
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