Aquatics Galore in Fairborn, Ohio is a family-owned aquatic shop that has built a reputation as one of the largest fish stores in the Dayton area, stocking both freshwater and saltwater livestock alongside a deep inventory of supplies, medications, and tank decor. After a major remodel, the store now feels more like an experience than a quick errand — staff members like Tim, Patty, Jerry, Chris, and Brandon have turned the space into something worth a trip even if you're just browsing. The saltwater section is a particular draw.
Reviewers rave about the coral selection, including mushroom corals and anemones that the store grows in-house. On the freshwater side, you'll find everything from koi to green phantom plecos and rarer species that don't typically show up at chain pet stores. One customer drove nearly two hours just to visit, and walked away with a thriving mushroom coral and what he described as new reefing friends.
The supply aisles are stacked with water treatments, medications, fertilizers, and tank decor — multiple reviewers call it their go-to source for fish medications and water treatment products specifically. If you need something for a sick tank, chances are Aquatics Galore has it on the shelf. Staff knowledge is frequently praised, with particular appreciation for betta care advice and saltwater guidance.
Tim and Patty earned glowing reviews for helping first-time customers set up starter tanks for their kids. Jerry was singled out for going above and beyond to resolve an issue with a used aquatic saw, turning a potential complaint into a loyal customer. That said, some shoppers have flagged pricing concerns — driftwood and certain fish can run higher than expected.
A few reviews noted algae buildup in freshwater display tanks and occasional health issues with incoming fish. It's worth inspecting livestock carefully before purchasing. For the sheer breadth of inventory across both freshwater and saltwater, plus reptiles and turtles, Aquatics Galore remains a significant destination for aquarists across southwestern Ohio.
c'yanna Thornton
20 reviews
I enjoyed seeing a variety of fish including Koi!
Davy Jones
14 reviews
Great place to shop. Service was great
93chefn
Been there 4 times and they have sold me the wrong thing every damn time. They do have more than any of the other fish stores but know what you're looking for before you get there. It's almost like they sell you the wrong thing on purpose. The dude with the beard is the worst costumer service person I've ever encountered. But he's also probably the only one there that actually knows what he's doing. Beware do not go there if you're a beginner and don't know exactly what you need because they will just sell you whatever to get your money and get you out of the store. I'll never step foot in that place again.
Sam
22 reviews
The employees definitely know their stuff. They have a great selection of fish
Trenton Bennett
6 reviews
Got an awesome green phantom pleco from these guys. Reasonably priced and friendly staff, will definitely be back!
Carter
I bought two lousy 3 inch pieces of driftwood yesterday that wouldn't even look big enough for a 5 gallon tank and somehow it came out to $34. I don't care if it has diamonds in it, that's ridiculous. The staff are super friendly and have greatly helped us but it turns out our problems came from the store's product. We had a great tank with good water quality but a fish with ich which came from their tanks resulted in a devastation of our tank, attempted medicine and followed their advice but I've lost probably $100 in fish to ich from their store. I spent again over $100 in medicine and different chemicals/products like air pumps, air stones, better heater, etc to help the tank recover at high temp and new good filtration for post-recovery. Constant water changes and hassle. Today I am spending $100+ at a different store to completely rebuild my tank and hospitalize the remaining fish. This store's surface plants also transferred bladder snails into our tank and that was the last straw for me to just redo our entire tank. We peeked around the store and noticed there was ich in the tank we got some plants from plus bladder snails all over them. Many freshwater tanks with fish that have ich, including some not marked "NFS". We pulled 50 and counting bladder snails out of our own tank. So yeah, at least $300 spent at their result, on top of the ridiculous price of two baby twigs of driftwood. All of this money I spent wouldn't have occurred if they had healthy product.
Conrad Phillips
17 reviews
Best place to go to purchase salt and freshwater fish very knowledgeable people.
Mariela K
11 reviews
Came here for the first time today, and Tim and Patty were absolutely amazing. We were helped immediately. They were very attentive and answered all of our questions and gave us really great advice on how to take care of our bettas health. Will definitely be back amazing customer service!
Chris Nijak
79 reviews
First time there, I liked the selection of products. They are a little bit jumbled up in spots. Good selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish. Tons of great looking coral
Martha Garnick
8 reviews
Getting there was quite easy. Have to get used to new layout. They decreased their fish stock and they definitely could use bushy nose Plecos or snails to help get rid of algae in fresh water tanks
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (937) 679-3474 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquatics Galore.
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515 W Funderburg Rd, Fairborn, OH 45324
February 7, 2026
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