Rivers to Reefs Aquariums has established itself as a central Ohio destination for both freshwater and saltwater fishkeepers in the Gahanna area, drawing loyal customers from across the region with a broad livestock selection and a staff that genuinely invests time in education. Walk in and you'll find rows of clean, well-maintained tanks spanning everything from African cichlids and discus to cherry shrimp, anemones, and oddball species like zebra spiny eels and African butterfly fish that rarely show up at chain stores. The planted tank section is a particular draw.
Customers come specifically for the live plant variety and accessories like dissolvable nutrient tablets, and the staff is comfortable walking someone through a full planted aquarium build from substrate to stocking. One reviewer noted a staff member named John spent over an hour walking a nervous first-time fishkeeper through every step of tank setup, cycling, and care — the kind of hands-on consultation that earns repeat business. Pricing generally lands competitive with big box retailers and online shops, which is notable given the personalized service.
If something isn't on the shelf, the team can special order it, and they also accept and rehome fish — a useful service for hobbyists whose tanks have outgrown their stock. That said, some long-time customers have reported issues with fish health in recent months, particularly with cichlids and catfish arriving with infections or dying shortly after purchase. A few reviewers also noted inconsistent advice from newer staff members regarding disease treatment, with conflicting recommendations on medications like Kanaplex and Ich-X.
These experiences appear to be the exception rather than the rule, but they're worth noting for anyone making a significant livestock investment. At its best, Rivers to Reefs delivers what chain pet stores cannot: clean tanks, genuinely knowledgeable conversation, and a curated selection of freshwater and saltwater species that reflects real passion for the hobby. For Gahanna-area aquarists looking for a local shop that takes fishkeeping seriously, it remains a strong first stop.
Allison Cañas
2 reviews
Employees are so sweet and cutesy fish
vinnie roscigno
I just stood in front of the anemone tank for about 20 or 25 minutes waiting for someone to come over and help me in a relatively empty store. A couple of employees clearly saw me walked by me a couple times. Nobody asked me if I wanted anything, even though I was about to buy a couple of these. It wasn’t until I gave up and was two steps out of walking out the door that the guy asked if I had any questions. Too late. You lost a pretty good sale.
Trenton Bennett
6 reviews
This is by far the best fish store I’ve been too. You won’t see fish covered in ick or dead fish floating everywhere. Everything I’ve gotten from them has been super healthy, their variety is great and at a fair price. Would definitely recommend to anyone with salt or freshwater aquariums. 10/10 my zebra spiny eel and African butterfly fish love their new tank!
frowningfawn
40 reviews
Great little store that has a great selection of fish and tank needs. Knowledgeable staff. They dont sell you something that isn't necessary.
Aaron S
9 reviews
been coming for years, best around!
Michelle Ricker
11 reviews
Went to this store with a friend for their birthday because they wanted to possibly get a fish tank but was a bit hesitant and intimidated as to the care of a fish tank. We spoke with John, who could not have been more helpful and reassuring!!! He spent over an hour going over the process and was really helpful with tips etc as to how to deal with a fish tank for a beginner! Their prices are more than fair, competitive with big box stores, but we prefer supporting our local businesses better. Given their personalized service, time, selection of products and attention I'd HIGHLY recommend this establishment!!! Thanks John! She just got it set up to create a good environment for future fish.
Mike Stull
10 reviews
Such helpful staff. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and wonderful recommendations to helping me get my first cherry shrimp tank started. Will be back soon!
Brian Ganyard
Best shop around!
Izzie McCalla
5 reviews
Knowledge staff and healthy fish. definitely the go to shop for new fish keepers!
caleb gordon
2 reviews
I’ve tried to give these guys the benefit of the doubt, I’ve spent over 120$ on fish here and not had a single survivor cichlids specifically, I’ve been keeping fish since I was 7 I’m 24 now my tank parameter don’t change and all I had in the tank was schooling fish so there’s no way any of the fish I’ve gotten here ended up stressed or hurt from a fight with other fish, plus there on average for the cichlid side wayyy over priced, I paid 32$ and some change for an acara that’s 20 bucks any where else, because theyre quote on quote high quality fish that other stores don’t have, if they’re so high quality my question is why has every fish I’ve bough from here ended up dead out of no where. and for the smaller schooling fish theyre around 2 dollars more expensive than any local fish store in Ohio
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (614) 934-5155 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Rivers to Reefs Aquariums.
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(614) 934-5155Address
1362 Cherry Bottom Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
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1362 Cherry Bottom Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
February 7, 2026
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