








Tucked inside Altoona, Pennsylvania, Qscapes is an aquascaping-focused shop run by Q (Quaron) and his wife Lyndsay that has quickly earned a devoted following. This isn't your typical fish store—it's built around the art of planted tanks, hardscape design, and the kind of hands-on guidance that turns a bare aquarium into a living landscape. The heart of Qscapes is its custom aquascaping service.
Q designs tanks from the ground up, working with customers on budgets, inspiration photos, and personal vision. One couple recounts spending three hours in the shop while Q walked them through dragon stone placement, plant selection, and fundamental scaping principles. His custom setups start at around $80 per gallon and include ongoing maintenance—a premium offering, but one that reflects the artistry on display in his own stunning show tanks.
Customers have commissioned office tanks and home setups alike, and the consensus is that the results justify the investment. Live aquatic plants are a major draw. Grown in-house, they arrive healthy and thriving, and Q provides detailed advice on lighting, filtration, and nutrient needs to keep them that way.
The shop also carries driftwood, dragon stone, and other hardscape materials for DIY aquascapers looking to build their own layouts. The fish selection rotates frequently—reviewers note high turnover and the ability to source rare and specific species on request, always within a customer's price range. Axolotls are a fan favorite, with Q even making house calls to help customers dial in water parameters before bringing one home.
A koi display tank delights visiting kids. Beyond aquatics, Qscapes has carved out a niche for rare houseplants, drawing in plant collectors alongside fishkeepers. It's a unique combination that gives the shop a character all its own in an area that has long lacked a dedicated aquarium store.
For anyone in central Pennsylvania looking for expert aquascaping, quality livestock, and genuinely invested guidance, Qscapes delivers.
Tony Kuhn
23 reviews
Just found this place a week ago, great variety of plants and hardscape materials. Livestock are super high quality, will definitely return when im setting up my next tank
King Crow
17 reviews
Every time I do there at thier posted hours they are never open
Jonathan Guerra
9 reviews
My wife wanted to experience the Aqua World. I got really excited and was ready to find an inspiration. After countless trips to Petco we couldn’t find one. She quickly did a google search and found QScapes! And yes we found our inspiration. QScapes tanks are phenomenal to look at. But to have that level of scaping possible in your own home? Well it all started with my wife wanting a piece of driftwood in her tank. Q said “great start but you are going to be bored of it fast. If I may I recommend you start with some dragon stone” He showed us the fundamentals of scaping a tank and asked us the size and even if we had a plan on the scape. Really took the time to be part of what we liked and what we wanted to envision. We spent 3 hours! With Q and his wife gathering all the supplies and plants for our paradise! Q with his years of knowledge and experience to lower himself to our level in our new journey, sparked us to have more than just a tank with fish. His passion, patience and enthusiasm really places this shop on a whole other level! As well as his plants grown in his shop and fish he has! All on an other level of Quality, price and beauty! There’s honestly no words to describe how great and phenomenal our experience was. You have to experience it on yourself. Ask your questions and concerns and be ready to listen and learn. My wife and I are no professional Aqua scapers or even close to it, but the tank you see above was created because Q gave us the inspiration and guided us on our piece of paradise! Thanks again Q!
Bill Rininger
6 reviews
Q is excellent to deal with and very helpful. Came to house to help get water ready to bring home Axolotl was having trouble getting water levels correct. Will highly recommend to friends & family.
Alana Lee
6 reviews
Qscapes is a perfect place for first time tank owners! Me and my finance have been in twice! Quaron remembered us after months! We gave him a tight budget and an inspiration photo and he helped us design our own aquascape to fit our fish and our budget! I am so impressed with his knowledge! We will definitely return!
Sam F
18 reviews
I wish this store was around when I still kept fish because there are no good fish stores in this area! Excellent place to get aquarium supplies, rocks, wood, plants, and tanks. A good place for serious fish keepers. Their store makes me want to keep fish again. All of the fish look well-taken care of.
jacob w
4 reviews
There are very few places that I've enjoyed as much as Qscapes. From when it first opened back in October I've stopped there almost every week. I've learned so much about aquascaping and caring for fish then I've ever known before. Q and Lyndsay have been an absolute pleasure to work with. They're patient, kind, and always willing to help. I've finally decided to purchase a new tank from them, while high-end setups can get pricey, in my opinion it's worth every penny. Though it is extremely disappointing to hear that the retail location in the mall will close, I have always enjoyed stopping in every time that I could. I have, and would recommend this store to everyone that I know. If you're a potential customer, you absolutely cannot go wrong with this place. 10/10 stars (if I had that option)
Joe
2 reviews
Hands down, it's the most beautiful store in the mall! Q's tanks are incredible. Extremely talented guy. I ordered an aquascaped tank from him last week, I'm very excited to see what he builds in my office! Prices are expensive, but have you seen this guy's work? The lowest tier is $80 a gallon, but they also maintain it. So, you can't really go wrong with that. I'm genuinely rooting for them. A new gem in Altoona! Edit: these guys are incredible, I can't thank them enough. I hope their sales issue gets better. I don't understand why Altoona does this to great businesses.
Robyn Gneiss
5 reviews
We love visiting this store. One of only a few stores in the mall we will go to. Fish Selection is small but their turn over is high. Very rarely see the same fish there each time. Have also requested rare specific fish breeds and Q finds them for us each time and always stays within our price range. Beautiful artistic tanks with Q’s skillful hand and artisan eye placed into each one. Kids love the koi tank.
Brandon Beeler
9 reviews
Q and Lindsey are always super knowledgeable and helps with with any questions I have. We have bought many plants and aquarium supplies from them and they are always beautiful and help my aquariums look amazing. His fish selection is top notch with rare and super healthy fish!
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (814) 600-9614 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Qscapes.
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5580 Goods Ln SPC 436, Altoona, PA 16602
February 7, 2026
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