SALTWATER SHACK

Tucked into Altoona, Pennsylvania, the Saltwater Shack is a dedicated marine fish store that punches well above its compact footprint. Owned by passionate hobbyists, this shop has built a fiercely loyal following over six-plus years — the kind of place people drive two hours to visit and leave planning their next trip. The store's coral selection is its crown jewel.

Reviewers consistently rave about an "especially amazing coral tank" stocked with everything from affordable common frags to pricier rare specimens. Tangs, invertebrates, and a rotating variety of saltwater fish fill crystal-clear tanks that customers describe as spotless and meticulously maintained. Every animal looks healthy, and the owners clearly invest real effort in husbandry and quarantine before anything hits the sales floor.

What sets the Saltwater Shack apart in central PA is the quality of guidance you get the moment you walk in. Tammy and the other owners are repeatedly praised for taking their time with customers — walking through coral and fish compatibility for specific tanks, explaining reef chemistry, and never pushing unnecessary purchases. Multiple reviewers note that the staff will happily steer you away from a sale if it's not right for your setup, a level of honesty that's rare in the hobby.

They also stock essential supplies: foods, chemicals, and the equipment needed to keep a marine or reef tank running. The space is small — reviewers are upfront about that — but it's used brilliantly. Displays are beautifully arranged, inventory is well-organized, and the shop feels more like a curated showroom than a cluttered pet store.

Prices are consistently described as fair to genuinely good, especially given the quality of the livestock. For anyone maintaining a saltwater or reef aquarium in the Altoona area, this is the local fish store that earns repeat business through trust, expertise, and genuinely healthy animals. The owners are also responsive via text, making it easy to check stock or ask questions between visits.