Tucked into Greenwood, South Carolina, Ethan's Exotic Pets & Aquatics (formerly Aquatic Planet) has evolved into the kind of family-run shop that people happily drive an hour to reach. Under newer ownership, the store has undergone a visible transformation — reviewers consistently note how clean the tanks are and how well-cared-for the animals look, a stark contrast to what you'd find at big-box competitors.
The freshwater selection is the main draw and it runs deep. Alongside staples like guppies, goldfish, and bettas (each kept in individual tanks), you'll find harder-to-source species like rope fish and blue crayfish — the kind of stock that makes hobbyists do a double-take. Healthy shrimp, snails, and a solid variety of aquatic plants round out the aquatic inventory. While saltwater fish and corals are no longer kept on the floor, the store will order them on request.
What truly sets this shop apart is the owner's hands-on approach to customer education. Multiple reviewers describe long, patient conversations about tank setup — which fish coexist peacefully, the right filters, proper care routines. One couple credits the shop with helping them build a thriving 25-fish community tank and says they keep adding aquariums because the hobby became so enjoyable. Another customer drove 40 minutes past closer alternatives because nowhere else matched the quality of advice and livestock.
Beyond fish, Ethan's lives up to its exotic pets billing. The shop carries lizards, snakes, tortoises (including sulcata hatchlings), skinks, birds, prairie dogs, mini pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and feeder mice — the closest source within an hour's drive, according to one reviewer. A resident water monitor named Vader greets shoppers and adds character to an already welcoming atmosphere.
Prices are consistently praised as fair, the store is spotless, and the staff genuinely cares about matching animals to the right homes. For freshwater enthusiasts in the Upstate region, this is the real deal.
Tucked away in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Aquaman's Coral Cave is the kind of independently-run fish shop that builds a loyal following one tank at a time. Owner David has become something of a local aquarium guru, with customers routinely crediting him for transforming their fishkeeping journeys from confused beginnings to thriving, healthy setups in under a year. His willingness to walk newcomers through the entire nitrogen cycle, recommend treatments for stubborn tank problems, and place special orders for hard-to-find fish and plants sets this shop apart from big-box alternatives.
The inventory spans both freshwater and saltwater species, with reviewers consistently praising the health and quality of the livestock. Live plants are a strong draw, and David stocks enough dry goods and supplies that regular customers say they can find everything they need for their tanks without shopping anywhere else. Pond keepers also make the trip — at least one reviewer stocked up on a dozen fish for their pond in a single visit. Reptiles round out the animal offerings, adding an unexpected dimension to the shop.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, complete with a resident shop dog that reviewers can't stop mentioning. Display tanks are generally clean and well-maintained, and David keeps a rotating inventory that gives regulars a reason to pop in just to see what's new. His passion for the hobby is infectious — multiple customers describe lengthy, enthusiastic conversations about fish care, water chemistry, and tank maintenance that feel more like chatting with a fellow hobbyist than getting a sales pitch.
Pricing is frequently cited as reasonable, which matters in a community that values supporting local businesses. If David doesn't have a specific fish or plant in stock, he'll order it. And in a quirky twist that perfectly captures the shop's small-town charm, you can also pick up free-range eggs on your way out. For aquarium hobbyists in the Berkeley County area, Aquaman's Coral Cave offers the kind of personalized expertise and genuine care that keeps people coming back.
The Creature Room in Columbia, South Carolina is a reptile-focused specialty shop that has earned a fiercely loyal following across the Midlands and well beyond. Customers regularly drive from Augusta, Aiken, and Sumter — some logging two-hour round trips — just to walk through the doors. That kind of devotion doesn't happen by accident.
The store's reputation rests on two pillars: exceptionally healthy, well-cared-for animals and a staff that genuinely wants to educate. Reviewers consistently name Cameron, Kristen, and Ayden as standouts who will field a barrage of questions without flinching. Whether someone's picking up a Red Tegu, a banana ball python, a veiled chameleon, or a Central American boa, the team walks them through husbandry details with patience and real expertise. Even people who didn't buy their animals there — like one tortoise owner passing through — report getting generous, no-strings-attached advice.
The inventory goes deep: enclosures, lighting, decor, feeders (mice and live insects are popular staples), and the full range of reptile supplies. Prices are consistently described as reasonable, often beating the big chain stores. The selection of animals rotates but typically includes ball python morphs (BP leopard enchi het clown, anyone?), bearded dragons, crested geckos, chameleons, tegus, tortoises, boas, and assorted invertebrates. For hobbyists hunting hard-to-find critters, this is a destination shop.
The physical space itself is part of the appeal. Multiple reviewers call it spotless — no off-putting smells, well-lit displays, animals visibly thriving. One reviewer noted his wife, who normally dreads reptile shops, would actually be impressed. The atmosphere is welcoming enough that families bring kids to explore, and the store mascot George apparently has personality to spare.
The Creature Room fills a real gap in Columbia's pet scene. It's a place where passion for herpetoculture meets genuine customer care, backed by inventory and knowledge that justify the drive from wherever you're coming from.
Tucked away in Easley, South Carolina, Zac's Reef has built a devoted following that stretches well beyond the Upstate — some customers make two-hour round trips just to walk through the door. Run by Terry, Kristie, and Zac, this family-owned shop specializes in saltwater reef aquariums and carries an impressive coral selection that includes both SPS and LPS varieties, along with marine fish like clownfish and a range of shellfish. But the store isn't exclusively salt — there's a dedicated freshwater section with live plants, bettas, and other livestock.
What sets Zac's Reef apart is the level of hands-on guidance the owners provide. Multiple reviewers describe walking in as complete newcomers to saltwater aquariums and leaving with a full setup and the confidence to maintain it. The team doesn't just sell equipment — they'll come to your home to install the system, walk you through every step of the cycling process, and remain available for the endless stream of questions that come with keeping a reef tank alive. Their motto, "the only dumb question is the one you don't ask," isn't just a slogan; it's how they operate daily.
The coral inventory is the real draw. Reviewers who relocated from cities like Dallas say the selection surpasses what they had access to before, with high-end pieces at fair prices. The shop also stocks dry goods and equipment, and they're the rare local store that will accept and barter used gear — a genuine lifeline for hobbyists looking to upgrade without the waste.
Beyond the tanks, the atmosphere is warm and personal. Waffles, the resident Blue Heeler, greets visitors alongside the staff. The store feels more like a community hub for reef enthusiasts than a retail operation. For anyone in the Greenville or greater Upstate area pursuing a saltwater or freshwater aquarium, Zac's Reef offers the rare combination of deep expertise, quality livestock, and genuine human connection that keeps people driving back week after week.
Alendry Whole Pet is a locally owned pet supply store with locations in North Charleston's Park Circle neighborhood and on Johns Island, run by owners Anne and Mark with a dedicated team that includes groomer Emmie. While this shop focuses primarily on dogs and cats rather than aquarium life, it has earned a passionate following in the greater Charleston area for its curated selection of premium and wholesome pet foods, including raw food options, frozen foods, and specialty kibbles that cater to animals with specific dietary needs. Anne is frequently praised by name for her detailed nutritional recommendations — one customer reported that following her advice transformed their 14-year-old dog's energy and quality of life. The store carries an impressive range of treats (including liver sprinkle, a reported crowd-pleaser), toys, chews, harnesses, leads, and other supplies, with a noticeable emphasis on high-quality and local products. Special orders are handled quickly, with customers noting turnaround times as fast as two days. Grooming services are available, with nail trims and full grooming sessions — Emmie has earned a reputation for giving dogs stylish mohawks. The atmosphere is warm and dog-friendly, with staff who genuinely welcome four-legged visitors. Prices are consistently described as competitive with big box stores, which customers appreciate given the personalized service and expert guidance they receive. The Park Circle location sits in a pleasant outdoor shopping plaza, and the Johns Island spot has been embraced as a much-needed local alternative to chain retailers. For pet owners in the North Charleston and Johns Island areas looking for thoughtful, knowledgeable guidance on pet nutrition and quality supplies, Alendry Whole Pet delivers a shopping experience that keeps customers coming back.
Tideline Aquatics in Hanahan, South Carolina has been a cornerstone of the Charleston-area aquarium scene for well over a decade, and a look at the sheer loyalty of its customer base tells you why. This is a store where people drive past closer options because the fish arrive healthy and stay that way — thanks in large part to their quarantine practices, something that sets them apart from most local competitors.
The freshwater and saltwater selection runs deep. African cichlids, including albino dolphins, sit alongside Central American cichlids, bristlenose plecos, porcupine puffers, and a rotating cast of community fish and invertebrates. One customer's porcupine puffer purchased here is now 19 years old — a quiet testament to the health of the livestock. Out back, hidden koi ponds add a surprise worth discovering, and the plant and shrimp selection draws its own devoted following.
Staff members like Cody, Sean, Alesha, and Conner come up repeatedly in reviews — not just for friendliness, but for genuinely teaching customers about water parameters, filter maintenance, and species compatibility. Cody in particular has become a familiar face, known for breaking down water chemistry in approachable terms and walking newcomers through their first aquarium setup without condescension. The team will also order specialty items they don't have in stock.
The store itself is clean and well-organized, stocked with frozen food options and a solid range of aquarium supplies. Some customers note that prices run slightly higher than big-box alternatives, but most consider it a fair trade for quarantined, healthy fish and staff expertise that can save costly mistakes down the line.
Tideline Aquatics earns its reputation not through flashy marketing but through consistency — years of clean tanks, knowledgeable guidance, and fish that thrive long after they leave the store. For the greater Charleston and Hanahan area, it remains the standard by which other aquarium shops are measured.
Palmetto Reef in West Columbia, South Carolina has built a devoted following among saltwater hobbyists across the Southeast — and some customers drive an hour or more to prove it. This is a reef-focused shop with a massive selection of corals, from GSP and zoa frags to pipe organ and pink goniopora, plus mushrooms rare enough that a Florida customer couldn't find them locally and ordered online instead. The store's live rock selection, including Great Barrier Reef Rock, draws particular praise for adding natural, striking aesthetics to reef tanks.
The staff, led by Will and Ashton, are the kind of reef geeks who will spend real time walking you through coral growth patterns, explaining modern sump and filtration systems, and helping you plan a full saltwater conversion for your 75-gallon tank. Multiple reviewers highlight the one-on-one attention — a sharp contrast to other area shops where nobody even says hello. One couple setting up a seahorse tank had the Palmetto Reef team come to their home for installation, and Will was responsive by phone that same evening when questions came up.
The coral and fish in the store look genuinely healthy, and the tanks are immaculately maintained. Pricing is generally considered fair, though a few note it can run slightly high on certain pieces. Beyond the physical storefront, Palmetto Reef ships coral with impressive care — next-day delivery, excellent packaging, and communication that puts anxious first-time online buyers at ease.
While the shop is overwhelmingly saltwater-oriented, they also field questions about freshwater setups and have helped at least one customer with pond supplies. The atmosphere is welcoming and low-pressure; the team clearly loves the hobby and it shows in every interaction. For anyone in the Columbia, South Carolina area building or maintaining a reef tank, Palmetto Reef is the kind of local shop that earns loyalty through genuine expertise and care.
Tucked into Goose Creek, South Carolina, Ocean Realms is a family-owned aquarium shop run by Lisa, whose name comes up in nearly every customer conversation — and for good reason. This isn't a store where you grab a bag of fish and leave. Lisa and her staff invest real time in understanding each customer's setup, from a first-timer cycling a tank with GloFish to an experienced hobbyist tracking down a black ghost knife fish. She'll test your water on the spot, diagnose high ammonia levels, and send you home with the right filter media rather than an unnecessary upsell. One customer recounted how Lisa actually researched their specific cycling problem after hours and texted back detailed next steps.
The livestock selection spans both freshwater and saltwater, with tanks housing everything from pearl gouramis and corydoras panda catfish to clown loaches, bettas, axolotls, starfish, and corals. Live plants get a solid showing too, and multiple reviewers praise the overall health and longevity of fish purchased here compared to big-box alternatives. If something isn't in stock, Lisa readily takes special orders — she's one of the few local shops willing to source harder-to-find species on request.
The store itself is clean and well-organized, stocked with foods, decor, medications, and equipment alongside the livestock. Prices consistently get called out as the best in the Charleston Lowcountry, which matters when you're outfitting a full setup. Several customers note finding niche supplies and odds-and-ends that would otherwise require an online order.
What sets Ocean Realms apart is Lisa's teaching approach. She has a knack for matching explanations to a customer's experience level — she'll steer a newcomer away from adding snails to an immature tank while helping a veteran aquarist source rare species. Multiple reviewers describe leaving with not just fish but genuine understanding of how to keep them thriving. For the Goose Creek and greater Charleston area, this shop has built a fiercely loyal following one honest conversation at a time.
Tucked into the bottom floor of a two-story white house in Inman, South Carolina, Z Fishroom is the kind of family-owned fish store that inspires fierce loyalty. Owner Art and his wife Nellie have built a devoted following — customers who drive from as far as Greenville and make Saturday visits part of their weekly routine. The appeal is straightforward: meticulously clean tanks, healthy fish, fair prices, and owners who genuinely care about what they're selling.
The freshwater selection is the star here. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and variety — from bristlenose plecos and neon tetras to mated pairs of Bolivian rams and beautiful guppies. Puffer enthusiasts take note: Z Fishroom stocks species you won't easily find elsewhere in the Upstate. The live plant selection is another major draw, with hobbyists sourcing the majority of their aquatic plants here at prices that undercut the competition. For aquascaping enthusiasts, the store carries enough plants, hardscape, and supplies to fuel serious planted tank projects.
Saltwater has been a growing part of the operation, with a dedicated saltwater room expanding their coral and marine fish offerings. The store also carries a solid range of dry goods, aquarium equipment, fish food, and decorations — and if they don't have the specific fish you're looking for, Art will order it for you.
What sets Z Fishroom apart from the big-box pet stores is the personal attention. Staff greet every customer and take the time to answer questions, whether it's diagnosing a sick fish from another shop or helping a first-time fishkeeper build a balanced community tank. They offer water testing and aren't afraid to give honest advice — even if that means telling you your tank is too small.
With 50-plus-year hobbyists calling it one of the best shops they've visited, Z Fishroom has earned its reputation as a go-to aquatics destination in South Carolina. Note: some recent reviews suggest the store may have permanently closed — call ahead before visiting.
Tucked away in Hopkins, South Carolina, Southland Fisheries is a working fish farm dedicated to one thing: stocking ponds with healthy, vigorous freshwater fish. This isn't your typical aquarium shop with rows of glass tanks — it's a proper fishery where bluegill, catfish, shellcracker, mosquito fish, and tilapia are raised and sold in quantities that range from modest backyard pond orders to 500-fish hauls for larger operations.
Clay, Marvin, and their team have built a reputation across the Southeast for hands-on expertise and genuine care. Customers regularly mention how much time the staff invests in answering questions — not just about which species to stock, but about feeding regimens, pond aeration, and even aquaponics system design. One educator came in seeking help setting up a school aquaponics project and left hours later with tilapia and a full plan for a grow tray system that's now thriving.
One of the standout services at Southland Fisheries is their delivery network. They transport live fish across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, dropping shipments at local feed-and-seed stores like Midway in Commerce, Georgia. For those who prefer pickup, calling ahead to reserve your fish is the standard process — and reviewers note that someone actually answers the phone, which feels increasingly rare. The fish arrive lively, well-packaged, and ready for pond life.
The operation also sells pond fish food, including products like Purina AquaMax 400, and customers appreciate the feeding guidance that comes alongside purchases. One buyer raising fish in IBC totes credited the staff's advice in getting shellcracker to accept pelleted feed after trial and error with multiple brands.
Southland Fisheries serves a specific niche — pond stocking and freshwater fish farming — and they do it with a level of professionalism and friendliness that keeps customers driving from as far as Clemson. If you've got a pond to fill, this Hopkins farm should be your first call.
