About
Tideline Aquatics has anchored the Charleston-area aquarium scene from its home in Hanahan, SC for well over a decade, and the loyalty of its customers explains why. Reviewers routinely call it the only fish store they shop, driving past closer options because the livestock arrives healthy and stays that way. Much of that comes down to the store's quarantine practice — a step many local shops skip — which has earned Tideline a reputation as an ethical aquarium store where the fish in the tanks look as good as they should.
The selection runs deep across freshwater and saltwater. African cichlids, including albino dolphins, share the room with Central American cichlids, German blue rams, albino bristlenose plecos, and porcupine puffers — one regular's puffer bought here is now 19 years old. Endler livebearers, community fish, shrimp, snails, and other invertebrates round things out, while the planted-tank corner draws its own following with healthy aquarium plants, frogbit, and sword plants for sale in Hanahan, SC.
Out back, hidden koi ponds are a surprise worth discovering, and hobbyists hunting higher-end gear find Oase filters and UNS Controsoil substrate they struggle to source anywhere else. What customers mention most is the staff. Cody is praised again and again for breaking down water parameters and filter maintenance without making anyone feel rushed; Carly recently walked a newcomer through a first Endler tank, and Sean and Alesha come up by name too.
The team takes time to teach, will special-order what they don't keep in stock, and tests water for walk-ins, with live and frozen foods always on hand. Prices run a little above big-box options, and most regulars consider that a fair trade for quarantined, healthy fish and advice that prevents costly mistakes. For anyone near Hanahan or the greater Charleston area searching for a trusted fish store near me, Tideline remains the bar other aquarium shops are measured against.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Tideline Aquatics in Hanahan, SC
Tideline Aquatics stocks cichlids, African cichlids, pufferfish, shrimp, plecos, invertebrates, koi, goldfish, aquarium plants and freshwater, saltwater & pond fish for sale in Hanahan, SC. As an aquarium store serving Hanahan, SC, it also carries fish food and aquarium equipment and offers fish quarantine, water testing and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- CichlidsAfrican CichlidsPuffersLive PlantsPlanted TanksShrimpPlecosInvertebratesKoiGoldfishLivebearersFish FoodAquarium Equipment
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Quarantines its livestock before sale — a step many local stores skip
- African cichlids, albino dolphins, German blue rams, and porcupine puffers for sale in Hanahan, SC
- Carries higher-end gear like Oase filters and UNS Controsoil substrate
- Staff like Cody, Carly, Sean, and Alesha praised by name for patient, hands-on guidance
- Hidden koi ponds out back plus a strong planted-tank, plant, and shrimp selection
From keepers
Customer reviews
“So many options and friendly staff, just a little pricier than usual but as to be expected.”
— Hollie Bazemore4.023 hours ago“Best aquarium shop around. Hands down!!”
— Jennifer Robinson5.02 weeks ago“Thank you to a super intelligent girl who helped me named Carly. She knew everything i was asking had no problems with me taking my time and getting to know everything. My new enderling tank is ready to go. Ask for Carly when your in shes the girl to know and have a great time learning what you dont. P.s. Carly if you read this thank youuuuu when i come back for fish ill show you the tank thus far.”
— Gatsby Layman5.02 weeks ago“The staff was so helpful and knowledgeable! We really appreciated everything and are always happy with our new fish”
— Holly Hill5.0Edited 3 weeks ago“This is my go to Lfs. I recently moved back to Charleston and was stoked to see tideline thriving. It’s the only store I go to.”
— Hunter Culberson5.0a month ago“The employees are very helpful and aren’t trying to rush you out, they take their time to make sure you understand .”
— Dennis Iskra5.0a month ago“I went and got two German rams from them and frogbit for my tank. The fish are amazing and perfectly healthy. My only issue is that the frog bit that I got has cause a snail infestation. I was not informed that the frog bit had exposure to any snails or anything. I’m currently in the process of managing the infestation but highly recommend putting a disclaimer on or near the bags when putting them for sale please.”
— Maddey Greene2.02 months ago“Love how helpful they are and answers all my questions”
— Jackie Campbell5.02 months ago“Great place lots of different varieties. Great customer service 👏”
— Nicholas Patterson5.02 months ago“Great experience! Took really good care of us! Thank you”
— Sharlene5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (843) 744-8551 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Tideline Aquatics.