About
FINS Freshwater Aquariums in Bartlett, Tennessee is one of those locally owned shops that makes you forget big-box pet stores exist. Reviewers consistently describe walking in and feeling like they've entered a mini aquarium — tanks are pristine, fish are vibrant and healthy, and the atmosphere is calm and inviting. The owner has built something genuinely special here, and it shows in every detail, from the modern informational displays to the spotless facility.
The store's name says freshwater, and that's clearly its heart. Live aquatic plants are a standout, with customers calling them a highlight alongside a strong selection of healthy freshwater fish. Bettas, small sharks, and algae-eating tank companions are among the species reviewers have taken home.
There's also mention of saltwater stock, giving the shop broader appeal than its name might suggest. For aquascaping enthusiasts, FINS carries the supplies and knowledge to help design planted tanks that rival anything you'd see online. What truly sets FINS apart is the owner's approach.
He's described over and over as kind, patient, knowledgeable, and never pushy — the kind of person who will spend time teaching a first-time fishkeeper without pressuring them to buy a thing. One family with a two-year-old described their visits like trips to an aquarium, complete with "ohhhs" and "ahhhs" at the fish. Another reviewer noted the owner never pushes unnecessary products, a refreshing departure from the upsell culture elsewhere.
There's also a community dimension worth noting: the store's t-shirts are made by the local high school special education department, tying FINS into the fabric of Bartlett in a meaningful way. Whether you're setting up your first tank or sourcing quality plants for an established aquascape, FINS delivers an experience that's equal parts shop, education center, and visual treat. The owner's genuine passion for fishkeeping is the engine behind everything here, and customers clearly feel it.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Locally owned with an exceptionally knowledgeable and patient owner
- Outstanding selection of live aquatic plants for planted tanks and aquascaping
- Immaculately clean facility with museum-quality tank displays
- Healthy, vibrant freshwater fish including bettas and more
- Community-connected — t-shirts made by local high school special education department
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Locally owned the gentleman who runs the place is very kind and informed about his fish is very pleasant and peaceful environmen”
— zachary pepper5.02 days ago“This place is amazing, much like a museum the moment you walk in. They have everything for aquascaping, tons of knowledge, and very great at handling the fish. They truly care. I would recommend going here over any petco/petsmart. It’s a true experience.”
— Nathan H. Frizzell5.03 weeks ago“Super super cool fish place!”
— Stefan Andre5.02 months ago“Good selection of plants and fish. Fish looks good and healthy.”
— Teresa5.03 months ago“Please go here for all of your freshwater needs! The service is amazing and so is the selection. The aquatic plants are a highlight!”
— Amelia Lessman5.04 months ago“They have a great selection of fish here both salt and fresh and good prices also”
— Aaron Smith5.05 months ago“I visited Fins yesterday and let me tell you, this store will be my go to place for all things aquatics. The shop owner was extremely nice and informative. The shop itself was VERY clean and well kept. All of the fish looked happy and healthy. 😊”
— Jessica Kostic5.05 months ago““FINS is my go-to for healthy, gorgeous fish and honest advice.The owner knows his stuff, keeps his tanks pristine, and makes every visit worth it. 🐠💙 #ShopLocal #FishFam””
— Mary White5.05 months ago“Wonderful customer service and very educated owner. Thank you for being open, your store is beautiful and unique with your modern-day updated informational system for your customers. For anyone reading this, FINS freshwater aquariums tshirts are made by the local high school special education department so please visit FINS pick one up today to help support FINS and the Bartlett community.”
— Kaylee Cooper5.06 months ago“Update: We came back with daddy and we picked out a doo doo (baby shark like my 2 year olds says. A beta fish) and 2 little cleaning tank buddies. We also got a tank and all the things we needed for a starter fish. The owner was kind, knowledgeable, and patient. My daughter looks forward to our trips to this mini aquarium and goes ohhhhhh ahhhhh at all the happy fish. Excited to bring home the newest member of our family. Although we didn't purchase a fish today because daddy wasn't with us, we wanted to tell our experience there. The owner was extremely friendly, very knowledgeable, and was willing to teach us anything we wanted to know about the fish. We didn't feel pressured to buy, and we felt the whole experience was like visiting an aquarium. The fish are all extremely well cares for and happy.”
— O'Regan Creations5.0Edited 6 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (901) 231-4390 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting FINS Freshwater Aquariums.