About
Franklin Aquarium Pet Shop has been a fixture in Columbia, Tennessee for over 25 years, earning the kind of loyalty that has customers driving from as far as Alabama and Dickson — over an hour away — just to shop there. This independently owned store covers both freshwater and saltwater fish, with well-maintained display tanks that reviewers consistently praise for their cleanliness and variety. You'll find everything from bettas and anemones to frozen mysis shrimp, alongside a full roster of reptiles, birds, amphibians, and small mammals like bearded dragons, chameleons, Pacman frogs, and even green cheek conures available on layaway.
What sets Franklin Aquarium apart from the big-box pet stores in the area is the staff's genuine engagement. Multiple reviewers describe employees who greet customers immediately, answer detailed questions about species care — from millipedes to sun conures — and proactively troubleshoot tank issues. One reviewer called them "absolute fish wizards" who taught a seasoned hobbyist something new.
When problems arise, the team has been known to offer hassle-free refunds and free water conditioner to help customers get their tanks back on track. The store stocks live feeder insects, frozen fish foods, and supplies for virtually every pet category. Their rewards program keeps regulars coming back, and pricing is competitive with — or better than — major chains.
The outdoor fish area is a hit with families, where kids are sometimes invited to help with feedings during warmer months. It's worth noting that a few reviewers have flagged occasional fish health concerns, including visible illness in certain tanks. As with any fish purchase, inspecting livestock carefully before buying is always wise.
But the overwhelming consensus across more than 1,200 reviews is that Franklin Aquarium delivers the selection, expertise, and personal service that Columbia's pet owners rely on. For aquarists and animal lovers in Middle Tennessee, it's the kind of local shop worth supporting.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationWater Testing
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Over 25 years serving the Columbia, Tennessee community
- Both freshwater and saltwater fish in well-maintained display tanks
- Staff praised as 'absolute fish wizards' for deep species knowledge
- Diverse inventory including reptiles, birds, amphibians, and small mammals
- Frozen mysis shrimp and live feeder insects always in stock
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Franklin Aquarium Pet Shop is great!I love the people that work there. They're friendly and know alot about animals and how to care for them. They try to help you out when you come in. I sure do love them! And enjoy going there!”
— Cynthia Jones5.0Edited a day ago“Always a friendly staff”
— Denise4.0a week ago“We've bought two of our small pets from here and both were healthy. One lived years and the other is still kicking happily. They always have lives for my beardie. Staff is good with assisting. They let my kiddos feed the outside fish sometimes when it's warm. Stuff for every animal. Good store”
— Amy Ables5.02 weeks ago“Today I went in and the guy working there was very knowledgeable about the millipedes and other animals I asked about”
— Crystal Martinez5.0Edited 4 weeks ago“This is a great pet store. The staff are super friendly and really knowledgeable about all animals.”
— Jessica Gray5.0a month ago“Awesome place to shop,clean,all staff seems very friendly and on point,and decent prices for this modern time,highly recommend,keep it up”
— Joshua Conner5.0a month ago“Very nice people 😁”
— Kelly Chambers2.0a month ago“Been shopping here for years. Great rewards program. Educated staff. Rarely do they not have what I need. Great prices on feed critters. Comparable to the major pet store in town on other prices. Buy local, feed a neighbor.”
— Coty Svehlak5.0a month ago“Amazing selection of all kinds of pets and supplies. Great staff!”
— George Karas5.0a month ago“Helpful”
— Carry Maloine5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (931) 388-2100 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Franklin Aquarium Pet Shop.