About
Tucked away in Hixson, Tennessee, Aquatic Aesthetics is the kind of local fish shop that earns its reputation one tank at a time. Run by Rob, who customers consistently describe as the area's go-to authority on home aquatics, this small mom-and-pop store punches well above its weight in both selection and service. The freshwater focus here is clear.
Guppies are a standout — one first-time customer came in looking for a few and walked out with far more than planned, pleasantly surprised by the variety and pricing. But the selection stretches well beyond livebearers. Panda garras, dojo loaches, cherry shrimp, and a dedicated "craw wall" stocked with invertebrates give the shop real character.
One customer drives an hour each way just for Rob's stocking recommendations. The live plants earn special mention too — multiple reviewers highlight the plant selection, and at least one visitor admits they come specifically for the moss. What sets Aquatic Aesthetics apart is the genuine care behind the counter.
When a beginner showed up in a panic after adding cherry shrimp to an uncycled tank, Rob sold them an established sponge filter from one of the shop's own tanks and walked them through the recovery process — even fielding a follow-up phone call about pump setup. Two weeks later, every shrimp was still alive. That's not just customer service; that's someone who cares about the animals leaving his store.
Water testing is available on-site — bring in a sample and Rob will give you a straight read on your parameters along with specific guidance on water changes and corrections. He's opinionated (he's not a fan of Walstad tanks, and he'll tell you so), but that candor is part of what makes the advice trustworthy. Pricing is consistently described as reasonable, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
People who discover this shop tend not to go back to the big-box alternatives. If you're keeping freshwater tanks in the greater Chattanooga area, Aquatic Aesthetics in Hixson deserves a visit.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Water TestingConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Rob provides hands-on, expert stocking recommendations and aquatic guidance
- Dedicated 'craw wall' featuring a variety of invertebrates
- Strong freshwater selection including guppies, panda garras, dojo loaches, and cherry shrimp
- Live plants and moss consistently praised by customers
- On-site water testing with specific parameter advice
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Small genuine aquatic store with friendly skilled and knowledgeable folks. Highly recommend.”
— John Kline5.02 weeks ago“Rob knows his stuff. Rob is the top expert on at home aquatics in this area. His prices are reasonable and he is super helpful”
— Joseph Heiss5.02 weeks ago“Great place for plants and fish snd it's super cool”
— Becky Goff5.0a month ago“Incredibly knowledgeable. Plenty of variety. Probably the best aquarium store ive ever been to.”
— Justin Blackwell5.0a month ago“Good people.”
— shams ajmeri5.05 months ago“Rob is the best. Just got a wonderful invertebrate from the "craw wall" and I got some panda garra from him a year ago that are still thriving. Thanks for the proper care of all these critters”
— Russell Williamson5.06 months ago“Drove about an hour to go see Rob and get some guidance on stocking suggestions with my tank and I’m very happy with his recommendation. Extremely friendly staff as well, happy to help and greeted as soon as we walked in the door. Thanks for the new Dojos!”
— Emily Layne5.07 months ago“First time customer seeking some guppies for a new tank. The selection was so good I spent much more than I expected to because of the prices and other items I needed not thinking the store would have them. I was wrong! Great customer service experience and options to choose from. I’m a repeat customer for life I’m sure! Keep u the great work!”
— Tony Thomas5.07 months ago“I am really grateful to this store for helping me save my little cherry shrimp! I had made a beginner mistake of purchasing shrimp without cycling the tank. The person working there - maybe his name was Rob? - allowed me to buy one of their old sponge filters from an established tank and gave me some great advice. He also sold me some healthy plants and answered a question I had when I called about setting up the pump. It's been 2 weeks and all the shrimp are still alive. I appreciate the wonderful service and will be a repeat customer. Thanks, guys!”
— Rachel5.010 months ago“We are so fortunate that we found this shop! We are just starting our aquatic journey and received a wealth of knowledge and information from Rob. We learned so much. Highly recommend supporting this local store where knowledge is plentiful, accurate, and kind!”
— LoveAlways Sunshine5.010 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (423) 386-5759 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquatic Aesthetics.