Aquatic Marine

Aquatic Marine has been a Knoxville institution long enough that some customers remember owner Kinny selling fish out of his garage. 8 stars, the community clearly agrees. Walk through the doors and you'll find yourself surrounded by rows of clean, well-maintained tanks spanning both freshwater and saltwater livestock.

The saltwater side stocks a robust coral selection that reviewers say thrives after being brought home, along with reef fish and invertebrates. Freshwater enthusiasts will find everything from rummy-nose tetras and albino bristlenose plecos to bettas and axolotls, plus a huge variety of nano fish. The live plant section earns particular praise — multiple customers single it out as reliably healthy, alongside aquascaping rocks and driftwood that make the store a destination for planted tank builders.

Dry goods and equipment fill out the inventory at prices reviewers say are comparable to big-box stores but with noticeably higher quality. RO water is available for purchase, a lifeline for Knoxville hobbyists dealing with hard tap water. The store also provides custom tank design, installation, and ongoing maintenance services, making it a full-service operation rather than just a retail shop.

Staff members like Isaac and Brandon come up by name repeatedly for their willingness to walk customers through water chemistry, coral care, and tank setup without any pressure to buy. One teacher used a classroom grant here and praised the personalized guidance at every step. The show tanks scattered throughout the store serve as both inspiration and proof of concept.

The store also supports the local fishkeeping community through involvement with area fish clubs. For Knoxville aquarists looking for healthy livestock, solid equipment, and staff who genuinely want to help you succeed, Aquatic Marine has earned its reputation as the go-to local fish store in East Tennessee.