Fresh Aquatics

Tucked into a strip on Chilhowee School Road in Seymour, Tennessee, Fresh Aquatics is the passion project of owner Chris, a freshwater specialist whose dedication to healthy fish and natural aquariums has earned him a fiercely loyal following—including customers willing to drive from Knoxville and even Kentucky to shop here. What makes Fresh Aquatics stand apart is its quarantine protocol. Every fish Chris brings in spends at least a week in quarantine before hitting the sales floor; if anything looks off, that window extends to a full month.

The result is immediately visible: tanks are immaculately maintained, and the livestock looks vibrant and stress-free. One customer drove home with a bristlenose pleco that acclimated effortlessly after a long trip, and another brought a dozen guppies and endlers back to Kentucky only to find 43 fry two weeks later—a testament to the health of the stock. Aquatic plants are a particular strength.

Chris specializes in educating customers about what live plants can do for an aquarium, and the store sells everything from water lettuce to pothos and peace lilies in 3D-printed planters that customers rave about months later. His focus on all-natural freshwater setups means he'll walk you through water parameters, tank cycling, and plant propagation with genuine enthusiasm rather than a sales pitch. The betta section deserves a mention—Chris provides each betta with a proper, healthy environment, a sharp contrast to the cups you'll find at big-box retailers.

He also carries snails and can special-order specific species if they're not currently in stock, following up with a notification when your fish arrive. Beyond sales, Chris offers water testing and hands-on guidance for tank setup. Multiple reviewers credit him with saving struggling tanks by breaking down not just the fix, but the science behind it.

He even accepted a pleco that had outgrown a customer's tank. For freshwater and pond enthusiasts anywhere near East Tennessee, Fresh Aquatics delivers an experience rooted in education, animal welfare, and genuine community connection.