About
Aquatek Tropical Fish has been an Austin institution for decades, earning a loyal following among hobbyists who keep coming back for its deep inventory of both freshwater and saltwater livestock. Walk through the door and you're greeted by a large marine display tank that sets the tone — this is a store that takes presentation seriously. Rows of meticulously maintained tanks house everything from cichlids and threadfin rainbowfish to axolotls, shrimp, snails, and an impressive variety of live aquatic plants for planted tank enthusiasts.
The staff is a big part of what keeps people driving across Austin to get here. Kate — affectionately called "Kate the Great" by regulars — is frequently praised for her plant knowledge and patience with newcomers. Adam and Danny are also regularly name-checked for going above and beyond, whether it's walking a first-time fishkeeper through a complete tank setup or troubleshooting water chemistry issues over the phone.
Danny, in particular, has earned fans for his willingness to educate customers throughout the entire buying process. Beyond livestock, Aquatek stocks tanks, aquascaping materials, décor, water stabilizers, fish food, and equipment. They occasionally carry used tanks and stands at reduced prices, and offer a membership program that regulars consider worthwhile for frequent purchases.
Special orders are available for harder-to-find species. The store isn't without its critics — a handful of reviewers have flagged occasional health issues like ich in some tanks, and prices run higher than online retailers. But the overwhelming consensus is that the livestock quality and selection remain among the best in the Austin area.
An Aquatic Science teacher recommends it to students. Families bring their kids for the experience. Longtime hobbyists building planted community tanks trust Kate's recommendations on species pairings.
For anyone maintaining a freshwater or saltwater setup in central Texas, Aquatek is a store that rewards repeat visits with consistently strong selection and staff who genuinely care about the hobby.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Live PlantsCichlidsAxolotlsShrimpInvertebratesBettasCoralsPlanted TanksRare SpeciesAquarium EquipmentDry GoodsFish Food
- Services
- ConsultationTank Setup
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Extensive selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish, including rare and hard-to-find species
- Impressive live plant inventory and aquascaping materials for planted tanks
- Staff members Kate, Adam, and Danny frequently praised for knowledgeable, patient guidance
- Axolotls, shrimp, snails, and cichlids among diverse specialty livestock
- Large marine display tank at the entrance showcases creative tank design
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Love this place! Kate the Great is so personable and knowledgeable. This is where I go for my axolotls ☺️”
— Christina Hughes5.03 days ago“Store was clean with a good selection and employees were nice, but I spoke with Kate about my reef tank and she clearly had no idea what she was talking about. If I had taken her suggestions I could’ve lost thousands of dollars in livestock and coral. I worry for beginner hobbyists who might have lost their tanks to her negligence.”
— Avery :D2.04 days ago“Incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff, for anyone from first time fish owners to experienced aquarium keepers.”
— Nan Bozeman5.05 days ago“I have been going to Aquatek for decades now. They have great staff that always seem to be in a high spirits and ready to help. Recently, Kate and Sarah have been super helpful as I've been building a new planted community tank over the last few months. Kate is especially knowledgeable about plants.”
— Chris Holland5.05 days ago“Kate is super helpful, knowledgeable and kind! If you need any questions answered or help finding what’s best, ask for her specifically”
— christell mcbride5.05 days ago“Best fish store in town. Best selection of fresh and salt water fish and the most knowledgeable and patient staff.”
— Ashley Boening5.0a week ago“Estuve en ese lugar antes pero en mi última visita fue increíble, la variedad de ciclidos que tienen es espectacular y el trato super amable y profesional, men encantó el lugar y aunque está un poco lejos de donde vivo pienso que vale la pena el viaje”
— Rene Cabrera Legra5.0a week ago“Kind and professional team! I called worried about one of my fish and snails and Danny helped me immediately over the phone to troubleshoot how to help stabilize my tank. 10/10 service”
— Meghan Bates5.02 weeks ago“Knowledgeable and helpful staff! Incredible selection of fish, plants, aquascaping material, and tank equipment.”
— Clara Griffith5.03 weeks ago“Our family came in with our son who is obsessed with fish, to start our fish tank journey and we were lucky enough to be helped by Adam. Wow. He was so warm, knowledgeable, passionate, patient and helpful. He even said things like, "If you want to come back for more fish or decorations, WE can do that in a few days once you get up and running," as if we were all in this together! We left excited and confident. Thank you so much!”
— Kristy Moreno5.03 weeks ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (512) 450-0182 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquatek Tropical Fish.