--- type: store name: "Aquatek Tropical Fish" city: "Austin" state: "TX" rating: 4.6 reviews: 1109 url: https://www.fishstores.org/texas/austin/aquatek-tropical-fish --- # Aquatek Tropical Fish Fish store in Austin, Texas - **Address**: 2521 Rutland Dr #500, Austin, TX 78758, Austin, TX, 78758 - **Phone**: (512) 450-0182 - **Website**: [www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576119234564](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576119234564) - **Rating**: 4.6/5 (1109 reviews) ## Hours | Day | Hours | | --- | --- | | Monday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Thursday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Friday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Saturday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Sunday | 12:00 – 6:00 PM | ## 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. ## Specializations - **Water Types**: Freshwater, Saltwater - **Livestock & Products**: Live Plants, Cichlids, Axolotls, Shrimp, Invertebrates, Bettas, Corals, Planted Tanks, Rare Species, Aquarium Equipment, Dry Goods, Fish Food - **Services**: Consultation, Tank Setup - **Known For**: Premium Equipment, Knowledgeable Staff, Beginner Friendly ## Highlights - 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 ## Customer Reviews **"Christina Hughes"** - 5/5 - 3 days ago > Love this place! Kate the Great is so personable and knowledgeable. This is where I go for my axolotls ☺️ **"Avery :D"** - 2/5 - 4 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. **"Nan Bozeman"** - 5/5 - 5 days ago > Incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff, for anyone from first time fish owners to experienced aquarium keepers. **"Chris Holland"** - 5/5 - 5 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. **"christell mcbride"** - 5/5 - 5 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 **"Ashley Boening"** - 5/5 - a week ago > Best fish store in town. Best selection of fresh and salt water fish and the most knowledgeable and patient staff. **"Rene Cabrera Legra"** - 5/5 - a 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 **"Meghan Bates"** - 5/5 - 2 weeks 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 **"Clara Griffith"** - 5/5 - 3 weeks ago > Knowledgeable and helpful staff! Incredible selection of fish, plants, aquascaping material, and tank equipment. **"Kristy Moreno"** - 5/5 - 3 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! ## Nearby Stores - [Fish Whisper](https://www.fishstores.org/texas/austin/fish-whisper) - Austin, TX - 5.0/5 - [A Fishie Anado](https://www.fishstores.org/texas/austin/a-fishie-anado) - Austin, TX - 4.9/5 - [River City Aquatics](https://www.fishstores.org/texas/austin/river-city-aquatics) - Austin, TX - 4.7/5 - [Austin Aqua-Dome](https://www.fishstores.org/texas/austin/austin-aqua-dome) - Austin, TX - 4.6/5 - [Zookeeper Exotics](https://www.fishstores.org/texas/austin/zookeeper-exotics) - Austin, TX - 4.6/5 - [The Aquarium Company](https://www.fishstores.org/texas/austin/the-aquarium-company) - Austin, TX - 4.3/5 --- *Source: [FishStores.org](https://www.fishstores.org/texas/austin/aquatek-tropical-fish)* *Last updated: February 7, 2026*