About
Dallas North Aquarium—DNA to the locals—occupies a unique space in the DFW aquatics scene: a big-box-sized operation in Carrollton, Texas, that still feels like a family-owned neighborhood fish store. The moment you walk in, the sheer scale of livestock hits you. Freshwater and saltwater tanks stretch across the floor, stocked with everything from Farowella catfish and cherry shrimp to corals that have reef hobbyists driving in from as far as Oklahoma.
An aquascaping table lets you mock up hardscape layouts with wood and rocks before committing—a thoughtful touch that speaks to how seriously this store takes the hobby. The staff is the real draw. Jeremy's name comes up in review after review: he's the kind of employee who remembers your previous conversation, knows which fish are compatible, and will walk a total newcomer through an entire tank setup without rushing.
Another staffer, described only by his signature bow tie, once single-handedly unloaded a delivery truck mid-shift to dig out a bottle of Neo-Nitro for a customer battling dinoflagellates on their reef. When a customer called about ich on their plecos, staff member Jeremy diagnosed the root cause over the phone and had medications waiting at the counter. One reviewer even reported that someone from the store came to their house to catch a fish—at no charge.
The inventory covers planted tanks, reef setups, and everything in between: tanks in multiple gallon sizes, rocks, décor, water treatment supplies, and quality used equipment for budget-conscious shoppers. Live plants look vibrant, and livestock is consistently described as healthy. Coral selection is strong enough that staffers confidently walk newcomers through reef-keeping basics.
99—competitive with chain stores but visibly healthier. Prices skew slightly higher on some items, but the trade-off is expert guidance, a clean and well-organized store, and a return policy that backs up their livestock. For anyone in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex serious about aquatics, DNA sets the standard.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Aquascaping table for testing hardscape layouts before purchase
- Massive freshwater and saltwater livestock selection rarely found outside specialty stores
- Staff like Jeremy who provide personalized consultation and remember returning customers
- Healthy coral selection with knowledgeable reef-keeping guidance
- Quality used equipment available for budget-conscious hobbyists
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Love the store. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Will be going back.”
— Chris Caviness5.03 hours ago“I luv this place”
— diver 1 sea5.0Edited 4 days ago“In the darkest hour of my reef‑keeping saga—when my corals were gasping, my nitrates were plummeting, and my war against the microscopic dino‑menace seemed all but lost—there emerged a hero. Not just any hero. A hero wearing a bow tie so powerful, so majestic, it practically hummed with customer‑service energy. I strode into DNA expecting disappointment. I was told the sacred shipment of Neo‑Nitro might be arriving, but the truck had not yet been unloaded. Most mere mortals would shrug, apologize politely, and go about their day. But not him. No—this bow‑tie‑bearing beacon of hope squared his shoulders, adjusted his neck-mounted badge of valor, and in a voice that could calm the stormiest reef said: “I’ve got this.” Then, like an aquatic-themed superhero, he launched himself toward the back of the store. I swear I heard a whoosh—he was moving faster than a turbo‑charged copepod fleeing a wrasse. Moments later, the earth trembled (probably). The truck, previously full and immovable, was somehow single‑handedly unloaded by this paragon of customer service. Boxes flew, packing tape screamed, forklifts wept in admiration. He dug through the shipment with the determination of a clownfish searching for its lost anemone home. And then—like Excalibur being pulled from the stone—he emerged victorious, holding aloft a pristine bottle of Neo‑Nitro, glowing (in my memory, at least) with divine aquarist light. By the time I reached the counter, the bottle was already waiting for me, positioned like a treasured artifact. Thanks to his heroic intervention, I made it back to work before the end of my lunch break—a feat previously considered impossible by man or fish. To the bow‑tie‑wearing guardian of DNA: You didn’t just save my reef. You saved my day, my dignity, and possibly the entire micro‑ecosystem under my care. Give this man a raise. A trophy. A holiday. A statue made entirely of aragonite.”
— Michael Pope5.05 days ago“The only place I buy fish and supplies”
— Spencer B5.0a week ago“Great selection of coral, and outstanding customer service.”
— kellye husack5.0Edited a week ago“Went to browse and ended up purchasing 2 Farowellas as a christmas gift to myself. They had a great selection and were helpful about providing information for their care. The Farowellas are also still going strong now so fish are definitely healthy from here!”
— Abbie Anderson5.0a week ago“I called the store because my plecos got ick. I talked to Jeremy and he helped me understand the root cause and how to treat them. He had the supplies ready for me when I got there. My plecos healed completely in less than 3 days. This place does not just have great things, but great people too. I highly recommend this store to anyone with fish!”
— Nikki Cox5.02 weeks ago“Great peoplle family owned. Came to my house tocatch a fish no charge. Extremly knowledgable. Good prices”
— Robert Canterbury5.02 weeks ago“Poor customer service.”
— Yvonne Jamnik1.02 weeks ago“Most of the staff is knowledgeable. Prices are fair. Selection is great! Been shopping here for many years”
— wes bock5.02 weeks ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (972) 492-6165 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Dallas North Aquarium.