360 Aquatic

Walk into 360 Aquatic in northwest Houston and the first thing you notice is the smell — or rather, the lack of one. The tanks are immaculate, the water crystal clear, and the fish practically glow with health. Owner Dan and his team have built something that draws hobbyists from New Orleans, from two hours away, from every corner of the greater Houston metro, all converging on a store that has earned an almost fanatical following.

The freshwater selection is staggering. Rows of bettas — including a sorority tank that makes choosing just one genuinely difficult — sit alongside Electric Blue Rams, plecos of every variety, cichlids, nano fish, and shrimp. One 19-year veteran of the hobby called it the most comprehensive freshwater inventory he'd seen in 30 years.

The live plant wall is equally impressive, complemented by driftwood and hardscape materials that make this a genuine one-stop shop for aquascaping enthusiasts. What separates 360 Aquatic from the pack is the care behind the curtain. They quarantine all incoming fish before putting them on the sales floor — a practice reviewers note is virtually unheard of among local fish stores.

The result: customer after customer reports zero sick fish, no hitchhiker snails, and livestock that thrives for years. One regular started with a single aquarium at 360 and now runs five, with 90% of his fish sourced here. The store stocks Aquarium Co-Op products — reportedly the only Houston retailer to do so — along with a solid selection of foods including fresh blackworms.

Prices stay honest; multiple long-time hobbyists specifically praise the fair markup on both livestock and supplies. Staff interactions feel genuinely invested. They'll walk you through fish compatibility, talk tank sizing, and share knowledge freely.

A new location is reportedly in the works, which should help ease the weekend crowds that pack the current shop. For freshwater fishkeeping in Houston, 360 Aquatic has set the standard.