About
Hydronaut Aquatics has carved out a loyal following in Lubbock, Texas, built on healthy livestock, a clean storefront, and a team led by owner Andrew and staffers like Zach and Tracy who genuinely invest in their customers' success. Walk in and you'll notice the difference immediately — the store smells clean, tanks are well-maintained, and the fish look vibrant. Reviewers consistently note the quality of the livestock over quantity, from fire red cherry shrimp and peacock cichlids to clownfish, puffers, and axolotls.
The shop serves both freshwater and saltwater hobbyists with a solid range of fish, corals, and equipment. One customer picked up their first pair of clownfish and a puffer from Andrew and raved about how they looked in the tank. Another was thrilled to find peacock cichlids in stock.
If they don't carry what you're looking for, the team will track it down — one customer reached out on Instagram about a specific species and Hydronaut sourced it for them. Fish are quarantined and health-checked before going home with buyers. Beyond retail, the store provides hands-on services that set it apart.
Andrew has driven over three hours for home tank setups, and the staff offers water parameter testing for customers who stop in regularly. First-time fish owners have praised the patience and thoroughness of the guidance they received, from tank setup to stocking recommendations and feeding advice. The store isn't without its critics — a few reviewers have noted inconsistent customer service during evening shifts and a frustrating lack of visible pricing on tanks.
The live plant and aquascaping selection has also been called limited. But the core experience keeps people coming back: healthy fish, genuine expertise, and a welcoming atmosphere where regulars get greeted by name. For Lubbock aquarists wanting a local shop that prioritizes livestock health and long-term hobbyist success over quick sales, Hydronaut Aquatics delivers.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Healthy livestock including corals, peacock cichlids, clownfish, puffers, axolotls, and fire red cherry shrimp
- Owner Andrew provides home tank setup and maintenance, driving 3+ hours for installations
- Free water parameter testing available for regular customers
- Will special-order fish and quarantine them before sale
- Clean, well-maintained store with both freshwater and saltwater selections
From keepers
Customer reviews
“So many beautiful fish, great customer service. Helped me figure out why my boy does weird dances.”
— Rue Sakirkin5.0a month ago“I have to honestly give it a one star because my husband and I walked in and there was a guy at the front counter that never looked up. I think he might have been on his phone. We walked around looking and talking about the different fish tanks and when we walked out…he was still looking down. No pun intended, just being honest about our experience since I was asked to make a review. I’m sure Hydronaut Aquatics is a great place to buy fish, etc.. but we didn’t get to experience it.”
— Sonia Hall-Nelson1.03 months ago“Friendly staff! Lots of options.”
— PJ Morgan5.03 months ago“Absolutely trash customer service. You guys should hire people who actually want to work there. Employee was incredibly rude, impatient, and not helpful in any way. Will never go there again.”
— Kris Taylor1.03 months ago“great selection of fish but customer service is pretty bad they don’t put prices on there products and instead will just make one up when u check out honestly just about the money not the relationship”
— Jackson Elam1.04 months ago“Cool dudes and beautiful fish! Love their selection and they are always willing to help!”
— Edge_ L0rd_5.04 months ago“Fish handlers were EXTREMELY knowledgeable, helped my wife & I (first time fish owners) with everything we needed to operate a clean healthy tank for our fish... Looking forward to going back for a few more tips & introducing a few more fish for our tank in time....”
— Jeremy valadez5.05 months ago“They have a good selection of fish and plants to purchase. You can even purchase ready to use water for your tank. They have puffer fish to axolotl's. The guys working were knowledgeable about what is best for your tank. The fish are a little more pricey but they seem better quality of fish than other places.”
— Caitlin Howard4.05 months ago“We love this place. Zach is awesome and always has great advice and answers all my stupid questions. They have a great variety of salt and freshwater fish, and supplies. They are always willing to help. Definitely add this to your list of local businesses to support.”
— Josh s5.05 months ago“Very clean and smells good not fishy. Would recommend. Fish looks great and healthy.”
— Williams Betty5.06 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (806) 891-0736 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Hydronaut Aquatics.