About
Tucked into Orem, Utah, Aquatic Evolution LLC has built a loyal following among Utah County's reef keepers and freshwater hobbyists alike. Owner Shawn, who brings over two decades of experience to the counter, is the kind of hands-on proprietor who will walk a complete beginner through every step of setting up their first saltwater tank — and who stocks the kind of corals that make veteran reefers drive down from Salt Lake City. The store's saltwater side is clearly its strength.
Reviewers consistently praise the coral selection for both quality and variety, with display tanks that drew admiration during a local reef tour for being among the most impressive around. Healthy livestock is a recurring theme — customers report fish thriving long after purchase. The shop also sells premixed saltwater at roughly a dollar per gallon, and perhaps its most beloved perk: free RO water for anyone who brings their own jugs, a genuine boon for reef hobbyists managing water chemistry at home.
On the freshwater side, Aquatic Evolution carries a decent selection of tropical fish and live aquarium plants, with plans for expansion that have customers eagerly anticipating a bigger freshwater section. The store stocks maintenance gear, dry goods, and saltwater supplies, making it a functional one-stop for most aquarium needs. The vibe is small and personal — this isn't a sprawling retail warehouse, and that's part of its charm.
Staff members like Riley are frequently called out by name for being genuinely helpful. The limited hours (closed Sundays, with a schedule that can catch visitors off guard) and quick turnover on popular items are the main caveats. A few reviewers have noted occasional customer service inconsistencies, but the overwhelming consensus places Aquatic Evolution as the best fish store in Utah County.
For reef enthusiasts in the Orem area who value knowledgeable guidance, healthy corals, and fair pricing, this shop delivers where it counts. Just check their hours before you go.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Free RO water — just bring your own jugs
- Premixed saltwater available at ~$1 per gallon
- Impressive coral selection praised during local reef tour
- Owner Shawn brings 20+ years of hands-on reef experience
- Strong saltwater livestock with freshwater expansion underway
From keepers
Customer reviews
“They have all you need to maintain a successful tank for either freshwater or saltwater aquariums. The owner is knowledgeable and has great suggestions to have a thriving tank.”
— Hikimai Johnson5.0a month ago“Great place! Super knowledgeable and helpful.”
— Jeremy Smith5.0a month ago“My aquarium is INFESTED with snails. I bought all my plants from aquatic evolution and I asked the guy there if they were pest free, he Gave me a Snarky answer, told me that they were and “he’s never seen any snails in the tank” and now my whole tank is infested with snails I should’ve not brought from them, especially after that comment and dirty tanks smfh i just wanted to buy locally.”
— Sha Boomi1.04 months ago“I bought a few aquarium plants for a fair price”
— Adam Christensen5.04 months ago“Shawn is extremely knowledgeable and patient/helpful for beginners.”
— Ben Markham5.0Edited 8 months ago“They were remodeling so I hope to go back and check them out. Staff was very friendly and helpful!”
— Kevin Olsen5.0Edited 10 months ago“It’s nice to have this offering in town! They have a bigger variety than traditional retail pet stores. It’s a small quaint place with friendly and helpful staff!”
— Samuel Leavitt5.0a year ago“Staff was very friendly and helpful. They are currently renovating a little bit so I m looking forward to going back after they finish. Good location.”
— Adam Stevenson4.0a year ago“Post your hours on Google maps so people don’t waste there time with you not being open”
— Mr Anonymous1.02 years ago“The RO water is literally free. Saltwater is a dollar per gallon. They have a great selection of corals and fish. It isn't the cheapest saltwater store I've ever been to, but the prices are reasonable considering the types of coral they have. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable as well.”
— M. Rande Ritz5.02 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (801) 224-1515 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquatic Evolution LLC.