AquaRealm Aquarium & Pets

Tucked into downtown St Johnsbury, AquaRealm Aquarium & Pets has become a lifeline for animal enthusiasts in Vermont's rural Northeast Kingdom. Owned and operated by DJ, Melissa, and a tight-knit crew of genuinely passionate staffers, this compact shop punches well above its weight, stocking freshwater and saltwater fish alongside reptiles, birds, small mammals, and their signature draw — axolotls. For aquarium hobbyists in particular, AquaRealm fills a real gap.

Multiple reviewers note the difficulty of finding quality fish and aquarium supplies in such a remote area, and the store consistently delivers a solid freshwater fish selection plus the gear to support new and established tanks. One customer recounted a staff member staying 45 minutes past closing to walk them through a new aquarium setup, answering every question without a hint of impatience. That kind of devotion shows up again and again in reviews — a phone call from Florida about betta care got the same careful, knowledgeable treatment as an in-person visit.

The reptile side is equally robust. Bearded dragon owners rely on AquaRealm for hornworms, crickets, and terrarium supplies, and the staff has earned a reputation for proactive safety advice, like warning customers away from feeding toxic tomato worms to their beardies. The shop also carries supplies for crested geckos and will special-order food they don't have in stock.

Beyond the merchandise, the store has personality. Sweetie, a 17-year-old chinchilla who apparently delights in startling visiting dogs, is a beloved fixture. Isopod collections, degus, tarantulas, and frogs round out a menagerie that makes every visit feel like a discovery.

People drive over an hour to shop here, and the consensus is clear: the staff's genuine care for animals and customers alike makes AquaRealm worth the trip.