About
Red's Aquarium & Pet Supply has become the heartbeat of Bellingham's freshwater fishkeeping community. Tucked into a modest footprint, this independently owned shop punches well above its size with a rotating inventory of healthy fish, shrimp, snails, and one of the most impressive live plant selections in the region — priced, according to regulars, well below the competition. The driftwood and hardscape materials round out a true one-stop aquascaping destination.
What sets Red's apart starts behind the scenes: every fish is quarantined before hitting the sales floor, meaning customers can confidently add new stock to their tanks the same day. The shop will also special-order species — black angelfish being one recent example — giving hobbyists access to fish they won't find on the usual rack. An axolotl display tank near the front is a crowd favorite and a reliable conversation starter.
The staff is the store's greatest asset. Reviewers single out Diedra for her persistence in troubleshooting tank chemistry problems over the phone, email, and in person. Marv earns praise for thorough husbandry explanations, and Spencer for his quick, confident help during equipment upgrades.
The team offers free water testing and treats every question — even the self-described silly ones — with genuine enthusiasm rather than judgment. Red's also extends into pond supplies, and the shop carries a well-curated selection of premium dog and cat food, including specialty diets. But the real magic is community building.
The store hosts local fish swaps where hobbyists trade livestock and save money, and staff actively connect newcomers to Bellingham fishkeeping groups on Facebook. Multiple reviewers mention driving 40 minutes or more just to shop here, choosing Red's over big-box alternatives. For anyone in the Bellingham area building a planted tank, stocking a freshwater community, or simply looking for people who care as much about fish as they do, Red's is the local shop that earns the loyalty.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterPond
Highlights
What makes them special
- All fish are quarantined before sale for healthy same-day additions
- Extensive and affordable selection of live aquatic plants
- Staff members like Diedra, Marv, and Spencer offer personalized guidance in-store, by phone, and email
- Axolotl display tank draws visitors
- Hosts local fish swaps to build community among hobbyists
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Love this place and always leave with new plants for my tanks and love looking at all the fish”
— Patrick Winnett5.02 weeks ago“CALLING ALL BHAM FISH KEEPERS. This is an amazing place to source both your plants and fish. This is my heavily planted 10 gal tank. Almost every plant you see there is sourced by red’s! Including the wood. On top of this the employees are so kind and so informative. They are very educated on their fish care and you can even ask them if your having a problems. As well as they will test your water. I have found their plants to be wayyy cheaper than anywhere else. While some of their fish supplies and merchandise can be expensive I think it’s worth it to support their business!! Their fish are a little bit on the pricy end, but they are quarantined, and well bred. You can confidently add them into your tank the same day, knowing they are free of any yucks or yicks. wether you are looking for a water test, plants, ask a question, fish, or even want to see their AXOLOTL tank!! This is the place for youn”
— Emily Koenig5.04 weeks ago“I love how knowledgeable the staff are there, it was a supportive and learning atmosphere for me as I just got a fish tank. Also they got me connected to a Facebook group and other community members doing the same thing as me.”
— Rebecca Kinley5.0a month ago“I am very grateful that Red's exists. Their animals are well taken care of and the staff is very knowledgeable! Best place in town to find healthy freshwater fish.”
— August Chambers5.0a month ago“Great privately owned pet shop. Good selection of some beautiful healthy fish and they host local swaps to build community and help customers save $”
— Brandon McCormick5.02 months ago“Great store! Staff is so helpful and there’s a wide variety of products available”
— Jadelynn R5.03 months ago“Reds is a really amazing store! The way they treat their fish is top of the line! And the food they have helps all my pets, even my cat that needs lid cat food to for his sensitive stomach! They are a truly magical place.”
— Aura Dearte5.03 months ago“Went in just to get a snail and a plant and was met with nothing but wonderful service! Everybody we spoke to was super knowledgeable and excited and genuinely happy to help and share their knowledge. Greatly appreciated spot to support in a city with mostly corporate pet stores!”
— Ethan M5.04 months ago“Red’s is the best aquarium shop around! I have been struggling with tank chemistry issues and Diedra has been incredibly helpful. She has problem solved with me at the shop, over the phone, and even over email. The staff are all knowledgeable and courteous. 5/5 stars! They also have a fantastic variety of high quality cat and dog foods and care products.”
— Jennifer Branham5.05 months ago“We walked into Red's Aquarium & Pet and were promptly welcomed in. The owner came over to us and made sure our needs were being met. She was actively listening to our questions and was quickly able to assist us with exactly what we were looking for. The owner was friendly and helpful. The shoppers were treated like family and the customers interacted openly and comforting. We will be back again for more of our pond needs!”
— Shara5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (360) 393-6121 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Red's Aquarium & Pet Supply.