The Companion Shop is a beloved, locally owned pet supply store nestled in downtown Stevens Point, Wisconsin, run by owners Angie and Rick (also referred to as Rick and Andi in some reviews). While this is primarily a dog and cat supply destination rather than a fish store, it has earned a fiercely loyal following among pet owners across central Wisconsin and beyond — visitors from as far as Chicago make special trips for their exclusive food offerings.
The shop's strength lies in its carefully curated selection of high-quality pet foods, including Fromm products and limited-ingredient diets for dogs with sensitivities. Staff members are consistently praised for their knowledge in helping customers navigate food choices for pets with dietary restrictions. Beyond nutrition, the store stocks an impressive array of treats, tough toys for big dogs (Kong Wubba is a customer favorite), and a full range of accessories including leashes, vests, collars, carriers, and training items.
One of the store's most charming features is the basement area where dogs can play and try out new toys for free before purchasing — a thoughtful touch that speaks to how well the owners understand their customers. They also offer self-serve dog bathing stations, with reviewers like one rescued twelve-year-old Duke's owner raving about the experience and the helpful guidance from staff member Sarah.
The knit catnip animals displayed by the register have become something of a signature item, and the canned cat food selection draws particular praise from feline owners looking for variety to please picky eaters. The store prioritizes Wisconsin-made products, reinforcing its commitment to local businesses.
With its clean, welcoming atmosphere and a staff that genuinely loves animals — they once showered a neighbor's kitten with gifts when a misdelivered package brought them together — The Companion Shop is the kind of downtown destination that makes Stevens Point feel like home for pet owners.
Tucked into Monona, Wisconsin, The Golden Guppy has built a devoted following across the greater Madison area — the kind of shop people drive an hour to visit and never regret. With a 4.9-star rating across 254 reviews, it's earned that loyalty through genuinely healthy fish, an impressive live plant selection, and a staff that customers call out by name: Katie, Cody, Will, and Tristan each get personal shoutouts for their patience and expertise.
Walk in and the first thing you'll notice is what you don't smell. The tanks are meticulously maintained, and the fish show it — multiple reviewers report purchases thriving for years, surviving cross-state moves without issue. The freshwater selection covers solid ground: neocaridina and amano shrimp, guppies, mollies, platties, plecos, African dwarf frogs, bettas, and assassin snails all get specific mentions. For planted tank enthusiasts, the live plant inventory rivals or beats online shops in both variety and price, and the staff is genuinely skilled at helping customers design setups from low-tech shrimp bowls to full 90-gallon planted showcases.
The store stocks Aquarium Co-Op products, a detail that signals credibility to the hobby community. Beyond retail, Golden Guppy offers practical services that set it apart: free water testing, fish compatibility consultations, and a tank cleaning service that reviewer after reviewer praises. Tristan, specifically, gets credit for transforming neglected inherited tanks into thriving ecosystems. They also run a buy-back program — one customer raised African dwarf frog babies and sold them back for store credit.
Pricing is consistently described as reasonable for a local independent shop, and a rewards program sweetens repeat visits. The one occasional gripe is wait times during busy periods, though the shop has been responsive to that feedback. For freshwater fishkeepers in the Madison area looking for healthy livestock, expert planted tank guidance, and a team that genuinely wants your setup to succeed, Golden Guppy delivers.
Aquatic Realmz in Greenfield, Wisconsin has built a reputation as metro Milwaukee's go-to aquarium maintenance and design company, and the reviews make it clear why. Led by Damon Bruce and backed by a team of dedicated technicians — Turner, Cameron, John, and James among them — this outfit handles everything from monthly freshwater tank cleanings to setting up Waterbox Marine X reef aquariums to winterizing backyard ponds.
The breadth of what they do is striking. One customer praised them for safely moving a 170-gallon reef tank with SPS colonies intact. Another had three aquariums relocated — a 90-gallon, a 45-gallon, and a 10-gallon betta tank — without losing a single fish. They maintain turtle tanks on monthly schedules, consult with children's centers on adding fish tanks to their facilities, and handle pond openings and closings with meticulous seasonal care. Turner Renk, one of their most frequently mentioned techs, has earned a loyal following for his thorough pond work, once spotting a liner leak caused by chipmunks and even pointing out leopard frog eggs to a fascinated homeowner.
On the saltwater side, customers report happy clownfish and thriving corals after maintenance visits, and Damon's reef tank installations earn high marks for professionalism and detail. Cameron draws consistent praise for her knowledge during tank cleanings, walking customers through fish selection and helping make tough decisions about struggling livestock. The freshwater side includes planted tank recommendations and live plant placement advice.
What sets Aquatic Realmz apart from a typical fish store is their service-first model. They come to you — cleaning, designing, moving, and maintaining tanks and ponds across the greater Milwaukee area. Communication is a recurring theme in reviews; customers appreciate the ongoing updates and follow-through. For anyone in southeastern Wisconsin looking for hands-on aquarium or pond care from people who treat your tank like their own, this team delivers consistently.
Tucked away on a farm property in Evansville, Wisconsin, Tristan's Tropical Fish is the kind of place that earns its reputation through word of mouth — a nurse recommending it to a patient, a hobbyist driving 40 minutes each way and calling it worth every mile. Owner Tristan runs the operation start to finish: breeding, raising, quarantining, packing, and shipping fish with a level of care that larger operations rarely match.
The freshwater selection leans toward the fascinating and unusual. Reviewers rave about Apistogramma borellii opal pairs, Venezuelan Corydoras, L333 plecos, and angelfish varieties not found at any other local shop. Cardinal and black neon tetras arrive vibrant and stay healthy — one customer purchased roughly 20 and didn't lose a single one. Tristan also breeds his own Amano shrimp, a notoriously difficult endeavor, alongside blue dream neocaridina shrimp that draw dedicated invertebrate keepers.
The plant selection is equally impressive. Visitors describe robust, lush epiphyte plants filling the retail space, and the shop occasionally surprises with orchids and other botanical projects in progress. Clean tanks line the facility, and an adorable shop cat serves as the unofficial greeter.
Tristan's online store and shipping operation deserve special mention. He monitors weather reports and will delay shipments to avoid holiday postal slowdowns or dangerous cold snaps. Fish arrive with heat packs, individually labeled bags, and packing quality that multiple reviewers call the best they've ever seen. When stock discrepancies arise, refunds come promptly and professionally. He also quarantines all fish before they ship or go to new homes — a practice that sets him apart.
Prices run lower than competitors for locally raised, high-quality fish. The communication is responsive, the knowledge runs deep, and the passion is unmistakable. For freshwater hobbyists in the Madison area and well beyond, Tristan's is the real deal.
FreshwaterRare SpeciesLive PlantsShrimpShips FishOnline Store
Red Fish Blue Fish Aquatics has quickly become a favorite among Madison's freshwater hobbyists, and it's easy to see why. This tidy, well-organized shop specializes in healthy freshwater fish, live plants, shrimp, and snails — and the care that goes into every tank is immediately apparent. Visitors consistently note how clean and bright the displays are, with no overcrowding and no lingering smell, a sure sign of meticulous husbandry behind the scenes.
The cichlid selection draws particular praise, alongside more uncommon offerings like pea puffers that customers report thriving long after purchase. The plant inventory is equally impressive — buyers describe their new acquisitions growing fantastically in home tanks, and the staff takes time to help customers choose species that will work for their specific setups. Shrimp and snails round out a focused freshwater invertebrate lineup.
What sets this shop apart is the owner's genuine passion and hands-on involvement. He'll test your water on the spot, walk you through aquarium management, and patiently answer questions from both seasoned hobbyists and curious kids alike. Multiple reviewers describe detailed conversations about tank setup, fish care, and plant compatibility — the kind of personalized consultation that big-box stores simply can't match.
Red Fish Blue Fish also ships orders, and the online experience mirrors the in-store quality. One customer raved about the communication, fair pricing, and fast shipping, noting that the fish arrived in excellent condition. That kind of consistency across channels speaks volumes about how the business is run.
For anyone building or maintaining a freshwater aquarium in the Madison area, this shop delivers on every front: healthy livestock, thriving plants, spotless facilities, and the kind of expert guidance that helps you succeed at home. The 4.9-star rating across dozens of reviews isn't an accident — it's the result of an owner who clearly treats every fish, plant, and customer with genuine care.
Advanced Aquarium Systems has been a fixture of the Green Bay aquarium scene for decades — the shop traces its roots back to the 1980s under previous ownership, and current owner Dave has built it into something that draws compliments from expert fishkeepers visiting Wisconsin from across the country. The Milwaukee Aquarium Society's president has publicly endorsed the store, and local fish clubs benefit from Dave's generous donations.
Step inside and the warmth and humidity hit you immediately — a sign that the livestock is kept in properly maintained tropical conditions. Rows of beautifully kept tanks line the store, including several impressively large display setups with huge fish that make the shop worth a visit even if you're just browsing with kids on a rainy afternoon. The atmosphere is relaxed and pressure-free, with multiple reviewers describing a zen-like calm.
The freshwater selection is where Advanced Aquarium Systems truly distinguishes itself. Rare species that never show up at chain stores are a staple here — the owner has been known to spend 30 minutes personally walking customers through unusual additions for their tanks. Neocaridina shrimp arrive in vivid color with exceptional health, outclassing big-box competitors by a wide margin. Amano shrimp, kuhli loaches, catfish, guppies, Blue Acaras, and a rotating cast of uncommon species fill the tanks. Live plants are notably healthier, larger, and more affordable than at competing shops.
Staff members like Dwight bring genuine enthusiasm to every interaction — offering behind-the-scenes tours, explaining species in detail, and patiently helping customers plan stocking for new setups. The store also handles large tank delivery, making the leap to a bigger aquarium less daunting. Tank accessories include an eclectic mix alongside some cool vintage ceramic decorations.
With 561 reviews averaging 4.8 stars and endorsements from regional aquarium societies, Advanced Aquarium Systems has earned its reputation as one of Wisconsin's premier freshwater fish destinations. The combination of rare livestock, healthy plants, expert staff, and decades of institutional knowledge makes the drive to Green Bay well worth it.
Animal Outfitters in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin is a boutique pet supply store that has earned a devoted following over more than a decade of serving the community. Owned and operated by Cathy (often called Kathy by regulars), this woman-owned shop surprises visitors with how much it packs into its modest footprint — it's genuinely bigger than it looks from the outside, with a well-organized layout that makes browsing easy.
The store's bread and butter is high-quality pet food and treats. Reviewers consistently praise the curated selection of healthy dog and cat food options, including specialty and hard-to-find brands like Fromm — ask about their loyalty program where you can earn a free large bag after purchasing twelve. The freeze-dried treats and homemade dog cookies in various flavors are a particular draw, with one traveling professional admitting they stop in every time they pass through the area to stock up on chews.
Beyond food, Animal Outfitters carries an impressive assortment of collars, leashes, toys for tough chewers, and even pet clothing — one customer finally found a properly fitting onesie for their hairless dachshund after failing with dozens of Amazon orders. They also offer on-site pet tag engraving, turning custom ID tags around quickly with their in-store machine. Rain jackets, wind jackets, and specialty garments are available with hands-on fitting assistance from the owner herself.
What truly sets this shop apart is the personal touch. Cathy greets customers by name, offers thoughtful advice on digestive issues, helps with proper clothing fits for rescue dogs, and carries out heavy bags of food for those who need a hand. The store is pet-friendly — expect to be greeted by Cathy's own golden retriever and other resident fur babies stationed near the counter. It's the kind of place where a veterinarian refers clients, knowing the product quality speaks for itself. Pricing is competitive with national chains, but the expertise and care are something PetSmart simply cannot replicate.
Wild Habitats in Appleton, Wisconsin has built a loyal following on the strength of one thing above all: genuine care — for animals, customers, and the craft of keeping them both happy. This independently owned fish and reptile shop has earned its stellar reputation through hands-on expertise and a willingness to spend real time with every person who walks through the door.
The freshwater fish selection is healthy and well-maintained, with clean tanks housing angelfish, bettas, platies, plecos, and more. Customers consistently note the difference from chain stores — no floaters, no neglected tanks. The live aquatic plants are another draw, with staff ready to walk you through what will actually work in your specific setup rather than just pointing you toward a shelf.
Brady, who multiple reviewers mention by name, is the heart of the operation. He's the kind of shopkeeper who remembers your animals, your setup, and your last purchase. One customer brought in a pleco that had outgrown their tank, and rather than judgment, they got help rehoming the fish — no shame, just solutions. That kind of approach builds the trust that keeps people coming back for years.
While Wild Habitats isn't exclusively a fish store — they carry reptiles, feeder insects, and related supplies — the aquarium side holds its own with a solid selection of freshwater species, aquatic plants, and aquarium décor. The feeder insects, particularly crickets and hornworms, are gut-loaded on leafy greens and priced competitively, which matters for the reptile keepers who cross over into this space.
The store is compact but well-curated, and the atmosphere is warm enough that customers report dropping by just to browse and chat. For freshwater hobbyists in the Fox Valley area looking for a shop that treats fish keeping as a relationship rather than a transaction, Wild Habitats delivers.
Tucked away in Neenah, Wisconsin, Custom Aquariums is a manufacturer that ships meticulously crafted tanks, stands, sumps, and canopies to hobbyists across the country — from southern California to Raleigh, North Carolina. This isn't a typical fish store stocked with livestock. Instead, it's an operation built around one thing: designing and fabricating custom aquariums that arrive at your doorstep in flawless condition.
The product lineup spans freshwater setups, reef-ready systems, paludariums, and even massive orchid terrariums. Tanks range from 90-gallon freshwater builds to 300-gallon reef tanks, with ultra-clear glass options and custom dimensions like corner pentagons. Their seamless sump filtration system draws consistent praise — reviewers describe it as quieter and more leak-proof than competing designs, with an overflow and siphon stopper that runs virtually silent. Stands come in finishes like mahogany and cherry cabinetry, and steel stand options are available for those who prioritize structural rigidity.
Two names come up repeatedly in reviews: Bob Pontow and Nathan Aplin. Bob guided one customer through multiple revisions on a 6-foot-tall, 1,000-pound terrarium build without losing patience. Nathan walked a first-time large-tank owner through every step of a 90-gallon setup, sending specs in advance, troubleshooting concerns by phone, and following up long after delivery. That kind of sustained, personalized attention defines the Custom Aquariums experience.
Shipping is a standout. Customers consistently marvel at the crating — heavy-duty packaging that protects glass through cross-country transit. Multiple reviewers report tanks arriving weeks ahead of schedule and in perfect condition. One 125-gallon custom build shipped from Wisconsin to southern California without a scratch.
This is a company for hobbyists who want a showpiece tank engineered to last. The design process is collaborative, pricing is competitive against other custom manufacturers, and the end product — by all accounts — is something people build rooms around.
Tucked away in a basement in Plymouth, Wisconsin, Elsner Aquarium & Supply is the kind of fish store that inspires lifelong loyalty. Run by father-and-son duo Alan and Jeff, this family operation has been serving Sheboygan County's aquarium hobbyists since at least the early 1980s — some customers have been coming back for over 40 years. The unassuming location, accessible via a marquee sign out front, opens up into a surprisingly well-organized space filled with rows of immaculately maintained tanks.
The freshwater livestock here is the main draw. Reviewers rave about the health and color of the fish — clown loaches, bala sharks, mollies, shrimp, and a rotating variety that consistently outshines what the big box stores carry. Multiple customers report never needing to quarantine fish purchased here, a testament to the care Alan and Jeff put into their tanks. One customer picked up a seven-inch bala shark for six dollars, while PetSmart was charging ten for a two-inch specimen. Competitive pricing runs throughout the store.
Beyond fish, Elsner's stocks a solid range of aquarium supplies — tanks, filters, substrate, food, water treatments, and medications. They also carry some small pet supplies. But what truly sets this shop apart is the consultation you get with every visit. Alan and Jeff draw on decades of hands-on experience to walk customers through water quality management, stocking choices, and compatibility issues. They'll tell you if that fish you're eyeing is going to grow three feet long — the kind of honest guidance that saves hobbyists from expensive mistakes.
The atmosphere is warm and unhurried. Customers describe being treated like family rather than transactions. One former exotic pet store owner in the area had such respect for Elsner's freshwater expertise that they'd send customers back and forth between shops rather than compete. That kind of mutual respect speaks volumes about the reputation this little basement shop has earned across Plymouth and beyond. Keep their limited hours in mind and plan accordingly — Saturdays tend to be busy for good reason.
