About
Walking into Sanctuary Aquatics in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the first thing that strikes you is scale. The store is significantly larger than its exterior suggests, with an interior built around a centerpiece lagoon — a massive open pond stocked with large cichlids that draws visitors just to sit and watch. A reading nook beside the big tank invites you to linger, and the waterfront-themed atmosphere, complete with dramatic lighting, makes the space feel more like an aquarium attraction than a retail shop.
The store is cleanly divided into freshwater and saltwater sections, each impressively maintained. The saltwater side draws particular praise from reef hobbyists across central Wisconsin, who drive 50 to 70 miles specifically for Sanctuary's pre-quarantined fish — a rarity in the region. The coral and reef selection is substantial, and the store's quarantine policy gives reefers confidence that livestock will survive the transition home.
On the freshwater side, you'll find everything from Celestial Pearl Danios to Oscars to Mosaic Guppies, plus a strong live plant selection that reviewers describe as visibly healthy and thriving once transplanted to their home tanks. Owner Dean has built a reputation for going above and beyond, including setting up new dealer accounts to source specific tanks for customers and providing hands-on crisis support for experienced hobbyists with tank emergencies. Staff members like Lee are regularly singled out for patient, educational interactions — taking time to walk newcomers through proper setup, stocking choices, and care requirements rather than rushing a sale.
The store also hosts interactive daily feedings. The accessories and equipment selection rounds out the experience, with pricing that reviewers say competes with online retailers. While some visitors note the freshwater fish variety could be deeper — particularly for larger or more mature specimens — the combination of livestock quality, knowledgeable service, and an immersive store environment makes Sanctuary Aquatics a destination shop that draws hobbyists from across the region.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Massive indoor lagoon with large cichlids and a reading nook beside the tank
- Pre-quarantined saltwater fish — a rarity in central Wisconsin
- Strong live plant selection praised for health and growth
- Owner Dean personally sources custom tanks and provides hands-on consultation
- Interactive daily fish feedings open to visitors
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Sanitary Aquatics has excellent customer service! Their employees definitely know their stuff. However with that being said, I have to amend my previous review. I bought $120 worth of fish and within 3 days they started dying. It’s not even a week later and only 2 fish remain. Sanctuary Aquatics has a poor “dead fish” policy as well. They only give 48 hours!! I am disappointed because I love it there but will not return.”
— Shannon Hendricks1.0Edited a week ago“This place is super cool dont be hesitant to stop. Super friendly and awesome people and cooler fish”
— t butter5.03 weeks ago“This is your one stop to shop everything in Fish supplies and aquariums with fresh + salt water fish. They feature a big pond inside where several kinds of fish live and so much more. It's worth a look!!”
— Janet Whitehouse5.03 weeks ago“Beautiful place! Super well kept and friendly staff!”
— Emma Rose5.04 weeks ago“Great place to buy anything fish tank related! Super helpful and friendly staff helping with any questions that come their way. Tons of different options for fish including an amazing selection of salt water fish. Could see myself going here just to sit and watch the fish as it doubles as an aquarium!”
— Legendary GravyGamer5.04 weeks ago“Love the Quarantine policy”
— Sam Munig4.03 months ago“Amazing variety bought another Oscar super amazing decor and a lot of hard work”
— Steven Todd Nuckols5.03 months ago“Everyone was so helpful and kind. I felt very welcomed and will be a forever customer. Everyone was very knowledgeable too and answered all my questions. Awesome place and very clean and everything was well taken care of!! Highly recommend!!”
— mercedes behnke5.03 months ago“This place was absolutely AMAZING!!! I had no idea it even existed. Was looking for a few Celestial Pearl Danios near my doctors appointment. I not only found what I was looking for, but had a GREAT time wandering around. Much bigger than it looks like from outside. Super cool lighting, a whole lagoon, lots and lots of both freshwater and saltwater fish. I was in a rush, and only snapped a few pics, but there's LOTS to look at! Staff was VERY friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Going to make this a regular stop!”
— Galaxy5.03 months ago“Multiple options pleased with the choices. Great looking fish. Tanks look great. The plants are so healthy looking. The Mosaic Guppy is beautiful and healthy. The plants are growing great in my tank.”
— Ellen Wicker5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (920) 385-4802 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Sanctuary Aquatics.