Best aquariums & supplies in Indianapolis: find options near you
Indiana's capital hosts a thriving scene for aquarium enthusiasts, with a mix of family-owned fish shops and larger aquarium centers offering extensive selections of live stock, equipment, and expert guidance. Whether you're starting a freshwater setup or building a sophisticated saltwater system, the local retailers combine know-how with friendly service to support every level of interest.
Across the Indianapolis area, retailers cater to diverse budgets and ambitions, from dependable filtration systems and lighting to specialty decor and coral collections. The community around these venues is active, with staff who can answer questions, share care tips, and help you select the right gear for your tank. Indy’s aquarium ecosystem thrives on collaboration between hobbyists and professionals, making it easier to pursue the passion.
Discover 4 outstanding options for aquariums & supplies in Indianapolis
Here are 4 outstanding options for aquariums & supplies in Indianapolis based on value for money:
1. The Reef Aquarium Shop
Tuesday: 10:00–20:00
Wednesday: 10:00–20:00
Thursday: 10:00–20:00
Friday: 10:00–20:00
Saturday: 10:00–19:00
Sunday: 12:00–18:00
From the moment you explore The Reef Aquarium Shop, the expert staff and the extensive selection of freshwater and saltwater options stand out. The tanks are well maintained, and advice is clear, practical, and thoughtfully offered.
Prices are fair and the staff’s ongoing support is reassuring, with careful recommendations for compatible equipment and live creatures. The Reef Aquarium Shop makes shopping easy, offering responsive service and a welcoming environment that keeps hobbyists returning.
Amanda was very helpful to my husband today talking about his new freshwater 20 gallon tank! We are doing a fishless cycle right now and eventually will get fish from here. We are excited and he’s visited maybe multiple times a day since buying his tank. We are so grateful that this store is 2 minutes from our house and that he can get all of the expert help he needs!
I have been in multiple times just to look around and today I decided to finally buy something. They always have a beautiful assortment of plants for nice prices so I picked up a marble queen pothos, as well as a betta (he is BEAUTIFUL) He is so active and you can tell he was loved and cared for. (they even name their bettas which I think is adorable) I always have a great experience when I come in!
The staff at The Reef are outstanding, extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They were even happy to help with questions/suggestions over the phone and responded to inquiries on social media. The store has a massive selection of freshwater and saltwater fish and the accessories, food, treatments etc that you will need. All of the tanks are very clean and the animals seem very healthy. Ownership cares about customer service and provided support within 24 hours. Looking forward to doing continued business with a long-standing local company.
Easily the best, most knowledgeable, and cleanest aquarium store in Indianapolis. The selection is unmatched. Literally. In both aquatic plants and fish alike. If there’s a fish you can’t find anywhere else, or a plant odds are they sell it here for a very reasonable price. The employees are very happy to see repeat customers here too which is very nice! I’ve never had a bad interaction with any of the employees. I live 30+ minutes away and consistently come back here. They are easily the best fish store in Indianapolis.
I truly wouldn’t recommend coming to this establishment just based off of how the employees treat their customers. You could be very knowledgeable on what you want, have your set up acclimated and good to go. YET, they still talk to you as if you are a toddler. PLEASE SAVE YOUR TIME AND GO TO FISH HAPPENS, 5575 Elmwood Ave
Unit A
Indianapolis, IN 46203
United States, they treated me as family. Showed Tyler my set up and he made great recommendations on anything I needed. Also saved me a lot money!
This store is about an hour from home, and I wanted to check it out while we were in town. Great selection and staff asked us many times if we needed help. Picked up some water lettuce. Looking forward to coming back for some fishy friends and shrimp after I get my tank fully cycled. Store was clean and had a great selection of fish and plants.
I’m very happy I stopped here! They had so many plant, snail, and shrimp options. Andrew helped us and not only was he knowledgeable, but you can tell he has a genuine appreciation/love for aquatic animals. We will definitely be back!
2. Aquatic Arts
Across Aquatic Arts, the selection stands out and orders arrive in sturdy packaging. The shipping is prompt, and healthy specimens arrive ready for the tank. The team explains care needs clearly, making beginners feel confident about starting their aquatic setup.
My impression of Aquatic Arts is consistently positive; their customer support is quick and courteous, and the healthy stock reflects careful sourcing. I appreciate the transparent guidance on tank setup and species compatibility, which helps avoid common issues.
I found Aquatic Arts online and decided to order from them because they had most different species of tropical fish I wanted to replace in my tanks since April 2025. So I took a chance and ordered a lot of fish with them. I must say I had excellent customer service and great communication throughout my order until it was delivered. All of the fish were beautiful when they arrived. Kendra was an amazing person who assisted me along the process. Kendra was amazing and helpful the entire time. I communicated with another staff member twice but Kendra was just excellent at responding and answering all of my questions or concerns. I will definitely continue to order and shop here for anything I need again. Thank you.
Excellent quality; this staff knows the meaning of customer service – very helpful and responses to email were timely. My plants arrived quickly and were very well packed unlike other sites I’ve ordered from. I highly recommend Aquatic Arts and will be a returning customer. I’ve attached a shot of my 20 gal. tank – all living plants now. (The artificial plants in the back provide a bit of background 🙂
I am ordering for the second time as a VERY HAPPY, repeat customer. Everything about Aquatic Arts is top-notch. Their fish are very hardy, healthy, full of beautiful color and they have an amazing selection. It is very rare that you can order fish online and all the information about the fish is right there on the page to purchase them. You can see multiple photos, necessary tank conditions, temperament and care requirements, along with so much more. This way you don’t create a tank that is a combative environment or one that sets your fish up for impending death. My fish are flown to me! They come in the very best packaging structure and they all arrive alive. These fish have thrived in comparison to purchasing elsewhere. That is why I am back again with another order. The unique selection of fish is something of stand-alone quality that speaks to the entire company culture at Aquatic Arts. Everything is top-notch – from the fish, to their website, to their shipping, to their support and to their team members. In my opinion, after having fish tanks for 29 years, these folks are the BEST PLACE to buy fish from. Thank you Aquatic Arts for being amazing and showing how far you go for your commitment to excellence.
The best aquatic livestock vendor online. Period. Will ONLY order my fish through aquatic arts! Amazing shipping–I’ve ordered dozens of fish, always healthy upon arrival.
I ordered online not only did they have speedy shipping but i recieved all my fish and plants alive and well and they even added extras which also all survived! Im super happy with the experience and will be ordering again from these lovely people.
Ehh, pretty much every guppy I bought died despite being in a well cycled tank and me checking water params daily they started dying the first night and 4 died by the 2nd day, the other two are still alive but I’m anticipating not for long since its been less than a week. They also left the plants out of my order, they did end up creating a new order to send the plants but I’m more-so bummed about the fish it was a waste of money considering I paid about $20 for them and another $40 or so for shipping. I guess the guppies had some sort of disease or parasite which I read is common for live bearers but their policy doesn’t cover that. I have attached photos of most the dead fish and a diseased fish that had some sort of growth or injury on its head before it died.
Edit to add that my gourami and one of the last two guppies also died. The one remaining guppy is still holding on… I will never order from this place again, what a waste of money just to get sick fish. I paid about $130 to end up with 2 plants and 1 guppy. Money aside this was stressful and traumatizing to me. I’ve been checking my water parameters daily to make sure its not anything I’m doing wrong and everything is perfect, even the ph is exactly what they state theirs is and I followed their acclimation instructions. I’m opening a dispute with my credit card company, probably wont get anything back but I’m gonna at least try.
Final edit: After I initiated the chargeback I received a very passive aggressive string of emails from “Kendra”, the emails went in circles with them highlighting my “wrongdoings” by initiating the chargeback and completely ignoring the fact that they failed me many times through-out my order from forgetting part of my order originally, to sending sick fish, to not responding to my emails about the sick fish. There was no purpose to these emails other than to let me know they were displeased with my chargeback and that I am no longer welcome to place an order with them unless I release it. No accountability was ever taken on their part and the whole exchange was overall very unprofessional and should’ve never happened. I don’t know why my experience was so bad with them I did thorough research on this company before I placed an order but at least it doesnt seem to be a common occurrence I just cant in good faith recommend a company with such terrible customer service and a subpar product in my experience.
Ordered some Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows a week ago. These are the best quality fish I have ever seen. They are so happy and energetic, spawning the very next day. Would highly recommend to all.
3. Fish Happens
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12:00–20:00
Thursday: 12:00–20:00
Friday: 12:00–20:00
Saturday: 10:00–22:00
Sunday: 12:00–20:00
At Fish Happens, the service stands out for expert guidance and thoughtful attention to every customer. Staff explain care routines, water parameters, and feeding with clarity, turning questions into confidence. Their healthy specimens arrive well cared for, and the selection of live plants and compatible tank mates makes setting up a new aquarium straightforward. The atmosphere feels supportive and respectful, fostering ongoing trust and satisfaction.
Beyond selection, Fish Happens emphasizes quality care and a considerate customer experience. They tailor recommendations to your setup, monitor compatibility, and offer practical tips to keep fish thriving. The staff are patient and reliable, following up to ensure new residents settle in smoothly. This dedication to wellbeing translates into thriving tanks and a sense of confidence that you are choosing a shop that truly values the hobby.
Great experience, employees were helpful and friendly! They have some really cool fish and a betta room. I definitely recommend supporting this small business rather than a chain pet store for your fish needs! Pictures are two of their tanks and my new betta friend.
High quality fish. High-quality service. High quality people. This is the place to be at for fish! You walk in and you can tell right away this isn’t your generic fish store. Live plants everywhere and the fish look incredible. These are people who actually care and know about the fish hobby. I’m gonna be honest the prices are a little higher than normal retail, but these are literally high quality fish. I went to uncle Bill’s, Petco, etc and you can see the difference in these fish and they look NOTHING like Fish Happens! I bought 4 African dwarf frogs and they are amazing and doing great! I compared to Petco who does have cheaper frogs but they were super bloated and stressed! No plants in their tank or anywhere to float and rest on. I couldn’t imagine what my experience would have been with those.. You are literally paying for quality people and I think that is way better than price. Tyler and his crew have been nothing but nice to me and my family. They have taken care of us with every little problem we had. Shop here! You won’t regret it. Here’s some pics of my tank that looks absolutely amazing thanks to FISH HAPPENS!!!
This was an excellent place. I have been in several pet stores lately. This one was great. Helpful and knowledgeable. We are kind of beginners to all this and they gave us lots of useful info. And we ended up adding 5 new friends to our home. The clown loaches made an excellent addition to our 100 gal setup. And added a Cory and a snail to a 5 gal setup that we are using for baby guppies at the moment.
Absolutely love Fish happens and Tyler!! He’s extremely down to earth, and is eager to help anyone with any question about the hobby. Everytime I go in there I leave with exactly what I was looking for. Multiple times I’ve come in looking for “an extremely pregnant guppy” and within a couple days of getting them home I have little fry swimming around my tank. One time I went in there and asked for a specific fish and he was honest with me that he didn’t have any because the last ones he got in weren’t “in the best shape” so he obviously doesn’t sell them if they’re not up to his standards 10 out of 10 highly recommend!!
My experience With fish happened has been nothing but awesome. Everybody’s very knowledgeable and extremely friendly started going with my grandson to start him a little tank so with that size tank, they told me exactly what I needed to get and how to take care of it. They definitely have our business. Let’s forget about all the new remodeling looks great stop by. You won’t be disappointed.
Perfect for plants and large aquatic animals. The fish selection was better than a PetSmart for example, but the tanks could have been cleaner. A decent amount of fish had died in some tanks. I’d definitely recommend for plants though!
Love this place! they have been so incredibly helpful with getting our first fish tank started! I had no idea how much truly goes into keeping a healthy fish tank and they were so quick to teach me, give me great instructions, and then help pick out things to go into the tank to Healthier. I’ve never imagined walking into a store and having somebody tell me not to buy $80 worth of fish today because the tank wasn’t right yet And here’s how we fix it! Thank you so much highly highly recommend
4. Modern Aquatix
Tuesday: 12:00–17:00
Wednesday: 12:00–17:00
Thursday: 12:00–17:00
Friday: 12:00–17:00
Saturday: 10:00–15:00
Sunday: Closed
Modern Aquatix delivers a thoughtful approach to saltwater keeping, with clean tanks, healthy corals, and patient guidance. The staff explain care routines clearly and tailor recommendations to your setup, helping beginners gain confidence while inviting seasoned hobbyists to explore new ideas. Consistency, quality livestock, and transparent pricing stand out.
Prices remain competitive without sacrificing health or service, and the atmosphere is welcoming rather than intimidating. Trust is earned through results, not promises.
Modern Aquatix is the best in Indy. Their corals are bigger and better priced than anywhere in the city. Healthy livestock, knowledgeable staff. They will happily discuss any questions you have and are super personable. Definitely recommend if you like saltwater.
Unbeatable coral prices out of everywhere in the state. Super cool and passionate guys too. When I lived in Lafayette it was worth driving an hour and a half just to come here. Could not recommend enough.
Great help, knowledgeable and kind. They have a ton more variety and better prices than the other fish store for saltwater
Very happy with the visit, wish I could make it out to this place more often. One of the best places for livestock in Indy area. Baby bubble tip anemone has been doing great the past couple months!
Highly reccomend!! Jeremy and staff are friendly, very knowledgeable. Great prices and quality coral and fish this is my go to place for anything saltwater
At first I was at a dead end as I’m in a wheelchair. However after calling them I was able to make it in the store. Man am I glad we did. The guy was very helpful and friendly. I picked up 3 anemones that I am absolutely in love with. Great prices and healthy inventory. The fish looked very good and I was even impressed with the invert tubs. Awesome place. Highly recommended and appreciated. Thanks guys.
This place is absolutely amazing and clean and very knowledgeable. We came home with some beautiful coral
aquarium & supply in Indianapolis: Find your ideal option at the best price
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Catalog of services offered by aquariums & supplies in Indianapolis
Business formation and corporate governance
Civil attorneys in Indianapolis can assist with business formation and corporate governance for aquarium retailers and distributors. This includes selecting the optimal entity type (such as LLC or corporation), filing the necessary documents with the state, and establishing formal governance structures. They advise on fiduciary duties, board responsibilities, and compliance frameworks to support scalable growth, including policies for ownership changes, equity grants, and succession planning. By aligning legal structure with business goals, these professionals help ensure long-term stability and clear decision-making processes.
Contract drafting, review, and negotiation
In the supply chain for aquatic products, contract drafting and review are essential. Civil attorneys help prepare and scrutinize supplier agreements, customer terms, service contracts, and maintenance and warranty arrangements. They examine liability clauses, payment schedules, delivery terms, risk allocations, and termination rights to protect interests and minimize exposure to disputes. Their negotiation support can secure favorable terms while maintaining good business relationships with vendors and clients.
Regulatory compliance and environmental/consumer protection
Aquarium businesses face a range of regulatory requirements. Attorneys provide guidance on regulatory compliance for environmental, animal welfare, labeling, and consumer protection standards. This includes understanding Indiana and federal rules relevant to live aquatic animals, saltwater products, and pet care supplies, as well as advertising and warranty disclosures. They help implement compliance programs, respond to inspections, and address any enforcement actions or consumer complaints with a focus on risk mitigation.
Real estate, leases, and property transactions
For storefronts, warehouses, or showrooms, civil attorneys handle real estate transactions and lease negotiations. They review or draft lease agreements, assess property use restrictions, environmental disclosures, and maintenance obligations. Due diligence covers title searches, zoning considerations, and CAM charges, ensuring that occupancy terms align with business needs. If a relocation or expansion is planned, these professionals coordinate with lenders and consultants to streamline the process.
Employment law and staffing
Managing a team requires attention to employment law and staffing. Attorneys advise on wage and hour compliance, anti-discrimination protections, and workplace safety. They assist with employee manuals, policy development, onboarding procedures, and the proper classification of independent contractors. When disputes arise, they guide discipline, termination, and accommodation processes in ways that comply with state and federal law while preserving constructive employer-employee relationships.
Intellectual property protection for brands
Protecting brand assets is critical for aquarium businesses, and civil attorneys can support intellectual property protection for brands. This includes trademark searches, registrations for logos and product names, and vigilance against infringement. They advise on licensing, franchising, and domain name strategies, as well as enforcement actions against counterfeit products. A proactive IP plan helps maintain brand value and customer trust in a competitive market.
Dispute resolution, mediation, and litigation
When conflicts arise, civil attorneys provide options for dispute resolution, mediation, and litigation. They assess the merits of claims related to contracts, property, customer disputes, or supplier issues, and outline alternative dispute resolution pathways such as mediation or arbitration to minimize disruption. If litigation becomes necessary, they manage discovery, evidence gathering, and settlement negotiations, striving for outcomes that protect the business’s interests and continuity.
Liability, insurance, and risk management
Across operations, there are liability exposure and risk factors to manage. Attorneys advise on insurance coverage, risk-transfer strategies, and incident response planning. They help review vendor agreements for liability assumptions, implement risk management programs, and assist with claims management in case of accidents, product issues, or property damages. A comprehensive approach supports resilience against unexpected events and regulatory scrutiny.
Frequently asked questions about aquariums & supplies in Indianapolis
What is the best starting setup for a beginner's freshwater aquarium?
Beginner-friendly guidance starts with a modest tank, such as a 20-gallon long, a dependable filter, a programmable heater, and a water conditioner. Before adding fish, allow the tank to cycle for about 4–6 weeks while you monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels with a reliable test kit. Choose hardy, community-ready species and avoid overstocking to build confidence and success.
Do I need a test kit and what should I test?
Yes, a basic water test kit is essential to track pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. Regular testing helps you prevent problems and maintain a stable environment for your fish. When shopping in Indianapolis, select a kit that provides clear results and aligns with your tank type.
What types of aquariums exist and which is best for beginners?
Common options include freshwater, saltwater, and brackish setups. For beginners, a freshwater community tank with hardy species and live or synthetic plants is typically the easiest to manage. Consider your budget, available space, and long-term goals when choosing between glass or acrylic tanks and the level of maintenance you’re prepared to undertake.
How important is filtration and what kind of filter should I use?
A good filter provides mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration to keep water clean and stable. Pick a filter sized for your tank and with quiet operation. Options include internal, hang-on-back, and canister styles; all can work well with proper setup and routine maintenance.
What do I need to know about water chemistry and temperature?
Most tropical freshwater fish do best in a fairly steady temperature range (often around 72–78°F). Use a reliable heater with a thermostat and a calibrated thermometer to monitor stability. Maintain balanced water chemistry, including stable pH and appropriate hardness, to support healthy growth and reduce stress for your fish.
How often should I perform maintenance and water changes?
Establish a routine such as a weekly or biweekly schedule for partial water changes (roughly 10–20% of the tank volume), substrate cleaning, glass cleaning, and filter maintenance. Regular maintenance reduces waste buildup, prevents algae problems, and helps keep your aquatic ecosystem stable.
What lighting is appropriate for freshwater and planted tanks?
Lighting should support your goals, with about 8–12 hours of light per day for most planted tanks. Use a timer for consistency, select lighting that provides an appropriate spectral output for photosynthesis, and avoid excessive intensity that can drive unwanted algae growth.
Are there safety considerations for keeping fish with children or pets?
Yes. Secure cabinet doors, cords, and heaters, and supervise interactions around the aquarium. Use a sturdy tank cover and ensure children understand not to tap on the glass or remove fish. Store toxic products away from reach and consider sturdy equipment to prevent accidents.
Where can I find reliable aquariums & supplies in Indianapolis?
Look for established stores with knowledgeable staff who can explain basic setup, test kits, compatible fish, and essential equipment. Reading customer reviews and asking about return policies, guarantees, and access to replacement parts helps ensure you’re choosing quality supplies within the Indianapolis area.
What is the best way to introduce new fish to an established tank?
Quarantine new fish for a short period before adding them to your main display to minimize disease risk. Acclimate them slowly using a drip acclimation method, monitor for stress, ensure compatibility with existing inhabitants, and avoid introducing too many new fish at once to prevent disruption of water chemistry.