Aquatic Cove

Negative experience: I drove from Decatur to see fish that I might want to purchase. The hours of operation say that they are opened today (Wednesday) from 12 to 6. It's 3:20, and they are closed. Update. Their Facebook page specifically said that they would be closed for some days, and this day was one of them. Apologies for the rating. I will update further once I have visited the location.

Fantastic experience: The sales person was very knowledgeable and helpful. I enjoyed being in the store and looking at the beautiful saltwater tanks was able to purchase four beautiful fish

Fantastic experience: Being new to saltwater the staff was very helpful and educated me so i could start my own adventure thank you

Fantastic experience: I loved the setup great verity of fish staff was great. Will return.

Fantastic experience: Had such a great experience!! I am very new to the aquarium world. I got a little female betta at Petsmart for my birthday and have been trying to get her a nice setup. The man helping me was kind and gave me good things to take home. No judgement on my lack of experience from him — just answered my questions and led me to the products.

Fantastic experience: Great selection,clean tanks and knowledgeable staff. I highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Great variety of stuff and very helpful

Fantastic experience: They have a great selection of salt water fish and tank options.

Fantastic experience: Great fish store. Was buying from the big box pet stores and constantly had problems with diseased and dying fish. All fish I have bought from Aquatic cove are doing great and have had zero issues. Seems to be much better quality here. It's a longer drive for me but worth it knowing I won't have much issues with their fish

Positive experience: I have visited this establishment several times over the past couple of years and have always been pleased with my experience, until today. Previously, the store had a pleasant, aquarium-like scent, and the fish appeared to be well-cared for. However, today, there was a strong, unpleasant odor, and the fish seemed unwell. Having just visited Pet Supplies Plus, it was disheartening to see a corporation maintain higher standards of fish care, particularly for betta fish, which are often neglected in larger stores. Three or four of the betta fish here appeared to be in distress. For a small business specializing in fish, the selection lacked the attention to detail one would expect.

Fantastic experience: Great store with lots of selection of fish and corals! Charles, the owner is very helpful. Definitely recommend this aquarium shop.

Negative experience: AVOID THIS PLACE. I'm 20 years into saltwater aquariums and this place is the biggest disappointment in the hobby. I'm new to Huntsville and unfortunately this is the only game in town. I'd recommend going to Nashville if you don't want your saltwater aquarium to become infested with ice, bristle works and all other sorts of unwanted infestations. I am SOOO PISSED!!

Positive experience: Beautiful place w lots of cool fish but make sure you ask about return policy if your fish die

Fantastic experience: Staff was very helpful and very knowledgeable had a fantastic selection

Positive experience: The selection of salt water fish is amazing. However, the fresh water fish are pretty sparse. Not much selection.

Fantastic experience: Best quality of selection for salt water and coral I have ever seen..

Fantastic experience: Amazing service and infinite knowledge of all thing aquatic. If you are struggling and need answers this is defiantly the place to go. Hands down the #1 place in town.

Fantastic experience: Good customer service. Lots of options for fresh water fish and plants. Trust worthy fish.

Negative experience: The absolute worst. If you have 10K plus in your system. Go to Nashville or anywhere else.. pathetic. for real... aiptasis on every coral.. don't know compatibility... sucks nothing else is around.. but FR... for real aquariums... DO NOT BUY FROM HERE... Hard Pass

Fantastic experience: Everybody is so nice and helpful! Love this place they guided me through getting my aquarium up and running and always willing to help

Fantastic experience: Love this store

Fantastic experience: Awesome customer service very helpful and friendly

Fantastic experience: Great store I'll be back nice selection of fresh or salt water fish and Coral

Fantastic experience: One of the best fish stores around Birmingham/Nashville. Good selection of product and both freshwater and saltwater fish and has some beautiful tanks setup. Uses big UV to keep fish healthy. Posts fish inventory online so you know what they have before visiting

Fantastic experience: Clean, healthy, well-kept EVERYTHING. Beautiful store. Kind and knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Excellent service! There's a wide variety of fish, coral, plants, etc, and you can tell the staff take excellent care of the animals. No overcrowded tanks, all tanks were clean, plenty of enrichment and hides, overall stellar. I only came to look at the fish cause I can't really get any atm, but if I go into tropical fish, I'd go here first.

Fantastic experience: The store has a huge variety of saltwater fish, corals, and equipment. There are some freshwater fish too. Great local fish store.

Fantastic experience: Aquatic Cove is always a positive experience. Staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. Great store for salt and freshwater aquariums.

Positive experience: The store is beautiful with all of the coral and salt water fish. Their freshwater section was severely lacking. There weren't many fish or plants. There were multiple dead fish in the tanks...honestl, the feshwater tanks just looked dirty. The employees were quick and eager to serve, though. I was impressed with how many people they had working that evening.

Fantastic experience: I really enjoy having a local fish store! I only do freshwater tanks, and though their specialty is saltwater, they've got a really solid selection of freshwater. (I got my kuhli loaches from them and they've been the healthiest fish I've gotten so far!) I also appreciate that they keep their Bettas in filtered small holding tanks instead of those terrible cups. I got some great driftwood and substrate for cheaper than the big box pet store down the road. 10/10 Love being in there.

Fantastic experience: Charles is the best

Fantastic experience: Great selection of freshwater and saltwater fish! The store is absolutely beautiful and clean! I have made several purchases from here and I will be back!

Fantastic experience: Man, I absolutely adore this quaint LFS right next to my home! I had a wonderful experience shopping there as the staff was very intelligent and beautiful, especially that boy Charles! Will come again! 5 stars!

Fantastic experience: Great little fish store. Owner was knowledgeable and helpful. Good healthy livestock. Definitely recommend.

Negative experience: Staff were a little slow to great and acted like it was a struggle to pay attention to you. That being said they were knowledgeable when they do answer your questions.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful store, amazing selection, the staff is very friendly and helpful. The fish for sale are in very good condition and the display tanks are beautiful and well kept.

Fantastic experience: Has the coolest set up of saltwater aquariums that I just go look at. Lots of other tank related items but I'm just there for the pretty fish. They do a great job.

Fantastic experience: Helpful about information needed for a successful aquarium and desires of the customer like me.

Fantastic experience: I’m fairly newer to fish keeping, I say that because I’ve mainly kept beginner fish types. Having said that, I’ve been looking for a place like this and I can’t believe I waited until just recently to check this store out. This place has so many cool items and fish! The staff was super friendly and the setup was very easy to navigate. I couldn’t find any sponge filters, which is what I originally came in for but I got sidetracked the second I arrived. I will definitely be back!

Fantastic experience: Have good selection of fish and coral. Fish tanks are clean and the shop is well organized. We bought a bicolor angle and a firefish here. They are both healthy and happy in our tank.

Fantastic experience: These folks KNOW FISH! Very impressive inventory and helpful knowledge.

Fantastic experience: My husband and I decided that after filtering our 10 gallon take for about 6 weeks it was time to add some guppies to our tank. We went here to look and my goodness, they had some of the most beautiful fancy tail guppies I have ever seen Actually all their fish were absolutely gorgeous and looked like they were all very well taken care of. If we ever decide to add more fish to our aquarium we definitely will be coming here!

Fantastic experience: Great store. Clean, knowledgeable, and have everything needed for marine aquariums as well as freshwater. Their coral selection is top notch. All fish and invertebrates seem happy and healthy. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I love my local fish store. Great people with lots of knowledge and very helpful

Fantastic experience: Great selection of both fresh water and salt water fish. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.

Fantastic experience: Always a pleasure to be here, with a friendly, helpful staff and a great selection of healthy corals and fish.

Positive experience: Very friendly and helpful staff. Hard to get out of if you're headed west. Kinda pricey.

Positive experience: Staff was friendly and had beautiful fish selections. They didn't have what I was looking for but definitely worth stopping by

Fantastic experience: Great aquatic life. Bought these fish from there. Nice and healthy. Great selection and knowledgeable staff.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful place. The service guy was very helpful. Wish they had a wider variety of Malawi cichlids. But overall, a good place to shop.

Fantastic experience: Bought a 125 gallon tank and stand from Aquatic Cove. Nice staff and very helpful. Will return.

Positive experience: Really nice selection of coral and fish for saltwater tanks. Less of a selection for freshwater tanks. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to help answer questions. Only visited once, but plan to return, especially once I begin a saltwater tank.

Fantastic experience: Great store! Friendly staff that actually know about fish. I wish I'd found them before going to the big box stores, but I've found them now. Beautiful selection of coral, saltwater and freshwater fish.

Positive experience: Good place with lots of interesting fish staff seem knowledgeable and helpful

Fantastic experience: Honest folks! Charles knows his stuff and makes sure he sells you fish that will strive and survive in your fosh tank.

Fantastic experience: I'm new to saltwater aquariums and have been talking with these folks for advice. They are very knowledgeable and patient with newbies like me.

Fantastic experience: Thank you for selling active/healthy Bettas! We got ours this afternoon. He's still exploring his tank, ate already and seems happy. My daughter's heart is mended after our horrific Petco fish experience. Thank you again!

Negative experience: Doesnt accept returns on live merchandise. Kinda myfault but u should know before you buy.

Positive experience: Place is definitely in alot better shape than a few months ago staff was attentive..knew there stuff...it was like dealing with friends..swore I'd never go back but glad I did ... definitely check them out

Fantastic experience: Excellent experience, picked up a 210 gallon tank with stand and canopy, owner is knowledgeable and helped get a full order in for lights, sump, and misc items to complete the set. Will absolutely be back to give more patronage.

Fantastic experience: Good quantity of corals and saltwater fish. They have a small freshwater section. The fish and corals always seem healthy and well cared for. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. Definitely recommend this place!

Fantastic experience: Great store! They have fish that other stores do not have

Fantastic experience: Love coming here to see the fish!!! I wish they still had the seahorses. I haven't owned a saltwater tank yet but I plan to soon & I'll definitely be coming here to get guidance on how to go about it. Honestly I just want a Lawnmower Blenny or a Starry Blenny & ill be happy ......for now that is :)

Negative experience: Came here to try and support a smaller business instead of one of the big chain stores (petsmart/Petco) Staff is very rude and awkwardly answer the most basic questions. Overall not impressed and will not be going back.

Fantastic experience: Great place to buy fish, one of only a very few that sale peacock cichlids in the area

Fantastic experience: Being from an hour away, this place is awesome. Messaged then over the holidays and they responded. Even recognized us when we showed up. Super nice staff.

Negative experience: There are very few places to go for aquarium supplies in the huntsville area. Whenever I go here I am always disappointed. Staff and owner are saltwater people. No issue there. But it is an issue when they can't answer the most basic questions about freshwater. Freshwater tanks are much less taken care of than the saltwater. You either need to hire someone who is a freshwater person, or take the time to learn all you can. I love coming here. I love seeing all the amazing fish. But the staff is non talkative and not very personable. It makes for a very awkward visit. I know you guys are great people as we've met before. It's just a few things that can be done better. Thank you.

Positive experience: I wish they had more fish for the home tanks.

Negative experience: Very upset that the last two times I have visited, which were almost a month apart, their freshwater tanks are having issues with ich. For a place where their saltwater one corals are off the chain you would think they could manage freshwater a bit better. Will travel elsewhere for my freshwater needs moving forward. Big disappointment when hoping to bring home a new tank mate.

Fantastic experience: Coolest fish place I've been to, idk about the price tho I was just tagging with my roomate, really cool to look around

Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable and experienced with the fish they sell. I like supporting local businesses and would recommend Aquatic Cove.

Negative experience: This review is for aquarium maintenance services not the actual store review. The store is great. The maintenance is not. I'll explain. 2 year old mixed reef/ fish tank after 2 years of maintenance services and thousands of dollars in dead corals. Maintenence contract was full service (all I need to do is feed the fish, empty the protein skimmer and change the filter sock). After 2 years of half the corals purchased dying and the majority of what's remaining struggling to survive I decided to get involved myself. After asking Aquatic Cove what could be the reason for my corals dying I was told "I'm not sure because your water parameters look fine". Needless to say after testing myself, I cancelled my contract. Never got a reply or question as to why I cancelled just a radio silence. Here's a run down of the situation upon investigation: 1. RODI water system they're supposed to maintain for me. Outgoing TDS numbers should be 0, mine was 85TDS. I changed all the cartridges myself, something they said they did awhile back, after the change my TDS immediately went to 0. 2. Protein skimmer, should be cleaned periodically. Was never told I had to do it myself. This is a one and done contract. 2 years after install I clean the skimmer and can clearly see it's never once been cleaned. I emptied around .25lb of nasty sludge from inside the skimmer and now it's working great 3. Nitrate levels are beyond testing ability to read. 100+ nitrate ppm. This should be at 10 or less ppm. 4. Calcium critical for coral growth was 200ppm, now after dosing i've got it up to 450 where it should be. 5. Magnesium should be at 1250 to 1350ppm, when I tested was at 600 6. The optimal phosphate levels an immeasurable one, or zero, with 0.05 ppm-mg/l being acceptable, and an upper level of 0.1 ppm. Mine was tested at 1.78ppm Bottom line they weren't doing enough water changes, they weren't testing my water, they weren't dosing anything, and therefore tons of my corals died. Their shop is amazing. Beware before starting their maintenance program.

Fantastic experience: This place is definitely my favorite aquarium store in the Huntsville area. The owner is very knowledgeable and they have an awesome selection for the area. I have bough a ton of coral, fish, and other things (both salt and freshwater) from them. Definitely worth checking out if you are looking for anything for an aquarium.

Positive experience: Good selection of items for your aquarium. Employees are always nice and ask if I need help within 5 minutes of me being in the store. I prefer shopping here for my aquatic needs vs places like Petco.

Fantastic experience: This place is great. I've had issues starting up my first fish tank, and these people have been tremendously helpful, even though I didn't buy the aquarium or supplies there. They have been very quick to diagnose my issues and get me out the door with the appropriate tools to fix my aquarium. They always take their time and explain what is happening in my tank and how to fix it. Bottom like, extremely helpful and friendly. Freshwater and saltwater fish there too! Give them a chance before a big box store and you won't regret it.

Positive experience: I good store takes awhile establish. Charles really seems to love his work and is very knowledgeable. Here are a few pics of some corals I bought awhile back. The corals are growing great and the colors are amazing.

Fantastic experience: Very friendly staff that knows their stuff! The place has an enormous selection of fish at very good prices. They also stand behind everything they sell you and are always willing to help with any questions you have even after the purchase.

Fantastic experience: Love Aquatic Cove, they have a very personable and knowledgeable team that take the time to help you with your inquiries. Thanks! D-Day

Fantastic experience: Amazing customer service! I was in Huntsville for a vacation, and decided to see if they had the moss in stock my local shop was out of. They were super helpful over the phone, and when I stopped in my transaction was quick, simple, and I even impulse bought some snails I didn't need. I was shocked - this store was incredibly clean, attractive, well laid out, and had a great selection of products. I hate to say it but it beats my aquatic store back home by an absolute landslide! So happy I stopped in!!

Positive experience: Good experience. Didnt get as much help as we kind of expected but their store is always nice to visit.

Fantastic experience: We are first timers to the world of fish and aquariums but the staff was so amazing and helpful to us! They have a great variety of fish and tanks and all things aquariums, from large to small and everything in between!!!!

Fantastic experience: Aquatic Cove helped me set up my first saltwater tank. They guided me through every step and answered all my stupid questions with patience. They are extremely knowledgeable in the complex world of salt water aquariums and they never struggled with any of my prodding questions. I purchased numerous fish, corals, invertebrates, chemicals, live sand and many other odd and end supplies. I was pleased with every purchase and they always stood behind every purchase. I highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Amazing fish store for both salt and fresh water fish and they have a excellent selection of coral LPS and SPS

Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable staff super helpful, and willing to answer any questions I had about the hobby

Fantastic experience: Large selection of fish & supplies

Positive experience: Prices are high great selection of corals and fish

Negative experience: Prices are too high

Fantastic experience: Knowledgeable staff, great selection! I had some specific questions that they were able to answer and what they weren't sure on they directed me to the owner who knew everything I was asking about and he even gave some pointers to help set up my tank and stock in a better way! Worth the drive!

Fantastic experience: The people here are helpful knowledgeable & friendly. We knew nothing about setting up a saltwater aquarium & they walked us through the whole process. They will be there to go to with further help if we need it. We know we can count on them when needed.

Negative experience: The only thing that could make my experience worse is if my Oscars die. My smallest one has never looked so pale. ... which I said to the owner during a maintenance visit and he showed no concern or offered advise. Day one my tank was so brown/cloudy, I couldn't see anything. It was so strange that even one of the setup guys was taking a video of it. Day two I could makeout that the 4 air bulbs were just placed over the back of the tank, about 3 inches in the water... just floating around. Nothing from my other tank was moved to the new tank. The only device explained to me was the lights. Cords, gadgets and gizmos were piled in the cabinet under the tank. I had ordered pure water, but then they said they didn't have enough so they used tap. Didn't bring anything to treat the water. They offered a refund for the water I ordered 2-3 weeks previously... when I was making this enormous investment. He said I could drive to the store and he would give me the water treatment. I asked when I should move the fish in. I was told about 2/3 hours should be fine. 24 hours later I still couldn't see anything in the tank so I did not move my fish for 2 more days. Concerned with the quality of the tank and 'support' I was receiving, I asked they come out in two weeks to look everything over. I called a week later to confirm and nothing was even scheduled. The owner came out for the service. He had agreed earlier to bring a background. Good thing he called as he was on his way because he had forgotten it... and would now be an hour and a half past the schedule time. The only service received during this paid service call was sucking out two 5 gallon buckets of water and refilling. My tank is 150 gallons so not much cleaning of the gravel. Didn't clean the filters or overflow tanks. I brought up the loud, constant humming of the air pumps and that also provided me with an indifferent response. He did help tape on the background and, after I found some heavy rocks, he weighed down the air hoses. One of the air bulbs broke with no offer to replace it. Knowing very little about aquarium care, my 35 gallon tank with the same two Oscars was clean and clear 90% of the time. The final straw that leads to this detailed experience was going to the shop to talk about how the water is still VERY cloudy AND the filter system sounds like a loud, constant flushing toilet. "Turn the dials" was the advice given about the the pumps (which did not help). I specifically asked if they should have washed the rocks before setting up the tank. Charles said "not really" and he never washes the gravel.

Fantastic experience: Come here before you get the fish for your aquarium, they have some of the most unique and amazing fish. You're going to pay for them but they're worth every penny

Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable about the fish they're selling and the aquariums are beautiful to just pop in while waiting for a table at one of the restaurants nearby.

Positive experience: Has reptiles on signs but had none when I went. Did have beautiful and unique fish and corals. Knowlegable staff all around.

Fantastic experience: The staff is extremely friendly and helpful! They have a beautiful store with a lot of unique biological options! I'm very pleased with all my purchases here!

Fantastic experience: Beautiful selection of fish, and supplies for your every need.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful fish and tanks. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful.

Positive experience: Reasonable prices, caters more to saltwater then freshwater. I would've expected to beable to find more information on fish.....

Fantastic experience: Great variety of Corals and fish. Staff was very helpful and knowledgable and especially patient with my curious 8 year old's many many questions.

Positive experience: Unbelieveable section of coral and fish. Plenty of different foods. And I have never seen such a selection of equipment in store. There was alot I have never heard of. I think the prices were a little on the high side compared to my home town. But the tanks were much cleaner

Fantastic experience: This place rocks! They have everything you'll need for any fresh or saltwater setup. The tanks are well maintained and I have not bought a sick fish from this store yet.