Aquariums, Filters, Lighting & Equipment in Sarasota
Tanks, filters, lighting, heaters, pumps, and supplies from the brands serious hobbyists use.
From $80 – $3000 per kit/setup
4.9★
120+ Google reviews
25+
Years experience
2-week
Quarantine on all fish
Free
Water testing in-store
Setting up a new tank can feel a bit overwhelming when you look at all the aquariums and equipment available today. A recent 2025 Tetra Guide Study found that roughly 12 million US households keep fish right now.
You are joining a massive community of enthusiasts who want the best for their aquatic pets. We carry equipment from the brands that actually work in long-term setups.
Trusted names like Fluval, Eheim, AquaClear, AI, Kessil, Current USA, Fritz, Seachem, Hikari, and New Life Spectrum fill our shelves. Starter aquarium kits range from $80 to $400, while high-end reef setups typically run from $500 to $3,000 and up.
We special-order specific gear when you need something outside our regular stock. This focused approach means you get expert advice from the equipment side of the store, rather than a tank-build crew.
Let us show you exactly what to look for when building your dream tank. Start with our guide on what aquarium size to start with.
What we stock
Our inventory includes tanks ranging from 5-gallon starters to massive 200-plus gallon reef builds. Canister filters like the Fluval FX6 are perfect for these larger setups, processing an astounding 925 gallons of water per hour. The FX6 even features a smart pump that pauses every 12 hours to automatically evacuate trapped air.
We keep reliable options from Eheim and AquaClear in stock for smaller community tanks. Choosing the right filter flow rate is critical for keeping your water pristine. The table below outlines our most popular filtration styles.
| Filter Type | Brands We Carry | Ideal Tank Size |
|---|---|---|
| Hang-on-Back | AquaClear | 5 to 50 gallons |
| Canister | Fluval, Eheim | 50 to 400 gallons |
| Internal | Fluval | Nano tanks |
We provide top-tier lighting solutions from AI, Kessil, and Current USA. The Kessil A360X is a huge favorite among our local Sarasota customers because its Dense Matrix LED array creates a stunning natural shimmer effect. Water care shelves here feature trusted names like Fritz and Seachem, including the highly rated Seachem Prime that actively detoxifies ammonia.
Our team nourishes both freshwater and saltwater fish with Hikari and New Life Spectrum food. These high-quality diets help enhance the natural colors of your fish and boost their immune systems. Special orders are always available for specific gear you might not see on the floor, so just ask the front desk.
Why serious hobbyists shop here for equipment
The brands carried in the shop are the exact ones running at home. Marcus keeps a beautiful 180-gallon mixed reef and a lush planted Amazon biotope. Equipment recommendations come from direct experience rather than what a distributor pushes this month.
We stock everything from simple pumps and heaters to advanced lighting for both freshwater and saltwater setups. You can grab a starter kit for $80 to build a simple community tank, or invest up to $3,000 for a high-end reef build. Getting the right gear the first time saves you money and frustration down the road.
Our advice desk is here to help you map out the perfect system. Here is what you can expect when you walk through the doors:
- Honest advice based on real tank experience.
- Premium brands tested in actual aquatic environments.
- Options for every budget, from $80 to $3,000 plus.
- Easy special ordering for unique components.
One thing to be clear about is the scope of our services. The store acts as your equipment source and advice desk rather than an installation crew. You will not find us installing tanks, plumbing sumps, or running maintenance routes.
We can refer you to local professionals if you need an installer. You can rely on our shop as your dependable source for aquariums and equipment. Ready to visit? Call (941) 555-0178 or stop by at 2847 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota.
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How it works
Come in for a consult
Stop by 2847 Bee Ridge Road. Tell us your tank goals, available space, and budget — no appointment needed.
We build your gear list
We put together a complete equipment list: tank, filtration, lighting, heater, and water care products for your specific setup.
Shop the floor or special order
Browse what's in stock or order specific gear we don't carry. Most special orders arrive within one to two weeks.
Leave with a setup plan
We walk you through how each piece connects and what to do in the first 4-8 weeks while your tank cycles.
What Our Customers Say
"Finally a fish store where the staff knows what they're talking about. Marcus talked me out of buying fish that would've died in my tank. That's integrity."
"My kids' first aquarium has been running 2 years now thanks to the setup advice here. No losses!"
"Best coral selection between Tampa and Fort Myers. Healthy frags, fair prices."
Frequently Asked Questions
What aquarium brands do you carry?
Filters: Fluval, Eheim, AquaClear. Lighting: AI, Kessil, Current USA. Water care: Fritz, Seachem. Food: Hikari, New Life Spectrum. We stock the brands that hobbyists actually use in long-term setups, not whatever was cheapest to import.
How much does a starter aquarium setup cost?
Starter freshwater kits run $80-$400 and include tank, filter, heater, and light. Starter saltwater FOWLR setups run $500-$1,000. Starter reef builds run $1,000-$2,500+. Livestock is separate. Come in for a free setup consultation and we'll put together a realistic budget for your goals.
Do you sell complete reef setups?
We sell the equipment — tanks, sumps, lighting, skimmers, return pumps, and controllers — up to $3,000+ for a full reef build. We do not install tanks or plumb systems, but we walk you through what every piece does and how it connects. Serious reefers appreciate knowing the why behind the equipment.
Can you special-order equipment you don't have in stock?
Yes. If you need a specific tank size, a particular skimmer model, or a lighting fixture we don't carry on the floor, ask us. We can typically source it within a week or two.
Do you offer free setup consultations?
Yes. Whether you're starting a 10-gallon freshwater tank or planning a 200-gallon reef build, come in and talk through your goals. We'll give you an honest equipment list for your budget and tell you what you actually need versus what's nice to have later.