Fishy Business

Jennifer Garman

2024-05

Absolutely my favorite store for all things fish. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable.We scored some cool new additions to our cichlid tank.

Anthony Japps

2024-03

The staff at fishy business is phenomenal. Katie helped me with getting the water in my tank suitable for fish to service and thrive, She was extremely knowledgeable and able to answer every question I had.

Byron Hayes

2024-04

Great, Great, Great store! The prices on some things are a bit high... Especially the saltwater fish/items. However, the selections are awesome! They also have some used items in good condition if you're on a budget! The corals are amazing as well! I'm more into saltwater fish than fresh water, so, can't really say much for the fresh water selection (although I did like the baby blue lobsters!). You should really check the place out!

Ciara

2023-11

Best freshwater store I've been to. not over priced and staff is soo friendly, and always welcome to answer questions. fish are healthy and tanks are clean. unfortunately i live an hour away, but if you’re close come visit! worth the experience.(picture is of entrance!) beautiful store.

ARGY GANG

2023-05

Me and my girlfriend started out in the hobby with the help of fishy, and we still return to fishy over a year later. I will say for the sake of a honest review the livestock in store tends to be a bit more expensive than online, but with any purchase you get the guaranteed refund if it dies within 48 hours after purchase (make sure to bring a water sample back to them and the dead fish in a ziplock that’s how it works, it’s a family owned store you can’t possibly expect them to refund fish or corals that have died due to your poor water quality, honestly no one will) and the fish they carry tend to be in better health and much easier to put through QT than alternatively purchased fish. The staff are all very knowledgeable on majority of the hobby and I have noticed they care on levels other stores don’t. If you are having a issue and they don’t carry the best option to fix said issue instead of trying to sell you something in store they will be honest and tell you exactly what you need to fix the issue you have, even if they don’t make money off of it and have to recommend you go to another store that carries the specific product that would work best for you (all though that has only happened once out of the 50+ visits we have had because they have a huge variety of stock for basically every issue) Richard is so knowledgeable on everything reefing and saltwater it’s kind of freaky lol, while his wisdom is a mixture of old and new school information he is almost always able to identify the issue or answer a question accurately in a way you can understand, and while I’m not saying follow any one persons advice or guidance in this hobby, Richards advice has saved me more than once on time sensitive situations. these guys are honest and the store is a great place to get all sorts of information sometimes so specific you can’t even find the answer online and can only get it from someone who has gone through it themselves. They have a $50 annual membership that is 20% off anything living, if you plan on getting a few tanks setup it’s 100% worth picking up. The glass tanks they have for sale are a reasonable price ($1000 for a 220 gallon tank is reasonable) and while the tanks they carry that are drilled with stands can be up there in price the stands are hand made locally not assembly line made junk so you do pay a bit more in store but with that the stand lasts alot longer. I’m going to close this review by saying if you buy fish or coral from this store (ANY STORE) you still need to go through a proper quarantine with each and every fish and coral, no functioning aquarium store can do this for you and you cannot blame anyone but yourself if you introduce a sick fish into your tank and inevitably crash it because of doing so, but I will say if you are practicing ich management rather than ich irradiation I will say you can pretty safely acclimate and add these fish straight out of the bag because I’ve personally witnessed on multiple occasions the staff at this store shut down entire towers because something other than ich got into them and they hold new arrivals for a while to observe for extremely fast acting and lethal diseases before listing the fish for sale. For example velvet and brook because they don’t want that in their systems anymore than you do, So at the end of the day no one but yourself is to blame if a disease gets into your tank through fish purchased here because they do take precautions since most people do not quarantine but it’s not practical in anyway to run a fish store while quarantining and treating all fish for every disease they could have, not to mention the noticeably larger price tag they would have to sell the fish for because of labor, medication cost, etc. overall this store is much more than just a store they will give advice to the best of their ability and they won’t intentionally sell you a disaster. we have spent thousands here and don’t regret it at all, and of course will be returning consistently.

caroline j

2022-05

The coolest Fish store ever ! I went for the first time today and not only was the selection of fish incredible, the staff was so fun, friendly and EXTREMELY helpful. They all helped, but Trevor was the main staff member that assisted us and he was down to earth and very helpful and great with explaining things to my kids and myself. I've also chatted with them via Facebook messenger and they were quick to respond with answers. I will absolutely be coming back for all our fishy and aquarium plant needs. Thanks Fishy Business!

Tomas Huntley

2024-04

Great place with great employees who are knowledgeable and eager to help. I wish they had more selection of freshwater fish.I'm in love with their selection of custom tanks.

Ellis Creel

2022-05

Fishy Business was great! First of all, it's a lot bigger of a store than you'd think from the street. It really stretches back. The first inkling you get of it is when you walk in and there's a giant cycling fountain.The staff is very knowledgeable and courteous. When I went in, no one was wearing a mask so I didn't either. The shop let me trade two aggressive fish we'd bought for in-store credit and didn't hassle me about it. With my salespersons help I found two awesome fish and bought a t-shirt, too. Great store.Also there's a Captain D's in front of the store so you know one of the two businesses is crushing it.If you like fish, I say check it out!

Kamryn Ortiz

2022-05

If I could give a 4.5 I would, but I can't. Either way, first time coming here. The place was set up nicely, you could tell they were still fixing up the set ups. I loved the variety of fish. However, some of the tanks were pretty gross and some had some dead fish. Which happens, but I think they should be removed immediately, not good for business in the sense of display. But anyway, loved going in and looking around. I bought me a calico fantail goldfish, two purple mystery snails and mother plant. They were pricey, but well worth it. I love what I got, and I hope to go back. Also, the staff was very on top of answering questions and asking if we needed help. So, that's a plus!

Andrew - The Moodie Foodie

2023-05

I am a huge fan of this place. I came in here after inheriting some goldfish from a pond that I knew nothing about. This group was more than knowledgeable. They answered every single question I had. I went in there knowing nothing, they could have very well taken me to the cleaners, but they were honest with their pricing and letting me know What equipment I would need. I would definitely check out this place if you're looking for anything aquarium related, or even pond related.

D.R.

2023-12

First purchase here, not sure how to summarize first impression, almost felt like an imposition by the person assisting or maybe too busy??…As with any new addition to tank you should always dip…Prior to dip pulled this slug and other pests dropped after dip…

Bennett Wojcicki

2024-05

Great fish store, large selection of freshwater and saltwater fish, aquatic plants, corals, dry goods, and every other aquarium need.

Maria Swygert

2023-10

We are so fortunate to have Fishy Business so close to every part of Columbia. The staff, Kevin, Richard. Kat, and Chuck, amongst all of the others are simply wonderful! They work closely with the client to ensure everything from the setup, the live stock, and all of the repeat visits are professional and amazing. Besides all this, they are always well stocked on inventory and have loads of knowledge. Fishy Business is a great company stocked with great people! Thank you, Fishy Business, Kevin, and crew for more than 30 years of awesome fish keeping knowledge and experience! Thank you for being the best!

Jorge Hernandez

2024-04

Amazing business with well knowledgeable people and some of best customer service I've seen from any business in years. 10/10 would recommend to anyone.

Dragonlord

2023-05

In short the staff cares a lot about their business, and everyone that I have interacted with seems to enjoy what they do. Great selection all around for anything fish related.

Bipin Koirala

2021-05

Great place to get fish and supplies. Very knowledgeable staff that will help you through your whole fish keeping journey! I got an amazing halfmoon betta that I named ronaldo and some glofish tetras, that are doing very well!

San Peña

2023-05

Very friendly, professional and knowledgeable! They have a variety of fishes and supplies, freshwater & saltwater (shrimps, coral, exclusive fishes etc.) I buy my fish from here and I’ll be back.

Abby Bagley

2023-12

I am so grateful for this gem of a shop. Huge fish selection, beautiful store, friendly and knowledgeable employees. It's worth the 30 minute drive every time.

Margaret Dye

2023-05

I moved to Columbia recently and knew I had to check this place out. I’ve never lived close to a locally owned fish store since I got into the hobby and the big box stores are not going to get another penny from me while I’m here. Incredible variety of livestock and supplies from reputable brands, and the hardscape options are AWESOME. The staging table is great too.Bonus points for the betta setup! All the babies in the split tank were so active and colorful. They even had some females in community tanks. Confusingly they had a couple bettas in cups while there were empty spaces in the tank, and they sell small bowls and “tanks” <2gal. But I get it, some people want that sort of thing and they did have good variety of proper nano tanks.Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable as well. I’ll definitely be back.

Richard Smith

2023-12

The best in the business for sure!Guy and his team are very knowledgeable. I've used them for very elaborate systems fresh and salt water they always go above and beyond to help their customers I wish I could give ten stars

Crystle Lamberth

2023-08

I just want to say that I am so fortunate to have this fish store within a 30 minute driving distance from my home. I am also very fortunate to have an establishment that has such wonderful employees and owners. I have bought 2 beautiful setups and have had them both delivered into my home by Fishy Business. They also support their local dirt car drivers which is few, far and in between these days from businesses. Besides all this, they are always well stocked on inventory, have loads of knowledge between everyone and are just great people. So to all my peeps at FB, Thank you for being the best.

Stacy Callihan

2023-08

The best fish store in SC! They are extremely knowledgeable and always go above and beyond to help me.

Will Frost

2023-05

The best fish store I’ve ever been too by a mile. I have some gorgeous fish from here and plants. Listen to Richard

Phil Hadley

2023-05

Oh wow, best LFS in south Carolina. People are awesome, and great stock

NAIMAH HARRIS

2023-07

I LOVE THIS PLACE! I travel 45 minutes to shop here and I really don't mind🤣 The selection is awesome, the customer service is great. Most of all I like that I can ask all the questions I need and get quality products and advice here. They truly have something for all levels of tanks and owners!Everyone I take or refer, falls in love here!

cynthia oberlies-thompson

2019-05

Love this place! The people who work there are extremely knowledgeable about saltwater tanks & saltwater fish. Btw, I especially love there indoor koi pond filled with beautiful Koi fish to feed.

Suzette “Sweetsuek89”

2021-05

My husband and I have been visiting Fishy Business since October 2020. We were seeking professional expertise on starting a 90 gallon saltwater reef tank. Everyone we talked to there was helpful from Ryan, Scott, Mike, to the owner Chuck. We received top notch service with installation and setup of our new tank by Andrew & Jonathan(shown in pic) on the Thursday before Christmas. We highly recommend Fishy Business to anyone looking for freshwater or saltwater fish.

Leyla O'Connor

2023-05

I can not say enough good things about this business and the people at Fishy! The staff really cares about the success of their customers and are willing to spend time educating you. Their YouTube videos are great for newbies like myself or people expanding their knowledge. Their selection is outstanding and if they don’t have what you are looking for they will support you in getting the fish you want. Richard, Chuck, Chase, Andrew, Trevor, Hayden, Austin, & Cat - you guys are the best…. And I’m sure as I get to know some of the others I will be able to say the same!! Worth the drive if you don’t have a local store that supports all your needs.

Nina Pinckney

2023-05

Great selection and fish are healthy. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. We're happy with the new members of our tank.

Berto D

2023-12

They were awesome. friendly and all of the associates I met/ talked to were extremely approachable. Very kind atmosphere. 🙂