Rivers to Reefs Aquariums image

Rivers to Reefs Aquariums

Aquarium shop Fish store Aquarium Tropical fish store Goldfish store Pond supply store

😠 Possibly one of the most unkempt aquarium stores I've ever been to. Reasonable, but eclectic product selection. They have a few nice lighting, heating, and hardscape products (okay driftwood, okay rocks). The people were kind and personable, but wow they desperately need more staff to maintain the h... People often mention fish, staff, store, great, selection, knowledgeable, helpful, tanks, tank, plants,


Address

1362 Cherry Bottom Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230

Website

www.riverstoreefsaquariums.com

Contact

(614) 934-5155

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (597 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 12 to 8 PM
  • Saturday: 12 to 7 PM
  • Sunday: 12 to 7 PM
  • Monday: 12 to 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 12 to 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 12 to 8 PM
  • Thursday: 12 to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: fish (82) staff (29) store (28) great (20) selection (18) knowledgeable (18) helpful (15) tanks (14) tank (14) plants (14)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 Ryan T. 3 years ago on Google
    I drove halfway across town to get here, and the first thing someone said to me when I walked in the door was "mask?". I decided to leave. I don't care if people want to wear one, but if a store wants my money, it'll leave me alone. I may come back at a later date and reevaluate. The prices are fair here and the selection is great, but I'm not looking for a lecture or to be forced to do something when I go to the pet store.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Lee G. 4 years ago on Google
    I will start with they have some nice stuff at fairly good prices BUT I don't feel they are very concerned about the live stock itself. I was in yesterday and saw a few things I liked. Although I saw an Achilles Tang that was in serious need of help. Absolutely covered in ich and starting to get lesions. So I asked the staff about the fish they stated that they were treating it. Well I could tell they weren't cause the treatment is copper and they had inverts in the system with said fish. I attempted to get them to give me the fish by offering to buy one of their clams if they gave me the fish they said no. So basically they are just going to let the fish suffer and die either way they are taking a loss. Then I looked in other tanks particularly the nem tank and it was chock full of flat worms. I think the owner needs to reevaluate the goal of the store. Cause as I see it the health of the animals or our tanks when we purchase said animals isn't in their priorities.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Anonymous _. 2 years ago on Google
    They don’t quarantine their fish. Expect high death rates when you bring fish home. Employee even told me they were surprised that they didn’t lose half the fish (neon tetras) they just got and out into a tank to sell to customers. Been there three times now and have lost half of the fish. Done going there for fish. Great selection and cool variations, but not worth the death rate. Aquarium Adventures is way better.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Colin M. 1 year ago on Google
    Possibly one of the most unkempt aquarium stores I've ever been to. Reasonable, but eclectic product selection. They have a few nice lighting, heating, and hardscape products (okay driftwood, okay rocks). The people were kind and personable, but wow they desperately need more staff to maintain the health of their livestock, plants, and labels. I don't think I'd ever buy a freshwater fish from this store. Almost every tank is: destroyed by algae, stuffed with decaying plants, or being used as a burial ground for dead fish and shrimp. I saw overfed fish with bulging stomachs and fish with sunken stomachs. Some tanks look moderately healthy with fish that look to be in good health, but the fact that nearly all tanks have some quickly recognizable issue really is off-putting. I don't like seeing the hobby suffer and more importantly i dont like seeing fish suffer. I feel bad writing this review, the staff was helpful and passionate, but management needs to step up the cleaning. Most tanks were mislabeled without listed prices or proper species. If the business reads this, please consider switching to bare bottom tanks with appropriate accommodation for livestock. It will really help make maintenance easier. Start sweeping nightly. Remove rotting plant waste. I'm perfectly happy altering this review or removing it once something changes. I've added some pictures of dead fish out of tanks and plants rotting away. Hopefully, this adds some validity to what I've mentioned above. I want this to be my go to local fish store but how can I come here knowing the fish and plants aren't being cared for? Also your phone mailbox is full.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Patrick M. 4 years ago on Google
    Moderate selection of fish and coral and pricing is fair. However, many tanks had major issues. First, one coral system had the worst outbreak of planaria I've seen in my 20 years in the hobby. Second, I witnessed a tang that was eaten up by ich that was in a tank with inverts - basically left to suffer and die with no attempt to treat it. Third, beware of bubble algae in coral tanks. To summarize, based on a first visit in a while, I get the impression that tank/livestock cleanliness and well-being is not a priority at this store.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J B. 1 year ago on Google
    Very knowledgeable staff. Tanks and fish are very healthy! Edited/ added: I thought the little algae eaters they sold me were going to be too small for my son's aquarium/ algae farm. They were right, those little buggers cleaned up strong and fast! Thanks again for the competent advice!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 screamingsilence43 3 years ago on Google
    I waited for 2 hours and never got help, then I watched 2 people get helped before me that showed up after me, never going here again
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 WILLIAM J. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing store, I'm so glad I found them! It is not your typical aquarium store, but that's what makes it cool, they have a lot of exotic species, all kinds of plants, equipment that you wouldn't normally see at a pet store, and the fish selection is amazing! You have to check out the betas that they have in the front, absolutely beautiful! I will be back for sure
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Philip C. 10 months ago on Google
    Friendly fish store with healthy looking fish. Plenty of variety of fish and corals or plants.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Charles H. 3 years ago on Google
    To be honest I’ve never had good service here.... I wait almost every time I’m in there but to be fair they will spend time with you once you get some attention. I want to support a local business but this last trip has me questioning if I will go back. The tanks all looked like they needed attention this visit and the coral I purchased was full of parasites after I dipped it. I was fearful even after the dip to add it to the tank so I quarantined it and may try a second dip before adding to the display.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Erin A. 3 years ago on Google
    I bought several puffer fish from this establishment and they were extremely sick. They had no business selling fish that were this sick. They had worms coming out of their gills and the worst case of ick I have ever seen. It's totally irresponsible and heartbreaking. My fiance and I tried to treat the fish for 2 weeks before they passed away. What a shame. We will not be going back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve R. 1 year ago on Google
    This is an absolutely outstanding aquarium store. The staff and owner are exceptionally knowledgeable, experienced, friendly, and helpful. They helped me recover my tank after I unfortunately bought a batch of sick black phantom tetras from one of their cross town rivals. Those tetras all died within two weeks of me purchasing them (one died two days after purchase). They all likely had neon tetra disease based on symptoms. This store went above and beyond in answering all my questions, giving me advice and recommendations, and even testing my water and examining two of the dead tetras. Today, I returned to purchase a dozen rasboras from them, and they were exceptional as they always are. I cannot recommend this store enough. If you are looking for aquarium advice, aquatic plants, freshwater fish, salt water fish, or even axolotls... Go to this store! You will not regret it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Raina S. 3 years ago on Google
    They had a LOT of dead fish in their tanks. I would not trust buying from here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John S. 2 years ago on Google
    These guys are knowledgeable, and care for the fish they keep personally and sell in the store. Top notch group of guys! Do not hesitate, go look. They have an amazing selection of healthy fish from freshwater to saltwater, planted, niche, reef stuff, these guys got it all!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric T. 3 years ago on Google
    What a great LFS. Super helpful staff. Highly recommend to anyone. Not as flashy as the big box store on the other side of Columbus, but much better prices and nicer help. Picked up a few fish and plants this weekend. All are doing great.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 G R. 3 years ago on Google
    This is my favorite LFS in Columbus. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly - most importantly, they take the time to share that knowledge with customers, which puts them leaps and bounds above the bigger LFS on the other side of town. Whether you're an advanced hobbyist or a beginner in need of solid, honest advice, this is the spot. It's truly a pleasure to speak with the staff and I always learn something new. One team member even advised me against purchasing something from them that would have likely crashed my tank, which says a lot. Rivers to Reefs, thanks for existing. Without you guys, the aquatic world of in our city would be sorely lacking!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 David H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great selection here. Definitely a great place to buy fish and corals. It’s a bit crowded and often hard to get assistance even when not crowded.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachel B. 1 year ago on Google
    I stopped in from out of town, and the staff set me up with an extra large bag and even a cooler to help them make the ride home. They have an amazing number of species in stock, and their music is better than any LFS I've ever visited 😁
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Robert C. 1 year ago on Google
    They had a good selection of fish however the staff was extremely rude I understand your shop is small but did not even have one staff member ask us for help or acknowledge that we were there. Definitely would not recommend this place

  • 5/5 Collin B. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been going here for a few months now and I love it. You don't have to worry about sick fish, dead plants nothing they take great care and everything is reasonably priced. Also if you ever are gonna use wood or stone GO HERE I ended up spending 30 bucks for two huge pieces or mopani and a lot of dragon stone.

  • 5/5 Amber K. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a locally owned business, and by far my favorite place to feed my hobby addiction. Knowledgeable staff and great quality fish. I stop in here at least once a month. They have both fresh water and salt water creatures, plants and all the things in between.

  • 5/5 Betsy J. 1 year ago on Google
    I have shopped at Rivers to Reef since the first day I started freshwater fishkeeping a few years ago. I live two counties north of Columbus. And drive They are my most trusted fishkeeping stores in Columbus. The employees are well educated and helpful. The store itself is nowhere near the size of a box store, by any means. They carry what any Fish Hobbyist wants. From the best of the best brand name medications, to various types of healthy foods, to best of the best brand named chemicals, to Aquariums and aquarium supplies. And the fish are so healthy as well as unique! If you buy your fish at Rivers to Reefs, yes, you can find some common favorites but they have a REALLY nice selection of cool and unique fish. The kinds that will impress your friends and family. 🐟🐠🐡 If you keep fish in the Columbus Area or Central Ohio this place makes a great GREAT go to store!

  • 5/5 SuperJahobo 1 year ago on Google
    Bought a ton of cichlids for a new tank- Jack was very knowledgeable and helped a ton. All the fish came home healthy, and are looking great! R2R has the personal feel that you'd expect from a small business, and is significantly less expensive than Aquarium Adventure.

  • 5/5 Denisha N. 1 year ago on Google
    Gladly make the 2 hour drive to purchase fish and critters for our 2 salt water tanks! The employees are super helpful and KNOW what they're selling! Store is small but still carries way more than most big chain stores!! Will definitely recommend!!

  • 5/5 Madeleine P. 1 year ago on Google
    I spoke with Jack for twelve minutes over phone deciding the best treatment and procedure for my beta fish’s ailment. What a wonderfully dutiful, astute and helpful worker. You should feel very proud to have Jack on your team. I don’t know many who have provided me such congenial and thorough customer service, especially over the phone. You’ve gained a loyal customer indeed. I will update with pictures of my fish after the treatment.

  • 1/5 C H. 3 years ago on Google
    Pompous! Rude, not nice people. Would not spend a dime here.

  • 5/5 Jeremy C. 1 year ago on Google
    We stopped by looking for freshwater puffer fish. We found what we were looking for and so much more. The staff was VERY knowledge and helped us pick out aquatic plants that met our needs. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Alejandro I. 1 year ago on Google
    My experience was amazing! Staff members asked if I needed any help. They were really kind. I got one urchin. They have a wide variety of fish and coral.

  • 5/5 Michael M. 1 year ago on Google
    Hands down the best fish store in Columbus! Full of knowledge, always polite and inviting, family friendly, reasonably priced. What more can I say? They will even get out their store mascot hedgehogs for your kids if you ask…

  • 1/5 Unger F. 1 year ago on Google
    So, at first, this place was great and worked well with people. Fish were amazing. We started a new saltwater tank. Had some fish in there doing well added some more fish. Those fish died We decided to add a few more fish on March 10. We bought 3 fish for saltwater tank, a dog face puffer spotted rabbit, fish, a Blondie Naso. Right at the end of two weeks two of the fish died again we had the water tested. There was nothing wrong with our water. Just got a message saying no refund your fish. There nothing wrong with the fish that he could see but I’d like to know where he is a veterinarian or a fish biologist to determine that there was nothing wrong with them. I do recall having to pick up the rabbit later because there was a whole spot on them and they wanted to make sure everything was OK so they kept them for two weeks before we could purchase him. So just be careful when you shop at this place because this is not the first time we’ve had misleading information from this company.

  • 5/5 Ryan G. 1 year ago on Google
    Got to say that I always appreciate an honest seller. I have been reefing since 2002. So I know pretty much everything there is to know. A lot of times I go into a business acting dumb just to see how well they know their stuff and how honest they are. These guys did not know an answer to a question I asked. Rather than try and blow some smoke up my backside like a lot Do, they told me they weren’t sure. I totally respect their honesty.

  • 5/5 Mikey B. 10 months ago on Google
    1st of all they're very welcoming and knowledgeable. And they take great care of all their aquatics. Truly a great Atmosphere explore thanks.

  • 5/5 Shocwavesniper 9 months ago on Google
    Great local shop with a wide variety of freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and corals. Alongside everything that is needed to successfully keep them.

  • 5/5 Haleigh S. 4 months ago on Google
    This is the ONLY aquatic store I will ever go to again! You can tell the staff are very passionate and knowledgeable about the hobby, and care greatly for the care and keeping of all the animals. They have helped me immensely as I am new to aquarium keeping and they were so patient with my endless questions. Especially Cece and her dad!

  • 5/5 Rachel E. 5 months ago on Google
    Such a great shop! Only place with truly knowledgeable employees. These people really care about to hobby. Also, they have great prices. I always get my fish and plants there.

  • 5/5 Joseph N. 6 months ago on Google
    Don’t waste your time at more ‘corporate’ stores, this place offers a ton of fish at legit prices. Their coral selection is pretty limited but what they do offer is impressive and affordable. Their staff is not only helpful, they’re very knowledgeable. Their return policy is solid and they stand by their stock. I only wish they offered a membership, this place is legit.

  • 5/5 RC G. 7 months ago on Google
    Very impressive store. Their tanks were extremely clean and fish and real plant selection was great and we're all in great condition not to mention their prices are more than fair and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. This is my new go to for my aquarium needs. Thanks Rivers to Reefs Aquariums!

  • 5/5 Vincent C. 8 months ago on Google
    What a great store! I was starting a 10 gallon tank for my daughter and came in with little knowledge. I was greeted and helped from start to finish by the staff. I would highly recommend this store for your aquarium needs! I will be back!!

  • 5/5 Lyndia T. 6 months ago on Google
    I was searching all over Columbus for a place close to zip 43219 that had a small to medium-sized Pleco available. I came upon this place and was so pleasantly surprised at the selection! They have a variety of fish available, and staff were very helpful!

  • 5/5 Justin X. 3 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff great fish I bought a lungfish here he has been doing well for over a year 5/5 stars

  • 5/5 David H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great variety of fish, and very healthy looking! Prices on supplies we're good too which isn't usually the case for smaller stores. Can't wait to go back when I have room for more fish.

  • 5/5 Danny R. 3 years ago on Google
    Small fish store with a lot to offer. They have many beautiful plants and plant products. Great selection of fish including species I had never seen before. Staff was very kind and helpful. This store is a must if you are in the area.

  • 5/5 Elisabeth S. 3 years ago on Google
    I came here with zero knowledge of aquariums and fish keeping, and now i have a thriving planted tank thanks to the staff taking the time to educate me, helping me choose equipment, and setting me up for success. Now i have a great new hobby and several happy fish. Definitely recommend going here.

  • 5/5 Tracy M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great value for the money!

  • 5/5 William G. 3 years ago on Google
    Great team of passionate employees. Aaron is easy to work with and will find you what you want as far as livestock and supplies. My go to in central Ohio for all things aquarium related.

  • 5/5 Erik B. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place. Tons of interesting fish and supplies. Extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff. Why did I ever buy aquarium supplies at big box pet stores?!

  • 5/5 Grant B. 3 years ago on Google
    I highly recommend Rivers to Reefs. They had a very nice selection of beautiful corals (and fish) to choose from. Austin, one of the employees, went above and beyond to help me find what I was looking for. As a beginner in the hobby, I was extremely thankful for his excellent service and knowledge. He took the time to answer each and every one of my endless questions. I will most definitely return to rivers and reefs anytime I’m in the area!

  • 1/5 alison p. 3 years ago on Google
    I went in here the other day to check the place out and see what they had. I'm about to start up my first saltwater aquarium. The place stank like dead fish and it was really dirty. All the tanks had a lot of algae on the glass which made it hard to see the fish. I had a sneezing fit and had to leave. I normally don't have allergies like that. And this was even with a mask on.

  • 5/5 Arnaldo G. 3 years ago on Google
    Austin was awesome and took his time to explain everything to us. Really kind and helpful!

  • 5/5 Jane C. 3 years ago on Google
    Knowledgeable staff

  • 5/5 Joseph M. 3 years ago on Google
    Cool fish store!

  • 5/5 Karen G. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful staff and unique selection! Definitely going back!!

  • 5/5 Christine R. 3 years ago on Google
    One of my favorite places to shop. Great for any aquatic needs.

  • 5/5 Jamison F. 3 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff. Interested in getting your tank what you want and not simply sell you stuff you don't need.

  • 5/5 Marisa D. 3 years ago on Google
    Friendly, helpful, decent selection of plants and aquatic life.

  • 5/5 Sherry P. 3 years ago on Google
    Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. Unique selections for both fresh and saltwater fish. Prices seem a little high but quality of service can't be beat!

  • 5/5 julia t. 3 years ago on Google
    They had great knowledge of the water turtle tank stuff I needed

  • 5/5 Christine P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place with fun knowledgeable people

  • 5/5 mario b. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful beaches (Original) Bella las playas

  • 5/5 Darrell G. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place..very knowledgeable staff

  • 5/5 Stephen N. 3 years ago on Google
    As a first time customer and casual aquarist, I was blown away by the variety of stock and the knowledgeability of the staff. Prices for fish were very reasonable (comparable to chain stores and much better than other local independent retailers). Picked up some driftwood I really didn't need but the process were so good it seemed a shame not to.

  • 5/5 Cherie M. 3 years ago on Google
    I drive 🚗 miles away to get my fish here

  • 5/5 William E. 3 years ago on Google
    Great selection of freshwater fish and knowledgeable staff.

  • 5/5 Gwen 3 years ago on Google
    Friendly, helpful, down to earth staff. Great variety of selection.

  • 5/5 Jeremiah O. 3 years ago on Google
    Cool rare fish there

  • 5/5 Andrew C. 3 years ago on Google
    Rivers to Reefs is the place to go for all your aquarium needs hands down. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful.

  • 5/5 Tammy W. 3 years ago on Google
    We had a very helpful and knowledgeable young man assist us.

  • 5/5 Tons of F. 3 years ago on Google
    R2R is an amazing place. Everyone is super friendly and can explain anything you probably need to know. Tons of species for fresh and salt water and all the tools you need to care for them.

  • 3/5 markeyta s. 3 years ago on Google
    Nothing has a price then it's over price when they come back with the price

  • 5/5 april m. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place great customer service

  • 4/5 Robert S. 3 years ago on Google
    Had what I wanted. Very knowledgeable


Call (614) 934-5155 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ In-store shopping
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Small business

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