Extremely Fishy Pet Store in South Carolina: What to Know Before You Visit

What Extremely Fishy offers and where to find it

Extremely Fishy is a specialty aquarium store in South Carolina focused on fish, aquatic plants, and equipment for freshwater and saltwater tanks. The store stocks live fish, invertebrates, and corals depending on availability, along with filters, lighting, substrate, and other supplies needed to set up and maintain an aquarium. Unlike general pet chains, Extremely Fishy concentrates on aquatic life rather than carrying dogs, cats, birds, or small mammals.

The store's exact location and current hours vary, so calling ahead or checking their social media before visiting is essential. Many specialty aquarium shops in South Carolina operate with limited hours or by appointment during slower seasons, and inventory changes based on what breeders and suppliers have available that week.

Key Takeaways

• Extremely Fishy specializes in aquatic animals and equipment, not general pet supplies, so it is the right stop for tank setup advice and live stock.
• Calling or messaging before you visit confirms current hours, whether specific fish or plants are in stock, and whether staff can answer questions about your setup.
• Specialty aquarium stores often have healthier, longer-lived fish than chain pet stores because they receive smaller, more frequent shipments and quarantine stock.
• Staff at focused aquarium shops typically have hands-on experience with different tank types and can recommend equipment matched to your tank size and water type.

Why specialty aquarium stores differ from chain pet stores

Chain pet stores stock fish as one category among many, which means fish often spend longer in holding tanks, receive less specialized care, and may arrive stressed or ill. Extremely Fishy, by contrast, receives shipments specifically for aquatic life and typically quarantines new arrivals before selling them. This reduces the chance you bring home a sick fish that infects your entire tank.

Specialty stores also tend to carry species that chain stores do not stock—rare plant varieties, specific regional fish, or invertebrates like shrimp and snails that appeal to experienced hobbyists. If you are setting up a planted tank, a saltwater reef, or keeping unusual species, a specialty shop is more likely to have what you need or know where to source it.

What to bring and ask about before buying fish

Before visiting Extremely Fishy to purchase fish, know your tank's dimensions, water type (freshwater or saltwater), and current water parameters if you have already cycled the tank. Bring this information with you or be ready to describe your setup to staff. They can then recommend fish that will thrive in your specific conditions rather than selling you something that will struggle or die.

Ask staff about the fish's origin, how long it has been in their tank, and any known behaviors or dietary needs. Good aquarium shops keep records on their stock and can tell you whether a fish is wild-caught or captive-bred, aggressive or peaceful, and what it eats. This conversation takes ten minutes but prevents buying a fish that will not survive or will attack your other animals.

Setting up your first tank with store guidance

If you are new to keeping fish, staff at Extremely Fishy can walk you through the basics: tank size for your chosen species, filtration strength, substrate type, and the nitrogen cycle that must complete before you add fish. Many beginners buy a tank that is too small, skip the cycling step, or choose incompatible species—all mistakes that lead to dead fish within weeks. A specialist shop can prevent these costly errors by explaining what happens in each step.

Ask whether the store offers water testing. Many aquarium shops will test your water for free or a small fee, which tells you whether your tank is ready for fish and whether your current setup is harming the animals already in it. If your fish are dying or acting sick, a water test often reveals the cause—ammonia spike, incorrect pH, or inadequate filtration—and the shop can recommend how to fix it.

Planted tanks and live plants

Extremely Fishy carries live aquatic plants for freshwater tanks, which serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. Plants consume nitrates that would otherwise poison your fish, provide hiding spots for nervous species, and create a more natural environment. However, plants require specific lighting, substrate, and sometimes fertilizer—not all tanks are set up to support them.

Before buying plants, ask staff what lighting your current tank has and whether it is strong enough for the plants you want. Low-light plants like anubias and java fern survive under standard aquarium lights, while stem plants and carpeting plants need stronger lighting and fertilizer. Staff can recommend plants matched to your setup so you do not waste money on plants that will die or turn brown.

Saltwater and reef setup

Saltwater aquariums are more complex than freshwater tanks and require different equipment, salt mix, and live rock or substrate. Extremely Fishy stocks saltwater fish, corals, and the specialized gear needed to maintain these tanks. If you are considering a saltwater setup, the staff can explain the difference between fish-only tanks, reef tanks, and nano reefs, and what each requires in terms of equipment and maintenance time.

Saltwater tanks also need regular water testing because salinity, pH, and calcium levels shift more easily than in freshwater. Ask whether the store offers saltwater water testing and whether they can recommend a maintenance schedule. Some people find saltwater rewarding; others discover it is more work than they expected. A conversation with experienced staff before you buy equipment can help you decide whether it is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to cycle my tank before adding fish?

Yes. A new tank contains ammonia from fish waste, which is toxic. Beneficial bacteria must colonize your filter and substrate to convert ammonia to nitrite, then to nitrate—a process that takes two to four weeks. Adding fish before this cycle completes will poison them. Extremely Fishy staff can explain how to cycle a tank and may sell products that speed the process.

What is the difference between wild-caught and captive-bred fish?

Wild-caught fish are taken from nature and often arrive stressed, sick, or carrying parasites. Captive-bred fish are born in hatcheries and adapt better to tank life. Captive-bred fish are usually hardier and less expensive. Ask staff which fish in stock are captive-bred, especially if you are new to keeping fish.

Can I keep fish from different regions in the same tank?

Not always. Some fish are aggressive, some need cold water while others need warm, and some eat smaller fish. Before buying, describe all the fish you plan to keep to staff and ask whether they are compatible. A good shop will tell you honestly if a combination will not work.

How often should I do water changes?

Most freshwater tanks need a 25 to 50 percent water change once a week. Saltwater tanks may need changes every two weeks depending on bioload and filtration. Ask staff what schedule makes sense for your tank size and the number of fish you keep. They can also show you the easiest way to do changes without stressing your fish.

What should I do if my fish are dying?

Bring a water sample to Extremely Fishy for testing. Most fish deaths result from poor water quality—ammonia, nitrite, or pH problems—not disease. A water test reveals the cause, and staff can recommend how to fix it. If water quality is fine, describe the fish's behavior and appearance so staff can suggest whether it is disease, stress, or incompatibility with tank mates.