Some of the managers at the Cranston Petco know best practices for fish tanks.

I don’t know if they’re still going (I imagine so, but who knows!) but the tropical fish society of ri can point you in the right direction and likely put you in touch with some local betta keepers

Ocean state aquatics has a few locations and great staff. That being said feel free to message me any questions, I've got two decades of fish keeping, a few years of finfish aquaculture and a marine biology degree, so I should be able to answer most questions.

I don’t think you meant to reply to me?

Haha I did not, I promise I'm better at fishkeeping than technology OP

Ocean state aquatics has a few locations and great staff. That being said feel free to message me any questions, I've got two decades of fish keeping, a few years of finfish aquaculture and a marine biology degree, so I should be able to answer most questions.

I went to do so but I’m fairly stupid at Reddit and can’t figure it out. I have some questions about fish-in cycling (as I didn’t know about cycling was a thing). Would you mind DMing so we can talk after I finish work?

Tropic Isle in Framingham is hands down the best aquarium shop I’ve been to in New England, very much worth the drive if you really want to get into the hobby

I’m in a weird middle ground where I can see myself getting really, really into it but the betta I care for is in the preschool class I teach and I have no room for him at home. If I had the room and knew I would be taking him home with me this summer I would defs make the hike to Framingham, but seeing as it’s up in the air I’m not sure if it worth it.

Might be a bit far but Nick at Aquastetics in Fall River is incredibly knowledgeable with all things aquaria.

Aquastetics in Fall River is hands down the best specialty aquarium store in New England, especially if you're into aquascaping. They're one of the only retailers of ADA, UNS, Tropica, and many other premium over-seas aquarium goods in the area. One of the owners, Nick, is really passionate about spreading the art of aquascaping here in the states and is really knowledgeable about hobby. HUGE selection of rare aquarium plants, hardscape, and fish; they also offer a reasonably priced CO2 tank exchange service for more high-tech planted tanks.

I’ll make not of it but driving through Fall River stresses me the hell out. My go to mechanic is there and every time I have to bring my car in I feel gray hairs growing.

What’s aquascaping?

https://aquascapinglove.com/learn-aquascaping/what-is-aquascaping/

Its the art of utilizing natural materials to create living works of aquatic art, it was conceived in Japan and is popular in Europe.

It's definitely worth it, its now my go-to aquarium store even though its a 35 min drive for me

Huh, neat!

Huh, okay I’ll give it a shot then.

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There are three in the region that I think are the best. (Two have been mentioned)

Aquastethics in Fall River.

Tropic aisle in Framingham.

Uncle Ned’s in Millis.

I generally go for plants on Aquastethics as well as all my scaping needs. tropic and Ned’s are where I generally go for fish.

I find everyone at Ned’s especially knowledgeable and helpful with any issues.

This is the third recommendation for the one in Fall River! I’ll have to check it out.

My fav close by place as well. Otherwise I'm generally driving to Uncle Neds.

Tropic Isle has been on a steady downward trajectory over the past decade, IMO. They're on their 3rd location now and still most of the tanks are barren. I work near there and drop by every couple of weeks, but still haven't bought livestock there in years. Good for dry goods thought.

It's small, but good, and fairly priced fish.

Damn shame the place on Wickendon closed down, that would have been the easy suggestion.

I really like A’s Aquatics in NK. Also second Aquastetics but I never want to drive there. Bridges are hard.

Aquastetics is straight up one of the best specialty aquarium stores in the entire country! They have everything. All the best aquarium gear, fish, and hard scape materials. Check out their Google reviews for tons of photos. Amazing place.

Ahh that’s sad to hear, I haven’t been in years but I remember when I first walked in i was so impressed I swore they could’ve charged admission