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Aquatic Pets and Aquariums

What’s the best freshwater aquarium fish combination? What size tank does a pet pufferfish need? Does an aquarium need to have plants? Are saltwater aquarium fish right for me? Uncle Bill’s can answer these questions and help you find the right pet fish or other aquatic friends, along with all the aquatic pet supplies you need to give it a comfortable home.

Best Aquatic Pets for Beginners

Pet fish habitats can range from a simple rectangular tank to nano reef or betta tanks to a saltwater aquarium holding 100 gallons or more. Uncle Bill’s generally recommends that people who are new to maintaining an aquarium choose a fish that’s low-maintenance. Here are some excellent freshwater fish for beginners:
Guppies
Mollies
Platies
*These three types of freshwater fish above get along well with each other, and can live in a large enough tank in same-sex groups.
Bettas
*Smart, showy, but only female Bettas can share a tank since males are aggressive to each other, but male Bettas may share a tank with Neon Tetras.
Cichlids
*While fairly aggressive, some of the most colorful and popular freshwater fish in the hobby.

Other Aquatic Pets

In addition to fish, Uncle Bill’s has a wide variety of water-loving animals: 
Frogs
Sideneck Turtles
And Axolotls!
*Our inventory varies by location, so please contact us if you’re looking for a specific type of aquatic pet or stop by an Uncle Bill’s location near you.

Aquarium Care

Uncle Bill’s has everything you’d expect in an aquatic pet store: aquariums, filtration systems, fish food, and more. Our friendly associates can help you choose an appropriately sized saltwater or freshwater aquarium for your pet and provide tips on aquatic plants and fish tank accessories.

Quick tips for freshwater aquariums:
*Avoid direct sunlight to deter algae growth
*Once a week
    -Change about 10-20% of your tank water (varies by tank size and number of fish)
    -Use a siphon when removing water so you can do it slowly
    -Set aside water you siphon off to use when you clean the filter
    -Only add pre-treated or R/O water to the tank

 


uncle bills aquariums fish


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Aquariums are great learning tools.

Aquatic Landing Bar 3
Whether you’re an adult hobbyist or have kids interested in science, building and perfecting an aquarium habitat is a fun and exciting way to learn about nature and ecology.

Aquariums promote responsibility without being too demanding.

Aquatic Landing Bar 1
Kids (and adults) of all ages can participate in various tasks related to maintaining an aquarium, and they often become deeply invested in the saltwater fish or freshwater fish they select. Aquariums can also be a relatively low-maintenance hobby, which is perfect for busy households.

Aquariums reduce stress and anxiety.

Aquatic Landing Bar 2
Have you noticed how many doctors’ offices have aquariums? That is not a coincidence! Experts, including the former Surgeon General of the United States, advocate aquariums for their proven health benefits, including reducing blood pressure!

Read more on our Aquatics blog!

NEW Hikari Rio+ Aqua Pumps!

| Jun 02, 2025

If you're an aquarium enthusiast, you know that water movement is essential for a healthy aquatic environment. From oxygenating the water to supporting biological filtration and mimicking natural currents, a reliable pump is at the heart of any thriving tank. That’s why so many hobbyists turn to Hikari Rio+ Aqua Pumps—a favorite among freshwater, saltwater, and reef aquarists alike. 

hikari rio  plus aquarium pumps at uncle bills So, what makes Rio+ Aqua Pumps stand out from the rest? Hikari Rio+ Aqua Pumps are highly regarded among aquarium hobbyists for a number of practical and performance-based reasons. Let’s dive into the top reasons aquarium hobbyists trust and love them:

1. Reliable, Consistent Performance

Rio+ pumps have built a reputation for reliable and long-lasting operation. Hobbyists appreciate their consistent water flow, which is key to maintaining stable water parameters and supporting essential life systems. Whether you're powering a filtration system or circulating water in a reef tank, Rio+ delivers dependable performance day in and day out.

2. Versatility for Any Setup 

freshwater fish and saltwater fish at uncle bills pet centers

One of the most appealing features of Rio+ pumps is their versatility. They work great in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums and can be used as submersible or inline pumps. This flexibility makes them ideal for a wide range of setups—from nano tanks to large reef systems.

3. Quiet Operation

No one wants a noisy aquarium. Rio+ pumps are designed for whisper-quiet performance, making them perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and offices. Their quiet motor technology ensures your aquarium is heard only when it should be—through the calming sound of gently moving water.

4. Energy-Efficient Design

Aquarium gear can rack up energy costs if you’re not careful. Rio+ pumps are built with energy efficiency in mind, helping hobbyists keep operational costs low without sacrificing performance. That’s a win-win for your tank and your utility bill.

5. Compact Yet Powerful 

Space-saving design meets serious water movement. Despite their small footprint, Rio+ pumps deliver impressive flow rates, making them ideal for tight sump compartments, back chambers in all-in-one aquariums, or discreet placement in larger tanks.

6. A Pump for Every Need  hikari rio plus power heads aquariums

With multiple models to choose from—including the popular Rio+ 600, 1100, and 1700—you can easily find the right pump for your tank’s specific needs. Whether you're gently circulating a planted tank or powering a protein skimmer in a reef setup, there’s a Rio+ pump for you. What's more, whether you’re connecting to tubing, a filter, or a protein skimmer, the included accessories make setup quick and frustration-free with useful fittings and adapters.

7. Backed by a Trusted Brand

Hikari is a well-known and respected brand in the aquarium world, celebrated for high-quality fish foods and aquatic equipment. The Rio+ pump line reflects that same commitment to excellence, giving hobbyists peace of mind with every purchase. *Plus, they back their product with a 3-year Guarantee if you sign up for one within 15 days of purchase!

8. Safe for Sensitive Systems

Constructed with non-corrosive, marine-safe materials, Rio+ pumps are reef-safe and built to last. Their magnetically driven motor ensures reliable function without interfering with the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

hikari rio plus aquarium pumps at uncle bills 9. Loved by the Community

From online forums to social media groups, Rio+ pumps consistently receive high praise from hobbyists for their durability, ease of use, and great value. Many aquarists have relied on these pumps for years and wouldn’t trust anything else. Hikari Rio+ Aqua Pumps offer the performance, versatility, and reliability that today’s aquarium hobbyists demand. 

10. It's Now Available and On Sale at Uncle Bill's!

When it comes to keeping your aquarium healthy and beautiful, the right pump can make all the difference. Whether you're just getting started or are a seasoned aquarist, the Rio+ series is a smart, proven choice for tanks of many shapes and sizes. Now, you can save 10% OFF (that's up to $8.50 OFF) now through 6/29/25 at Uncle Bill's Pet Centers with your Extra Value Card!

 

Are you ready to find a saltwater or freshwater fish store near you? Then visit the nearest Uncle Bill’s Pet Center today! We’ll help you learn more about how to get started with an aquarium, or you can view our amazing selection of pet fish as well as other aquatic animals and accessories.

Uncle Bill’s Pet Center is an ethical, humane source for a wide variety of pets, including Dogs, Cats, Fish, Birds, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Reptiles, Amphibians, and other small and exotic animals. We are the premier pet store in the Indianapolis area, with locations on the east, northeast, and west sides of Indianapolis, as well as in Fishers, Greenwood, and Ft. Wayne. Uncle Bill’s Pet Center carries a large inventory of pet supplies, and is committed to helping our customers understand and care for their animals throughout their lives.