Appalachian Reptiles & Aquatics

James Porter

I asked one of the employees to assist me in building a safe habitat for my red eared slider. He recommended purchasing a premium aquarium black sand substrate. I thought he knew what he was talking about so I used the black sand for my turtles aquarium. One month later I found him dead next to the filter. I needed to know how he died. The only thing we did differently was add the black sand substrate. Come to find out my turtle died from impaction. It’s a blockage in the digestive system that leads to constipation. This blockage is typically caused by something the animal ate. Unfortunately, items that may seem harmless, like the substrate we kept in the aquarium, was an impaction hazard. Loose substrates can become ingested accidentally, especially by juveniles. Impactions caused by loose substrates usually develop over time, so the symptoms appear gradually and not suddenly. Most of the time, symptoms will go unseen until it is too late. Moral of the story: Trust but verify. Some of the people who work in these stores do not care about your animal and don’t know everything. I would always brag about how resilient my turtle was. Had him for 2 years and drove him cross country in a tiny container. He was happy as can be. Be cautious who you take advice from. It cost me my turtles life.

Michael Kretzer

Just went here for the first time recently. The store was well organized and clean. All of the fish and reptiles looked healthy with clean tanks/enclosures as well. The owner and staff were very friendly and knowledgeable and took the time to talk to my wife and I. Will be my store of choice for my fish needs moving forward.

Jane Harker

We traveled an hour just to visit this place. We were really happy that we did. The guys were nice and helpful! We bought 2 cages and a BUNCH of stuff to go inside. All that we needed to start a reptile cage was there. They offer good prices. They also sell in the Four State Reptile Expos so it makes it convenient to purchase off of them if they aren't close to you.

Joshua Roberts

I just love this place. The amount of different reptiles, amphibians, fish, etc and knowledge of employees are just great. I love bringing my daughters to see and appreciate the different animals. Their prices are honestly really good too which I wasn't really expecting being an online buyer kind of guy plus some pets and certain unique decor pieces need to bought it in person as I've learned the hard way! My only "recommendation" if you can call it that is better viewing of the reptiles and the ones in hides all the time having a small picture near the cage would be cool. If you ever started private reptile shows/kids birthdays I know of several people interested in that if it were ever possible.