What That Fish Place / That Pet Place Is

That Fish Place / That Pet Place is a retail chain that sells aquarium equipment, fish, plants, and other aquatic animals from physical store locations and online. The company operates stores primarily in the northeastern United States, with the main location in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. You can visit in person to browse tanks, filters, and livestock, or order online for delivery or in-store pickup.

The business is known for stocking a wide range of aquarium sizes and setups — from small desktop tanks to large custom systems — along with food, filters, heaters, lighting, and decorations. They also sell freshwater and saltwater fish, invertebrates, and live plants. If you are setting up a new tank or maintaining an existing one, this is a place where you can find most of what you need in one location.

Key Takeaways

  • That Fish Place / That Pet Place operates physical retail locations in the Northeast and an online store where you can browse inventory and place orders.
  • You can visit a store in person to see equipment and livestock before buying, or order online for home delivery or store pickup.
  • The store carries aquarium tanks, filters, heaters, lighting, food, plants, and live fish and invertebrates for freshwater and saltwater setups.
  • Staff at physical locations can answer questions about tank setup, fish compatibility, and equipment maintenance if you need guidance.

Store Locations and Hours

That Fish Place / That Pet Place has multiple store locations, with the flagship store in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company also operates locations in other northeastern states. Store hours vary by location, so you should check the website or call ahead before visiting to confirm when a store near you is open.

The main Lancaster location is the largest and typically stocks the widest selection of tanks, equipment, and livestock. If you live outside the Northeast or cannot reach a physical store, the online store ships to most of the United States, though shipping costs and delivery times depend on your location and what you order.

How to Shop Online

The That Fish Place / That Pet Place website lets you browse products by category — tanks, filters, lighting, food, fish species, and plants. You can search by specific product name or filter results by price, brand, or type. Product pages show photos, descriptions, and customer reviews when available.

When you add items to your cart and proceed to checkout, you enter your shipping address and payment information. The site will show you estimated shipping costs before you complete the purchase. You can choose standard shipping or, in some cases, expedited options. Orders typically ship within a few business days, though live fish and plants may have separate handling procedures to reduce stress during transit.

In-Store Shopping and Livestock Selection

If you visit a physical location, you can see tanks, equipment, and fish in person before buying. Staff members are usually available to answer questions about tank size, filtration, water chemistry, and which fish or plants work well together. This is especially useful if you are new to aquariums and want to avoid costly mistakes.

Live fish and invertebrates are kept in holding tanks at the store. Availability changes regularly, so if you are looking for a specific species, you can call ahead or check the website to see if it is in stock. When you purchase livestock, staff will bag it in water and provide care instructions for transport home. Some stores offer the option to hold fish for a short time if you need to set up your tank first.

Payment and Return Policies

That Fish Place / That Pet Place accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and other common payment methods both online and in stores. Online orders require payment at checkout. In-store purchases can be paid at the register.

Return and exchange policies vary depending on what you buy. Equipment like filters and tanks can usually be returned within a set timeframe if unused and in original packaging. Live fish and plants have different policies because they are perishable — most stores do not accept returns on livestock, though some will replace fish that arrive dead on delivery. Check the website or ask staff about the specific policy for what you are buying, especially if you are ordering livestock online.

Ordering Live Fish and Plants Online

Ordering live animals online carries more risk than buying in person because you cannot inspect them before they arrive. That Fish Place / That Pet Place ships fish and plants in insulated boxes with heat or cold packs depending on the season. Delivery typically takes two to four business days.

When your order arrives, open the box right away and check the contents. Fish should be alert and moving; plants should look fresh and not mushy. If an animal arrives dead or severely damaged, contact the store as soon as possible with photos. Many retailers will replace dead-on-arrival livestock if you report it within a few hours of delivery, though policies differ. Keep the packaging and water from the box as proof if you need to file a claim.

Getting Help with Tank Setup and Maintenance

Staff at physical locations can answer basic questions about setting up a new tank, choosing the right filter size, maintaining water temperature, and selecting compatible fish. They can also advise on water testing, cycling a new tank, and treating common problems like algae or disease. This guidance is free and part of the shopping experience.

If you have complex questions or need detailed troubleshooting, staff may recommend resources like care sheets, books, or online forums. For serious tank problems or fish health issues, a veterinarian who specializes in aquatic animals is the best resource, as store staff are not medical professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return fish if they die after I bring them home?

Most retailers do not accept returns on live fish once they leave the store, since they cannot verify the cause of death. However, if fish arrive dead during shipping, many stores will replace them if you report it within a few hours and provide photos. Check the specific return policy on the website or ask staff before you purchase.

Do I need to cycle my tank before adding fish?

Yes. A new tank needs time for beneficial bacteria to build up so they can process fish waste. This usually takes two to four weeks. Staff at the store can explain the cycling process and recommend products like bacterial starters that speed it up. Skipping this step often leads to fish dying from ammonia poisoning.

What should I do if I order fish online and they arrive stressed or injured?

Open the box when ready and inspect the fish. If they are severely injured or unresponsive, take photos and contact the store right away with details about the order and what you received. Keep the packaging and water. Many retailers will replace dead-on-arrival fish if you report it quickly, though policies vary.

Does That Fish Place ship to my state?

The online store ships to most of the United States, but some states restrict the shipment of certain live animals. Check the website during checkout to see if your address is in a shippable area. If you cannot order online, you may be able to visit a physical store location if one is near you.

Can I pick up an online order at a store instead of having it shipped?

Many locations offer in-store pickup for online orders, which saves on shipping costs and lets you get your items faster. When you place an order online, look for the pickup option at checkout and select the store location you prefer. You will receive a notification when the order is ready to collect.