Monroe, North Carolina
The Carolinas' premier retail destination
Over 200 species of freshwater and saltwater fish, coral, plants and inverts from trusted global suppliers — plus everything you need to keep them. Retail should be comfortable, judgment-free and informative, and our team is on the floor to make it that way.
Why the Carolinas chooses us
Four reasons people drive past three other shops
Fair, competitive pricing
We price-match competitors at our discretion — and usually beat them on quality and service anyway.
7-day livestock guarantee
On quarantined fish that have been in store a week or more. Bring a photo and a water sample and we'll work the problem with you.
Quality, sustainable livestock
We're advocates for ocean and environmental conservation, and stock sustainably collected livestock wherever we can.
200+ species
Freshwater and saltwater fish, coral and plants from trusted suppliers worldwide, quarantined before they hit the sales floor.
Freshwater
Planted tanks, community tanks, everything between
- Freshwater fish, from starter community species to centrepiece cichlids and bichirs
- Inverts — shrimp, snails, lobsters and crayfish
- Live plants and driftwood
- Aqua soil and planted substrate
- Dragon stone, lava rock and other hardscape materials
Saltwater & reef
Rare fish, healthy coral, honest advice
- Saltwater fish including rare and exotic species
- Reef inverts — shrimp, crabs, snails, urchins and starfish
- LPS and SPS corals
- Macroalgae, live rock and dry rock
- Medications for coral and fish
Dry goods
Everything that goes around the water
If it keeps a tank running, we stock it — and we'll tell you honestly when the cheaper option is the right one.
Hardware
- Aquariums & stands (all-in-one and custom)
- Filters, pumps and powerheads
- Lighting
- Heaters and chillers
- ATO systems
- Substrate and décor
Water & chemistry
- RO/DI water
- Pre-mixed saltwater and salt mix
- Test kits — digital and manual
- Refractometers
- Water care and supplements
- Medications for coral and fish
Food & upkeep
- Flake, pellet, wafer and frozen foods
- Coral foods
- Cleaning and maintenance equipment
- Filter media and socks
- Replacement parts
Custom aquariums, built to your room
Looking for something unique, or a tank that has to fit an awkward wall? We work directly with manufacturers on shape, size, overflow location, stand and sump — then our install team puts it in.
Community
We back the clubs that keep this hobby alive
Under The Sea is a proud supporter of aquarium clubs across the state. RASOC — one of the premier clubs in the region — are frequent customers and visitors, and run tours of our store. Ask us about the next one.
