Plenty of fish tales at new store

THAYER - The fish in the nearby Grand River is nowhere near what is in the tanks in the Fish Fix store.

Opening earlier this month, Al Thomlinson turned a lengthy interest of at-home tropical fish tanks into a retail store at 2923 U.S Highway 34, which is west of the U.S. Highway 169 intersection.

“It just slowly happened,” he said about his idea of selling fish to be considered pets. “I’ve always had a fish tank.”

Thomlinson said the strength of his store is the number of variety of fish available. He said he has multiple varieties of certain species. His inventory is spread out over the 84 tanks. All of the fish are considered freshwater.

“I had bred certain tropical fish,” he said. “But now, there is not as much bred since I’m using the tanks for sales. You can breed and sell out of the same tank, I just don’t want to.” His suppliers typically from either the Florida or California coasts since they are knowledgeable how to efficiently ship inventory.

Tming helped too. Thomlinson said his research showed the growth in popularity with fish during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since people were encouraged to stay at home to prevent the spread of the virus, the pet-tropical fish industry grew as that was an interest that stays at home.

“I just want the COVID to go away,” he smiled about the connection between pet fish and the virus.

One creature he has for sale is a stingray that can grow to about 34 inches in diameter. He suggests a 300 gallon plus tank for that knowing it will mature. In addition to the fish, Fish Fix sells tanks, feed and some accessories.

Those who are new to owning this kind of pet, Thomlinson said he will make suggestions on what to own and how to take care of the fish. For best results, he changes tank water weekly knowing there are fish owners who go longer before changing water.

Thomlinson said his types are what brings fish pet fans from Des Moines to his store since they claim there is not a store exactly like his in the capital city. He said stores that specialize in tropical fish are not common in the region. He knows of stores that feature fish in Atlantic, Des Moines and metro-Kansas City.

“Some of my customers have said, ‘This is easier than going to Des Moines,’” he said.

He said his customers have already come from Shenandoah and Des Moines. His store is unlike the common franchise pet stores. Fish Fix does sell some types like what is seen in those franchise stores, but there are others with a bigger price tag.

“I wanted something for everyone,” he said. “I have fish for the beginner. Some are considered middle of the road and there are high-dollar ones,” he said. Fish Fix also has feed for reptiles.

Thomlinson also provides for those people who are interested in the fish found in the Grand River or Three Mile Lake or 12 Mile Lake. He does have a variety of bait for fish stocked in those bodies of water, but does not have tackle. The store is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (to get those morning fishermen headed to lakes and rivers) seven days a week. Store hours may change.