Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: Build Your Own Exotic Aquarium at Home

Nestled in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the most immersive aquatic experiences in the United States. Known for its winding shark tunnels, vibrant coral reefs, and hands-on exhibits like Stingray Bay and Discovery Center, the aquarium captivates over a million visitors each year. But for many fish enthusiasts, the visit doesn’t end at the exit — it sparks a lifelong passion for exotic aquariums at home.

That’s where RobsAquatics.com comes in.

At Rob’s Aquatics, we specialize in rare, exotic, and monster freshwater fish — the kind of stunning species you’ll see behind the glass at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. From Peacock Bass to Stingrays and Polypterus, we make it possible to recreate parts of the Ripley’s experience in your living room.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• The most popular exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

• How to replicate those environments at home

• Exotic fish you can own from Rob’s Aquatics

• Setup tips for monster and oddball fish

• How to ethically and responsibly keep aquarium species

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What Makes Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies So Special?

Located at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is consistently ranked as one of the top aquariums in the U.S. Despite being inland, it houses over 10,000 animals, including sharks, rays, jellyfish, and rare tropical fish from around the globe.

Top Attractions Include:

• Shark Lagoon – An underwater tunnel with Sand Tiger Sharks, Sawfish, and giant rays.

• Tropical Rainforest – Features freshwater giants like Arapaima, Pacu, and Catfish.

• Coral Reef – Bursting with colorful tangs, angelfish, and clownfish.

• Stingray Bay – A shallow-touch pool featuring elegant rays.

• Gallery of the Seas – Home to venomous Lionfish and other oddities.

While most of Ripley’s is saltwater-based, the Tropical Rainforest exhibit is a haven for freshwater lovers — and it’s where many future aquarists find their passion.

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Tropical Rainforest Exhibit: The Freshwater Giant Zone

Visitors often stop in awe at the glass displays featuring massive Arapaima, Silver Arowanas, and Redtail Catfish in the Rainforest zone. These prehistoric predators inspire many hobbyists to recreate Amazonian biotopes at home.

You don’t have to travel to Gatlinburg to enjoy these species.

👉 Shop Amazonian Monster Fish at Rob’s Aquatics

We offer everything from Temensis Peacock Bass to Black Diamond Stingrays, allowing you to experience the thrill of the wild — responsibly and legally — in your own tank.

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Stingray Bay: Own Your Own Freshwater Ray

Stingray Bay is a guest favorite at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, where visitors interact with smooth, graceful rays gliding through crystal-clear water. It’s calming, mesmerizing, and downright addictive to watch.

At RobsAquatics.com, you can bring that same experience home with rare freshwater stingrays like:

• Black Diamond Stingrays

• Pearl Stingrays

• Hybrids

Our stingrays are tank-raised, quarantined, and shipped with a live arrival guarantee.

👉 Browse Freshwater Stingrays Now

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How to Build a Ripley’s-Inspired Aquarium at Home

Inspired by the exhibits? With proper planning, you can create a Ripley’s-style tank that’s both beautiful and biologically balanced.

Step 1: Choose Your Exhibit Theme

Here are three common setups based on Ripley’s layout:

Not sure what to choose?
📩 Get Custom Setup Help

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Step 2: Match Fish to the Environment

Here’s a sample of the fish featured at Ripley’s — and how you can own their freshwater equivalents:

👉 View All Available Fish

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Step 3: Prepare the Right Equipment

These species aren’t for beginners — they require powerful filtration, large tanks, and long-term planning.

Recommended Gear:

• Tank Size: 180–500+ gallons

• Filtration: FX6, sump, or wet/dry

• Substrate: Sand for rays, gravel for cichlids

• Décor: Driftwood, leaf litter, large rocks

• Lighting: Full-spectrum LED or natural tone

• Lid: Secure, especially for jumpers like Peacock Bass

Need a checklist?
📄 Download Our Free Setup Guide

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Rob’s Aquatics: Where Public Aquarium Quality Becomes Private Reality

Ripley’s offers a world-class viewing experience. At Rob’s Aquatics, we offer the next step — ownership.

We bridge the gap between public exhibits and the private enthusiast by:

• Offering rare and exotic fish not found at chain stores

• Providing live arrival guarantees

• Giving hobbyists access to exact fish shown in listings

• Sharing weekly inventory updates via YouTube and Instagram

• Delivering expert-level care tips and support

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Setup Inspiration: Aquarium Ideas from Ripley’s

Need help visualizing your setup? Use these starter layouts.

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🐟 Amazon Predator Tank (Inspired by Rainforest Exhibit)

• Tank Size: 300 gallons

• Fish: Temensis Peacock Bass, Redtail Catfish, Arapaima

• Décor: Driftwood, low light, blackwater effect

• Featured Fish: Temensis Peacock Bass

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🐠 Freshwater Ray Habitat (Inspired by Stingray Bay)

• Tank Size: 350+ gallons, wide footprint

• Fish: Black Diamond Stingray, Polypterus, Fly River Turtle

• Décor: Smooth sand, minimal rocks

• Featured Fish: Melanistic Fly River Turtle

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🐡 Oddball Species Showcase (Inspired by Gallery of the Seas)

• Tank Size: 180 gallons

• Fish: Vampire Shrimp, Elephant Nose Fish, Ropefish

• Décor: Caves, dense plant cover, dim lighting

• Featured Fish: Elephant Nose Fish

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Fishkeeping the Right Way: Ethics and Education

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is deeply invested in education and conservation. At Rob’s Aquatics, we carry those values into the private aquarium hobby.

We promote:

• ✅ Responsible species selection

• ✅ Education about adult fish sizes

• ✅ Tank upgrade planning

• ✅ Sustainable sources

• ✅ Avoiding impulse buys

Never release aquarium fish into the wild.
We’re here to help you succeed and make sure your fish thrive — not just survive.

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Rob’s Aquatics Customer Testimonial

“After visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, my kids were obsessed with the giant fish in the rainforest exhibit. I wanted to surprise them with something similar at home, so I found Rob’s Aquatics and ordered a Peacock Bass and Albino Pacu. Best decision I ever made — their tank looks like a public exhibit!”
— Tyler M., Nashville, TN

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Final Thoughts: Ripley’s Wonder in Your Own Home

A trip to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies can inspire a lifelong love for aquatic life — and Rob’s Aquatics helps turn that inspiration into a reality.

With proper equipment, knowledge, and sourcing, you can build a stunning home aquarium that rivals a public exhibit — filled with rare species, natural beauty, and educational value for the whole family.

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✅ Ready to Get Started?

• Browse All Exotic Fish

• Watch Our Inventory Videos on YouTube

• Reach Out for Setup Guidance

Bring home the magic of Ripley’s.
Own the fish. Build the world. Tell your story — with Rob’s Aquatics.