If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I'm a certified Professional Aquarist with over 30 years of freshwater aquarium experience. I have excellent local references and Google reviews.
I specialize in creating and maintaining healthy, beautiful aquariums that are clear, balanced, and easier to care for long term. I believe in addressing the cause of aquarium problems, not just temporarily fixing their appearance.
**🐠 Freshwater Aquarium Services**
• Deep cleans & complete tank resets
• Routine aquarium maintenance
• New aquarium setups
• Aquarium relocations
• Water testing & troubleshooting
• Algae control
• Fish health assessments
• Emergency aquarium visits
• Vacation fish care
• Fish & aquarium rehoming services
• Aquascaping & aquarium makeovers
• Complete tank breakdowns
• Fish & plant stocking guidance
• Fish & plant sourcing and ordering
**🪸 NEW! Saltwater Aquarium Maintenance & Testing**
Fish Momma now offers routine maintenance and water quality testing for established saltwater and reef aquariums!
Services include routine cleaning, water changes, algae removal, salinity monitoring, water parameter testing, and basic equipment maintenance.
Saltwater services are limited to maintenance and testing. New saltwater setups, relocations, and complete tank breakdowns are not currently offered.
**💧 Pricing & Consultations**
Every aquarium is unique, so pricing varies based on tank size, condition, location, and specific needs. Photos are always welcome and help me provide the most accurate estimate.
I offer free consultations and am happy to discuss your aquarium before any work is performed. You'll always receive a clear estimate before work begins.
If your aquarium is urgent or not doing well, please let me know, and I'll do my best to get you scheduled quickly.
Overview
Hired 3 times
Serves Chapel Hill, NC
Background checked
1 employee
2 years in business
Business hours
Sun10:00 am - 5:00 pmMon9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and value.
Exceptional 5.0
25 reviews
5
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4
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Alexander C.
Jul 12, 2026
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From Google
Fish Momma took care of my 20 and 32 gal aquariums while I was away on vacation. She did a fantastic job keeping things in good condition and was very communicative.
Tina W.
Aug 19, 2026
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From Google
Heather has completely revitalized my fish tank! It looks amazing now and stays so clean. She has brought "fun" back into our aquarium. She is very much a people-person and down to earth. I love chatting with her as she works!
Katy P.
Aug 23, 2026
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From Google
Fish Momma is a ABSOLUTE MUST if you want fish and have a tank. My cats and I are loving the rehab that she did for our tetras and our tank. We finally named them as they have the home they deserve because of Fish Momma.
Derrick F.
Apr 30, 2026
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From Google
Absolutely amazing and loves what she does. I will continue using her going forward. She was attentive and took care of my tank with absolute love and care. Ive never seen anyone more passionate. She made my tank look better than I ever could. It looks so good my fish were coming up to her hand every time she was placing the decor. 15/10 would definitely recommend
Fish Momma's reply
Thank you so much!! This truly means a lot to me 🥹 I loved working on your tank and I’m so happy you (and the fish!) are enjoying it. I can’t wait to keep it looking its best for you!
Kaitlyn c.
6 days ago
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Hired on Thumbtack
She was super nice ! helpful with any questions and had great gear on her to help upgrade my tank . I am so thankful!
Details: Clean • Freshwater • Fish
Aquarium Services
Credentials
Background Check
Heather Satinsky
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing depends on tank size, condition, and location. Most standard cleanings typically fall in the $85–$245 range.
Heavily neglected tanks, large aquariums, or full resets may be higher depending on the work involved.
I always aim to give a clear estimate upfront, and I’m happy to take a quick look at photos to provide a more accurate quote before scheduling.
Routine maintenance plans are available for clients who want consistent, lower-maintenance care.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Most jobs start with a quick message and a photo of your tank so I can see what’s going on. From there, I’ll give you a general estimate and timeline.
On the visit, I’ll assess the tank, check water quality, and address any issues like algae, buildup, or fish stress. Cleanings may include water changes, substrate vacuuming, filter maintenance, and improving overall clarity and balance.
If there are underlying issues, I’ll explain what’s causing them and how to keep the tank stable long term.
For ongoing care, I can also set up a simple maintenance schedule so your aquarium stays clean and easy to manage.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have formal education in aquatics along with hands-on experience working with a wide range of freshwater aquariums, from small home tanks to larger, heavily stocked systems.
My training covers water chemistry, filtration, fish health, and creating stable environments that are easy to maintain long term.
In addition to my education, I’ve worked directly with many client tanks, often helping fix issues like algae overgrowth, poor water quality, and fish stress. I focus on identifying the root cause of problems, not just cleaning the tank.
I also stay up to date on best practices and continue learning through real-world experience with every tank I work on.