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 freshwater aquarist serving Chapel Hill, Durham, Apex, Pittsboro, Cary, Hillsborough, and surrounding areas. I have excellent local references and Google reviews.
I specialize in getting aquariums clear, balanced, and easy to maintain long term.
Services include:
• 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
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.
🐠 House Sitting Services
Need someone trustworthy to keep an eye on your home while you’re away? In addition to my professional aquarium services, I also offer dependable daytime house sitting. I can bring in mail and packages, water indoor and outdoor plants, rotate lights and blinds, and make sure everything looks secure and cared for while you’re traveling.
My aquarium clients already trust me with access to their homes and the care of their aquatic pets, and I bring that same level of professionalism, communication, and respect to every house-sitting visit.
Overview
Hired 2 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 responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
21 reviews
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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.
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!
Tina W.
1 month ago
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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.
4 weeks ago
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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.
Impy
Jul 8, 2026
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From Google
If my fish could leave a review, I'm pretty sure they'd give Fish Momma five stars too! Heather is one of those rare people who truly loves what she does, and it shows from the moment she arrives. She didn't just clean my aquarium, she took the time to explain what she was doing, answered all of my questions, and shared tips that have already made a huge difference.My tank has never looked better, my fish seem happier, and I left the experience feeling so much more confident about caring for my aquarium. It's refreshing to find someone who is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also kind, honest, and genuinely excited to help.Whether you're brand new to fishkeeping or you've had aquariums for years, I can't recommend Fish Momma enough. My fish and I are already looking forward to her next visit!
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.