C-MACS Aquarium - CLT

My son just started building his aquarium and had a lot of questions. Everyone in the store was so helpful and loved sharing what they could. Caroline was so patient. She spent quite a while walking around with my son pointing out options and helping him make decisions. I am not a fish or aquarium person but would feel very comfortable that this team would take care of me. We will definitely shop at C-MACS Aquarium for all of our aquarium needs.

**Initial Experience Was Positive, But Fish Died & Testing Raised Concerns** I visited this store for the first time to buy guppies for my freshwater tank. The staff was helpful and answered all my questions, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, within 24 hours of bringing the fish home, 2 of the 3 guppies died despite careful acclimation. My existing fish remain healthy, and my tank water tested negative for ammonia both *before* and *after* the incident (see photo). When I returned with the deceased fish and a water sample as instructed, the store claimed to detect ammonia in my sample—a result I couldn’t replicate at home with multiple tests. I’m deeply concerned about this discrepancy, especially since: 1. My established fish are thriving, 2. My test kit consistently shows 0 ppm ammonia, 3. The store performed their test out of view. While I can’t definitively say why the guppies died (stress, store water conditions, or transport shock are possible), the conflicting test results undermine my trust. Proceed with caution and consider verifying their water tests independently.

Wonderful variety of saltwater and freshwater fish and accessories. Really knowledgeable. Our son was looking for an Albino chocolate pleco. We found what we were looking for.

LOVE this store! The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Any questions I’ve ever had they’ve been able to answer for me in depth. I love the quality of both the store and all of the fish in it. You can tell that everything is genuinely being taken care of. I’ve purchased one Betta, and two Axolotl’s and they’ve all done so well since Ive brought them home. It’s extremely refreshing to go into a pet store and be able to look at all of the fish in it without feeling bad for them. I can’t recommend this place enough! 🤌🏽

I thought long and hard about making this review because I know low stars aren’t fun, but I do wanna share my experience. Upon entering the staff were so helpful and friendly! Did not have to wait too long on a busy Saturday to get the fish we wanted. (Which is why you get 2 stars) I purchased 4 female guppies from c-Mac’s who seemed to look in good health, took them home and within 2-3 days my first two died.. within the first week my third died.. my one and only is currently still kicking and I have been treating her (as I was with the others) for any sickness they may have brought. Am I a little upset about spending money and losing it in a span of a week? Sure. But the main reason for this review is for all those beginner fish keepers, QUARANTINE your new fish!! I can not imagine if this sickness had spread through my established tanks..you never know the health of new fish until it is too late, unfortunately it was too late for my 3 little friends, but luckily they were in a quarantined tank. I just suggest maybe instead of claiming you have the happiest and healthiest fish in the region, explain that some fish may be carrying a fungus/parasite etc and to always quarantine. Edit: if you’d like more people to reach out about problems like this, then maybe rephrasing your “24 hour”, and “No Returns” policy will help others feel more willing. As for me if I see a 24 hour policy, I know 48 hours is past your policy therefore I will not be calling. So yes unfortunately you do have to hear about it in a review because I’m simply following your policy.