Clearwater Aquarium Services

Clearwater Aquarium Services in Raleigh, North Carolina operates as both a retail fish store and a hands-on aquarium service company, handling everything from tank delivery and setup to full relocations. When one customer needed a 220-gallon tank moved from Fayetteville to Raleigh, the Clearwater crew managed the logistics — an undertaking that speaks to their willingness to tackle large-scale projects most shops won't touch. The retail side stocks both freshwater and saltwater fish, with reviewers noting good variety and prices that beat the big box stores.

Staff member Miles, in particular, has earned praise for his patience and expertise, walking customers through their first saltwater dream tank purchases with genuine enthusiasm. Multiple reviewers highlight the knowledgeable staff who are happy to field questions and share detailed care information, which matters when you're investing in a new setup. The plant selection has room for improvement — one visitor noted algae-covered specimens and limited healthy options — but the fish themselves earn consistent praise for variety and quality.

The store clearly leans into its service business, offering tank setup, delivery, and ongoing maintenance for Raleigh-area hobbyists who want professional help keeping their systems running. There are honest caveats worth mentioning. Phone responsiveness is a recurring frustration; several customers reported weeks of unreturned calls before giving up and going elsewhere.

If you're looking for quick scheduling, showing up in person may be the more reliable route. The in-store customer service experience can also be inconsistent depending on which employee you encounter, though interactions with Miles and the owner Erick have drawn praise from satisfied buyers. For Raleigh aquarium hobbyists who need more than just a bag of fish — someone to move, install, or maintain a serious tank — Clearwater fills a niche that pure retail shops don't.

Just be persistent getting through on the phone, and you'll likely find the expertise and competitive pricing worth the effort.