About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Live PlantsAquarium Equipment
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Full tank relocation services, including long-distance moves like Fayetteville to Raleigh
- Competitive pricing on fish that beats big box stores
- Stocks both freshwater and saltwater fish with good variety
- Knowledgeable staff including Miles who guides first-time saltwater buyers
- Tank delivery and professional setup services available
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Couldn't find it”
— Lucy B SB1.02 months ago“STAY AWAY . SAVE YOUR MONEY . THEY DONT DESERVE YOUR BUSINESS . Completely unprofessional and inconsiderate . Owner Erick and employees Daniel and Shawn are poor excuses for customer service providers. Can't return a call and refuse to do business with me because they had to replace my 220 gallon fish tank that they scratched . Not my fault there employees don't know what there doing and very unprofessional to refuse my business .I spent several thousands of dollars with them and they treated me like garbage . Hard to believe they will last with service like this .”
— vincent lucas1.010 months ago“Clearwater delivered and setup my tank. They were very knowledgeable and very friendly. Highly recommend them.”
— Tom Porterfield5.0a year ago“Clearwater did an awesome job moving my tank from Fayetteville to Raleigh. Expensive but worth the price leaving it to the experts”
— James Thomas5.0a year ago“Good luck getting these guys on the phone! After 5 weeks of leaving messages, I reached out to another company who actually picked the phone up and scheduled an appointment. This is not the only aquarium service company in Raleigh. Shop around.”
— Triangle Entertainment Agency1.03 years ago“Great prices. Better than big box stores.”
— Roberta M.5.05 years ago“It was great actually! Awesome fish,tons of variety and helpful info! Only problem i had was the plants. Most of them looked dead and i tried to get the best looking one and even that is coverd in black algee and a lil dead,but overall a great place to go for fish!”
— Ray Brothers4.05 years ago“At first I was wondering if I wanted to purchase my dream saltwater tank at this store because as I was looking around the female employee never acknowledge me and acknowledged another customer who came in the store after me. But when Mr. Miles finished with his customer I was acknowledged and taken care of and did purchase my 1st saltwater dream tank for my home. Thank you Mr. Miles for appreciating a customer. As for your female employee if she doesn't like servicing ppl of color I suggest she find another job.”
— Gwendolyn Smith4.05 years ago“Very informative!!! Fantastic service. Was super helpful for all my many questions”
— Pins and Mickey waffles5.05 years ago“Very friendly and helpful staff. Great prices on fish. Worth the trip.”
— Gwen Hammonds5.06 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (919) 872-7171 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Clearwater Aquarium Services.