








Tucked away in Portland with a locked door and a doorbell, Aquatic Maintenance Store is the kind of neighborhood fish shop that rewards those who ring. Owner Gary runs this compact operation with an encyclopedic knowledge of freshwater fishkeeping and a genuine love for the hobby that's immediately apparent in the health of his livestock and the lushness of his plant selection. " Gary's freshwater inventory leans toward tropical community fish: guppies in vivid colors, swordtails, bettas, and mystery snails are regular staples.
He stocks cherry shrimp and ramshorn snails (a hit with pea puffer keepers), and his planted tank offerings are a standout draw. Customers rave about the quality and quantity of his aquatic plants — floating plants, java moss, duckweed, and aquascaping substrates like fluorite, which he'll sell by the pound so you don't have to commit to a full bag. What sets Gary apart is his willingness to spend real time with customers.
He'll walk you through a full planted tank setup, diagnose a sick betta, discuss water parameters and pH, or educate you on shrimp care without rushing or upselling. He offers water testing and genuinely steers people toward what they actually need. Multiple reviewers compare the experience favorably to big-box alternatives, with several specifically choosing him over larger Portland aquatic retailers for plant purchases.
The atmosphere is decidedly old-school hobbyist — no flashy signage, no corporate polish, just densely stocked tanks and honest conversation. Prices are consistently praised as surprisingly low for the quality offered. For Portland freshwater enthusiasts looking for healthy livestock, excellent live plants, and someone who will actually talk fish with you, Gary's little shop delivers an experience that the bigger stores simply can't replicate.
Dan Howard
30 reviews
Very nice owner. Small shop but he is extremely knowledgeable and happy to help. Great small business. I will return.
Sara Johnstone
21 reviews
I purchased a "low iron 10 gallon" cascade 20 water filter that was in a resealed dusty old box that was already assembled. Then some sand in a hurry because the old pale guy with drawn on top hair line said " I think you've looked enough" after we were told "I am here for you" as he tries to flirt with teens " only one who's is my limit" then he'd bed for more laughter from them which became obvious creeps laughter right away because he kept trying to make them feel criticized like guys do to females to be their for them afterwards. It's a bait and trap. Then when he said I need to ask Google I said " it seems you don't want to help me and you are pushing me out the door". He then perked up asking what do you want to know about the dish tanks. I said I want this one and how much to start with a full set up. He gote the cheapest stuff eand when I told him no that I wanted the tank without the plastic and the light that came with he commented how expensive it was. Sure maybe in the 70's but it was less then $100 for all 3 things combined on my card so I quickly left after the teen girls left before my stuff was sold to me. I got home with the aquatop emblem fallen off and Open the Sand to soak it beaded up immediately then I went to open the filter box which was resealed and dusty to find that th straw piece on bottom was assembled and the filter was already in then the stickers are bubled up so I'd continue shopping elsewhere because he was uncomfortable with me their as a 40 year old after the teen left the creeps threshold and he acted guilty trying to push me out of the way so he could be alone again during the peak hours of the empty building of customer day he said. I tried getting comfortable and asked him about why he decided the new for his aquarium business and he was offended and said I shouldn't own fishes because my cat might get bit by a fish and I told him if I were a cat it paw at it. Weirdo refused to sell me the most fun active fish we saw and my baby took to and wanted by calling it a "stupid fish" saying I would likely kill it.
Baddie_Mango
23 reviews
5/5 this place is womderful!! Beautiful healthy fish, amazingg prices, and very knowledgeable!! Will forever be buying my fish supply from here.
Lyric Ballard
6 reviews
It has been a while since I felt so unwelcome in a store. They keep the door locked unless you ring their bell. Came over around 4 on my lunch break, rang the bell a few times, almost left until someone finally opened the door. but even then they only slightly opened it to ask me what I wanted (lol i wanted to shop and give you my money???? screw me i guess) I asked if they were open, they said yes and finally let me in but cashier treated me extremely suspiciously and just plain weird throughout our interaction. There is literally another aquarium supply just down the street, not even five minutes away. Thank god I don't ever have to step in this place again. ✌🏻
Hanna Brown
4 reviews
I was here yesterday and enjoyed my time and getting some fish sadly though my pregnant female swordtail didn't make it but the others are doing just fine might come back soon for some bettas or more guppies :)
Ted Mendenhall
5 reviews
I visited the shop yesterday looking for shrimp and met Gary, the owner and was quite impressed with him. He is very knowledgeable and spent time educating me on cherry shrimp. Great place to explore.
Kim Oyler
24 reviews
Very knowledgeable and friendly
The One You Hate
291 reviews
It is a small little aquarium fish store. Owner is super nice and friendly. He has a lot of floating plants and java moss, great for baby guppy and shrimp to hide. Price for aquarium supply was awesome! Will I go there again? Definitely!
Maggie “Mdizzle” C.
96 reviews
Cute little fish store in Portland, OR. They have a variety of plants and fish. I got some duck weed and a mystery snail when I went here. Friendly staff. Alot of beautiful guppies and bettas and a large quantity of mystery snails.
Michael Holevas
I love finding shops like these. The owner has a great personality with loyal customers who appreciate his knowledge and experience. Bought a few plants that put others to shame in terms of quality as well as quantity. I'll definitely be going back.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (503) 282-0853 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquatic Maintenance Store.
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1710 NE 42nd Ave, Portland, OR 97213
February 7, 2026
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