About
Tucked into Salem, Oregon, The Premium Aquarium has built a loyal following thanks in large part to one standout factor: Chris. Multiple reviewers single him out by name, praising his deep knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile for customers. 5-star rating across hundreds of reviews.
The shop carries both freshwater and saltwater fish, along with corals and a well-regarded selection of live plants that has drawn specific praise from planted-tank enthusiasts. Reviewers note the fish are healthy and the tanks are clean — a reliable indicator of good husbandry behind the scenes. The shrimp selection and frozen foods round out a solid inventory for hobbyists looking to stock or maintain their aquariums without driving to Portland.
It's a smaller store, and a few reviewers note the footprint means limited options compared to larger retailers. Prices run a touch above big-box competition, but customers consistently report that the livestock they bring home stays alive and thrives — a trade-off most serious fishkeepers are happy to make. You're paying for quality and for stock that's been properly cared for before it ever reaches your tank.
The atmosphere is friendly and approachable. This isn't a warehouse experience; it's a neighborhood fish shop where the staff remembers what you're working on and steers you toward what will actually work. Chris's consultative approach — helping customers think through compatibility, plant choices, and setup details — gives the store a personal touch that chains simply can't replicate.
For Salem-area aquarists who value healthy livestock, knowledgeable guidance, and a clean, well-maintained shop, The Premium Aquarium delivers where it counts. The plant selection alone is worth a visit, and the freshwater and saltwater fish inventory gives hobbyists a dependable local source for quality animals.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at The Premium Aquarium in Salem, OR
The Premium Aquarium stocks corals, shrimp, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Salem, OR. As an aquarium store serving Salem, OR, it also offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Staff member Chris is repeatedly praised for exceptional knowledge and personalized help
- Healthy, well-maintained fish that customers report thriving long after purchase
- Strong live plant selection for planted-tank enthusiasts
- Clean, well-stocked tanks reflecting solid husbandry practices
- Freshwater and saltwater fish plus corals and shrimp available
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Would recommend”
— ICEMAN Mcpherson5.02 months ago“Chris is super super knowledgeable”
— Amber Boucher5.0Edited 4 months ago“A little pricy but all my fish I’ve bought from there are still alive and well!”
— Matthew Flair5.04 months ago“Enjoy the CC buddy.”
— Good Citizen5.06 months ago“Friendly knowledgeable staff. Small store with limited options.”
— Abraham Turner4.07 months ago“Excellent customer service and great plant selection. Chris really went the extra mile to help out! Thanks again.”
— Zane Prall5.07 months ago“Chris was extremely helpful tonight! I'd highly recommend The Premium Aquarium!”
— Elizabeth Prall5.08 months ago“Great selection of tropical fish and accessories. And the fish are healthy and reasonably priced!!!”
— Ed Markellos5.0a year ago“I originally wrote a one star review for this place over a year ago but for various reasons, I have returned to this shop and certain things came to light over time so I thought it would be fair to give an updated review that reflects my up to date observations on this place. First and foremost, in my original review I misgendered one of the employees that I was criticizing and I apologize to that employee for this if they ever saw that review. I meant no disrespect at all. I originally gave one star for this place mainly because of the many negative customer service encounters I’ve had with multiple long time employees. You always leave their store feeling a little icky because it becomes rather obvious when you talk with them that they don’t seem to like their customers on a personal level very much. Normally, I wouldn’t really care but they make it so obvious that it makes the atmosphere awkward. Even on days when they’re clearly in a better mood, they still act like you’re boring them and they’re anxious to just be done with you. I stopped taking all this personally when I realized I was watching them treat people before me in line the same exact way from time to time. Regular customers are always going to be strangers to them with this complete lack of interest in forming relationships with the community. Before you try your hand at chatting with them, just understand that they absolutely do not care about your projects or what you’re doing with the things you’re purchasing from them. They sell some good things but they can’t be bothered with your life’s story. Don’t waste your time. It’s just merchandise to them. What made me increase my rating to two stars rather than one star is the acknowledgment that they have very decent freshwater stock that has been successfully thriving in my tanks. Pricey but decent. Plants are a mixed bag. Depends on when you catch them. The food selection is solid, with a recent focus on frozen foods that has been very much welcomed and appreciated by me. These factors made it seem fair to increase the rating a little. I mainly return because I live in Salem and my favorite LFS are in Corvallis and Portland so I reluctantly choose convenience at times. This place is the only LFS here in Salem that isn’t petco or petsmart. If I know Premium Aquarium has the item I need in stock and they’re just 5 minutes away from me, it’s hard to resist leaning on them occasionally. Customer Service: 1/5 stars, Inventory: 3/5 stars, 2/5 stars overall.”
— Nightjammer Jr.2.0a year ago“Very friendly and willing to answer questions.”
— Stan Todd5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (503) 990-8577 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Premium Aquarium.