The Premium Aquarium

There's nothing premium here. We showed up for our first time looking for aquarium plants. Specifically ones that float at the top. So we were greeted when we walked in but then the gentleman proceeded to sit down behind register and occupy himself on his phone. I assume he was a guy. He sounded like a guy. His face looked like a guy but his hair and looked like boobs so I don't want to misgender anybody lol But seriously though we walked around and looked at the plants, couldn't tell what was for sale and what was part of the aquarium setup. Most of the plants were in complete disarray in the tanks. They were disconnected from their base. Some were floating that weren't meant to float. I proceeded to ask him her it about it and he just acknowledged. Yeah they're disconnected. They're not free Floating. I thought to myself well. Why don't you get off your butt and fix everything instead of playing around on your phone? Anyway, it didn't look good. We left and I'm not coming back to that aquarium store. I've actually feel sorry for the fish. The owner could do better. The fish need better. The customer needs better. Probably better off at Petco.

The associate that assisted us today was very patient, extremely kind and knew the right answers to all my daughter's questions.

Great place with awesome fish and knowledgeable staff! My boys are so happy with their fishies. I can't wait to upgrade someday and this place will always get my business!

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.

I hardly even have anything to review. The girl working looked at us when we walked in and immediately looked back down at her phone without greeting us. We asked her a question and got more of a grunt in terms of a reply, without her ever looking up from TikTok. Then we left… but I’m not sure she noticed because she couldn’t be bothered to get off her phone. Literally the worst customer service. After reading the other reviews, why does this woman still work here?! We immediately left and spent our money elsewhere. Also don’t come here if you’re looking for anything salt water.