---
type: store
name: "The Premium Aquarium"
city: "Salem"
state: "OR"
rating: 4.5
reviews: 541
url: https://www.fishstores.org/oregon/salem/the-premium-aquarium
---

# The Premium Aquarium

Fish store in Salem, Oregon

- **Address**: 4071 Liberty Rd S, Salem, OR 97302, Salem, OR, 97302
- **Phone**: (503) 990-8577
- **Website**: [thepremiumaquarium.com/](http://thepremiumaquarium.com/)
- **Rating**: 4.5/5 (541 reviews)

## Hours

| Day | Hours |
| --- | --- |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |

## 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. In a hobby where bad advice can mean dead livestock, that kind of hands-on expertise matters enormously, and it shows in the store's strong 4.5-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.

## Specializations

- **Water Types**: Freshwater, Saltwater
- **Livestock & Products**: Live Plants, Corals, Shrimp
- **Services**: Consultation
- **Known For**: Premium Equipment, Knowledgeable Staff

## Highlights

- 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

## Customer Reviews

**"ICEMAN Mcpherson"** - 5/5 - 2 months ago
> Would recommend

**"Amber Boucher"** - 5/5 - Edited 4 months ago
> Chris is super super knowledgeable

**"Matthew Flair"** - 5/5 - 4 months ago
> A little pricy but all my fish I’ve bought from there are still alive and well!

**"Good Citizen"** - 5/5 - 6 months ago
> Enjoy the CC buddy.

**"Abraham Turner"** - 4/5 - 7 months ago
> Friendly knowledgeable staff. Small store with limited options.

**"Zane Prall"** - 5/5 - 7 months ago
> Excellent customer service and great plant selection. Chris really went the extra mile to help out! Thanks again.

**"Elizabeth Prall"** - 5/5 - 8 months ago
> Chris was extremely helpful tonight! I'd highly recommend The Premium Aquarium!

## Nearby Stores

- [S & H Exotics](https://www.fishstores.org/oregon/salem/s-and-h-exotics) - Salem, OR - 4.9/5
- [The Crimson Reef, LLC](https://www.fishstores.org/oregon/oregon-city/the-crimson-reef-llc) - Oregon City, OR - 5.0/5
- [Connors Aquarium Cleaning LLC](https://www.fishstores.org/oregon/springfield/connors-aquarium-cleaning-llc) - Springfield, OR - 4.9/5
- [Cuttle Fish and Corals](https://www.fishstores.org/oregon/portland/cuttle-fish-and-corals) - Portland, OR - 4.9/5
- [Darr's Aquatics](https://www.fishstores.org/oregon/grants-pass/darrs-aquatics) - Grants Pass, OR - 4.9/5
- [Local Paws](https://www.fishstores.org/oregon/redmond/local-paws) - Redmond, OR - 4.9/5

---
*Source: [FishStores.org](https://www.fishstores.org/oregon/salem/the-premium-aquarium)*
*Last updated: February 7, 2026*