About
AquaLife in El Paso is a study in contradictions — a fish store with a fiercely loyal following and an equally vocal group of frustrated customers who simply can't get through the door. The elephant in the room is the store's notoriously unreliable hours. Dozens of reviewers report driving across town only to find the shop closed during posted business hours, with phone calls going unanswered and Facebook messages left on read.
If you're planning a visit, calling ahead is strongly recommended, though even that's no guarantee. When you do catch AquaLife open, though, you'll find something worth the effort. Owner Charlie has earned a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable and honest fishkeepers in El Paso.
He's the kind of guy who will refuse to sell you a fish if your tank isn't properly cycled, walk you through water chemistry, and show you how to spot unhealthy livestock. Multiple customers describe him taking genuine time to educate rather than push a sale — a rarity in the hobby. The shop carries both saltwater and freshwater fish, with the saltwater side being the stronger suit.
99 — prices that undercut most competitors in the region. The coral selection draws mixed opinions; some find it adequate while others wish for more variety. Interesting invertebrates, RO water, medications, testing kits, dechlorinator, and a range of fish food round out the inventory.
AquaLife is also noted as a local source for Aquaforest products. Custom tank projects are available if something specific isn't in stock. The store's cleanliness has been inconsistent over the years, with some visitors reporting algae-covered vacant tanks while others describe a surprisingly well-maintained space.
The addition of extra staff has reportedly helped with reliability. For El Paso reefers and freshwater hobbyists willing to navigate the scheduling unpredictability, Charlie's expertise and fair pricing make AquaLife a worthwhile destination — just don't assume the posted hours mean anything.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Charlie is widely praised for honest, educational customer service and refusing to sell fish to unprepared tanks
- Competitive pricing with clownfish at $9.99 and Firefish Gobies at $4.99
- Carries Aquaforest products — one of the few local sources in El Paso
- Stocks medications, testing kits, RO water, and fish food for both freshwater and saltwater
- Custom tank projects available for special orders not in stock
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I have gone 3 or 4 times during their posted hours and they haven't been open a single time. Please just update your hours. People are actively trying to give you their business.”
— Isa D1.02 months ago“Second time we’ve tried to come and it closed even though the hours say it’s open.”
— Pete Sanchez1.02 months ago“3rd time I’ve came to this location and it’s never open. I try calling and there’s no answer.”
— Xavier Lopez1.09 months ago“This store is never open. But when it is open you will find over priced horrible looking corals and hardly any fish.”
— marcus mclain1.010 months ago“Worst fish store in El Paso, been trying to visit this store for over a year and the owner is not consistent with store hours and is closed EVERY time we attempt to visit.”
— James Hostert1.0a year ago“Charlie is very knowledgeable and willing to help. He won't let you do anything your tanks not ready for and he is very honest.”
— Brandon Aubey5.02 years ago“Thank you Charlie! I really enjoyed visiting your shop today, you have the best options available. The dechlorinator and medication worked perfectly, my fish are doing great! Thank you for being a perfect guide. Anyone unfamiliar with cycling saltwater or freshwater should stop by here, it's a one stop shop. I love the many options available from medication to testing kits, for both fresh water and saltwater fish! He has great prices and higher yields and a variety of fish food. He's very knowledgeable about taking care of fish and cycling the water. Don't neglect to check out Aqualife, Charlie is incredible and knowledgeable on aquamarine life.”
— Anaalicia Alvarez5.02 years ago“Great place to ucheck out some salt water and some fresh water fish. The man who works there was great and helped us with some questions we had. Very informative.”
— Brandi Senyk5.02 years ago“I agree with another customer's review. Not open during posted hours. The hours are literally on their door so it isn't just a confusion with what is on Google. Phone rings to a number that's not set up to receive voicemail and no one picks up. I drove from the east side to come here and they're not open.”
— Richard Russell1.03 years ago“GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. EXTREMELY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND HELPFUL.”
— Alan Tyroch5.03 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (915) 760-5433 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting AquaLife.