Centreville Aquarium

Centreville Aquarium has carved out a loyal following in Northern Virginia's fishkeeping community, drawing customers from as far as Sterling for its broad selection of freshwater and saltwater livestock. Owner Dave and his trained staff are regularly praised for their deep knowledge of water parameters, compatibility, and planted tank setups — walking customers through substrate choices, dosing schedules, lighting, and filtration with genuine patience. The freshwater side is where this shop particularly shines.

Reviewers highlight healthy discus, vibrant glo fish, dwarf crayfish, corydoras, and a variety of tetras. The store also stocks both Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp, a pleasant surprise for nano tank enthusiasts. Live plants and natural hardscape rocks are available for aquascapers looking to build natural layouts.

On the saltwater side, the selection is more modest — one customer noted wanting a wider coral offering — but the staff will take special orders, placing customers on a request list for specific species like the African Flameback Angel at competitive prices. Equipment-wise, the store carries Fluval tanks alongside a solid range of food, supplies, and dry goods. Staff are happy to guide newcomers through their first tank setup or help experienced hobbyists troubleshoot established systems.

There are caveats worth noting. Several reviewers reported disease issues after purchasing fish, suggesting the store's quarantine protocols may not always be airtight. The warranty policy — two days on freshwater, none on saltwater — has frustrated some customers when problems emerged after the window closed.

Weekend visits can also test your patience; limited hours and staffing mean wait times of up to an hour on busy Sundays. Despite these concerns, the store's competitive pricing, extensive freshwater variety, and genuinely engaged staff keep a strong base of regulars coming back. For planted tank enthusiasts and freshwater hobbyists in the Centreville area, it remains a go-to destination that outpaces the big box stores in both selection and expertise.