Aquarium Co-op in Edmonds, Washington, has become something of a pilgrimage site for freshwater aquarium enthusiasts across the country — thanks largely to owner Cory McElroy's enormously popular YouTube channel, which has taught countless hobbyists the fundamentals of fish keeping. But the brick-and-mortar store absolutely holds its own. Walking in, the first thing you notice is how clean and well-organized everything is. Multiple reviewers describe it as the least smelly aquarium store they've ever visited, and the fish — from bettas to discus — look genuinely healthy.
The store's plant selection is a standout. You'll find species like Anubias Petite and Java moss that can be hard to track down at other local shops, alongside an extensive array of hardscape materials including characterful driftwood and dragonstone for aquascaping projects. A 1,500-gallon display tank anchors the space, giving visitors something to dream about. The recently expanded floor plan has relieved the old cramped feeling, giving tanks and dry goods room to breathe.
Aquarium Co-op's own product line — particularly their sponge filters and Easy Green fertilizer — has earned a devoted following, and the store stocks a solid range of medications that reviewers say actually work. Their quarantine room for incoming fish reflects a genuine commitment to livestock health rather than just turning inventory. For those who can't visit in person, their online store ships quickly, with plants arriving well-packaged and in great condition.
Staff members like Beaudreau are called out by name for going above and beyond, whether helping diagnose a sick betta or advising on tank relocation. The team generally earns high marks for enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, though a handful of visitors have experienced checkout delays during busy periods. The store accepts credit and debit cards only — no cash.
This is fundamentally a freshwater fish and planted tank store with a teaching mission baked into its DNA. The combination of healthy livestock, quality house-brand products, and the educational ecosystem surrounding it makes Aquarium Co-op a destination worth the drive from anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.
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Firehouse Pet Shop in Wenatchee, Washington, is a beloved local pet store that has earned a remarkable 4.9-star rating across more than 700 reviews — and it's easy to see why. This is a store built on genuine passion for animals and an almost fanatical commitment to customer service, with staff members like DJ, Wes, Celeste, and owner Allen regularly called out by name for going above and beyond.
The shop is primarily focused on dogs and cats, offering what customers consistently describe as one of the largest and most carefully curated product selections they've ever encountered. From premium healthy food and supplements to CBD calming products, harnesses, clothing (yes, Seahawks jerseys included), and an eye-catching barkcuterie bar loaded with treat options, the inventory is clearly hand-picked by the owners rather than bulk-ordered from a distributor. Cat lovers will find standout items too, including what one reviewer called "the coolest cat trees I've seen."
Downstairs, four self-serve dog wash stations equipped with soap and blow dryers have become a major draw. What sets Firehouse apart is their reactive pet appointments — dedicated time slots for shopping and bathing that allow anxious or reactive dogs to visit without the stress of a crowded store. Multiple reviewers with high-anxiety pets praised this thoughtful accommodation.
New pet parents receive a generous welcome home kit with food, treats, and a free bath, plus coupons through partnerships with the local Humane Society. The store also offers online ordering with delivery and pickup options, making it accessible even for customers driving in from as far as Chelan.
The atmosphere inside feels warm and community-oriented. Staff members take time to educate customers on pet nutrition, track down hard-to-find products, and simply listen. One reviewer noted that DJ was "an ear for when I just needed to talk to someone." That kind of genuine care — from owner Allen on down — is what makes Firehouse more than a store. It's a Wenatchee institution worth the trip.
Tucked away in Bothell, Washington, Play It Koi has built a devoted following among pond keepers across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This isn't your typical pet store — it's a specialized pond supply operation that ships plants, koi, pumps, and fish medications nationwide, with a staff that genuinely lives and breathes the pond world.
The heart of Play It Koi is its people. Ben, Derek, Ivan, and Kristen are names that come up again and again in customer reviews, each praised for their deep knowledge and willingness to spend real time with customers. Ben has helped buyers hand-select specific Japanese koi varieties — Tancho, Kujaku, Ginrin — and Derek has guided first-time pond owners through the complexities of filtration, pump sizing, and plant selection without charging consultation fees. When one customer called about a SeaSide RDF setup issue, Ivan had an answer from the manufacturer within ten minutes.
Their aquatic plant selection is a major draw. Water hyacinths, iris ensata, lotus, water lilies, and various floating plants ship quickly and consistently arrive in excellent condition. Multiple reviewers have noted that plants from Play It Koi outperform what they've received from other suppliers, with one customer reporting that 18 water hyacinths purchased in spring grew to "absolutely insane" proportions by summer. The team also stocks pond pumps, pond kits, and fish medications, making it a genuine one-stop resource.
A few customers have reported shipping issues — damaged products or plants arriving with hitchhiker snails — and the return policy has frustrated some buyers. But the overwhelming majority of the store's 280 reviews paint a picture of a company that goes above and beyond, with a 4.9 rating that reflects real earned trust.
For pond enthusiasts in the Bothell area, the in-person experience offers hands-on guidance. For those farther afield — including customers who've relocated hundreds of miles — Play It Koi's online store and responsive shipping team keep the relationship going strong.
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Tucked behind a building in Pasco, Washington, Shrimpin Ain't EZ is the kind of store you have to seek out — and reviewers agree it's absolutely worth the effort. Owner Thomas has built a freshwater specialty shop that punches well above its weight, with a focus on vibrant neocaridina shrimp, lush aquatic plants, and an ever-expanding roster of unusual livestock that keeps customers driving an hour or more to visit.
The shrimp selection is the obvious draw. Customers report taking home yellow shrimp that quickly establish thriving breeding colonies, and the coloration on everything in Thomas's tanks is consistently described as exceptional. But the plant inventory is what truly sets the shop apart from bigger competitors in the Tri-Cities area. Reviewers rave about tiger lotuses, exotic aquascaping species, and portions so generous they almost look fake — in a good way. One customer noted that nothing they've bought from any local chain comes close in variety or quality.
Beyond shrimp and plants, the tanks hold a rotating cast of freshwater fish, African dwarf frogs, baby axolotls, kuhli loaches, guppies, snails, and other oddball species that reward a slow browse. Multiple reviewers mention discovering creatures they'd never seen before. Thomas recently expanded into aquarium and pond setup and maintenance services, giving Pasco hobbyists a full-service resource they previously lacked.
What customers talk about most, though, is Thomas himself. He takes time to understand your specific tank, offers genuinely useful advice without any sales pressure, and will source items he doesn't have in stock. Several reviewers describe conversations that stretched well past an hour — not because they were kept waiting, but because the enthusiasm is contagious. The shop is still growing and recently moved to a larger space, but the foundation — healthy livestock, outstanding plants, fair prices, and a passionate owner — is rock-solid.
Paw's Natural Pet Emporium in Kennewick, Washington is primarily a natural pet food and supply store rather than a fish-focused shop, but it deserves mention for its broad approach to animal care — including reptiles and small animals. With 762 reviews and a 4.8 rating, this locally owned store has built a devoted following across the Tri-Cities area, with some customers driving well out of their way to shop here.
The store's core strength is its enormous selection of pet foods, including frozen, fresh, and standard offerings across numerous brands. Staff members like Jasmine and Danielle are frequently praised by name for their ability to match finicky pets with the right nutrition. One reviewer shared how their 16-year-old dog required a very specific food that couldn't be found anywhere else in eastern Washington — until they tried Paw's. The store carries brands like Honest Kitchen and NutriSource, and their return policy on food that doesn't work out is notably generous.
Beyond dog and cat supplies, Paw's stocks products for reptile keepers — one reviewer buys fresh crickets for their geckos, and another praised the store's handling of a faulty bearded dragon light, honoring an exchange promise even two months later. There's a resident chinchilla that customers love greeting, adding to the interactive atmosphere that sets this shop apart from big-box competitors.
The store also offers free delivery, which multiple reviewers highlight as a significant perk. The layout can feel a bit disjointed and overwhelming given the sheer volume of products, but that density means you're likely to find what you need. Pricing is generally considered reasonable, often beating the larger chain pet stores.
For aquarium hobbyists specifically, this isn't a destination fish store. But for Kennewick pet owners looking for quality natural foods, knowledgeable staff, and genuine local service, Paw's has earned its stellar reputation.
Sea King Aquariums in Bellevue, Washington has earned a devoted following that stretches well beyond the Seattle metro — customers regularly drive two hours from Yakima just to shop here. This family-run saltwater aquarium store, anchored by owner Abel's hands-on expertise and genuine passion for the hobby, has become a destination for reef keepers across Western Washington.
The coral selection is the obvious draw. Rows of immaculately maintained tanks hold everything from high-end collector pieces to affordable small frags, giving reef hobbyists at every budget level something to get excited about. The store's rotating deals — including a buy-three-get-the-fourth-coral-free punch card system — keep regulars coming back frequently. Saltwater fish and crustaceans round out the livestock offerings, and while the fish selection may not be as deep as the coral inventory, reviewers consistently note the health and vibrancy of every animal in the store.
What sets Sea King apart is the quality of guidance customers receive. Abel and his staff are repeatedly praised for walking newcomers through their first saltwater tank setup, explaining acclimation procedures species by species, and offering specific, actionable advice rather than generic pointers. Several reviewers credit Sea King with getting them confidently into the reef hobby for the first time, or back into it after years away. The staff's patience — never rushing customers, never talking down to them — comes up again and again across hundreds of reviews.
The store itself is spotless. Tanks are clean, livestock looks thriving, and the overall atmosphere feels professional without being sterile. Beyond livestock, Sea King stocks a solid range of saltwater supplies and equipment, and also handles repairs. The shop's combination of premium coral selection, honest customer service, and community-minded touches like holiday candy for kids and loyalty drawings makes it feel less like a retail transaction and more like joining a local reef-keeping family. For saltwater enthusiasts in the greater Seattle and Bellevue area, it's a store worth building a relationship with.
Next to Nature on Tacoma Avenue is one of those locally owned pet supply shops that has earned a fiercely loyal following over more than twenty years of operation. This isn't an aquarium store — it's a dedicated natural pet food and supply shop that has carved out a reputation as the go-to alternative to big-box retailers like PetCo and PetSmart for Tacoma pet owners who care about what their animals eat.
The store's real strength lies in its curated selection of high-quality, natural, and locally sourced pet foods. Customers rave about the breadth of brands available for both dogs and cats, from Taste of the Wild (Pacific Stream runs $59.95 for a 28-lb bag) to specialty and allergy-friendly options. The staff doesn't just stock shelves — they do genuine homework on the foods they carry. One customer came in about her cat's dandruff and left with a food and fish oil recommendation that cleared it up within a week. The manager has been known to hand out fifteen free samples of dry cat food so customers can find the right fit before committing to a full bag.
The atmosphere inside is warm and a little whimsical. A resident cat can often be found napping in a quiet corner. The dessert case of pet treats is a highlight, stocked for doggy birthdays and every occasion in between. Homemade treats, pet clothing, Kong and Chuck It toys, and an ever-rotating selection of chews and snacks line the shelves — enough to feel delightfully overwhelming without being chaotic.
What truly sets Next to Nature apart is its people. Staff turnover is remarkably low for retail, and longtime customers say employees remember their pets by name. They'll special-order items, run a punch card loyalty program, and maintain a year-round pet food drive. Customers drive from as far as Puyallup to shop here. For Tacoma residents looking for thoughtful, personalized pet care from people who genuinely love animals, this neighborhood shop delivers.
Fish World Spokane, tucked away in Spokane Valley, Washington, is the kind of family-owned tropical fish store that turns casual visits into hour-long adventures. Walk in and you'll find row after row of immaculately maintained tanks — freshwater and saltwater alike — housing everything from schools of blue neon tetras and chili rasboras to corydora catfish, red cherry shrimp, and dwarf anchor catfish. Their cichlid selection alone has been known to stop hobbyists in their tracks, with fish colored up so vibrantly that visitors start planning new tanks on the spot. A dedicated discus tank adds another layer of wow, and a resident porcupine puffer has earned its own fan club.
The live plant selection is robust, complemented by an impressive collection of driftwood, aquatic hardscaping stones, and substrate that could keep an aquascaper browsing for ages — one reviewer specifically warned to budget an extra hour just for the wood pile. Fish food varieties, supplies, and dry goods round out the inventory, making it a genuine one-stop shop for aquarium needs in the Spokane area.
What elevates Fish World above the typical fish store is the staff. Led by owner Jordan and a tight crew, they ask the right questions before selling you a single fish — what's your tank setup, what are you hoping to achieve, what's already swimming in there? Multiple reviewers describe consultations lasting nearly an hour, with zero judgment and patient explanations about tank cycling, compatibility, and proper care. One hobbyist returning to the hobby after 15 years was gently steered away from his initial picks toward species that suited his setup far better.
Pricing is consistently praised as reasonable, and the health of the livestock speaks for itself: reviewers report months without a single fish loss and zero parasite issues. The store stocks species that many hobbyists typically only find online, from neocaridina shrimp varieties to uncommon tetra species. People drive two hours each way to shop here — and immediately start planning their next trip back.
Tucked along Bothell-Everett Highway in Mill Creek, Washington, Moonlight Aquatics has earned a devoted following for its deeply curated selection of freshwater fish that goes far beyond what you'd find at a big-box pet store. Owner Chang and staff members like Winter, Devin, and Chay have built something special here — a shop where rare Corydoras catfish sit alongside fire cherry shrimp at $3.99, a massive arowana commands attention from its tank, and aquatic plants overflow beyond what's even listed on their website.
The store's real draw is its unusual and hard-to-find species. Reviewers consistently mention discovering fish they've never seen elsewhere in Washington state, and the "buy 10 of the same species, get one free" deal sweetens an already competitive pricing structure. Beyond fish, Moonlight stocks rainbow shrimp, snails, crabs, and a solid range of freshwater and saltwater supplies, including products from Aquarium Co-Op. The tanks are clean and well-organized, and the livestock arrives healthy — a detail that matters even more for their shipping customers.
And yes, Moonlight ships. They've sent fish halfway across the country with careful packaging and strong communication, earning praise from online buyers who received their orders with zero losses. Corydoras, shrimp, snails, and crabs have all made the journey successfully, though the shop also serves plenty of walk-in customers from across the Seattle metro area who consider the drive well worth it.
Chang's willingness to help newcomers set up their first tank — guiding them through failed attempts until they have a thriving ecosystem — speaks to the consultative approach that defines the shop. Staff are generally knowledgeable and engaged, happy to answer questions and let browsers explore without pressure. The space itself is compact but packed, with display tanks lining shelves near the register and livestock filling every available surface.
For freshwater enthusiasts in the Puget Sound region looking for quality livestock, rare species, and genuinely competitive prices, Moonlight Aquatics consistently delivers.
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Clayton Aquarium Corporation doesn't operate like a typical fish store — you won't find a retail showroom with rows of tanks to browse. Instead, this Bellevue-based company has built a remarkable reputation over more than two decades by bringing aquariums to the places people gather: medical clinics, dental offices, retirement communities, schools, corporate lobbies, and private homes. Their business is full-service aquarium installation and maintenance, and based on the consistency of their reviews, they've mastered it.
The company deploys a team of dedicated technicians — Alan, Brent, Bill, Phil, Graham, and Tom among them — each assigned to specific clients, many for years or even decades. One reviewer notes Bill has maintained their tank for over 15 years; another mentions a 26-year relationship with the company. That kind of longevity speaks volumes. These technicians handle everything from routine cleanings and water quality management to fish health assessments, habitat rearrangement, and stocking recommendations.
Clayton's reach extends well beyond freshwater community tanks. Brent specializes in saltwater setups, carefully advising clients on species compatibility. Phil tends to a beloved office puffer fish that serves as a workplace mascot. Bill maintains two koi ponds for a client, managing filtration, seasonal care, and water clarity with the kind of precision that keeps fish visibly healthier and more active. Tom services aquariums at schools and dental offices across the area, creating calming environments that residents, patients, and children gravitate toward.
What stands out across nearly every review is how these technicians interact with the people around the tanks — patiently fielding questions from curious retirement home residents, educating schoolchildren about fish species, and keeping office staff updated on their aquarium's inhabitants. At Clayton Aquarium, the tank isn't just equipment to maintain; it's a living centerpiece that connects people. For any Bellevue-area business, institution, or homeowner wanting a professionally maintained aquarium without the hassle, Clayton has been the trusted name for decades.
