Walking into Aquarium Zen on a Seattle side street feels less like entering a pet store and more like stepping into a living gallery. Owner Steve and his team — including staff members like Audrey — have built something that reviewers consistently compare to a botanical garden or even a European aquascaping showroom. Every tank in the store, including the sale tanks, is set up as a lush planted display, creating an atmosphere so immersive that visitors report spending hours just staring at the aquariums.
The store's reputation is built squarely on aquascaping and freshwater planted tanks. Their plant selection is enormous, including tissue cultures and a rotating variety of aquatic species that arrive healthy and vibrant. The hardscape section features driftwood in multiple varieties, dried cacao pods, and an impressive range of rocks and minerals — often priced better than big-box competitors, though some customers note the wood can run steep.
Equipment leans toward premium lines like ADA, and the shop stocks lights, fertilizers, aquariums, and fish food alongside the livestock. Speaking of livestock: the freshwater fish are notably healthy, with brilliant coloration that suggests quality feeding and meticulous care. Bettas get individual large jars with live plants and botanicals instead of plastic cups.
Shrimp keepers will find vibrant stock, including high-grade varieties like Bloody Mary shrimp. The invertebrate and fish selection is curated thoughtfully, with display tanks showing compatible species grouped together — a practical education in stocking choices. The space is compact — this is urban Seattle, after all — and the tropical warmth inside means you'll want to shed a layer.
Hours are limited, which frustrates some fans. But the store draws devoted visitors from across the region, with at least one reviewer driving 250 miles to see it. For anyone serious about freshwater aquascaping in the Pacific Northwest, Aquarium Zen is the destination that sets the standard.
r h
3 reviews
i’ve never seen such a beautiful and well-maintained live fish store. Everything is so clean and inspiring!
Edward Caban
63 reviews
Always love coming in here. Only quality sold here for sure. Only note is: have a good idea of what you want when you go in. Staff seems a bit awkward and standoff-ish about answering questions and I always have a bit of a hard time getting a straight answer when asking for plant suggestions.
Michelle Hill
29 reviews
Really nice store with excellent service. Many different species of fish, plants and aquascape
Vee Delgado (Vee)
23 reviews
I've been searching for a vendor who has quality specimens and knows how to care for them. Every display is curated in a way that shows species that go together in one tank; with associates available for questions. The décor selection is actually better priced than the big box stores and features items like dried cacao pods, many different rocks and minerals, and woods of various varieties. Finally,the stock of fish, invertebrates, and freshwater plants are all healthy and show brilliant colours. Clearly the specimens are clearly being fed choice food instead of whatever is cheapest. As an active tropical fish store, and vivarium it's as warm as a greenhouse; dress accordingly or remove one's coat.
Connor Crouse
41 reviews
I visited for the first time today and was blown away. Truly the best LFS I’ve ever seen anywhere, and I’ve traveled extensively. The vibe is completely different than any other store I’ve been to and ALL the tanks, even the sale tanks, are set up like beautiful displays. Every true display tank in the store was impeccably maintained and beautiful. They have tons of hardscape materials, lights, food, fertilizer, aquariums, houseplants—you name it. All the livestock appears incredibly healthy and the sale tanks are full of fish, which is a detail many stores miss. There was so much to look at, I could have spent hours in this place. I wish I lived closer and had access to a store this great. Excellent job to Steve and staff.
Dennis Deitchman
52 reviews
This is my fav fish store! Their tanks are amazing to look at, they have loads of great products for advanced aquariums (or basic if that's what you need). Staff is extremely knowledgeable and always super friendly.
Mike Bundy
7 reviews
The store is better than the Seattle Aquarium!
Cullen Brain
22 reviews
I’m so glad a friend told us about this amazing store. Aquarium Zen is filled with beautifully designed aquariums and top-quality products to inspire beginners and satisfy even the most experienced aquascapers. Thanks to the knowledgeable staff and their excellent guidance, our first aquascaping aquarium has been a huge success — and a source of joy for the whole family.
Mo W
60 reviews
the fish are so cute..... I want to teleport back to this store
Clayton Brown
11 reviews
This store is awesome, Steve is very knowledgeable when it comes to aqua scaping. Highly recommend for those who are serious about their fish tanks.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (206) 499-1372 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquarium Zen, LLC.
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920 NE 64th St, Seattle, WA 98115
February 7, 2026
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