Aquarium City

Reviews 3

AM

Amanda

Ive been a customer here for years. Ive spent hundreds on aquariums, accessories, and fish. Many of the fish I still have to this day, however, I have lost quite a few goldfish and tetras, but with their sensitivity to water changes (and low price) I hadnt felt too bad since our main fish have thrived. The staff is very knowledgeable, but I believe they had taken on quite a few new people (or people that I hadnt seen on my numerous trips there) who may or may not be as up on their knowledge as the others. I understand people have to be trained, but there was a certain level of customer service that I was used to receiving that has lately been less than desirable. My greatest complaint would be after deciding to add to my tank with a rather expensive fish, I took it home and all seemed well. I followed all instructions to make sure he was comfortable and ready for his new home. The water had been tested in store as I was debating the day before on making such an expensive purchase, but the fish was beautiful. So water quality, temp, etc. was perfect. The fish immediately started looking around and getting adjusted to its new neighbors. Then, about 2-3 days in I noticed he wasnt eating like the others were. I called the store, they said put food in, turn out the light, dont worry hell eat. I went in to get more food for my other fish and noticed that my new guys tank mates were no longer there. I thought it was odd because they are expensive and in just 3 days them selling out (nearly 5-6 were left) seemed unlikely because they had been there a week before I had purchased my fish. Anyway, I returned home. I followed their instructions, fed as told, and still noticed the little guy wasnt eating often. About a week in, his color began to look a bit faded. I called again, they said its possibly not enough oxygen in the tank, so I bought an additional air pump since my filter was the only air producer I was using). Still, he didnt improve. Then he just wasnt eating. I would place food near his favorite spot (he stopped swimming around also) and still he wouldnt eat. The next day, he was on the driftwood one minute, the next I noticed, he was floating belly up. I honestly think the fish was sick from the beginning because he wasnt very active at all (even with the lights off). I dont think it was eating properly the whole time. So of course, upset, I call the store to try to figure out what may have happened. I tested my water at home again, it was perfect. All levels were great, temperature was great. No ammonia, nitrates/nitrites, and not temperature fluctuation. I didnt even get out that I was hoping they could tell me what was wrong before someone barked "Its been nearly 2wks, sorry no refund." I was very upset because I was trying to figure out WHY my fish wouldve died. The fact that they jumped so quickly to that conclusion made me curious. I have Petco fish that have outlived this one who was VERY expensive. The rudeness and treatment I received afterwards was from one of the ladys there that I havent had a lot of interaction with, but still. As much time and money as I spend at this place, I was expecting better customer service. I say all that to say this: Be careful when youre spending big bucks. If you find an expensive fish you like, ask them when they first came in and how many surived, etc. etc. Wait. Then, check on the fish you want a few days later. Trust me, they are not selling that fast.

A

A Private User

If there was a rating lower than 1 it would be too high. My first impressions of this store were very good. Trying to keep this short, I was having problems with our 72 gallon saltwater tank which we are restarting. After researching a product to lower ammonia & nitrite etc...I called around a few local stores and this one had it. I went the the store and got the product I was looking for and also was recommended a filter to help lower the levels by "Mike" (I believe he is the owner). He asked general questions about our tank and advised we get a skimmer. I asked how much one would run and he replied $350. I told him this was too much. He seemed a but surprised at my answer, but let it go. He seemed helpful and what we bought did take care of the problem. In my mind I felt this would be where I continue my business for our aquarium... Fast forward to today (two weeks from the previous visit). I found a skimmer with good reviews online for 120 bucks. In this economy Im interested in finding the best deal for a good product. $350 was way too much. I have bills to pay and people to feed. So I go into the store to get a new set of filters and to look around at fish in preparation for getting the tank set when the skimmer arrives. Again keeping it short, Mike asks what have we done. I explain....and then we get to the skimmer. I tell him we bought it online/good price etc...I then am baffled at getting this response from him: "You know when I dispense free advice, I do it so people will buy from my store and not go behind my back to other places and get their stuff. I might have to lay people off because of stuff like this. Maybe I need to charge for my advice now?" Paraphrased, but I hope you get the idea. Well guess what Mike, you wont have to worry about giving me free advice again....I will NOT be returning to your store in the future. I HAD planned on making this store a "staple" to do business with for fish and other organisms once our tank is stabilized. That is not happening after your RUDE response and making it sound like Im the "guilty party" just because I was saving a few dollars. Unbelievable!!! If that is how you do business you wont need to worry about laying people off due to "free" advice!

A

A Private User

Ive been shopping with Mike at aquarium city for 5 years and the more I get know his people the more I get turned off! If you are new to aquarium keeping, you will likely be impressed by this place as they are one of the largest stores in the valley, with a good slection of fresh and salt water fish and decent prices. Beware, they prey on newbies. Once you get a clue and start questioning them they stop talking to you unless you pull out your wallet. It seems they now get paid on comission. They lost many of the older, knowledgable guys (many of whom were aquarium service guys) and replaced them with kids who will do or say almost anything to make a sale. Most have cursory knowledge, not much more than what anyone could get after 1 hour on google. All of my friends with educations past high school cannot stand this place either. I go back a few times a year only because I have been in the aquarium hobby for 10 years and understand the importance of the Local Fish Store (LFS). Still, there are other stores... If you are rich and want the highest-end corals and fish, go to Vivid Aquariums (ask for Dave). If you just want regular fish and typical coral you can shop here, or get really friendly customer service from Exotic Life in Chatsworth (ask for Rusty), or Fumis in Granda Hills (ask for Adam). If you want great deals on higher end fish and coral, and dont mind waiting (they are extremely busy), go to Rainbow Pet in Pacoima (ask for Miguel) or Pasadena Tropical Fish (ask for Steve). This store used to be better because it had quality people and its reputation spoke for itself. Now they resort to trolling the internet and giving themselves 5 star ratings.

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