Creative Aquariums of Tampa

150 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609, USA

Address:	150 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609, USA
Phone:	+1 813-873-7333
Site:	creativeaquariumsoftampa.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 44

Reviews 13

Alan Holmes

I am a HUGE fan of Creative Aquariums and am upset with myself that it has taken me so long to write this review!! I had inherited a 120 gallon salt water tank from a friend of mine that could no longer put the time or investment into the tank. The first time I went to Creative Aquariums, I met Tom the store manager. I explained to Tom that I was new to salt water but had fresh water tanks my whole life. I knew there was a lot to learn and really did not know how to first set up everything for such a large scale system. Tom had single handedly taken the time to list and detail exactly what I needed and how to build the plumbing from the tank to my filtration and pump in order to get things up and running. He did offer their services to build it all for me, but after talking with me for a bit he realized that I was capable and more so excited to do it myself. I just needed the nuts and bolts of the design along with a little encouragement to tackle the project. He didnt need to take the amount of time with me or forgo on the profit, but he did... Two and a half years later, he and the rest of his staff have been consistently offering me great advice, knowledge, prices, and some of the best coral and fish that you can find anywhere around here! I can’t say enough about the livestock that I have purchased over the year, my tank looks unbelievable! Better yet, I can’t say enough positive things about the staff at Creative Aquariums. I have been to all of the local saltwater fish and aquatic stores in the bay area and this is by far the best store around. It never ceases to amaze me that there are other stores locally with employees and management that are so omnipotent that they make you feel stupid for asking pertinent questions regarding your tank. I read up on as much as I can but will always have questions and seek advice from as many resources as possible. Believe it or not some of these same individuals won’t even acknowledge your existence in their store when you are willing to consistently spend hundreds of dollars there even in this economy…pretty stupid if you ask me! Tom and his staff clearly know customer service, have expansive knowledge in their trade and will continue to earn my business for many years to come. Thank you!!

A Private User

They only do salt water fish (even though the sign outside includes fresh water). Im a huge proponent about supporting local Tampa businesses so I was excited when I stopped in with questions about setting up a custom goldfish tank. The young man at the counter explained they dont have fresh water. So I asked about designing and buying a custom tank like a hexagon or a cube. I described what I wanted and he said they didnt do that and yelled back to another employee and he said no too. Then they both ingored me and I left. So over $1500 later (which is less than I was willing to spend) and a lot of time spent buying online I have my custom 60 gallon cube set up with no help from Creative Aquariums.

Ultra Pure

Clean store. James was especially helpful and very knowledgeable and it was a great place to come and spend time and money. Unfortunately, they lost me as a customer over $20.00. After initially agreeing to let me borrow 4 jugs for the $40.00 deposit to facilitate a critical move I needed to make, the financial genius in charge at the time negated and said itd have to be $15 per jug with no water as a rental fee. So the owner will loose out on the thousands Id spend over the course of a year or two or three... all over $20.00 in hand today. Customer service=zero. Any the LFS wonder why we go online to shop.

Justin Robin

I can not recommend this place enough. I have been to almost every aquarium store in the bay area and creative aquariums make them look like garbage. The selection is huge, the quality is second to none, and the pricing is better than anyone else. This is absolutely the cleanest store you will ever walk in. And they actually care that you are a customer and will go out of their way to help you in any way they can. They are very knowledgeable and will never try to upsell you on anything unless it is something you really need. I will never waste a penny anywhere else.

A Private User

This place rocks. Been coming here for 2 years driving 40 min right past 2 competitors 2-3 times a month to stock up on coral, fish and food. The entire staff has helped me pick which fish go with existing fish, corals that match my skill level and equipment that make life easier. The frag collection is great. They know their stuff, are very helpful and courteous. Been to other places around town and been let down enough times that I dont bother shopping anywhere else. Loyalty has it advantages.

Jarrett Dixon

Tom and his team are amazing! Not only are the extremely knowledgeable and have a fantastic wide selection of fish and corals. There service teams consistently exceed our expectations! We have had the opportunity to work with several service companies over the years but none have come close to the quality, punctuality and general professionalism we have received from the Creative aquariums staff. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for live stock or regular routine maintenance!

Rob

My first visit. Their tanks were very clean and that had a very large selection of quality frags at competitive pricing. Their live rock is priced the same as most of the other LFS in the area however here the rock is much nicer with actual growth of coralline on a lot of it. The gentleman inside was attentive and greeted me with a smile. You can tell their Tanks are well maintained as theres coral growing like weeds

Christina Diaz

We drive all the way from Ft. Myers to visit this store after shopping at a few others on the way up and walking out unhappy. This store was well worth the drive and the employees were very helpful and knowledgable. We will be back and highly recommend them. Very clean and huge selection!!!!

Adam Conterno

Did not feel like the staff was very approachable. Felt like I couldnt open up to them with questions without feeling judged. More of a transaction than a friendly conversation. I can go to Amazon for a transaction. They seemed to have a decent setup and selection though.

Manny Gardner

These guys know what theyre doing. Their live stock are well cared for. After dipping the corals I purchased from the store before putting them in the tank, there was not one hitchhiker found in the bucket. This definitely wont be my last visit.

A Private User

This is a great, clean store with knowledgable, friendly staff. I feel comfortable asking all of my questions and trust their advice. I am given their full attention as soon as I enter the store. Prices are very reasonable too!

michael kennedy

Manager is ass clown. Sold me a sick $300.00 fish and then wants to blame the customer. Not sure how its the customers fault specially after that sick fish killed my whole 240 gallon tank. Would never recommend them....

Anthony Harvard

Great store for reefers!! The store is by far the cleanest in the industry. All the employees are very helpful and knowledgeable. The owmer Tom is a cool guy and doesnt talk you into buying things you dont need.