Address: | 1362 Cherry Bottom Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230, USA |
Phone: | +1 614-934-5155 |
Site: | riverstoreefsaquariums.com |
Rating: | 4.7 |
Working: | Closed Closed 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–7PM 12–7PM |
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D Blair
Best local fish and aquarium business I know of. Although this store is small, it is filled to the gills with beautiful and healthy fish. They have a knowledgeable staff and the owner is always there and always friendly. Dont be fooled by the size of this tightly packed boatload of fish, they have an impressive selection. Freshwater, saltwater, and brackish fish are always in stock. They also have a beautiful display of coral species. The fish are never over priced, like at those large retail stores, and I always seem to save more when I go there, which for me still goes to them in the form of an unexpected purchase. Some of their supplies are not cheap, but this is because they dont sell junk or low end equipment. Only top of the line is sold there. My only "gripe" is their narrow isles, but that isnt much of a bother and shouldnt be a mark against how a business operates. I would advise to wear light clothing or prepare to downgrade layers of clothing, as it is a bit warm and humid inside. This is primarily to keep the fish happy (helps reduce loss of heat and moisture of the many aquariums). So, if youre looking for a new addition and not sure what route to go, stop in and see Aaron (the cool owner) and he and his staff will happily assist you in your next purchase or just answer any questions you may have. *DISCLAIMER* I am not affiliated with Rivers To Reefs Aquariums, as Im sure my overly enthusiastic post may suggest to other skeptics. I merely LOVE this business and all they have to offer to the community. Take pride in buying local.
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Jennifer Blackstone
I love the owner, hes very knowledgeable in saltwater but the store is lacking in space and some items are pricey. There arent a lot of Saltwater fish stores around and especially none where we live so we drove the 50 min to this store. The saltwater side was crowded with employees and customers. Some were employees off the clock just hanging around in the saltwater area talking about what they bought and just chatting. And one employee had a huge garbage can out, Im assuming doing a water change but Im not sure, I couldnt really pay attention because there was so much going on. But it was blocking more of the small walkway and I think that could of waited until later. I wish the owner was there because I dont think it would of been the same experience. We left with one item but if we had the ability to browse easier we probably would of left with more. We will give them another shot just because the owner is great and Ill update my review then!
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Aaron Ro
Far and away the most interesting, hobbyist focused aquarium store around. Professional, but very friendly and low key, staff who know what theyre talking about, and who are more than willing to take plenty of time to help you. Many of the animals and plants are species you just cant find in other stores- lots of rare types. Most of the tanks are self contained too, so in effect the fish are quarantined from others for better control of their health and environmental needs. The prices are way better than that big store on the West Side, even when that place runs a sale. RTR provides high quality livestock and equipment without gouging the customers. This is definitely a store to check out, and is well worth even a long drive from outside Columbus.
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Alex Wilson
Ive been to many local fish stores around Ohio and so far this one set the bar. Stopped in 10 minutes before they closed just planning to give it a quick look. Ended up staying past closing time by a bit and bringing home a new fish. The owner and employee were both knowledgeable and had a genuine interest in the hobby. Being that my fish was going to spend a few hours in the bag, they double bagged it and packed it in a styrofoam box. The tanks were clean and well maintained and the selection was unlike anything Ive come across. If youre into South/Central American Cichlids, you should definitely check this place out. Also had a great selection of fish suitable for nano tanks, which can be hard to find. Overall, extremely positive experience.
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Judy Decker
Best place now in Ohio to buy rainbow fish and corydoras (my two favorites). Rivers to Reefs always has an excellent selection to temp me -- fish I havent seen at any other aquarium store. Great customer service- Very knowledgeable. I stop in when I visit a friend in Columbus --and even make special trips just to check out the fish (almost 2 hour drive). Have bucket will travel. Updated: Made a special trip - and came home with exactly what I wanted/needed. Two of the best looking Sterbai cory cats ever -- and a new Neon Dwarf rainbow. If you like rainbow fish, stop in to see the handsome Picta rainbow! I dont have room for him (he will get to be about 4" when full grown). Get on the store email list so you know when new fish are coming in.
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Terry
After reading the reviews and talking to people I know, I was so excited to go. I was welcomed by one guy, he was helping someone else. I then wandered and looked at fish for 20 minutes waiting for someone to ask if I needed help. Finally I decided to go up to the front and interrupt the employees conversation, which felt very awkward. The guy who got my fish was condescending for some reason, it was odd. I cant give lower than 3 stars because the store was very cool, the fish were healthy, and the guy who rang me out was friendly. Maybe I just came on the wrong day at the wrong time, Ill definitely give it another chance. I hope the owner reads these because a lot of people would not return if they experienced this.
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Andrew Alonso
I have a 55 gallon African Cichlid tank and have gone to every pet store/aquarium store in Columbus and NOBODY has half as nice of an assortment of fish in their store. The owner does a fantastic job of stocking his tanks and following through with special orders as well. Their staff is extremely helpful and friendly and their knowledge is second to none. Their prices are beyond reasonable as well. Simply put, youre making a mistake if you are an aquarium owner and are shopping elsewhere. I look forward to continuing to shop at Rivers to Reefs for as long as there is a tank in my home!
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Danielle Jaycox
Great shop, visited once when they were starting up and wasnt very impressed, prices seemed a little high and it looked like they rushed to open. Im so glad we decided to make the drive and visit again, the store was clean, everything had settled nicely and they seemed to have found their rythm as there were amazing rare corals for great prices but also something for someone on a budget like myself. Customer service was awesome! Will definatly be stopping by for future coral and fish purchases!
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Bill Smith
Rivers to Reefs is a great LFS for both fresh and marine aquarium keepers. The number of different species on any given day is astounding, and the staff are all knowledgeable and friendly. I have been keeping marine aquaria for almost 30 years now and they still manage to find livestock that I havent seen before. Special orders are no problem, either of livestock or dry goods. Im not sure that more could be asked of a brick and mortar store in the age of the internet.