Aqua World Pet Super Center

Reviews 5

A

A Private User

I appreciate your time in reading the following review. Unfortunately, and after introducing many customers to this aquarium store, I now refuse to shop at the business. During my last visit, I noticed an aquarium filled with dying American Toads, which had seemingly been hand caught and placed in a tank filled halfway with water (for those unfamiliar, Toads are a terrestrial species). This habitat had caused them to fungus, in addition to their inability to hunt, which led to the starvation of at least the dead toad that lay at the bottom. I have kept reptiles and amphibians my entire life, and felt a responsibility to try to restore the animals back to health. I asked a sales rep to inquire on the price for the whole tank (bare in mind, these toads were obviously dying and, with the exception of one healthy specimen, would never have sold). After a lengthy wait, the rep returned and informed me that the business owner (who Ive previously found to be, at best, ill-informed about the species he keeps) would sell the toads for $5 each if I bought them all. Regrettably, I could not afford such a price. He then told me that the toads were purchased from a herp farmer and had been living in the tank for a couple weeks. This is hardly a testament to their health, as amphibians can go about that long without eating, as these most definitely had experienced. Also, because American toads are a PA native species, it would require documentation of this fact as well as permits for each toad saying that it is allowed to be sold in the state. Of course, the obviously healthy toad had been recently added, so the story is more than likely fabricated, at least in part. I told the sales rep that I would no longer be shopping at the business, which is a shame because I am an avid aquarist who has spent a great deal of money to try to support a local pet shop, which so frequently go under. This is one such store, however, that should be allowed to fail. I rarely criticize pet shop owners who struggle to make ends meet, especially when the victims are fish that may go home to die anyway. However, when a native amphibian in decline is taken from the wild and subjected to suffering and starvation, the neglect is no longer excuseable, and is a reflection of profound cruelty.

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A

A Private User

Seriously, this is the best aquarium store in Pittsburgh, no holds barred. In addition to an extensive selection of exotic fish they also have a great selection of used tanks and other items for sale that are a big help to the fish enthusiast on a budget. Theyve also got a great selection of reptiles and amphibians and also, periodically, birds. And for those of you with kids, you can feed the six foot alligators for a couple bucks. While yes there are a couple teenagers that works there ((what place isnt without its fair share of crap-tac-u-lar employees)) the rest of the staff are incredibly knowledgeable about their craft and will be happy to talk to you for hours about tanks, fish, set-up and maintenance. The place isnt all that pretty, but its also over twenty years old. Twenty years of algae, fish gunk, spilled salt water and god only knows what else is going to take a toll on a place. But twenty years running means its grounded and obviously does good business. You dont do good business if you dont know what youre doing. As for unhealthy fish- you get that in Petsmart too... Hell, Ive seen more dead and unhealthy fish in the big name stores than here. Fish are relatively fragile. They dont do well being shipped in bags, tanks, and jars. Its just a fact of life. Get over it. My fiance and I buy all our supplies and fish at Aquaworld and all of them have lead incredibly heathy lives ((until they were eaten by our electric blue lobster, but thats another matter)) If you want to go to some name-brand, superficial pet store for your supplies because its pretty, fine, but for real aquarium hobbyists, Id recommend Aquaworld hands down to any other fish store in town.

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A

A Private User

First of all, the owner is widely known in the reptile circles as being someone who sells dying and sick animals to unsuspecting customers. The customers are gouged on the pricing of the animals and there is NO return policy (any reputable breeder will back up the health of the animal 100% as well as other guarantees). I have known several people who have purchased from him (both at shows and at the store) and not only has the snake died within a week, it has infected others which resulted in the death of that animal, and snakes were covered with mites and ticks as well. Unfortunately, this is the only supply of live baby/hopper mice in the area so until my snakes are completely converted to frozen/thawed, I have to purchase food from the store. Thankfully, since the mice are eaten within an hour or two of purchase, I do not have to worry about the overall health of them. The animals at the business are not cared for at all. A glimpse around will confirm this- the fish tanks are disgusting, there are birds with dead laid eggs littering the bottom of the cages, the snakes are underfed and sickly, dead mice and rats in the bottom of the breeding cages, dead fish and snails in the fish tanks, etc. It is almost like a death zone for animals. As far as the staff being knowledgeable- the only experience I have had is with a teenager who, after I asked for adult mice, tried to sell me an adult rabbit for the snake. Sorry but that does not translate in size. Bottom line- unless you are buying food, do NOT trust anything from this store or this owner!

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TA

Tara Balsam

The condition of the animals in this store and their living environment is absolutely deplorable and disgusting. There are turtles and baby alligators stuffed in several tanks throughout the store, together, turtles show signs of fighting, i.e. missing tails and general distress. The tanks all over the store are FILTHY. The entire place reeks. Yes, it is a pet store, animals make messes, but every single tank and cage is covered in feces, vomit, you name it. The thing that absolutely broke my heart more than anything was the condition of an African Grey parrot they had for sale. The bird was CLEARLY underweight, extremely depressed, missing patches of feathers, and had a chipped beak with crust surrounding the nostrils. I would like to know when if ever the last time this bird has gotten any medical attention. I understand not everyone shares the view that animals are NOT simply novelty, but please, can you look around, no matter how flashy and exciting it is to see a bunch of exotic animals in one place, consider going to the zoo to show your kids live alligators. This is absolutely disgusting. I will never ever support this store in any way, regardless of how knowledgeable the staff are or how good the prices are, and I will continue to report them to humane authorities.

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LO

Lottie Patterson

Honestly I am disappointed.I waited almost 3 months for a panda moor goldfish and once they came I was very excited. I live far away from the store so traveling there is a planned ordeal.I bought two baby pandas and I thought they looked pretty good. I saw one that looked standard except for a small white spot on its tail which I took for a kind of beauty mark. (Big mistake) Not even two days later one of my pandas died. I found him the next morning floating in my tank. My water was great, it had been cycled and everything. The other fishs white spot turned into a cotton like puff and its now fighting for its life. I thought since this place had so many unique fish that they must be experts but they are no better than Petco or Petsmart. I called about my fish but they told me if I had called the day before they might have been able to do something. I was 1 day too late. I explained its not easy to get there I live far and thought my loyalty or trust in the place counted for something but I was wrong. I will not be returning cause its not worth it anymore. Overly disappointed.

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