Azalea Aquariums

5112 Richmond Henrico Turnpike A, Richmond, VA 23227, USA

Address:	5112 Richmond Henrico Turnpike A, Richmond, VA 23227, USA
Phone:	+1 804-329-5126
Site:	azaleaaquariums.com
Rating:	3.8
Working:	12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–6PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 99

Reviews 5

Rather LiveInKeyWest

We have had fish tanks for more than 25 years and have had both fresh and salt water tanks. After moving to the area in 2001, we looked for good local shops to help us get our tanks established here. We found few good places, and Azalea was one of them. We have gravitated to freshwater rainbows over the years, and Azaleas selection is always interesting and top notch. After getting to know staff there, we asked them to build a 72 gallon bowfront tank with a cabinet bio-filter sump system, and have had that tank in our living room for the last 13 years. We keep our tanks at about 77 degrees, a bit cooler than the stores 80 degree water temp... so we take a bit longer with the assimilation process. Well take the fish right home and put the bag into the tank to get water temps to be the same. Then we will introduce a bit of tank water into the bag... a cup at a time. Once the bag water is at least 50/50 and the temps equal, we will turn the bag to let the fish find its own way out. Entire process probably takes 45 minutes to an hour, and we rarely lose a fish. The fish we purchase from Azalea seem to be very hardy; it is rare when one does not last at least 5 years. Then again, the fish at Azalea generally are not the cheapest in the area... but they are hardy and we dont have to purchase replacements over & over again. As with any local, small, family owned business, you need to pick the time for your visit if you want individual attention and service. Plan to go Saturday or Sunday afternoon just like everyone else? If so, you might not be thrilled. Try going there on a weekday evening and you will probably be very happy with the attention and service you get.

Caitlin A.

My husband and I went into this store Monday night, a lot of variety- tanks a little dirty but overall fish looked to be healthy. We decided on getting a Rosealine Shark- which was beautiful- the guy who helped us Monday night was very nice, we had all but said this would be our new go to place for fish. When we left the shark had very little water in the bag- and by the time we got home he was belly up in the bag- never even made it into our tank. My husband called the next morning when they opened (because we got home after 8PM and the store was closed), saying the fish had died and we brought it in. The next evening I brought the fish in with my sister and the owner helped me- this was the WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE I HAVE EVER HAD!! This man talked down to me, was rude to me, and acted like I was an idiot. I have never been treated so poorly by anyone in a store EVER- what had become a place I would have shopped on a regular basis immediately became a place I will NEVER give another recommendation. DO NOT RECOMMEND!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go to Fins and Feathers or Petsmart for that matter. Update: The owner called my husbands phone and left a voicemail saying that because of this review we are banned from his store- heaven forbid he give an apology for the way he acted- hed much rather call and leave a rude voicemail and ban someone from his store, not that I would have wasted my money in his store ever again... if that doesnt show the kind of person he is nothing will

Chris Huckabay

I honestly dont know where all the negative feedback is coming from. Since I moved to the Richmond VA area I have frequented this shop several times and have gotten nothing but superior service from both the owner and his staff. They have an incredible selection of fish for very fare prices, and truly care about the quality of their livestock. From what Ive seen from the negative reviews on this and other sites, people get upset when the owner, who has DECADES OF EXPERIENCE, tells them that they are not prepared to buy fish from him. Sorry but Azalea isnt PetCo, they care about their fish and if they find out youre trying to dump them into an un-cycled tank yes they will be leery to sell to you. Think about it, your average joe buys a fish, brings it home, and it dies. Knowing nothing about the nitrogen cycle, they assume the fish they bought from Azalea wasnt healthy and tells everybody they know the store has bad stock. By being careful about who they sell to, they ensure the safety of their livestock as well as their reputation as a business. I have personally purchased 4 emerald cory cats, 4 peppered corys, and 4 otocinclus catfish from them as well as 2 bunches of anacharis. All the fish are very healthy, and my anacharis has exploded to the point that I may have to bring some back to the store just due to the fact its taking over my tank! If that doesnt speak to the quality of Azalea Aquariums, I dont know what does.

Alisha H

After hearing so many great things, we decided to go here and look for some new fish to add to our tropical tank. When we got there we were not greeted or even acknowledged. Finally we asked one of the employees some questions. He was very nice and tried to be as informative and helpful as possible. I believe his name was Robert. He is the only reason Im rating higher than 1 star. We decided on 2 dwarf rainbowfish. At the counter after we paid, another employee (owner?) who was much older overheard me talking about the rummy nose tetras, asked how long my tank had cycled and when i told him a few weeks he started yelling at the other employee who was helping us as well as being extremely rude to us, and then he literally scratched out the warranty on our fish saying we shouldnt be buying anything. He was so rude to both me and the other employee and was not professional at all. If he felt we shouldnt be getting fish yet (which all of my fish are alive and healthy) there are so many other, professional, ways to go about it. Needless to say, we will never return there. Although they do have some nice variety, that was enough to make me never return.

A Private User

Found this store in the phone book but stopped to shop at Good Will and Pet Smart on the way. I wasnt familiar with the area and was asking about fish stores and people at BOTH places recommended Azalea Aquariums!!! I was extremely impressed with their selection and knowledge about fish keeping. Yes, their tanks need some cleaning and some of the fish had fin rot, but I can say the same about Pet Smart and Petco! The tanks are old and have paint on the back exterior (Like all fish store tanks used to have.) that is old and cruddy looking. They would look tons better if even just the exteriors were redone. A clerk named Pam helped me. I was very impressed with her knowledge and willingness to share that with me. She even knew who Dr. Axlerod is!! Although, this listing says they are open until 8 pm. They closed at 6pm. BUT, Pam stayed with me after closing to finish explaining how salt water tanks are set up and how they differ from freshwater tanks! Thats dedication! I was, also, able to find some things there that I havent been able to find ANYWHERE else - not even online. I cant wait to take my other half back to this store!