Aquarium Zen

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Address:	920 NE 64th St, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
Phone:	+1 206-619-1624
Site:	aquariumzen.net
Rating:	4.5
Working:	Closed Closed 1–7PM 1–7PM 1–7PM 12–6PM 12–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Bradley Chamness

This is a very nice aquarium store; honestly the type of place I had always looked for in the Midwest but was unable to find. I have been interested in aquascaping and vivaria for over a decade and am finally at a point in my life where Im ready to dive into the hobby. I feel like this place can provide exactly what I need for a great setup. Having said that, I have to echo what some other reviewers mentioned regarding staff interaction. When I entered the store there were no other customers and two employees inside, but it didnt seem that anyone realized I had come in. I wandered around for a a few minutes looking at products and tanks, at one point standing directly next to the employee cleaning tanks, and still went unacknowledged. When I took it upon myself to interrupt and ask a few newbie questions about planting, the employee was friendly but by that time Id already been in the store about 10 minutes. The selection and quality of this shop easily beats the local competition so Ill definitely be going back, however after my experience and reading the owners reply to a previous review regarding employee interactions, I felt compelled to comment: You seemed to express frustration about having to re-answer the same questions to multiple customers, perhaps this explains the lack of interaction I experienced? Regardless, this is a central part of customer service, especially if youre running a brick-and-mortar. People are going to wander in and ask dumb questions, without knowing (or being expected to know) that you field that question all day every day. As the business owner and subject matter expert, your business depends on your ability to handle that in a way that doesnt alienate your customer base. Im not suggesting a Best Buy level of customer interaction (because who isnt annoyed by that?) but I think that welcoming people to your shop and/or asking at least once if they had any question would do wonders for the perceived friendliness of the store. Otherwise keep doing what you do, youre doing it right; just say hello now and then :)

Max Dang

The store is clean, selection is great, staff is knowledgeable, and prices are not bad especially for amano shrimp. The thing is, these guys have no customer service skills. Ive come in here thrice, each time no one said hello to me or asked me if I needed help (on two of those occasions I was the only customer in the store). I called once to ask if they carried something I was looking for. The guy on the phone said yes and went into detail how to use said product effectively. Satisfied, I said "thank you, Ill see you soon then". He hung up on me, no "youre welcome", no "ok", not even a grunt of acknowledgement, just straight up hung up on me. Suffice it to say I did not visit later that day. I can appreciate their expertise, but I dont like being treated like a beggar when I spend money inside of a store. I bought eight fish, some substrate, and water treatment from this place because I believe in giving people a chance, but no more. Now Im gonna come in here to price check with online stores. If Zen is cheaper, Ill buy it, but otherwise I wont support them. Dont believe me? Go to Aquarium Co-Op, The Fish Store, Sierra Fish and Pets, or heck even PetCo. There, I get treated like a customer, and so I have no problem buying supplies from them, at a premium over Amazon, in order to support those local fish stores (not PetCo) and keep them open.

Darcy Barry

Aquarium Zen is a uniquely beautiful aquarium store that will inspire you and open your mind to the creative possibilities that lie within a freshwater aquarium. The owner has curated the most attractive aquariums, aquarium lights, and aquascaping supplies. He has single-handedly created multiple display tanks in a variety of sizes to provide examples of what you can design for your home or office. He carries freshwater fish and shrimp that are both stunning and appropriate for a planted aquarium. Most importantly, the owner is present during store hours to provide advice and share the knowledge that he’s acquired from decades of experience. I have had aquariums since childhood and have shopped at the majority of fish stores in the region. I have compared fish, dry goods, prices, and service. Aquarium Zen offers the highest quality and the most aesthetically pleasing products at comparable prices as well as offering expert advice and inspiration from the beautiful store environment. I am thankful that we have this wonderful, independent store in our community. I urge you to check it out and show your support of it.

Ron Skylstad

Aquarium Zen is one of the most inspiring fish shops Ive ever visited. This place isnt your typical fish store: the ambiance and environment of the place is almost magical with its old wooden beams and brick walls, the verdant growth of plants and glow of wonderfully maintained Nature Aquariums full of darting fish. Not only is the space interesting to walk through and explore, but the owner (Steve) is easily approachable and always happy to talk about aquascaping, fishkeeping and how you can successfully maintain similar setups at home. He has a definite passion for crafting whole ecosystems and slices of nature and has an amazing knowledge of the fish and plant species he offers. Even when I just stop in to visit and dont intend to purchase anything, I usually end up leaving with something new. This store is a definite gem in the Seattle aquarium scene.

Beatriz Espinoza

Told owner I felt he was racist towards me and I wanted to discuss and work things out but he immediately said no and became very defensive. He then proceeded to use the infamous "im not racist line but, clearly I am" which he said out of his own mouth and I couldnt believe it. "Im not racist I have black friends" he then pointed to a worker of his. At that point I wasnt angry just sad that he would use having a POC to justify and defend his biased ways. I continued to smile and carefully select my words to encourage a new start with him. He then told me I was no longer allowed to return since "things are awkward between us." Were not some sort of split couple were customer and owner and yes things can be awkward since its human communication. I went in with high resolution hopes and came out with ignorant words and actions spit on me.

Steve Waldron

Aquarium Zen focuses on aquascaping, the art of the freshwater planted aquarium and provides its customers with the advice, products, service and inspiration to get them excited about keeping aquariums again. The owner has over 35 years of experience with freshwater aquariums and wants to see his customers succeed in creating beautiful aquariums of their own. The focus here is on planted freshwater aquariums and you will find a great selection of aquascaping supplies, plants as well as the small, peaceful fish that do well in the planted aquarium. Even if you are not in the market for an aquarium or aquarium products, you will find a trip to Aquarium Zen is an experience in itself and you will walk away with a new appreciation for the beauty of aquatic life.

jad

Great selection and advice. High prices, but happy to pay for quality products and to stay with a local small business. Always answers questions, and knows what theyre talking about. 4 stars because while Im sure its not intentional, and the advice is helpful, its not in a very warm or encouraging manner. Friendly, but not inviting. Id probably spend more money theyre if it was, as Im an aspiring amateur aquascaper, but I always feel like Im asking stupid questions that may be stupid for someone with experience, but are important for someone who is trying to learn.