Centreville Aquarium

13830 Lee Hwy # 7, Centreville, VA 20120, USA

Address:	13830 Lee Hwy # 7, Centreville, VA 20120, USA
Phone:	+1 703-266-2100
Site:	centrevilleaquarium.com
Rating:	3.8
Working:	10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 12–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

walking upstream

I bought a pencil urchin at Centreville Aquarium several weeks ago. At the time I purchased it, I asked if it was reef safe (safe for my corals). I was told it was a great algae eater and wouldnt be a problem. Since putting the urchin in my tank, I have lost $50+ dollars worth of corals. Trusting the advice I was given at Centreville Aquarium, I didnt put together that it was the urchin responsible for all of this death until I caught it last night beginning to chomp on my duncan coral. I did some research and found out the pencil urchin in fact is not reef safe and promptly put it in a jar to take back to Centreville Aquarium today to discuss this poor advice. I spoke with the manager on the floor (who may actually have been the same guy that gave me the advice in the first place) and told him I simply wanted to exchange my coral killer for something of relatively equal value. He said he was willing to treat it as a dead return, and offered me a 20% off a fish purchase coupon, but that would mean I would have to spend near $100 just to get back the $15 or so I spent on the urchin. I told him I was even willing to take a $10 emerald crab, but he wouldnt consider it. Not only that, but he said because I didnt have my receipt there was no way to know what the value of the urchin would be. Really? Theres no way to look up what you sell pencil urchins for? Right. I understand if I had been told to be wary or advised not to put the urchin in my tank and I did anyway that the coral death would be on me, but in this case, trusting the advice given to me by Centreville Aquarium, the coral death was on them- I wasnt even asking for as much in exchange as I had paid, nor for them to reimburse me for the coral I lost, and I was even going to give them the urchin back to resell if they liked. This ridiculous unwillingness to make good on their mistake and maintain a relationship with a customer is completely unacceptable, so knowing full well there are several other saltwater shops in the area, I walked out and dumped the urchin in the parking lot. If youve bought a pencil urchin at this place soon after this posting appears, know that it spent some time out on the asphalt and that it WILL eat your coral.

Rick Morgan

Unbelievable poor customer service experience. I bought two fish for $36 (and $170 in equipment) and in less than 24 hours realized they were very sick with Ick. I drove the 40 minutes one way back to the store and presented the sick fish. I was told the 48 hour "Health Guarantee" only applies to dead fish. They acknowledged they were sick, that the tank they came from had other sick fish and that the policy was silly. Realizing I wasnt going to get anywhere at this point I asked for the "Fish credit" because they wouldnt refund or apply a general credit and I went to buy medicine to treat my now infected tank. I didnt have a copy of my receipt so I told them I could produce an picture of it since I scanned it but they refused to take it. So now I am out the two fish, cant get a credit and have to pay money for medicine for the tank. SMH I gave the employees time to think about this and maybe make a call to the owner before I walked out never to return but it was in vain. I have shopped there because I want to have a personal relationship with a business. They are 30-60% more expensive than Amazon or Petsmart. They are FAR more inconvenient for me to shop with but I did so for personal customer service. Well- they totally FAILED. This is why people have switched to shopping online.

A Private User

I tried many stores in the area to find the perfect aquarium shop. The options were dreary. You have "Super Petz" which possibly has the worst kept tanks Ive ever seen (very depressing), "Wallys Aquarium": a place where fish go to die, and "PetSmart". I just so happened to stumble upon Centerville Aquarium while grabbing some coffee next door. This was a huge coincidence since I was actively trying to setup a new tank. The fish and tanks here are extremely well kept. Sick fish are quarantined, and there is no crowding. They seem to treat fish as they are meant to be treated: like living things. But the cleanliness and selection are not the best part of the store: The greatest thing I found was the extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff. I am a new fish hobbyist, the owner (at least I think he was the owner, very soft spoken, mid 30s) walked me through everything in detail. I asked many questions and each one was answered without hesitation. I wouldnt doubt it if he had some sort of PHD in aquariums :) I intend to keep all of my business with them. The prices are fair - probably more than what you will find in a commercial entity like PetSmart, but you get more than what you paid for when it comes to support.

p esseff

I deal with a lot of people for my job and need to inform them before they decide which way they want to go to achieve their end goal. I take time and make sure they know what it is they need. This is the level of service David has provided me. I have dealt with all LFS in NOVA and most in 270/495 area of MD. NO ONE person has listened or cared and was as informative. I will be a customer for the long run. I thought I sent this review months back but when I came to give a fresh review it had not been published. I now have more to report about this LFS. David has taken me from an average reef-keeper to above average. My reef is now popping up super colored rock and my corals are growing fast. Do not go in expecting to get in and out as this is a VERY popular spot with those in the know. I sometimes call ahead or ask while in store when the next stock will be ready. The prices are reasonable for what I consider FINE DINING. Yes, at times, the stock is small but the best specimens go quick. If you go in to check out what is there you will be remiss to not pick Davids brain about YOUR tank if there is little stock. Again, I will go here for all my tank needs first.

A Private User

This store is a wonderful spot to shop for aquarium fish, and other living species, both salt water and fresh. They have a nice selection of dry goods, fish, corals, live rock, and other invertebrates. The livestock is extremely well kept and not overcrowded, and has been well maintained and will readily eat upon food offering! Very healthy corals, clams, and exotic reef fish as well. The best part about the store is the owner, and primary salesman, Dave. he is extremely knowledgeable, and friendly, and most importantly, HONEST. Of course some of the dry goods can be found cheaper on Amazon, but it is important that great customer service/ small business sales/ generally helpful businesses stay alive. The time he will spend helping you will surely make up the 5% difference in price on the dry goods. The livestock is very competitively priced when compared to the Reef Tank, or Marine Scene, and is very well maintained. New to the hobby, or years of experience, CVA is a must visit for locals!