Fish World

Address:	11634 Busy St, Richmond, VA 23236, USA
Phone:	+1 804-379-2466
Site:	fishworldric.com
Rating:	3.7
Working:	12–7PM 12–7PM 12–7PM 12–7PM 12–7PM 10AM–5PM 1–5PM

Location

Photos 30

Reviews 4

Stephen Petruzzo

Great place for all your saltwater needs! They have massive tanks to showcase coral and fish. You will find specimens in these tanks that you could only imagine. Besides the size, the main 1200 gallon display tank seemed to be lacking that "WOW" factor that other fish stores have with their coral growth, variety, and fish selection. There arent many fish for sale, and most of the fish that are for sale are fairly common fish - clowns, tangs, fire fish, etc. All of the fish seem to hate their lives as their tanks are small and they do not to appear to be in the healthiest of conditions. However they do have a sea horse tank with about 8 specimens if you are interested in that. They have a large variety of corals for sale, nothing too special except for a couple of nice SPS corals that were rare. Most of the corals are of the soft and LPS variety. There were only about 15-25 SPS corals that i would ever consider buying there due to their condition. The reason for three stars is because their tanks have aptasia everywhere, algae seems to grow in all places, and they often leave bleaching or dead coral on the shelf for customers to look at. However, the worst part is the pricing of their products. IT IS WAY OVERPRICED AND EXPENSIVE!!! A blue hippo tang, about 1.5 inches, runs about $95. While my local LFS sells these tangs that are 4-5 inches for $89!!! You can find corals that they sell for 1/2, or even 1/3 of the marked prices. A 1-1.5 inch small normal acro frag...$65-$100. LFS - $30. Also, on top of that, the way they price their products is very weird and confusing. They mark the prices of their products on lined paper packets instead of on or around the tanks. This means that you have to scan each page for the price of the coral that you want...what a waste of time! And on top of that they only have on packet per section of the store, so if two people want to look at the price of the corals at the same time it is very hard to. On the brighter side, the customer service is very friendly and very knowledgable. The employees are willing to talk for hours about the corals and everything to do with them. Overall, it is worth the visit if you live under an hour from this place. However, anything more than that and it is not worth the trip as it was a 2 hour drive each way for me. Again, i do not recommend buying any live products from this store as you are sure to get ripped off. If youre willing to drive the distance, I highly recommend that you visit "The Marine Scene" located in Herndon, VA. They have a larger selection of everything and everything is marked at a fair price and is high quality. They also have discounts every Friday and Saturday, so id go then. The Marine Scene is closed Sunday - Tuesday so dont go then.

Kim Jones

I understand everyone has their view of an experience bad or good. There is a paper with prices on it everyday. When you come in and are looking ASK FOR IT AND YOU WILL KNOW THE PRICES. That is how I learned were the prices are and what they are for the day. Fish come and go and everyday according to what is sold and what comes in changes what is in the tanks. Pricey. Well, I just started learning with a salt water aquarium and I may be able to get things cheaper from mail orders or ebay but, with the experience that I had with my temperature going up and killing several of my fish and dealing with the toxics and all the toxins and bacteria that can kill the living things in your tank. I dont think saving a few dollars is worth the risk of not being able to see were what I am buying is coming from. Maybe later if I had a quarantine tank. But, Joe and Scott have been nothing but very nice and helpful to me. Yes, I have waited sometimes for 30 mins while he helped another customer. He was ahead of me and like all business he was explaining to the gentleman how to put an item together. What to do and not to do. So, he treats me with the same attention. I dont have a problem with that because he would give you as much time if you needed, As, far as a lady being rude. Well, I wasnt there but I dont let anyone be rude to me without addressing the situation. Maybe her personality is not an outgoing one and if you let her know she would realize how she made you feel and apologize or take into consideration and change how people are feeling about her customer service. However, everyone thinks life is all about them. If Joe was late did you ask him why? Or did you explain how you felt. Or did you just say nothing and right a bad review. If so shame on you. Learn to communicate with people and maybe things will work out for you better in life. Either way I have had nothing but a good experience and I do know how to wait my turn. And express myself when I feel I have been treated unfairly. I go here and would suggest people go and get your own experience rather than just from someones point of view. Kim Jones:)

Chadd Starner

First and foremost, this is a rant. Ive had nothing but great dealings with not only the owner (Joe) and his associates. We spoke about how people that give bad reviews never leave their name. Point being made, Im going to speak not only on the excellence, but also the poor reviews you should review yourself after posting: 1) Expensive? You get what you pay for. End of story. You can surely use the web to order what you want. 2) Being late? He runs a business that from what I hear and see is doing VERY well. You are not the only customer. In my mind, if you cant look at the specimens in his store while waiting, you probably shouldnt be there. 3) Absolute worst business owner ever? Are you kidding? Chances are you do not own a business, nor could you run one if you had parents that handed you one that was established. 4) His Wife? That is not only inappropriate, but flat out rude. Do not address someone based on who they are related to. Shes not rude, theyre BUSINESS OWNERS. They make theyre living off of the store, installations and sales made. Unless you own a successful company, you have zero room to relate. On that note, Ive had a great relationship with (Joe) and Fish World altogether. Bought a skimmer there that was cracked out of the box. Didnt realize it until I placed it on my tank. Called an associate that forwarded the message to the owner. No questions asked, it was replaced. I could have damaged it myself, which the owners and associates could have easily chosen not to replace it. That being said, Ive had a great experience with this store. Also, this is in no way to get discounts or anything of the nature. Fish World RVA, Keep it up! -CHADD

J Saha

If you are going to purchase saltwater fish or corals this is by far the best place to go in Richmond, if not all of Virginia (just ask the countless people that drive 1.5 - 4 hours on weekends to get their fish ONLY from Joes shop). If you come by the shop this is what you should be prepared for, anywhere from 3 to 10 customers in the store talking to each other looking at the amazing stock available and each waiting their turn work with Joe and his staff for whatever they need for that day...could be having their water tested; could be picking out the perfect piece of coral or fish; or just asking for advice (even if you dont have a tank yet). While Joe is helping that person they are the MOST important person in the store. He takes his time and makes you feel like your question/need is the TOP priority and that is what sets Fish World apart. So yes from time to time you may have to wait your turn before Joe or his staff can help you, but when it is your turn...no matter how big or small your issue (or your purchase for that day) you will receive honest, caring, detailed advice. This is not just Joes business it is his passion and that comes across in every interaction i have ever had with him. Pricing, his prices are fair - more expensive than PetCo, but comparable to other local fish stores in the area. The quality and care of the fish though are top notch, and paying a little extra to guarantee the health of the fish and coral is well worth it. Joe and Fishworld are the example of why I love individually owned small businesses, because the owners are living their passion and sharing that with their clients, who he knows by name!