Reviews
I would never ever purchase anything from this location. To start the filters inside the tanks are way to strong for all of the fish. The fish are blowing and moving all over the tanks. There is not a single spot inside of any of the tanks where the fish can have a calm spot. All of the tanks are dirty, dead plants in most all of them and things are not attached properly. To add in several tanks including the salt water have dead fish just floating all over. On my way out of the store I noticed a bearded dragon inside of a tank on the floor surrounded by junk the store has to offer. No light setup and no water. This place is very neglectful and I’d never recommend it to anyone. You are better off getting the same fish but cheaper at your local Petco or Petsmart. This place really needs to be closed down.
Holy cow is this store well operated, and the selection is by far and away the best in the DMV. Father and son I'm guessing are hard at work keeping their hundreds thousands? of fish in pristine water. Once you are ready to make your purchase though they drop what they're doing and are super friendly. The owner caught a hill stream loach for me like it's easy - it's not! Will 100% be returning to this establishment.
Great spot, they really know their stuff. Super helpful. If you have any questions, you'll find an answer! All their fish, fresh and salt, look healthy and happy. Definitely recommend this place for any aquarium enthusiast amateur or seasoned or in-between
Cozy place with a knowledgeable, friendly staff. I only went for a few hermit crab supplies but you could tell they take great care of their fish! Will go back.
This shop is just over any hour away from me, and I was reluctant initially to make the trip. But wow, was it ever worth it! Their tanks appear well kept and the fish look healthy. I picked up about 7 cichlids and they are all doing well! The staff was extremely nice and helped me identify some species I couldn’t make out. They had unique varieties that I hadn’t come across before, and that was a really nice surprise. I’m already looking forward to my next trip! Bring change so you can feed the parking meter
Reefer Approved. When my Apex died a few years back I needed to get one ASAP sure thing they carried it. Good fish, invert and coral collection to choose from. My local LFS. Thank you.
Not just a great variety of fresh and saltwater fish, also shrimp, crabs, frogs, coral. They seem to be in good health, fed premium food I watched, and well-displayed. Tanks aren't over full, and tank sizes fit the fish, including several gorgeous giant tanks. Enjoyed an hour there despite only getting a few fancy shrimp and some endlers, which have been healthy and happy. Staff was helpful and super gentle with my fish. Definitely returning to set up my next community tank. Best fish store near DC.
It's incredibly cramped, muggy and dark throughout the small store. The selection is decent but definitely not worth the risk considering I saw ich and fungal infections on several of the freshwater fish. Overall, not worth the drive in my opinion.
Always a great shop with knowledgeable staff and quality livestock. Not many aquarium specialty shops can say they have been in business for 4 or more decades and have survived the influx of the super mega stores. If you are a true hobbyist, check them out.
Without a doubt the best fish store I've ever been to. In terms of the practical matters - the prices are very good, especially for the auxillary items like airline tubing or gravel or decorations, and of course the fish. The fish plants and inverts have all been in good health, no disease or anything, which unfortunately I've run into from other local shops. But more importantly, you really get a good dynamic with the people at Tropical Lagoon, they love to help and give good sound advice. You can look up anything online but experience is worth more than any reddit post, and miles ahead of what you'll get at PetSmart/Petco. Steve knows what to do in pretty much every situation, and he'll figure out how to get things sorted, he's unbelievably knowledgeable and personable. I was thumbing through a magazine by the counter and he not only let me take it, he gave me a brand new sealed copy on nano fish to take home. Two weeks later I asked if he had celestial pearl danios and he remembered that the CPD was on the cover of the magazine he gave me. Really an unbelievably great guy, can't be more happy with the place. Thank you for everything you do and provide. It's such a cool spot, I'm always excited to go back and see what's swimming about : - CM
