Aquarium Zen

441 reviews

920 NE 64th St, Seattle, WA 98115

aquariumzen.net

+12064991372

About

Aquarium Zen is a Tropical fish store located at 920 NE 64th St, Seattle, WA 98115. It has received 441 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday1-7PM
Tuesday1-7PM
Wednesday12-6PM
Thursday12-6PM
FridayClosed
SaturdayClosed
Sunday1-7PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Aquarium Zen: 920 NE 64th St, Seattle, WA 98115

  • Aquarium Zen has 4.7 stars from 441 reviews

  • Tropical fish store

  • "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"

    "The only reason this shop receives a "1 star" rating from me is because they don't have a "zero star""

    "We love Aquarium Zen and have been coming here for probably 6 or 7 years now? The overwhelming majority of experiences have been very positive"

    "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"

    "Definitely worth visiting if you've not been to a fancy aquarium store, the display tanks are amazing! This is my go-to shop for plants and aquascaping supplies in the Seattle area"

Reviews

  • 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 I'm 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 didn't 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 I'd already been in the store about 10 minutes. The selection and quality of this shop easily beats the local competition so I'll definitely be going back, however after my experience and reading the owner's 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 you're 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 doesn't alienate your customer base. I'm not suggesting a Best Buy level of customer interaction (because who isn't 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, you're doing it right; just say hello now and then :)

  • Fatima Thompson

The only reason this shop receives a "1 star" rating from me is because they don't have a "zero star". If you are a new / beginning aquarium enthusiast, DO NOT go to this store. They are not interested in helping you set up your tank or any other "customer service" - they are incompetent in that area. I visited the store for the second time, today, While my first visit was less than stellar, it was today's visit that prompts me to write a review on Yelp. On my first visit, I spent $130 in cash (not credit card) on fish, live plants, and supplies to get my 10 gallon tank started. The thermometer I ourchased there did not function properly and so I picked one up at another fish store. When I returned to Aquarium Zen I indicated that the thermometer was not functioning and that I'd like to exchange it for credit towards the purchase of more fish (the beta I bought there had expired one week from putchase). The owner agreed initially but got all weird and refused to help with selection of fish and ultimately refused to offer any sort of refund on the thermometer. The clincher: I spent $130 cash in his store and he refused to refund or credit $4 for a non-functioning thermometer. So, this man 'saved' $4 but ultimately lost what could easily have been hundreds of dollars, from just one customer, over the next 6-12 months. If you are a new / beginning aquarium enthusiast, DO NOT go to this store. They are not interested in helping you set up your tank or any other "customer service" - they are incompetent in that area.

  • Maya Pena

We love Aquarium Zen and have been coming here for probably 6 or 7 years now? The overwhelming majority of experiences have been very positive. The only somewhat major negative experience was buying a school of cardinal tetras for my 20gal aquarium and didn’t notice they had ick until it was too late and it unfortunately wiped out ~90% of my fish (a few of which I had had for about 7 years), despite treatment. This also unfortunately happened again when I went to get new ones later which also caused another outbreak (not quite as extreme as the first, but not nothing). I decided against trying a third time, and have since re-established a healthy, balanced ecosystem. The other experience was buying a plant that had (evidently) had snails or larvae, which caused an outbreak which I have to this day not been able to eliminate (over a year now). Lesson learned the hard way.. always check and quarantine plants (and fish) before introducing to your aquarium. :/ Aside from that, Steve and his staff are very helpful and knowledgeable for new and experienced fish-keepers alike. Prices can sometimes be on the higher end, but to be expected for a small-business/shop located in Seattle (and with generally high quality stock). I would highly recommend giving Aquarium Zen a shot if you’re interested in fish and aquascaping. :) Attached below is a photo of my 20gal long planted aquarium with a betta sorority, some cardinal tetras, some cory cats and a couple bamboo and cherry shrimp (and a pleco). :)

  • 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.

  • Forrest Koran

Definitely worth visiting if you've not been to a fancy aquarium store, the display tanks are amazing! This is my go-to shop for plants and aquascaping supplies in the Seattle area. They carry a wider variety of plants than other stores in the area, including tissue cultures. They specialize in small, freshwater tropical fish and carry a wider variety of nano species than other stores in the area, including females of species like endlers and betta. I haven't yet bought fish here. If you look in any tank there's often at least one fish that's a little unhealthy or is having swim bladder trouble. I don't know if this means the fish are less healthy, or if other stores are just better able to scoop out anyone looking sickly because they carry a smaller stock ---- Update 2022-02-24 ---- Tanks and fish are looking amazing! I may have just caught them at a bad time last month. One note on pricing, dry goods are often not marked with prices and show up on receipts as "custom entry", sometimes at over twice the cost at chain stores, so make sure to confirm pricing as you're checking out

  • Evan Maynard

This shop does have beautiful tanks and good prices on live fish as other reviews have noted. The beauty of the tanks in this store inspired me to get into adding live plants to the aquarium and for that I am ever grateful. Unfortunately, the store is lacking in one of the most important aspects of an aquarium store: product information and advice. Multiple experiences in this store have ended with me taking a product home or looking a product up to find information was demonstrably false. It seems that advice centers around making the sale rather than accuracy which nearly nullifies all positives of this store. Examples: - Failure to appropriately sex of pairs of fish - Stating pea puffers are compatible with all other fish in the store - All plants easy to care for Much better advice and information to be had at the Aquarium Co-op. I only go to this store if I know what I'm looking for and have done the background beforehand. Prices are generally good but branchwood is very expensive compared to other local stores and online. Edited for spelling/formatting.

  • Summer Fang

I have been to just about every aquarium store in the greater Seattle, and Vancouver BC areas. I choose to drive from Bellingham to buy my aquarium supplies, fish, and plants from here. Aquarium Zen, hands down, is the best. They have the best higher end product selection and most knowledgeable staff of any store I’ve been to. Their selection of fish is excellent and their plants are second to none. I love the ones they carry from Denmark. They also have amazing aquascaped tanks in store that I could watch for hours. Even though I’m still learning, Ben and Tyler always spend as much time as needed to answer my questions. I have even called them on the telephone and they help me with my “emergencies.” Not sure why people have complained about this store. I’ve been in here countless times and even though the store is always busy, I’ve never had a problem. I guess some people live life with their fish tank half empty…

  • Ben Gutenberg

Aquarium Zen is one of the best aquarium stores in Washington. Steve curates a very diverse selection of fishes and I frequently discover new and beautiful species in his store. In 3 years of shopping at Aquarium Zen, too, I've never received sick fish or plants; Steve's stock is healthy and high quality. As far as customer service goes, Steve and Leslie both have an incredible amount of knowledge to offer and are happy to share it. Steve's experience in the field is expansive and I've never found a question he could not answer, even if it was about a fish he wasn't carrying. I appreciate the low-pressure style of customer service that they provide, allowing me time to look around and take in all the different fish and plants available. I like that they don't act as salesmen, just more of a friendly face and a resource. Overall, I could not be happier to have Aquarium Zen close by.

  • Mike Schwitzke Jr

Never buy a ADA aquarium hear, they are over priced, verses online by 60.00 dollars. Mine had a pin leak some wear, and I was told they could due nothing about it, and it was my problem unless owner was thier. So I waited for the owner to get thier, and he said he needed video proof of it leaking, and for me to take it back home and set it up again. So I got mad and said I would write a bad review, if i did not get my money refunded, the owner told me to take my tank and get the F out of his store because he seen nothing wrong with it, I had to threaten to call the police and video him, before he said give me your card and refunded my money. The owner did apologize for courseing at me after the fact. So be warned and buy stuff hear at your own risk. It a shame they treat customers like this, because it a amazing store and shows the beauty of planted aquariums.

  • Harrison Moore

I was looking for a place to find a Betta. We had purchased one from a Petco, that unfortunately came sick. So, I wanted to find a place that cared for the animals more than a chain petstore. Aquarium Zen is an amazing little shop with a great selection of tropical freshwater fish. They are small, but utilize their space in a great way and carry everything you could need. The staff was incredibly helpful and friendly. They helped us find exactly what we wanted, and gave us clear and helpful instructions on how to take care of our Betta properly and make sure he is happy. We also purchased some live plants to go into his tank, and were taught how to care for them as well. Very helpful staff, with an awesome store. We will be back when in comes time to upgrade our tank and add some tankmates and new plant life.

  • L Huh

Was here last week, lady and a guy working the counter, I don't know what about them but the guy was watching me because maybe I'm asian? I don't know anyway semi helpful but felt pressured to leave rather then browsing, they had some fish I never seen before, called for the past 4 days to ask about that fish since they have a bad system of labling things in tanks and they have not once picked up their phones. Shame you would think a business answer their phone especially when I was trying to pick up that fish later this weekend, I just hate when they don't put a effort into the customer relations, we get it you have beauitful tanks and probably speak fish, but you can't even look me or my girlfriend in the eye without making everything uncomfortable, playing with your dog rather then actually helping.

  • Anthony Julian

So freaking nice to have a legitimate aquascaping shop so close to me. We here in western Washington are spoiled. Amazing shop, helpful staff, wonderful healthy plants and livestock with plenty of variety. I was trying to find a place online that carried all of the plants, some pretty uncommon. Looking for that one place so I only had to pay for shipping once I was unable to find any. I heard good things about aquarium zen before so figured I'd drop by and knock a few plants off that list so it would be easier to find a 1 stop online shop. Aquarium zen had every single one of the 12 plants on my list, and all but 2 were tissue culture which is my preferred way of purchasing plants. I couldn't say enough good about this place. Beautiful shop to visit for any or no reason.

  • Limon Z

If you love freshwater fish and want to make a beautiful tank, this is the place. I have never come to an aquarium store and saw one that does aquascaping quite like this! All tanks are well maintained and the staff are very knowledgeable. They helped us find the perfect tank mates for our betta boy (which we purchased at this location, he is perfect and turned from blue and black to the most radiant red and blue ) They also have some of the best driftwood and plant selection I've seen. The employees helped us find the perfect plants that are low maintenance but helped make our tank look beautiful. Even if you just want simple fish or cute little shrimp, this place is perfect for any freshwater hobbyist!!

  • Rob Villahermosa

I started aquascaping during the pandemic and purchase almost all my supplies here. Being able to see the rocks, wood, and plants in person can't be replaced when trying to build the scape of your dreams. Steve and the staff have always been fantastic in sharing their knowledge and giving me advice. They will even answer questions over social media when issues arise. Aquarium Zen is not the cheapest but it is the only store in the area that carries ADA and DOOA products. It is the place to go in Seattle if you want quality supplies, helpful advice, or just want some inspiration into what is possible.

  • Emily

I'm scouting stores for aquarium things to get into the hobby. Aquarium Zen is my favorite store near-ish Seattle. Only 20 minutes from downtown too. Beautiful store of planted tanks. Check out their Instagram! All the fish and plants look very healthy. Variety of plants, fish, wood, and rock. Dani (?) was super knowledgeable about low tech planted tanks which I'm interested in. Another staff member who had less experience with low tech tanks redirected me which I appreciate. The tanks are a bit expensive for me, but plan to get plants and fish here in the future.

  • JD Gardiner

I have visited this store several times and every time was a great experience. The owner is the only person that works there so he can get a little busy, so have patience. He is very knowledgeable about aquascapeing and his fish, and willing to give advice if you ask. If you want a fish that he doesn't have, he will order it for you. Every time I go in he is cleaning his tanks or tending to the fish. His tanks are very clean and fish and plants are healthy. The store is well organized and never over cluttered. This is the only aquarium store I will shop at.

  • Chad G

Inspirational aquatic pet store. Beautiful display tanks to inspire new hobbiests, kind staff that's knowledgeable and willing to share information. And everything needed to set up an advanced planted tank. The only store that carries ADA products and displays them. This store stocks easy to grow plants and has plants found no where else. Rocks and woods the same. If you wish to set up your 1st or 20th planted tank, and or wish to set up something unique this is the pace to go because here will be found stuff no other store carries.

  • Sydney B

Aquarium zen is the place to go for fish and plants. Steve has the widest selection of plants that you won't be able to find at any other LFS's around here. He also has a great assortment of tissue cultured plants. All of his fish are healthy and you never see any diseases in his tanks. I'm happy every time I leave Aquarium Zen because Steve provides me with the knowledge on how to keep my fish and plants happy. Not to mention, going to this store is like going to an art gallery, his tanks are beautifully set up. Highly recommend!!!

  • Eric West

In the store the staff are nice and knowledgeable. The owner - is a bit surly over email when problems arise. All of my fish died within a week of purchase - the tank was new, water sat in tank for a week and water change done. Ph good. Owner's response disclaimed any responsibility - even so - not even a - come in an I will sell you new ones at cost. I got "i am a small business". My thinking: A jerk - figure out how to be customer friendly. I won't ever buy from this store again with that ethic. He deserves to go out of business.

  • Ron P

Amazing store! Quality fish and amazing plant life. They have the largest fresh water shrimp selection I have seen in Seattle. The tanks are all in great clean condition, no black algae covered and snail egg infested plants here. We got some awsome orange shrimp last vist for my daughters tank. I got Inspired by that vist and made a fish bowl for my office. It's been cycling it for 3 weeks and I can't waite to add new friends this weekend. Do yourself a favor and skip the International district and head here.

  • Chris Burning

Man this store is awesome! I came here from Bremerton as it is the only place around that I can find that has a decent selection of hardscape for aquascaping. They also have lots of plants, fish, shrimp, tools, equipment, soil and wood. It was a great experience and im glad to see its busy even with Covid going on. They were also so gracious as to pull out larger stones from unopened boxes in the back so I could be able to scape my 110 gallon. I will be going back for any of my aquascaping needs.

  • Scott Stedman

This place is rad. Owner is quiet and lets you do your own thing but provides good help and advice if asked. Knows his stuff. The plants I bought for my tank were healthy and free of disease and are growing in beautifully. He had a tank for a bit more expensive than I found it for online, and he took off as much as he could to get close to it without losing money so I'm happy to buy here. Highly recommend you check it out. Super cool little store. Crowded on Saturdays, with good reason.

  • Mason Fagan

If you are looking for the best local fish store to support, look no further. This place has the most beautiful variety of fish. They all look very healthy and happy, and the tanks look like there was a lot of effort and care put into them. The staff are incredibly passionate and informative. You won't leave the store with a tank without having all of the proper equipment you need to have a successful setup. There's also a taco truck across the street which for me is a plus.

  • Ethan Roberts

Staff was great, best selection and cleanest presentation of tropical plants and fish in probably about a 50 mile radius of seattle. Prices can be a bit steep for things like driftwood and shrimp are a bit overpriced honestly. Also a staff member told me I could keep a rabbit snail at 6.5 ph and obviously it began to diminish and pass away, so watch out because staff will tell you advice that may not be all the way true just to upsell you. Other than that place is amazing

  • Nick Low

Staffs are well trained and knowledgeable. Helped me out with my questions on setting my first aquascape. Very happy with the service and would certainly go back to purchase anything that I need for the aquascape. Price is reasonable and there is a lot of selection of plants and shrimps. I am unhappy with the fact that they sent out credit and deny acceptance when I checked out during my second visit. This is very bait and switch kind of deal. Very dissapointed

  • Marjie Volk

Beautiful store with a small but high quality selection of freshwater plants and fish. We noted their gorgeous color variants of bettas, guppies, and shrimp. Everything looks healthy and happy and sparkling clean. The prices for fish seem about normal. Prices for equipment were rather high; though they did have some lovely decor pieces (such as rock and driftwood) that you may not find in other local stores. We chose to buy all our fish from this store so far.

  • Emily Senchyna

Great selection, healthy fish, and knowledgeable staff. A little on the pricey side but not outrageous, and you're getting excellent quality for the price. Very fun to look around the store even if you're not a fish nut. The owner is amazing and very honest. He'll let you know if a certain fish isn't in tip top shape rather than just keeping quiet to make a sale. That sort of integrity is hard to find nowadays and is really telling that this place is great.

  • allie hepp

This aquarium store is beautiful. I've been keeping fish and planted tanks for years, and I still see something novel every time I come in. They have a great collection of fish and plants, especially if you have a small tank. The prices are pretty close to larger name brand stores, and the fish are much healthier... plus you can get advice from the very knowledgeable owner, and inspiration from the amazing store tanks! Highly recommend checking it out.

  • Rachael King

This store is incredibly overpriced and does not carry healthy products. I bought a fish here who hid for three days and then died. I let that go, until I bought a plant here that gave my tank a terrible algae that I will probably never fully get rid of and soon after purchasing the plant a few fish, some of my more established fish got ick and died. DO NOT buy products from this place unless you do not care about the health of your aquarium.

  • Nick Foster

10 Reasons why to go to Aquarium zen! 1 Aquarium zen is the cleanest fresh water fish store that I have ever been to! 2 Aquarium zen’s fish are very healthy in fact the most healthy that I have ever seen in a fish store! 3 it is easy to park 4 Aquarium zen’s employees are so knowledgeable. 5 Prices are reasonable at Aquarium zen. 6 Beautiful fish. 7 not crowded and very calm. 8 good service. 9 good selection of fish! 10 good email updates!

  • jeremy lache

I absolutely love Aquarium Zen, they have an amazing selection of fish and plants to choose from. They have several scaped tanks which provide some excellent inspiration and an abundance of aquarium supplies. I recently bought a tank from there and they were nothing but helpful. They also honor the Greater Seattle Aquarium Society memebership which gave me a 10% discount. In my opinion this is the best aquarium store in the Puget Sound.

  • Taylor Cays

Aquarium Zen is by far the best aquarium shop I have ever been to. Steve has done a wonderful job supplying the highest quality fish, plants, and products. He is extremely knowledgeable on everything he sells and has an abundance of experience. Since my boyfriend and I started coming here it has been hard shopping anywhere else for our aquariums. Thank you Steve for creating such a beautiful store that we can always count on!

  • Margot

Beautiful tanks, helpful and friendly staff. All the fish & inverts I've bought here have consistently been healthy and disease-free. Excellent selection ranging from standard tropical fish to some more rare ones I hadn't seen before. Small word of warning: the shop is small and they get very busy on weekends. If you're wanting to browse without a crowd or in a hurry then it's a good idea to stop by on a weekday.

  • john tseng

There's no where else in the NW where you can purchase ADA products except for right here. I'm slowly switching all my tanks to ADA soil and have even tried the cheaper version and I paid dearly for it. This quaint "boutique" environment is beautiful stage with amazing show tanks which is simply inspiring. The owner is very friendly and a wealth of knowledge about setting up the proper nature aquarium.

  • Norman Abe

A local treasure that is a treat just to visit. Healthy plants and fish exhibited at their best, the store is set up to help you to incorporate aquatic slices of nature into your home as living works of art. For the advanced aquarist, the shop has items that can’t be picked up at most other fish stores. For the newbie, this is the shop to go to expand your view of the hobby and to be inspired!

  • Reilly

I really loved the ascetic of the store. The warm lighting and light wood accents against the abundance of plants made it feel very 'zen'. They had a great selection of ada style tanks which are hard to come by where i live (canada) all fish were in good health and fairly priced. Overall i would recommend this store for anyone looking into planted tanks or continuing an established tank.

  • T Dub

Great store, great selection, great products and great advice!! This store is a hidden gem. Come inside and take a look at the beautiful tanks Steve has set up. I could stay in this store for hours! He has everything you could need to get a complete tank going, from large to tiny! He is also extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and willing to take time to help anyone. Love this place!!!

  • The Secret History Living in Your Aquarium

The best fish shop in the metro area. Beautifully inspiring, great prices and great selections for an urban fishkeeper. ADA and slimline sleek hardware is a bit pricey- as a whole, not just here- but plants, tissue cultures Galore and fish are a great price. Worth visiting even If you don't have any pet fish...it is a beautiful indoor garden and tiny ecosystems made with skill and care.

  • hurlbut93

What's not to love about aquarium zen!? The store has all the finspiration you could ever ask for. They have an amazing selection of gorgeous fresh water fish (fresh water, best water)! And the staff is amazing. Shout out to Taylor and Ben! So knowledgeable and helpful. FAVORITE FISH STORE EVER! Even if you don't want a fish tank it's worth visiting just to look, absolutely stunning!

  • Laurie Gronewold

Aquarium Zen gives us so much inspiration to continue to improve our tank. The natural tanks are beautiful and help you think in a healthier ecosystem mindset that you can’t get at a big-box store. The girl who works on Saturdays is always so pleasant and knowledgeable. Wide selection of plants. I only wish they had more affordable tank options so I could keep growing my hobby.

  • Mike C

Great place. Love the staff. The owner is great and very involved in the aquarium community in the area. I’ve spent at least $250 here and would do it again. Their plant selection is unmatched and they are also the only place I’ve found that caters to both beginners and aquascape artists. Planning on stopping by there this week for a wabi Kusa tank I’m planning on building.

  • Matthew Mirabello

It is great to see a store like this. It is a fusion of the "old school" dedication and expertise of the tropical fish hobby combined with a stylish new look. Beautiful natural setups with healthy fish & live plants. I haven't kept fish in decades but I am re-inspired! I spent a lot of time admiring the large tank and greenwall combination at the front window of the store.

  • Alice Yang

Aquarium Zen is the best local fish store in the Greater Seattle area! Tons of rare options, beautiful healthy fish and creatures and plants, incredible displays. I came here for my betta fish, who is healthy and has a great temperament. I then went on to buy a tank from them and they were very helpful with questions. Going to get shrimp from AZ once my tank is cycled :)

  • David

I have been in the aquarium (reef/fresh water) hobby for 15 years now and no other store has compared to this one. Great store and awesome owner (Steve). Come here if you want to experience a aquarium store like no other and a fun place to chill and learn about the hobby. Be patient and be reasonable with your build/expectations and buy all the necessary things.

  • Suzanne Picard

I adore Aquarium Zen. The care and carefully curated nature of this brick and mortar establishment is worth it. The owner was able to help me remedy an algae problem I'd been battling for many months in only one quick trip. True quality in supplies, livestock, plants, and the knowledge base to back it up. If there were a way to rate them 6 stars, I would.

  • Jake Watson

Absolutely wonderful shop. The owner is skilled and knowledgeable and most of all willing to help a newbie like myself to the planted tank hobby. He spent a good amount of time giving me suggestions and ways that I could get results without going for the most expensive thing. His tanks look better than anything I've seen at an aquarium. A must see shop!

  • kyle sproul

Always have had 100% confidence buying from here. Sure things might cost a little more here but that's that price of shopping and living in Seattle. The extra $ is fine considering the quality products this store carries. Spending a little more for a shop that's a mile from my house is better than going clear down to Renton or Redmond.

  • Heidi Hoglan

Aquarium Zen is amazing. The best Aquascaping store in Western WA. The staff is knowledgeable and really friendly, and the quality of the plants and fish just can't be beat. They also have top-of-the-line rimless tanks and equipment. Every time I come I spend at least an hour just looking at the display tanks and getting inspired!!

  • Robert White

All of the fish look very healthy. They have some unique species not found in your chain stores. You will find a selection of strikingly beautiful bettas as well. NO plastic plants here. It's all live plants. All of the equipment and accessories for your aquarium is quality product. You will still be using it years down the road.

  • Rachel Lee (Rae)

Really great store for your plants and hard scape needs - they also carry a lot of different colors of shrimp if you are looking to make a shrimp tank. They are also packed with ADA supplies and equipment to set up CO2. The staff seem a little shy, but they are always great with any questions regarding the fish hobby.

  • Rebecca Silvert

Came by today to scope out a concept for a small tank. They were so friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. The salesperson spent a lot of time with me, even though I told him right away that I was in the planning stage and wouldn't be making any purchases yet. They have all the cool stuff, can't wait to go back!

  • CJ Dayringer

This is my favorite place for aquarium supplies and hard to find fish. He has a great, well tended stocked supply of highly ornamental Bettas, tons of freshwater shrimp of various kinds, plants and rocks and driftwood, chemicals etc. He also has a lot of fantastic knowledge on fish keeping. Love coming here.

  • Vlad Stasiuk

Outstanding quality of plants and fish I'm always just looking at there display tanks when I visit would suggest to anyone who is planning on starting the hobby or already with a tank to go and but plants from them there extremely helpful staff that knows pretty much everything about the fish they sell

  • Troy sandlin

Love this place. Employees are great, Ben is the owner Steve’s “right hand” and works like he is the owner. Great selection of plants (one of the best I’ve seen, larger selection than aquarium coop), great selection of higher end fish. Very knowledgeable staff, and again GREAT customer service. 6 ⭐️.

  • Bradley Smith

My favorite aquarium store in Seattle, but I also prefer the smaller “nature aquarium” setups this store fosters. Great selection of plants, nano fish, and invertebrates. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable too. It’s nice to just go in and see their setups that aren’t for sale for inspiration too.

  • Angelic Matthews

Gorgeous store, healthiest fish and plants I have ever seen! Small so not a lot of variety in fish or equipment but great quality in both. Good customer service, knowledgeable staff, AMAZING plant selection, a bit pricey but it is Seattle. The most beautifully planted tanks Ive ever seen by far!

  • Will Vargas

This is hands down the most beautifully maintained shop for freshwater aquarium plants and supplies in the city! The displays are inspiring, the owner and staff are very knowledgeable and approachable, and the products, plants and live fish are all top notch. You'll want to buy everything!

  • Kid

This is easily the best fish and aquatic store I have been to in Seattle. I love Betta's and aquascaping and this store has a wonderful selection of well kept fish and plants unlike bigger chain stores. I was thrilled to see the variety and set up of tanks which were were very inspiring.

  • Rachel MacNaughton

Amazing aquarium supply store. High quality supplies. Awesome selection of fish and shrimps that all appeared healthy. Huge selection of plants. Knowledgeable customer service. Beautiful male bettas in their own gallon jars, even had a sorority tank or two for the ladies and juveniles.

  • Bryna Haspiel

Nice store alot of plants I picked up some plants and some cool little green fish, they are a little slow so don't be in a hurry. Loved the store makes me want to make a giant aquascape aquarium with a million plants, but my apt is too small. Plus they had fish I've never seen before.

  • Joseph Watts-Holmes

Knowledgeable staff, great atmosphere, and every tank was gorgeous! Just note that they keep the building warm to keep the water warm (the fish need warm water to live - typically, you buy aquarium heaters, but it's cheaper for the store to heat the whole building instead)

  • Tien-jui Lee

I came in knowing nothing. Only thing I know about fish is it needs water. Heading out with four fish, one tank, all required hardware and a detailed step-by-step hand-written setup instructions. The guy who helped me answered all my questions. Wholeheartedly appreciated.

  • Ryan C.

I came here for my first time several days ago almost knowing nothing but wanted to jump into aquascaping. The staff were great and very helpful in answering my questions and getting me setup to start my planted tank that day. I will definitely be a returning customer. A+

  • Michael LaPlante

Great place, the employees and owner are extremely knowledgeable and have helped me get through a lot of the issues I was initially facing with my tank. It’s also one of the only suppliers of ADA equipment and sells a lot of rare, peaceful, and plant friendly fish!

  • Jacob Makeup

Cool little aquarium store with some good thought into the setup of the tanks. Pleasant customer service when I asked for help otherwise the employees were not overly engaging. Not a huge selection, mostly smaller fish but I got a few good finds for a small tank.

  • Brandi M

This aquarium store is wonderful! So many plants and unique tank options! Helpful staff that don't assume you don't know what you are doing. It's clean and bright and beautiful. It's definitely my favorite store for fish and aquarium plants in all of Seattle.

  • Megan Bermudez

I'm brand new to aquariums, and the awesome staff helped me pick out supplies to establish an amazing tank and build good maintenance habits without getting in over my head. Can't wait to go back in a few weeks to pick out a fish once the tank is established!

  • Michael U

What a fantastic store! The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, the aquarium displays are beautiful, and they have the selection of not only aquatic creatures, but also plants and other organic necessities for creating the seascape of your dreams.

  • Tony Long

Incredibly cool place, I could just hang out in there forever! I love visiting local fish stores when I'm in different states and this one is a must see! The only thing was that I was sad they didn't have any stickers for sale, their logo is awesome!

  • T

Nice store with a good selection of plants and fish. I like the professional grade of equipment which can be very hard to find in the area. Employees are helpful. The owner can be abrasive and there are sick fish in sales tanks with healthy fish.

  • Morgan Haughn

This is by far the cleanest and most refreshing fish store in the area and it was a real treat to visit for the first time. The tanks are sparkling clean with copious amount of healthy plants and unique fish to choose from. Highly recommended.

  • Reivyn Apigo

Awesome store for anyone venturing into the world of freshwater aquariums. Steve always has new plants and fish coming in and constantly scapes his show tanks. Great place for just looking around or chatting with other members of the hobby.

  • Cody Baker

Very bright and modern atmosphere. Staff are helpful and the displays are all very nice. Most impressive of all though is that the tanks and fish seem to be very well cared for, the tanks are clean and water quality looks fantastic.

  • Allen Collins

Aquarium Zen is an amazing store like no other. It has an incredible selection of fish, plants, aquariums, and decor. This living art can turn any space into a place of stress relief and relaxation. This is what you need right now!

  • T. S.

A real natural setting for aquatic life! This is how it is done if you want this world to be part of yours. It is a true ecosystem where all living things are happy and for us to be in awe of their beauty and natural art form.

  • Terry Potter

Amazing to just go & see! Beautiful aquascapes everywhere, and quality supplies. Owner and assistant kind & helpful - I’m just beginning my aquascape journey, and will be returning to get my supplies here, absolutely!

  • Sam Patterson

Beautiful store! Nature aquariums and supplies were plentiful and well priced. Employee I met was knowledgeable and super friendly. Livestock was perfect for freshwater planted tanks. This will be my new regular LFS!

  • Devon Nowell

They are always SUPER helpful, know a lot, and give good tips and insight to beginners and veteran aquarists alike. The shop is gorgeous, and the fish are fantastic. Also love their betta displays. No tiny cups!

  • Elena Music

An Absolute Aquatic heaven! The aquariums are full of plants looks like a jungle! Healthy fish and so much variety of aquatic plants and fish! Beautiful scenery the best aquatic place I’ve ever seen in my life!

  • Keli Staten

This shop stays busy, they could probably do with one more employee working the floor. But such a great selection of plants and fish! The plants all look super healthy and the shrimp I bought are thriving.

  • Derrick Pyle

Great, curated store. If you have an idea of what you want the staff can help you make your vision come true. Fish and plants are taken good care of and tou will leave feeling like you're in good hands.

  • Brittany Dean

Such an amazing store! All of the animals and plants looked very healthy and happy. I was able to find some beautiful new plants for my freshwater aquarium. Definitely will be coming back!

  • Eric Wardisko

Stunningly beautiful place with extremely helpful aquarium nerds. I was buying shoring for my kids tank and they made sure I had a pregnant one and now we have shrimp babies yayyyy!

  • Slap Artist

10/10 if you want genetic quality bettas✅, wide selections and colors, super healthy worthier the money (trusted), long to short want a betta? This definitely the place …

  • Heather Schwindt

They have some of the most beautiful tanks I have seen. They are more expensive that Aquarium Co-op and the Fish Store, but have some items the other do not carry. Worth the trip.

  • Olesya Olesya

This is my favorite store! Very friendly staff, beautiful aquariums, and healthy fish. When you come here, you know that you are always welcome and will definitely help you. :)

  • clifford bryce

Beautiful! The store is small but packed with well arranged aquariums and terrariums and well ‘scaped tanks. Just beautiful and the staff are all fantastic and friendly.

  • Caitlyn (cat)

I love it here so much!!! All tanks are gorgeous, the fish are all beautiful, happy, and active every time I stop by. I like coming in just to look at all the tanks.

  • Ian Russell

Clean,aqua plants galore and lots cool fish. Great customer service. If u are looking to start a tank great place to start. Even had albino fish I was looking for.

  • TheCoolTeam

High quality! They don't seem like a business that's only goal is to expand bigger and bigger at the expense of the customer experience. Big fan of the place.

  • Christine M

Super helpful staff. Their plants and fish look beautiful. I'm glad I found this place, because they had the aqua soil I've been needing for days yay

  • Florian Verhein

Beautiful planted aquariums. Worth visiting even if you're not into the hobby. If you are, the staff are great and the place is well stocked.

  • Preston Shearer

To call this store an "aquarium store" is just untrue. This is a natural aquarium showroom! Loved the visit. Lives up to the ADA standards.

  • Whittaker McKenzie

good quality plants and very interesting shop to walk around in, but my plants did come with snail so quarantining is important as always!

  • TJ R

Superb spot for planted tank inspiration. All of the fish I’ve purchased here have been healthy and the staff are friendly and helpful

  • Jerry Frost

A wonderful aquarium store in the University District, or just north of it. An excellent source for guppies and other tropical fish!

  • Subhay Manandhar

The store has probably the best planted tank setups among any other store in the area. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful.

  • Ben Remer

Super cool store to look in. They have so many types of fish and plants. Are also very knowledgeable, would recommend.

  • Andrew L

One of the most gorgeous fish stores I’ve ever visited! Awesome selection, quality, and staff are very knowledgeable.

  • John Illen

Zen is one of the best aquarium stores I have visited in WA. It's small but has all the top quality brands. …

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