Westside Aquarium & Pets

Category:	Tropical Fish Store
Address:	3402 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33629, USA
Phone:	+1 813-839-4751
Site:	westsideaquariums.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM Closed 11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM 10AM–5PM 12AM–5PM

Location

Photos 45

Reviews 13

Drew Golden

So I ended up at west side aquariums in Tampa today on S Dale Mabry. I dont think Ive ever walked out of a place so fast in my life. Some tanks had more hair algae than water, all the fish looked sick or half dead. The smell was atrocious as soon as I opened the door I about died. There were several tanks with larger fish which had been dead in the water long enough to half decompose. Even their "show tank" was miserable. Many of the fish had fin rot, red gills or worse. Tanks with plants were riddled with algae as well. I can guarantee that there hasnt been a water change done in weeks on many of them. There were also no prices on most of the tanks either. To be 100% honest I wouldnt have taken any of the fish even if he was giving them away. Please save your gas and time and dont bother.

Allison Mariann Bautista

On the outside it does not look like much and neither does the inside but look passed all that and you will be glad you did. The owner knows everything there is to know about aquariums and everything you ever learned from places like Petsmart is a lie. His prices are so low and he gets such an assortment of fish like none other. He is mainly freshwater which is hard to find now but he also does have an impeccable assortment of saltwater. Ive been coming here for almost a year now and I own a tank with manly Discuss (which are very very expensive fish but his are so well priced you cant resist). All my fish come from him and I never have any problems. He is honest with you and will not send you home with something unless he knows it will thrive. Dont go anywhere else but here.

Justin Schulz

When I moved to Florida I was very nervous about starting up my aquarium again as I was very unfamiliar with the water down here. I wanted a local "mom and pop" store that would be knowledgeable about local water and the conditioning needed for a balanced tank. I had a great experience, they tested the water for free, told me what I needed to do, let me know that their fish had been conditioned to the Tampa water, and a few days later I had gouramis swimming around in my tank! 6 months later, my gouramis are still colorful, active and healthy, and Im ready to add some more! Personal, knowledgeable, and a real "mom and pop" atmosphere! Ill be back this week to grow my fish family some more

Erik9264581

After reading reviews I decided to take a 20 minute drive to just check out the place. As I walked in, I was not impressed with the condition of the tanks but however I was impressed with the variety of freshwater fish offered. He has apistogrammas, some beautiful rainbow fish, cool killifish, and more fish not typically found at commercial stores. They are all healthy and did not find any dead fish floating like petsmart. If you are looking for corals or saltwater fish, I would not recommend it here. I did not plan on buying fish, but after seeing some of the fish, I left with some, deffinately will be back.

Julie Le

This shop may lack the aesthetics that all chain fish/pet stores may provide but dig a little deeper and youll find that its a hidden gem. The owner, Paul, is very knowledgable in anything fish related and unrelated, his prices are reasonably low, and the shop carries a variety of quality healthy fresh water fish, along with the occasional salamanders and turtles. All of my fish from Paul are still alive to this day and the ones from pet supermarket / petsmart are now swimming in fish heaven. This is my go to fish store ! Would totally recommend it especially if you want an awesome aquarium !!

Charles Jenkins

The best thing about this store is Pauls honesty! He wont sell you something you dont need. He also owns a fish farm and has extensive knowledge about anything that could go wrong with your tank. The time I had ICH, Paul had me cured within no time, with a treatment that I had not heard of before. It worked amazing. How many other stores do you go into weekly that you know the owners name and can feel welcome there? Its an old school aquarium store that will treat you right. When your there, listen to how many people come in and say hi to the owner using his name. That means something.

A Private User

I go to Paul every weekend. He always has what I need, or he gets it within a weeks time. It may be small, but it works! I have bought my tank, filters, gravel about everything I have needed! Its sad when someone goes in to buy .75 cents worth of fish, the bag they come in cost more than that!! What a time waister. Paul is more than helpful and knowledgeable than most people that will sell you fish. He even is holding 2 of my massive fish until I am ready. I love westside aquarium and pets!! THANKS PAUL!

Jackson Hilliard

Every now and then, if youre lucky, you stumble upon a genuine small business with an authentic owner. Westside Aquarium is the real deal and its owner is the real McCoy. This is the way all local businesses should be; honest, straight forward and intensely knowledgeable about their business. Thinking about getting an aquarium? Looking to add to an existing aquarium? Go here. Talk to the owner. Tell him what you need. If he doesnt have it, hell get it for you.

A Private User

Like the previous poster I go there every weekend. Hes extremely helpful cares about your tank and takes the time to make sure you getting fish that are compatible with what you already have. Theres been numerous times hes opened up a book and schooled me on my new purchases. I hate to let others know about this diamond in the rough but he deserves all the props as hes head and shoulders above the other shops that I "USED" to frequent.

Cody Gann

Great, small fish store. The store is smaller, more limited with stock and not as fancy as some of the bigger stores. The one thing this store does offer is awesome knowledge. Paul is in the store all the time and is willing to help with any information. The prices are extremely reasonable and there is a good assortment of fish and plants. This is a great spot if you are looking for fair prices and great information.

michelle young

I been dreaming of a koi pond for years, it took a weeks to have it dug, rocks placed, and the perfect location. My dream turned into a nightmare till I walked to this store. My pond was Irish Green! My Pond was was a mosquito pit. The owner was more interested in providing me with information, knowledge and hope than in making a sale. I went home with filter material, guppies and a large dose of hope.

kevin calderone

A great old school fish store. Bought from Paul a few times before but today i went in their for just some snails. Went to go check out and realized i forgot my wallet. He said just pay next time you are here. You never get service like that every wherever. He knows his stuff and will never sell you something you dont need. Also Somes of the best prices i have found

Mike Hammond

My experience was not so good. I bought two pair of freshwater fish that are hard to come by. One pair died over night, was told that he has a 24hr dead loss policy and I would have to wait for a return call so that he can get more fish in. Its been three weeks and every time I call he says he just sold out. He will also not refund the money I originally paid.