Aquarium Depot aka The Aquarium Center

[daguruvjt]

I've found that the Aquarium Center's service depends soley on when you go. In the middle of the day on a Saturday afternoon, the store can be very crowded and that affects service levels. The staff seems to range from young kids whose main job is to just dip out fish and plants, to older folk who tend to know a bit more. In my opinion the prices tend to vary widely; some of the dry goods are a bit overpriced. The staff on the "dry" side of the store tends to be very attentive even on busy days. If you are a hobbyist on a budget, hit their website and sign up for their mailing list. The Aquarium Center has a clearance sale once or twice a year and it is a very good sale! Get there early (there was a line the time I went) and you can snag some real bargains.

[Sponsors]

[AaronT]

If you're going to Aquarium Center ask for Gloria. She's the nicest and most helpful employee they've got.

[Goldfishcrazy11]

What happened?!? I called today to see if they had a certain fish in stock and the message was "we are sorry but Aquarium Center is closed for buisness. Aquarium Depot will be opening again in the middle of March."

What happened?!? Did it go out of buisness?!? There website won't even come up... It says "thanks for your patronage for the past 25 years".

[bigstick120]

From what I have heard the old owner went under, it was bought out and will reopen on the 2nd. Hopefully better then before

[Goldfishcrazy11]

March 2nd?

[AaronT]

Originally Posted by Goldfishcrazy11

March 2nd?

Sometime in March. The old owner was going bankrupt. They are changing the name to avoid incurring any more debt under the old name.

[ultasol]

Any word on this? I am visiting the MD area, near DC, tomorrow for a day

[jgreg]

Don't bother. This used to be one of the better places for dried goods (and fish a while back) but when I was there a couple of weeks ago it was barren. The fish are the same. I personally go to exotic aquatics when I am in the area. Better stock and prices. Just my .02.

[AaronT]

Technically Aquarium Center no longer exists. The previous owner went bankrupt and sold the place. It is now Aquarium Depot, but from the sound of things they are still getting things back in order. It'll take some time to bounce back from the pit it has become. Hopefully one day it will be back to its former glory.

[jcali10]

I go there about once a month at least. I have noticed improvements. The place is restocking nicely. They have more merchandise on hand now. The selection of fish looks very good. I went to buy some plants the weekend before last and there was hardly anything there to choose from. I think they just happened to be sold out, as it was late Sunday afternoon. I know of no other place I'd rather patronize. Also, they are less than 15 minutes away for me. Petsmarts and Petcos just dont do it for me.