Beltway Aquarium

Kristen Allison

2024-05

Not all people are bad. BUT the older woman who works here is just completely rude, short answers. Tells she’s busy. Lacks knowledge. The men however have always had good customer service

John Yavari

2024-03

One of the last true LFS’s (local fish stores). There is ALWAYS something new and unique. Staff is helpful and the prices on exotics is better than you find online. I wish they were closer to me, but maybe its better that they’re not. I don’t have room for more aquariums.

Sascha Shamkin

2024-03

Hi Everyone,Hi,My consern is that my aid and I went to Beltway Aquraium store in Waldorf MD on Friday, Feb 23, 2024around 11:00am.When we got to the front door we were very disappointed to find algae grown on the front door of the store.We went in and there was only one clean aquarium with fake plants in the aquarium with the fish.Almost all the aquariums were green. The others were like a dirty gray color. You even couldn't see the fish until they were at the glass. Like they were begging for help.There were even dead fish in several aquariums.It really broke my heart that I could not help them.When I talked to the only lady workimg that day she said that she can't clran all the aquariums by herself and that no one will work there.The owner and her are the only two that work at the store.I was so angry and I still am very angry.I told them that it was very wrong on how they keep their aquariums.I told them that it is a criminal attack. Which it should be if is not.The last thing that I said was that they should ashamed with themselves and we left.This is so wrong and needs to be stopped as soon as possible.Please shut down this business until someone can open and run a way safer and better business for everyone.Thank you for reading and please put a stop to this ASAP.Sascha ShamkinDeserves 0 stars but you have to put at least 1 star out of 5 stars.

Richard Thomas

2024-03

Honest and fair priced. Bought a new stand and 2 used tanks. One of the tanks leaked when I got home. The owner didn’t hesitate to process a refund for the used tank when I brought it back. If he sold saltwater fish this would be my local store.

Jerel Poteat

2024-04

Terrible place....NEVER GO HERE!!! Tanks are dirty. Fish are infected. There is no filters or heaters on none of their tanks. Dead fish in most of tanks. If I could give 0 Stars I would give them a 0...GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!

A. Green (Dre)

2024-02

I walked in and then immediately back out. The store smells horribly, the tanks look like they hadn't been maintenanced in years. I didn't see anyone in the store but no worries there as I didn't want to purchase anything.

Pierce Schwenk

2024-05

Water in tanks are nasty wouldn't buy fish from them they shouldn't even be in business... someone shut them down please

Ranee' Dancy

2023-11

Bought 2 small fish for my daughter. We asked a lot of questions lady at counter was helpful, but when we got them home 1 had a bite mark on tail . Went to take them back they both died the next day.

Brandon Király

2017-05

While they did have a lot of cichlids. They don't take care of their tanks and fish at all. There were dead and sick fish, green water, algae covered glass everywhere and the fish weren't labeled well. Every dry product is behind the counter like a liquor store. I was the only person in the store for 20 minutes. I don't know what the other reviews are talking about; they don't sell parrots or anything other than fish.

Leo Wood

2023-10

I've been going to this place since I was a kid on Kenilworth, shop was alil bigger or maybe it was that I was smaller 38 now, any who one of the best places to get exotic fish. Definitely small on the inside but it's like a hidden gem because u never know what they gone have, they have been working on getting the inside together I think they may need a bigger spot but the way rent is in these buildings ridiculous, but it's still one of my favorite places to go when I need a mental break from the world. Got these hybrids of parrot/convicts needless to say I have babies now... I recommend just giving the spot a try or bringing the kids there they will definitely love the experience.

Isaac Dozier

2022-05

Buyer BEWARE!!! ….Someone should contact health inspector immediately…..Terrible customer service sold me a $100 Koi fish that died in 24 hours: This company would not honor the purchase and replace the fish.This fish was in the pond with with other smaller Koi fish and they all “lived”. This place is rip-off the fish they sold me was already sick and they sold it to me anyway!I have a beautiful pond with lots water features see picture attached

Big Jigg

2023-08

This LFS is DISGUSTING!!!! With a capital D. Been in the hobby for over 20 years, and this is one of the nastiest shops I've visited. New to the area and I've visited twice hoping my first experience was a fluke. Regrettably I was wrong. First time it was smelly and disgusting, the second time an older gentleman was rude and could careless about my needs or my question, and once again the smell was awful. Been to aquariums in multiple states and countries. This one is one of the nastiest. I've seen ppl say the prices are low. Who cares if you're getting diseased livestock? Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere. The old man clearly doesn't want your business and by the upkeep of the place neither does the owner.

brandon benoit

2021-05

Nice employees lots of fish options but only fresh water fish, some turtles as well. Same prices as big stores.

True Blue

2023-05

All of the reviews are spot on. This store is dark and cramped. The owner is rude and the staff are not very knowledgeable. With that said the prices are great and the variety of fish species are unmatched in the area. It’s one of those stores you don’t want to go to, but they have what you need so you go anyway. I didn’t enjoy the shopping experience but I loved the product. Just go in, get what you need and get out.

Melana Morris-Alleyne

2023-05

Horrible, smells disgusting, hoses all over, tanks neglected, the old man is the worse. He didnt seem to know much about his inventory, extremely rude, racist, lazy and unprofessional. I drove 1hr and 21mins to go there because I heard they have lots of fish, which they do but my god never again. Fish are over priced, badly beat up. He has so many empty tanks but yet puts so many fish that shouldn't be together in 1 tank. He says those beat up fish were donated to the store but why not put them alone to get better rather than put them with other fish to get harmed even more. The old lady was moving around and acting like she was too busy to talk to us but yet not really doing nothing. The health department definitely needs to go past there and ticket them for many aquarium/retail violations. Definitely dont bring children in there.. Not safe

H Muhler

2020-05

Cluttered. Dirty tanks. Mediocre service. If you can’t properly care for the number of tanks you have, reduce the number of tanks. The back looked like a hoarders house.

Sharrell Cooper

2022-05

If you don't like a fishy smell, then this is not the place for you. It was a lovely little store, with a huge variety of fish. I can't say I know much about fish, so I can't speak on pricing fairness. Most fish ranged from the $50-$500 area depending on size and rarity. It was less for feeder fish and small sizes, and much more for the larger fish. They were cleaning and adding water to some of the tanks as we entered, so they didn't really stop to converse with people walking through. There was very limited space. There were tanks everywhere with a small pathway to move around, but even with 5 people in the store it felt overcrowded. I would suggest getting a larger store if possible. Other than that, there's not too much to say about it.

Brian Koch

2023-05

One of the worst local fish stores I’ve been to. It was very dirty and run down. I started discussing a few types of fish I was considering and I realized I (sadly) knew more than them. I bought some rocks and driftwood since it was the closest store, but I drive 45 min farther now to more reputable one.

Daijah Toon

2023-05

My boyfriend & I went to check this spot out because, we absolutely adore fish & seen everything that petco & pet smart had to offer. We walked in & immediately the smell hit us. The tanks were filthy. So much algae in the tanks it looked like they havent been cleaned in months, some fish were dead floating with the live fish, some with infections, some with obvious health issues. This one particular fish was huge & toward the back of the store with a huge eye infection. I mean HUGE, you couldn't miss it. The infection made him look so miserable. I felt so bad for him. Smh but, the tank that we got fish from looked decent. I insisted that we would wait but, he wanted fish so bad to add to our tank! We bought 2 African Cichlids. They were absolutely BEAUTIFUL. We acclimated them first & put them in. The next day we noticed all of our fish were separated. The 2 that we purchased were shaking uncontrollably. Generally, when that happens something is wrong. Low & behold - the fish that we bought had ick. They ended up killing off all of our fish. Even, after we quarantined them & treated them. We wasted $60. & lost all of our fish in 2 days. DO NOT BUY HERE. TAKE YOUR MONEY ELSEWHERE. IT RUINS YOUR ENTIRE EXPERIENCE OF THE ENJOYMENT OF BUYING FISH.

LOSE WEIGHT AND BellyFat

2022-05

The lady Robin I believe her name is ....very rude. Always have an attitude. I've spent over 500 dollars in this store in the last 3 years. The only reason why I tolerate the nonsense is because it's the only real fish aquarium in the area unless I go 50 mins out to Montgomery County. By the the time I get home my fish will likely not be In great health. When I go to the store... .she always busy and never stop or direct her attention to even ask if I need help. Always fast talking as if she's in the rush and as if I'm bothering her by spending money at her store. I never had a pleasant experience and I've been there at least 20 times. Although ive purchased at least 70 fish at the store and only 30% were great quality and didnt die. They sure give you a hard time to even get an exchange ....thats a different subject.However im not sure if it's a cultural difference in which I don't understand or bias racial attitude towards me cause I'm African American. I won't judge the cleaning condition of the store ....I don't eat there so.....I sure clean my shoes before I enter my house as anybody should going anywhere but yes ....the floor is almost never clean.And two Caucasian guys that work there they typically well manner However they don't seem to be as savy as clever about the fish ...one occasion one of them didn't even know how to to seal or tie the bag to distribute the fish to me. Robin saved him with frustration caused she's was busy like always. But he was way more respectful then her.I just wish she was more pleasant and she's there 99% of the time. If I knew when she wasn't there I will deal with the two non savy not clever fish employees. Anyway much Blessings to her I hope she's okay within her heart cause sometimes we never know what people are going through. Maybe there is a personal reason. Keep in mind I'm a frequent customer and I purchase and spend at least over 30 dollars every visit except today. So I'm not walking around to sight see and leave.

Lisa Williams

2021-05

The manager is a horrible person. Employees tell you that fish have a 5 day warranty and that you can return to them if they die within that time. I spent over $100 on fish. 1 died the next day. I took it back for a replacement. The lady that told me there was a warranty went to replace the fish but didn't have any. She went to the manager and he refused to replace it. Stood in that stinky nasty store for 45 minutes to receive this type of service. Buyers beware

BILL IDGYLAB

2018-05

I have been shopping at Richard's stores for decades. I shop at this store because the owner is one of the most knowledgeable experts in this area of this particular Hobby. They have to Source their fish direct from exporters in those countries and they are all in most cases extremely rare. They are not responsible for the condition of the fish when they arrive. Many customers come in have no idea what they're doing don't ask questions the fish die wrong pH wrong food wrong transition to new tank and the list goes on. I have been in that store when customers have come on to the owner like a bull in a china shop. Inexcusable Behavior and personally if that happened to me I would tell them to take a hike also. It's very simple if you're kind and respectful you will get the same thing in return every time. I like this store I like the owner I like the people that work there and support him he works very hard to continue a business and Supply some of the rarest fish to the Hobby nationally. We very experienced people with decades in this Hobby all support this owner and The Business this is not your standard aquarium shop. I really like the store and always have never a problem only solutions to my questions.

L.J. Cain

2021-05

Just spoke with Richard, he took time out of the day to explain in detail the difference in ground covering/gravel. Customer service and experience like this you typically won’t find in a larger outfit.This store has become my go to for all my tank needs.Also a great selection of African Cichlids with great pricing.

Steve Haering

2022-05

Fantastic selection. Owner needs to work on his bedside manner a little bit. Website is terminally awful. Store kinda smells - buy some Glade plugins, guys.Lots of dead fish. Enough that my wife pulled a Veto card and asked that we go to Petsmart instead.This place has HELLA potential, but there's also a significant issue. Can't say what that is specifically, but if I had to guess...It's the owner being resistant to change.

Derby Scerb

2021-05

One of the Top Exotic Fish Stores in Maryland if not the Best. Hands down! Their selection of Freshwater Fish is extraordinary. If your in search of a Monster Fish this is your spot, Guaranteed! Robin is the Best. Her knowledge and kindness has kept me a loyal customer.

Tranice Watts

2021-05

I love their selection. I love their prices. I loathe the lady behind the counter that CONSTANTLY acts like you’re bothering her entire world by coming in to purchase items. It hurts my feelings that many others I’ve spoken with have had the exact same experience.Even my eight year old was disappointed with how we were treated. I pray she gets better with customers.

VIRGOKIDD SHAUN

2022-05

WHERE ARE THE INSPECTORS THIS PLACE NEEDS TO BE SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY!!!! From the disgusting entrance dirty dusty old smells bad tanks are in horrible condition sick fish in almost every tank its so small you can barely walk through dead fish dying fish fish covered in ick water hoses all over the floor puddles of water it was the worst fish store experience in my life😢 I felt so bad all the fish in that store are suffering. The customer service explained everything rude nasty didn't ever speak or acknowledge us. The one guy helping the customers was overwhelmed with no help it was a dirty old man in the back eating food all over the tanks he was rude and snobby and no help that place is completely a mess and horrible run report this store the fish are alldying this business clearly need to be closed.Dying suffering animals 💔 are being killed and sold here. No one was trying to help or save the tanks or fish. completely no regard for the suffering fish or animal care. heartbreaking 💔💔💔💔 the lady was so rude fire her.

Shannon Smith

2022-05

Most fish here will grow to be monstrosities! Not much variety. The store is a mess. Tanks do not appear clean, smells bad, and there are electrical wires and junk everywhere. I just want to clean the place up for them. Staff is not very friendly either.

Danny R

2020-05

Richard is a gem in the fish keeping community. I've been buying fish from him for almost 20 years No other pet store has the selection of oddball, predatory species that he carries. Highly recommend this place. Prices are great from fish to fish food. I drove over 2 hours and it was worth it.

Michael

2022-05

Old school fish store. Dark, wet and cramped. Hoses on the floor and other hazards. Not a good place to take the kids. They seem to have established a clientele though. A couple of people came in to buy supplies while I was there. Just feels old and dirty. We didn't feel welcome.