Blue Ribbon Koi & Marine

Ben

2024-03

Excellent, attentive and knowledgeable old school customer service. Helped us set up a small freshwater aquarium. Great place to just go and visit, amazing fresh and saltwater aquariums!! So much better quality and service that the big box pet shops, so happy to have found this gem! Highly, highly recommend!

Danielle

2023-08

Went to see some fish with my toddler. She loved feeding the huge koi in the outside pool and enjoyed looking at the fish inside. We found Dory, Nemo and his Dad. The tanks had live coral and colorful fish. If I was in the market for fish or tank accessories, I would definitely go there.

Joanna Muraira

2024-02

Just a great business. John is the absolute BEST! He helped us when we ran into issues after some really cold weather, coming out to our house twice to solve the problem and get our pond back on track. He really knows his stuff and is always extremely helpful, be it an emergency or simple maintenance. It's clear that he cares for the fish and wants to make sure they are happy. Big thanks to him! Can't recommend enough!

Clint Pham

2024-01

This is the cleanest and most well stocked live fish store I have been to in the area. Every display tank looks spotless and the fish look extremely health. The coral displays are phenomenal, and they have some of the best fresh water fish, shrimp, and snail selection I have seen. They even took my name and number down for specific fish I was looking for. On top of that the staff are wonderful and very knowledgeable.

Tom Wahl

2023-11

The staff here have been a tremendous help in getting me back into the saltwater aquarium hobby after being out of the game for 30+ years. They keep track of when fish arrive and how they are doing, and have a nice selection of corals ranging for $10 to get you started, on up. Of course some staff members are learning, but they will find the answer rather than pretend they know. I highly recommend them.

Cheyenne A

2023-11

I love visiting Blue Ribbon! Such knowledgeable employees who are willing to share their advice on salt water, fresh water, pond setups and upkeep. Their selection of fish and coral are always excellent. I always enjoy the family like atmosphere you can feel when you walk in.

Harry Hasbun

2024-04

John and the crew do an amazing job! Great coral and marine fish supply! Lots of supplies and good advice on use. Koi and Pond advice as well as service rates a 10. Rock on!

THE REVIEWER

2023-11

John Bianchi and his staff at Blue ribbon koi in catharpin va are such amazing folks. I had a disaster one of my back wash valves failed and my entire pond drained. It was so devastating. I called John and told him what happened and if there was anything I could do to revive some fish because 9 were still alive. He explained to me what to do and I started . Within 10 minutes he was at my house with his team without me even asking for them to come out. They helped to revive a couple fish and worked hard for over 2 hours. They brought all kinds of equipment as well. I have known John for 8 years he has opened and closed my pond while I maintain it. John has done an amazing job! At the end I asked how much I owed and he did not accept any payment because he felt so bad. On top of that he donated several large koi. You don't find such good people like that everyday. We have restocked our pond with new koi and everything is going well. Thank you so much John and your staff!

Dawg Bone

2024-02

Friendly knowledgeable staff.Great selection of salt water corals. Love this store!!

Davileet T

2023-11

I have been going to this store on and off for the last couple of years and find they usually have things I need.Really like going to this store. The koi in front are great enjoyment for my family and I. The main reef tank displays are awesome. The selection of fish and corals are normally pretty good also. I like the owner, he is a good person to talk but at times I feel he is miffed by my business.

Ivan Silva

2021-05

The team at Blue Ribbon Koi is very Knowledgeable. I went their after being referred by three reefers. They have loads of coral and saltwater fish available. They also have the supplies i need to keep my reef healthy. Super thankful for these guys. They also have an unbelievable stock of Koi, perhaps one of the best I have seen. I was also impressed by their processes for stocking their aquariums, i have been plagued with poor quality fish and coral stock prior to finding Blue Ribbon Koi. They make reefing easier and more fun. If you are keeping a reef or interested in Koi ponds. You need to stop in.*Oh, they also have RODI water available.

Kevin Burgess

2023-05

One of the best aquatrium stores you’ll find in Northern Virginia. They have a great koi and saltwater selection, tanks and equipment as well. The freshwater tropical a section is a little lacking, but improving. That’s why I gave it 4 stars. However, it is an all around great place and I highly recommend it.

Bob Miller

2023-05

Have gone by here a few times for advice on a new Koi pond that I'm working on, and they've always been very helpful (even if they know you aren't buying anything.) My girlfriend gets her salt water supplies and fish there as well, and everything is always healthy and seem to live beyond their expected lifespans. Highly recommended.

Steven N

2022-05

I wholeheartedly recommend Blue Ribbon Koi. I and my family absolutely love the shop!John and his team are amazing, simply fantastic individuals. Salts of the earth!They are incredibly skilled and knowledgeable, freely imparting their decades of experience to everyone. John and his wonderful team make all who enter feel like they are their number one customer.Go, visit, explore, and you will agree Blue Ribbon Koi, John, and the team is a rare wonderful gem.If John and the team can make me, a newbie novice, successful, trust me when I tell you, they do this for everyone and they will do it for you. They are not out to make a buck. Not at all. They are in it because they love the hobby, they love marine life, they love people, they love imparting their vast experience and knowledge, and they truly want those taking the leap, like me, to be successful and happy.Bottom line, you will not go wrong making Blue Ribbon Koi your go-to shop.When you do go, please tell them Steven sent you!

Robert Cunningham

2023-05

One of a kind pet store that caters to crazy Koi and exotic fish owners. Thanks to their very knowledgeable staff, we are now Koi owners and our decrepit Koi pond now pristine and pure after they cleaned and reclaimed it. Taking your grandkids to feed the 24" plus koi in the large holding tank is something neither you nor they will ever forget. A hidden gem!

Cecile Richard

2022-05

I started going there a few years ago, as I'm a novice in the pond ownership! Every time I went the people were VERY knowledgeable and helpful with all my questions. Today I meet Kyle and he told me about a new breed of fish, tamagashi gold fish ?, and I'm very excited to see what they look like and maybe add some to my pond. I'm also very excited about the fact that they started to carry fresh water fish and plants. Thank you

Nina Broadway

2022-05

I started using Blue Ribbon over a year ago... There is a nice young man by the name of John F. who answered my call, he was also the one who came out to clean my dad's pond. He was incredible, polite, accommodating and very knowledgeable. John always returned emails and calls promptly. My dads pond was so dirty he couldn't enjoy seeing the fish, by the time John was done the water was as clear as a swimming pool. He helped me find the right filtration system that was affordable for our budget, to keep cleaning costs down. John F. will always be my go to guy for my dad's pond for sure.

Sam Storey

2022-05

Last summer I built my first Koi pond. I tried to do my research online for how to properly prepare for fall and winter but I wasn’t feeling very confident with the answers to my questions. I found Blue Ribbon Aquatics on google and stopped in. John was more than happy to walk me through the necessary steps I should be taking including the proper time to stop and start feeding in the cold months. He did not pressure me to buy anything and gave me as much information as I could take. I did wind up buying a few things on that first visit and I was very impressed with how professionally maintained all of the aquariums and raised ponds were. It was a great first experience. I have been back a few times between then and now to window shop and purchase food and it has always been a good experience. John has also answered questions for me over the phone when I called back with “I forgot to ask” questions.I came back last week to purchase two new Koi for my pond and I was very happy to be helped by Turrel and Bob. It was rather busy that day with two other customers selecting fish at the same time but they both took the time to help me make my selections. Pulling multiple fish out of the stock tanks for me to make a final selection. Turrel thoroughly explained the various types of Koi to choose from and what to look for in selecting Koi. While bagging my fish he even gave me advice about what predators to be aware of around the pond.It is very nice to come to a store where you can tell that all of the employees/partners/coworkers/owners have a true devotion to their business and aren’t just “working a job”. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. I love my new fish and so do the wife and kids. Can’t wait to come back!

Jon Black

2021-05

This is, hands down, the best fish store I've ever been to.Being new to saltwater aquariums, I often come in with an overwhelming amount of questions (that I know are super amateur to them). They have always been willing to hear me out and have always steered me in the right direction. They have always made me feel welcome and comfortable. There is a better chance they send me out of there with nothing (bc my tank isn't ready for certain things yet) then there is for them to try to sell me something that won't work in my little ecosystem I have going my. Even though it's really hard to leave Blue Ribbon empty handed, I respect that a lot.If you're looking for a the best saltwater fish store in NOVA, look no further. From the impressive selection of animals and supplies, to the most professional and friendly staff, do yourself a favor and check this place out!I also have a comment for the previous 1 🌟 review.... People are allowed to sell things in their stores for as much as they want to. You don't have to buy it! Those reading this, I've been to the store about 10 times in the last month, and have had nothing but great experiences. Please dont let that guy steer you away from Blue Ribbon. Just because he didn't agree with the price of a fish, doesn't make this a bad place, by any means. Please factor this in when considering his review.

PETER OROZCO

2023-12

Nice salt water options. A lot of corals for your reef and salt water fish as well!

Bruce Feng

2021-05

I just recently started a saltwater tank and was glad to find this nearby shop that was only 10min away. Amazing selection of products and specimens, all reasonably priced too. Sondra was always helpful and courteous, since I'm brand new at this, I really appreciate her patience and guidance. I only wish they open for longer hours as most days when I get off at 6, they're already closed. Hey how about adjusting your hours to 11am to 7pm?

Seth Trumbo

2020-05

Was one of the fish shops I never had been in until a week ago. I am going back again today! Only issue I have is that they close at a bad time for me as I get off at 6 too! They have a ton of saltwater fish and corals and I did not see a single death while in the shop. Seriously not a single dead animal or coral. Oh, and the displays are awesome!

Kandi B.

2020-05

My husband’s co-worker recommended this place to us. We had a great first experience here, the staff was very helpful and took time to answer all of our questions (probably 40 minutes!) The prices are very reasonable compared to some other locally owned fish stores. This store is definitely our go-to from now on for our saltwater fish tank needs.

ashkan soroushi

2017-05

By far the best marine salt water shop in the metropolitan area⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you are a experienced marine tank owner or just looking to get into the hobby this should be your first stop. I have personally gone to ever fish/pet store in the area and there are about 7 and Blue Koi by far is the best.. there selection of coral,fish and inverts is excellent and the owner and staff are fantastic. They always take the time to help me and if I need something they don't have they will get it. Most importantly the quality of there live stock is excellent. I have never purchased or received a sick fish or infected coral and they get weekly delivery of only the best fish and coral! I also thought is was really cool that they always stock A GRADE premium clowns fish aka nemo so if your looking for something special check them out. You won't be disappointed 💯% satisfied customer

Margaret Sawwa

2018-05

My husband and I have been a customers for the past 7 years and are lucky enough to count BRK as our LFS. Love the selection of livestock, gear, food and everything else you may ever want – they have it. John is always a wealth of information and advice and happily willing to share it. Always had a great experience with anyone who works there. Great prices on livestock and always have something cool and unique. Never had issues with livestock after purchase, unlike some other places we shopped. The other day I even went shopping for water tests with my daughter for her science project. John was there and super helpful w/all the testing needed for the fresh water project. Both of us walked out impressed, very happy and fully equipped to do the project.

Cheryl Rosinski

2022-05

Stopped by today and was overjoyed to find a new shipment of beautiful bettas, and a complete kit of Aquascaping tools for a great price! Told them they must keep adding to their freshwater collection bc I won’t purchase anywhere else!

Shari Myerson

2014-05

Nice place, very spacious and well lit. Most staff are knowledgeable enough and friendly. Prices are extremely competitive and will beat or match other stores prices.Fish are very healthy. Nice selection of dry goods and frozen foods. Nice alternative to other local marine suppliers. The hours are a bit odd as they are closed Monday through Wednesday.Definitely worth the trip.

Jeff Smith

2017-05

I recently went to blue ribbon for saltwater tank supplies and live rock. They have a beautiful store with helpful staff, and very healthy looking fish and coral. I found their prices better than competitors, it was worth the drive, I will be back. Thanks also to the staff for prompt email communications with me before I visited about type of supplies and pricing.

Taylor Karlstromer

2021-05

We had very high hopes for this store. Drove an hour based on the selection of saltwater fish they claimed to have on their website. Got there, staff was not friendly. Selection was not what they claimed but we did find some we were interested in. Prices were a little high. Once we selected our fish and went to check out not only did we feel belittled for our questions but were also accused of stealing a pack of mysis shrimp ( My phone sticking out of my bag ) Will not be back.

Melanie Shipley

2021-05

Blue Robbon Koi is the best for any Koi or pond needs. They clean our pond every Spring and do a great job. The are reasonably priced and won't try to upsell you. I've spent a lot of time just talking to then about fish or pond issues and they a happy to help and offer advice. I highly recommend them!