Aquarium Shoppe — Attraction in Springfield

To set the tone, I drive from Lebanon to pick up fish from Aquarium Shoppe. This is not just because of the outstanding quality of fish, but also because everyone here I have spoken to has their own niche within the hobby and are very knowledgeable - they're also super friendly. (Looking at you, Kevin).

I have purchased 5 discus, among several other fish (loving the mbuna tank btw) from this store over the last year. I mention the discus because they are known to be "difficult" to keep. All of my fish have lived and are absolutely thriving. While they don't guarantee live animals, whether they live or not depends on the buyer. You are in charge of your animal's well being once it leaves the shop. Just do your water changes, watch your temperature and how much you feed and your fish will be fine! Each time I have purchased fish from here, they have been of the best quality and never sick. Any time they suspect a fish may be sick, they always quarantine for observation. It appears they also source from local breeders when they can, which supports the community.

They have an excellent selection of fresh and saltwater fish, several frozen foods, decent deals on tanks, along with some nice scaping materials for your tanks and extra aquarium supplies (sumps included). On SEVERAL occasions, I've walked in and was greeted by someone cleaning tanks, so the fish are always very well cared for. If you're looking for a new LFS that knows fish (not just sells them),...

This shop has really gone downhill. Most staff have zero knowledge about what they are talking about. (mike is the only one there that has any clue what hes talking about) Saltwater tanks are LOADED with pests (aptasia, starfish) they haven't been getting in any new coral shipments in for months. (frag tanks have a bunch of coral but none is for sale as it all belongs to tanks that they maintain) Store has had a display tank that has been out of order forever (300g that sprung a leak that they have been repairing for a year). and everything is super expensive compared to online/Petco. Entrance always looks super cluttered. (bunch of nasty used equipment laying around as soon as you walk in) they have a few nice employees over the years, but majority of the time its kids who have zero idea what they are doing and maybe have a little beta tank at home. Saltwater side of this store is a complete joke. maybe fresh is okay idk don't keep fresh and don't pay much attention when I walk in. owner maintains tanks for a living also, so kind of seems like this is a "side job" almost. Also never buy RODI/SALT water from them, filters rarely get changed and salt levels are...

Beyond rude honestly. I was a bit off put by the prices. (Because they are so much higher than anywhere else.) I casually mentioned "Hey, is everything here just higher quality or local? And that's why it cost so much?". The answer I got "Well I'm not forcing you to shop here. If it's more than you can afford, than don't buy it." As you can imagine, I left.. Catapa leaves here are $6.50 for 3 leaves. Same brand, same pack is $1.99 at petsmart.. They sell a 10pck, for $11.. but you can find that on Amazon for $4.99. Neon Tetras are $1.79 at PetsWay... Yet $3.50 here. Potted aquarium plants were $9, and potted plants at Petco are $4.99. Mind you, I was actually planning to go through this shop for the 75-120 gal salt water tank that was going to be displayed in one of my office locations. I had been in several times making equipment list, and budgeting for this new project. Needless to say, I would not be comfortable working with this shop, if when I come in to shop for my own personal takes they...