Aquarium Co-Op

After being a member of their online community, I took the trip here to look at the actual store. I had a list of questions prepared and another list of all my tanks with what was stocked in them, along with pictures. Having read the reviews I was planning for them to be incredibly busy--so I wanted to get there early and get my questions answered and stuff bought before it was a mob scene of social anxiety.

We were the first people there. All my questions got answered, and they were all very friendly...if a little condescending...which, I don't like--but get will happen when someone is in front of you with a clipboard and a barrage of info and a pouting teenager who just wants to leave and get bubble tea.

I was really disappointed that there wasn't a selection of "bunch plants" like many other LFSs sell. Having kept houseplants for many years, I 100% prefer cuttings and feel very comfortable propagating--i asked them why they don't sell bunch plants--and I get that they want people to have plants with a strong root system...but this is the thing that keeps me from making THIS my default store...I really wish they did too, because a daytrip to Ebmonds is more of an investment than a quick jaunt to Federal Way, so I might be less prone to experiment with impulse purchases.

I will return to Aquarium Co-op for shrimp--this I have decided. Their prices were lower than other places, and the people working could actually talk to me about proper shrimp care as opposed to literally everywhere else that has kinda shrugged and said "I dunno, try it".

Awesome business to support. They truly care about the aquarium hobby and help many people become successful with keeping freshwater aquariums.

Everyone at Aquarium Co-op is VERY knowledgeable.
There is very little turnover on employees and that is always a good sign of a well managed business. Tanks, plants, and fish are always healthy looking and the water clarity is amazing.
I've always had problems with black beard algae that was consuming my tank. I tried everything that you're supposed to do water changes, live plants, lighting adjustments, Siamese algae eaters etc, etc, with little to no success, but one day I casually mentioned it to Brandon and he asked if I was using carbon in my filters which I was and recommended that I remove it.
After 3 to 4 weeks I noticed a big difference and as the weeks passed by almost all the BBA is gone.
I've been in the aquarium hobby for over 35 years and I am still humbly learning.

I am not a big yelp reviewer, but wanted to give a big shout out to Brandon! Came in tonight with lots of questions and he was so patient and helpful. I trust this place very much, would absolutely recommend to everyone. Thank you!

4th time visiting and second review. I stand by my previous review. The service here is great, not too pushy but they check in for questions etc.
Had Joey and Jaden help me out this time and both are great. Nice chat with Jaden while he spotted a pair of golden rams for me and went out of his way to help. I wish it was closer but my wallet is glad it isn't. Definitely worth the trip up!
Wonderful experience every time.

This may or may not be my second review, but it felt right to leave another. The co-op has always been one of my favorite online aquarium stores. Being a fan of the YouTube channel, I wanted to support the shop. After being a returning customer for some time now, I've always come back for the service.

Anytime there has been an issue with shipping (which is rare) they are quick to respond and resolve. The quality is top notch, and it is served by great people.

I'll continue to support the co-op and watch them grow. Awesome to see how Cory and the co-op continue to set the standard. Hopefully soon I'll be luckily enough to visit the store in person.

Keep up the good work!

Great businessTo get all your reef and fish needs.
Also great knowledge of fish and corals

Knowledgeable staff, Quality fish, and great supplies!

I have been coming to Aquarium Co-op for about 2 years now and I have to say that they are one of the best fish stores in Washington. They have such helpful employees who are all willing to help answer any questions you may have. Which has been a god send since I am fairly new to the hobby. They have a whole assortment of fishes with very rare ones coming in on a weekly basis. They update a forum so that you know what fish will be available the next week after they get out of a 2 week quarantine so you can take a sneak peak before you make the drive to Edmonds. Besides that the quality of the fish I get is great, never had a problem with fish or shrimp after bringing them home. Lastly the brine shrimp eggs they sell are second to none, I tried cheaper ones off amazon but they cant compete with the hatch rate of the brine shrimp sold here.

I was able to visit the store a couple weeks ago. I came on a weekday night but was glad to see that it was still quite busy. I would hate for Aquarium Co-op to go under due to the pandemic. They do so much more than sell merchandise and I feel so fortunate to be able to support them online and in-person.

My partner walked our dog in the parking lot while we waited (there's a dog poop waste in!). It was only around 15 minutes (we were third in "line"). You knock at the front door and they'll give you a buzzer when it's your turn (like a restaurant). They have a line divider at the front door to prevent guests who don't read the signage from entering (keeping patrons and staff safe).

The store seems smaller in-person but there's a TON of stuff! I didn't even realize you could walk in the area in back of the registers until after I checked out (didn't wanna take up space for other customers) but even before that, I was amazed at how much livestock, supplies, and merch they have!

Staff were warm and welcoming, even though it was busy. I'm not sure if they wear name tags but the person that helped me (short hair, energetic) gave me great customer service. It was my first time visiting so I felt a bit intimidated but they were helpful without making me feel overwhelmed.

Definitely recommend coming in on a weekday if possible to support this great local small business (:

It helps to have a list of what you're looking to get beforehand so that more people can visit the store! If you have any questions about fish care, plant care, and what livestock are in the store, the forum (linked on their website) is super useful for planning ahead!

Very very poor customer service. The coop is not what it once was. Avoid at all costs