Deep Blue is owner operated by a very knowledgable fishkeeper. He informs newbies about cycling,which impressed me. George has an awesome store with a nice selection of both FW and SW fish. His dry goods and plants selections are limited tho.Very healthy fish and an honest owner so what else could I want!! His store has only been in Hampstead a few years but it keep growing. I`m always supprized at what he has done there.
Date of visit:
4/5/07
Your rating:
Very Good

Arrived 15 minutes prior to closing, and they were terrifically busy. I was very excited to see all of the tanks and varieties available, and the fish seemed very happy and healthy. I was dismayed however to discover the LARGE amount of dyed, painted, and otherwise modified fish that they carried. Their selection of fish was immense, and the selection of aquarium supplies was also huge. So I'm torn as to whether I can support a store that sells animals like that, but also loved the supplies that they had- endless!!
Lots of staff on hand, and I "think" they were knowledgeable, but they did sell me two "female" kribensis that I think will turn out to be a male and a female. Overall, a nice, clean store, with a large selection of fish, aquariums, and supplies.
Date of visit:
8/8/07
Your rating:
Very Good

The store had just been redone and was large and clean. The fish were pretty healthy and there was a vast variety. Unlike most LFSs, this one is crowded most of the time. Unfortunately they sell genetically modified and painted fish and quite a lot of them including "kaleidoscope gouramis", "I LUV U Parrots", and "Blueberry Tetras." I spoke with the staff and wrote letters on two occasions asking them to stop and explaining the procedures but they were uninterested. I can't shop there any more with a good conscience and I know others that have steered clear for ethical reasons but they have so many customers why would they care about a handful of conscientious shoppers.?
Date of visit:
August 2006
Your rating:
Fair

The store has great Employees. The Manager on the other hand is nasty. Once The manager tried to sell me spotted Piranhas as Silver Dollars. Another time he dropped my Snail and the shell cracked and he still wanted to sell it to me.
The store does have the biggest Selection of Fish and plants in Southern Montgomery County and Maybe all of Montgomery County. They also sell Lizards, Turtles and Frogs ETC.
Their prices are a couple dollars more then most stores.
I gave it a fair only because their huge Fish selection.
Date of visit:
10/16/07, Regularly
Your rating:
Fair

Bought my first few fish from them, and had a hard time with a toxin in my water. Lost my fish, and they did replace them and helped me get it straightened out. The fish selection on the times I have been there has not been extensive, mostly just the "staples" of what people want. Nothing really special.
Not a whole lot of supplies either.
But all in all, a decent shop because the people that work there are very knowledgeable. A few of the guys are extremely experienced and great to pick their brains. Very helpful.
Date of visit:
8/1/07
Your rating:
Good

BIG store.....best selection of fish in the Washington D.C. area.

Excellent variety of high quality tropical freshwater and marine fish and invertabrates. Tanks always clean, well-kept. Prices are great. Discounts offered to members of approved aquaria societies. Special "frequent buyer" club available. Treat local breeders well.

I got there about 7:00 PM - the store is neat and clean. The FW tanks look very nice and well stocked. Some of my favorite standards were missing. The SW section looked downright poor. Tanks were cloudy, not many fish and what was there didn't impress. The staff was very young. One of them was running around like a nut while the rest of them stood around chatting. I felt like I was imposing when I asked from some help. I would not got back there.
Date of visit:
July 27 2006
Your rating:
Poor

I was very hopeful about this store. They had a large variety of lively freshwater fish and excellent prices. Alas, staff was very young and gave very poor and conflicting advice. We were new to the hobby. One salesperson tried to sell us a fully stocked, noncycled tank on the same day. When I declined and came back one week later another salesperson gave us a goldfish "to cycle the tank for you." Needless to say the fish was dead by the next day and my daughter was heartbroken. Thank heavens I have found some great websites (like this one). From the internet, I completed a fishless cycle and will now buy fish --- someplace else.
Date of visit:
7/23/06
Your rating:
Poor

Very large selection of fish. Most of the staff however either knows very little about them or are dishonest. I was told on the phone they had a large severum available, when I arrived at the store, one person tried to sell me an Oscar claiming it was a Severum. After I pointed out the clear differences between the fish the staff member got very defensive and claimed the fish are "almost identical." A second staff member (supervisor?) claimed the Severum "had just been sold" but offered no apologies for the misinformation.
Date of visit:
January 18, 2007
Your rating:
Poor

Date of visit:
7/2/2008
Your rating:
Good
Having been a customer of the Aquarium Center for over 15 years, I was somewhat disappointed when I visited the Aquarium Depot. It seems that the store is in transition. There were a lot of tanks that had fish but were not for sale. I also thought the selection of live plants was not that great. Prices have gone up and I did not see that many buy multiple fish of the same type for a set price. Example buy 5 Neon tetras for $3.00.I thought the selection of dry goods was good, but not as good as when it was the Aquarium Center. I will give it another try in a couple of weeks and see how it is.

Date of visit:
5/4/2008
Your rating:
Very Good
It looks like this place replaced The Aquarium Center. It's in the same place, the same fish tanks, same great selection of tanks and fish.

Date of visit:
1/5/2008
Your rating:
Excellent
This store has one of the largest selections of fish you will find in the state. This store and House of Tropicals in Glen Burnie have the largest selections of fish in the area, hands down. This store is an old store and the fish room shows it age. It is very humid with water on the floor, but it's worth it because of the selection. The store has a huge selection of aquariums and stands and some of the best prices for a LFS that I have seen. Usually stands and aquariums can be bought for less at chain stores or on the Internet, but not here. Prices are very reasonable. They have a very large selection of dry goods. The staff seemed knowledgeable. The staff was huge. Nice place for all your needs. They could due a better job of labeling tanks. I am into Cichlids and hate when they do not mark the tanks with the Latin names. Any store that has this size of selection will have my business.

Date of visit:
11/25/2006
Your rating:
Excellent
This is an old store that has been around at least 25 years. It has expanded considerably in that time, and now occupies an entire corner of the shopping center it started in. This store has always enjoyed a great reputation with fishkeepers in the Baltimore area, and it's longevity proves that to be a well earned reputation. This is the place I go when I have the time to make the trip of 45 miles to get there. The staff is always helpful, the stock I've bought was always healthy, and the inventory is so extensive that I just don't have time to dream of the possibilities. If there is a "benchmark" store in Baltimore, this is it.

This is a deceptive store from outside. It looks like it started as a typical strip mall pet store and still uses the small front, but must have bought the store or stores next to it at some point and it actually very large inside. It's stock of equipment and supplies is not as extensive or as inexpensive as That Pet Place/That Fish Place, but is far, far better than the average pet store, including the large chains.
The Aquarium Center really shines, though, in two areas. The first is tanks. They have a massive stock at very good prices. The second is in fish. They have by far the most extensive and healthiest inventory I've come across, with many species I'd only seen pictures of before. Their stock covers the full gamut, from a dozen or so types of discus through saltwater and up to unusual items like red tailed cats.
I haven't probed the clerks at The Aquarium Center, so can't vouch for their knowledge. Still, even though the store is an hour and a half drive for me, I'll definitely go there for major fish purchases in the future. Anyone in the Baltimore / Washington area should check them out.

Date of visit:
8/24/2007
Your rating:
Fair
I have been into Rick's numerous times. My boyfriend and I have bought a chinchilla from there as well as red ear sliders too. We recently got a 29 gallon tank and wanted information on types of fish. I wanted to talk to Rick himself but he acted like he was too busy and didn't seem like he wanted to give us the time of the day. Another sales employee came up to talk to us, however at first she didn't seem knowledgeable and then all the sudden she knew everything. She talked to us for a long time about what we could have and couldn't. I didn't like being told I was allowed to get this or that. I even wanted the more expensive bigger angelfish but that seemed even out of the question. After all that time, we decided to go with her advice on what to get even though its not really want we wanted. Then she tells us she can't sell us any fish for at least another 4 weeks and then would have to test our water. We ended up buying fish somewhere else, and they are doing just fine. We were not happy of the lack of time we spent in there, then being told we had to come back. Notice a boy taking out a bunch of dead fish from the tanks when I was there, but they do have very nice animals and fish but not the best service. Other friends of mine, have gotten misleading information on fish from there.

Lots of live plants, common and rare cichlids, dwarf fish (rasbora maculata, chocolate gouramis, etc.), knowledgeable staff and owner.

DATE: 9/25/2005
I have been going to Ricks Fish store in Frederick, MD for the past four weeks that I have owned a fish tank for water tests. There is a big sign in the back that reads water tests $1.00. Furthermore when you go to the back and ask for a test they perform the same test that they have been doing for the past weeks, this test consists of four parts and is what I would assume is one test, In the past I have paid the one dollar fee for a test. On Sunday, September 25th at about 2:30PM I once again walked into Rick's to have my water tested, once again I asked for a test, once again I stood under the sign that said "water test $1.00" and once again the clerk got out four water containers and started testing the water. It was determined that the tests were good and I went ahead and picked out a few fish and went to the register, then the man at the front argued with me that the 1.00 tests were actually four dollars, I said that there was no sign saying that and in the past I paid 1.00 but he continued to argue. I believe that this is a clear case of misleading the customer and false advertising. Why does the sign say 1.00, when I ask for "a test" I get a test and expect to pay one dollar. I would hope that this opens their eyes to the fact that you can not advertise one thing and give another. I had no choice but to pay the 8.00 as a crowd had gathered and leaving the store would be theft, but I feel that I am the one who got robbed. If you want service go to the fish store outside of Urbana on Rt. 355.
Pros: None
Cons: Rude, expensive

Took my family to purchase our first aquarium. The staff were incredibly helpful, and patient with newbies like us. On their advice we took the tank home and set it up with a starter culture. They even helped over the phone when we couldn't quite figure out the filter. We returned several days later for our first water test and picked up some tetras to get things started. We will definitely be back this weekend to add to our little ecosystem. Its just really nice to find a place with people who take the time to help you out. We are going to do an Amazonian tank, and we know Andrew will be there to help us do the right mix. Thanks SCALES!
Date of visit:
3/5/07
Your rating:
Excellent

Very nice/helpful staff. Open about 4 months and still expanding. Had some very nice obscure freshwater (killifish), nice discus fish and koi angels. Back room is where they fish sit and breed (that impressed me). Salt water a bit less impressive. If they keep expanding and keep providing excellent service this will turn out to be my store of choice.
Date of visit:
7/25/06
Your rating:
Excellent

Dropped in for an advertised sale, and to check on their marine section. It has arrived, and in a big way! They have seven big 120g tanks for nothing but corals! Big rack filled with inverts and fish. Lots of goofy stuff, as well as the standards that you see everywhere. The saltwater guy, Juan, walked the entire section with me, and he knew his stuff. He also took me in the back and showed off the quarantine system. He sounded relieved to finally work at a place which takes the health of the livestock seriously. I've got no problem dropping some coin here, stock looks great. Bought a 120 myself, be back soon to fill it up!
Date of visit:
9/22/06
Your rating:
Excellent

While the lighting was outstanding and the store looks shiny and new. It lacks in a lot of basic qualities of any aquarium store. Poor customer service stands out the most. None of the fish tanks were properly labeled, no description on the size fish will grow to, no information on temperament or compatibility of the fish. Overall the only thing that was somewhat decent, yet still lacking was the plant selection. The overall selection of both fresh water and marine fish was less then appropriate. I am sure this store will develop in a couple of years, if you can't wait till then it is best to go elsewhere.
Date of visit:
11/11/2006
Your rating:
Poor

New location is GREEEEEEEAT! SALTWATER ONLY
Date of visit:
07/31/2008
Your rating:
Excellent

Salt water only. I found this store on the Internet and called the week of 10/19/2007 to see if they had any True Percula clowns in stock. The guy on the phone was very excited and said yes he was getting ready to pick them up from the airport and I could come in around 3pm. I gave him my name and number and asked him to hold them.

I called back before leaving to make sure they were in and John answered. He stated that he had canceled the order and that I should try back next week.

The following week I called again and John said he had 6 wild caught True Percula clowns (3 pair)coming in. So again I asked if he could hold a pair for me. On Friday I called and asked if the fish were in he said yes and that they were $30.

I took the one hour drive to Sea Save and met John and his store. I chose a pair of clowns and got to the register when.... He said they were $50.00 plus tax. I was quite disturbed but since I drove an hour and waited a week I said what the heck and spent the extra $20. I took the fish out to my car and I was very excited to get a better look at them.

Now in my car fish in bag I looked closely at them and they didn't seem right. The black banding was very thin and the orange dull. One of the fish had a deformed fin on its underside.

I took the fish back in and asked John about the coloration and the fin. He said it was the fishes lucky fin and that the coloration would get better with maturity. I told him that I thought True Percula clown had darker and thick black banding. He looked at me and said these are tank raised. I said What? John had told me they were wild caught from Sumatra. I asked again about the coloration and he just repeated himself, I said are you sure these are True Perculas? He said they were Ocellaris. Now I was VERY frustrated and asked if he could refund my money and get me a pair of True Percula Clowns wild caught for the price he told me of $30. He snatched the fish out of my hand and said these were more because they are tank raised. He then slung (not gentle at all) the fish back into the kiddie pool they came from. He said Ill order them and call you next week. I said "So I guess your not going to refund my money?". He said I cant do credit card returns I don't know how. I said I paid cash. He then went to the register and grabbed the money and threw it on the counter. He walked away from me to his side door and call me an asshole and left the room. I then left and threw the business cards he gave me on the floor.

Finally being the nice person I am I gave him another chance. I called this week and asked again for the fish he said he would have them on Wednesday 10/31/07. He told me they would now be $75.00. I said why are they so much he said because they are from the wild and a pair. I called on Wednesday to see if the fish were there. He told me they didn't come in.

Game over I quit. This place has horrible customer service. The owner John has serious anger management issues and while yes they have nice live rock their store could be duplicated in my basement this weekend.
Date of visit:
10/26/2007
Your rating:
Poor

This store only deals with Saltwater Fish and they quarantine every fish for 3 weeks before they sale. They have everything you need for your Saltwater needs they will build custom stand setup and deliver. They have custom Quarantine Tanks and Filtration setups.
Date of visit:
Sep 1 2006
Your rating:
Excellent

Saltwater fish and corals only...This is one unbelievable place for all your saltwater needs..Fish are as healthy as they can get-corals are bright-live rock is full of life-sell saltwater premix $1.gallon-staff is really friendly and helpful..I was told that they are only opening on Saturdays for now because they don't have the staff to pay attention to keeping tanks running and customers..they really give you great advice and great prices..a must for all Maryland Saltwater Keepers.
Date of visit:1/6/2007
Your rating: Excellent