Ultimate Aquarium

Reviews

• VC

  Visalian Chimaelian

  2 days ago
  4.0
  This fish store has always been a fine local option under the previous owner Marc, but the new owner, Sam, is really starting to make this a destination fish store. The salt water side tended to be the star of the show under Marc, and Sam is keeping it up, but adding a lot more for freshwater enthusiasts. Since Sam has taken over, the freshwater fish quality seems to have gone up significantly and there seems to be more variety depending on when you go now. There are also a lot more food options, decor, equipment, and even freshwater aquarium kits for those just starting out. You can tell he is really pouring his heart and soul into making it a great fish store and I am proud to have a store like this local to me.
• AM

  Allison Mejia

  Mar 19, 2026
  1.0
  I am finally using Google to write my first ever review :Disappointed and Worried After new management owner it isn’t small community no longer. Posting long review below and picture to back my facts. Posted separately the photo . My family and I have been coming to The Ultimate Aquarium for years. We used to drop in after errands, bring friends through to show them the tanks, and recommend the shop to people looking for a relaxed, friendly local spot to browse fish and marine supplies. Marc’s ownership and longtime employees like Ashley sometimes Chad who is now simply service management gave the store a welcoming, community feel — knowledgeable staff, calm interactions, and a customer-first attitude that made visits enjoyable whether we were buying supplies or just looking around. Since the aquarium changed hands, our recent visits have felt increasingly unsettled. The new owner has clearly begun restructuring and bringing in different staff, which is understandable, but the way it’s happening has been off-putting. The owner seems to rely on one new person, Alex, to answer questions and represent the shop instead of deferring to Ashley, who has years of experience there. That consistently sidesteps a trusted staff member and undermines the store’s expertise. When longtime employees are ignored or talked over, it sends a signal to customers that institutional knowledge and relationships don’t matter. Beyond that, the general atmosphere of the store has shifted. Where the layout, display areas, and staff interactions used to feel easygoing, visits now feel more cluttered and rushed.Ashley is watched we seen over talked or just not talking. How they turn to a kid who I barely or never seen including my family unless when was with Marc or Ashley. So I don’t like child who we have never seen doing the job of the long term staffing. Staffed employees sometimes hover tightly around displays, crowding customers and making it harder to browse comfortably. That affects everyone — not just families with children I got bumped do to the amount many people in one spot. —because it removes the relaxed browsing experience that made the aquarium a comfortable place to shop and learn. Instead of being able to take time to ask questions, compare products, or enjoy the displays, customers can feel observed or hurried along. I know businesses evolve and small changes can be positive, but I hope the new ownership recognizes what made this place special: respectful treatment of experienced staff, a calm customer experience, and a genuine focus on service.make new changes but make sure it’s not something set on modern mindset for wealth generation.If changes are needed, consider clearer customer-flow rules or more the clients saying that Marc Ashley and Chad are what gave it life, designated demo or interaction times, better staff coordination so experienced employees are heard, and training on customer interaction. Treat long-term employees like partners in the transition rather than sidelining them. We miss Marc as owner and worry the current approach will push away valued staff or regular customers. Some longtime patrons have already commented that Ashley’s steady presence helped make visits less overwhelming; losing that would be a real loss. I sincerely hope the new owner listens to feedback from regular customers and the team, re-engages with experienced staff, and restores the welcoming atmosphere that kept us coming back. The Ultimate Aquarium can be a great neighborhood resource — please don’t let those small, important things get lost in the changes.
• LC

  Love my Cats

  Mar 13, 2026
  4.0
  Have good healthy fish . I was from out of town and had long drive home back to Apple Valley They gave my fish in a larger bag with extra oxygen to keep the fish happy. Reason for 4⭐ wish they had a larger selection of tropical fish & aquarium/ fish supplies .I will add Great customer service Thank you
• YN

  YahUm nope

  Feb 6, 2026
  4.0
  Loved the store wish it had a few more picks for freshwater. Great store
• WH

  willis higdon

  Jan 18, 2026
  5.0
  Great shop the owner is very friendly and one of the most knowledgeable people I have talked to about fish and thier setups. Go check it out if you have never been.