Tropic Isle Aquarium

I just started a saltwater liverock/fish only in a 65 gallon tank. I've done a lot of reading on the internet and have been to several stores in search of information. I've spoken to several different people at this store and all been extremely helpful and very informative. They are great on compatility and they have a great selection. I did go in looking for a one specific fish as I want a little color variety in my tank but they didn't have it that fish. They had a decent look alike but I'm waitng to find the one I want. That's what a hobby is about. I was disapppointed with that but not enough to not keep them as my first source for fish and some supplies. I agree with some things others mentioned like the turn around on rt 9 and the kids up an down the isles. But hey, I started my tank because of my kids so I'm definately bringing them in search of their Nemo and Dory fish. That's just good business to have the kids dragging the parents in to by product. You can't fault a business for that.
Mark 07:03:05 2/17/2008
 

I'm new to fishkeeping, but I was really disappointed in this store. Most of the tanks had lots of algae in them. As I said, I'm new to fish, but I hope dirty tanks like this aren't the norm. I found them to be expensive as well. I don't think I'll be back unless there isn't another option.
lb 12:18:58 2/21/2007
 

This store is awful but the real problem is the fact that it is still the best around the area. I also agree the staff is rude and almost seem to dislike their customers. I have been very dissatisfied by the service I have recieved from everyone there except for Kevin, ask for him or youll probably walk out frustrated. The dry good prices are absurd and ridiculously overpriced. I believe in supporting small stores but when a product at tropic isle costs literally twice as much as it would on a site like MarineDepot.com, its hard to justify purchasing anything there. They do have a decent variety but you are really going to pay for it so I reccomend only buying dry goods there in a clutch. The fish are of somewhat decent variety but I have on many occasions seen parasites on the fish. The prices are very inconsistent and not comparible to market value. I feel the owner is the kind of person that is completely willing to screw the common hobbyist out of a dollars wherever possible. I do agree this store is the less of the local evils, but I will only go there in a clutch and when I have no other options. I use MarineDepot.com for dry goods and ReefHotSpot.com for fish. I have been very pleased. I hope this review is helpful.
J 17:51:57 8/21/2006
 

Their fish are generally very good. Customer service is mostly lousy, prices are sky high, and in my experience the staff, although knowledgeable, will ONLY advise you to buy what they have in stock even if the item won't meet your needs. (There is one young guy there who seems to give truly good advice, if you're lucky enough to find him.) In my case, they sold me totally inadequate lights for a planted tank simply because that's what they had. I had to upgrade lighting within a month (I bought online, and shall ever after!)

I still give them my business for fish and plants, but I would not buy any hardware from them except in an emergency.
anon 10:42:37 3/11/2006
 

Excellent selection of livestock. Dry goods including tanks and stands offer a good selection. Like most said above, some of the staff can be rude and live by the "filter our way or die" rule even though things have changed in the last five to ten years.

jb 07:45:32 9/25/2005
 

Pros: Fish are healthy and well cared for. Selection is vast(especially the salt water stock), and is maintained in large, well-filtered tanks. Prices are pretty good. I got a nice Black Trigger for a song.

Cons: Access and parking leave alot to be desired. If you are coming from Boston, you have to go past the shop on Rt.9, and do a U-turn about a mile or so farther down and come back. Parking is so-so in a crowded lot. Store looked a bit cluttered and dirty in the merchandise area. Staff is knowledgeable, but RUDE!!! They seem to not want to have anything to do with novices and live by the "Our way of filteration is the only way!!!" When I asked a staffer for some feeder guppies, he rolled his eyes and begrudgingly scooped up a netful.

This store has its pros and cons....if you can tolerate gruff staff and just want to go in and pick out a fish....some nice healthy examples await you.
Matt 18:01:38 4/21/2005
 

Healthy fish and people who know what they are doing. You pay the extra price, but it is worth it.

The staff can be a bit rude at times and the store is often filled with running screaming kids. So, go off hours.
FishieMan 08:00:14 2/13/2005
 

This one is huge and generally has good prices. More saltwater then anywhere else I have been. Does not carry to many rare fish, but occasionally there are some
eric 11:48:30 8/20/2004