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October 2024 by Christopher “Chris” Timleck
Not much selection for fresh water fish, but they did have the cardinal tetras I was looking for. Unfortunately, of the 6 purchased fish, all 6 passed within 5-7 days. This came as a surprise as I've acclimatized many fish in different aquariums over the years.
The new home for the fish was an established 20 gallon aquarium with many live plants and small friendly tank mates (algae eaters). Some of those tank mates were 3-4 years old.
As I was troubleshooting, I saw that all of my parameters were in optimal range and that all remnants of the deceased fish were removed. Shortly after that process is when I noticed that all of my other fish in the aquarium now have very apparent signs of ich.
I try to support smaller businesses as much as I can, but the quality of freshwater fish is very concerning. On top of that, now I'll be dealing with medicating a once very healthy aquarium, which I find very disappointing.
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October 2024 by Bruce Donaldson
Such helpful and knowledgeable staff. I'm very thankful for your kind service.
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October 2024 by Daryl Beauchamp
I have been a customer of this store for over 15 years. They built a customized aquarium and cabinet around that time.
I have read some of the negative reviews which can’t be further from the truth from my experience along with my friends and family.
It seems easy for negative reviewers to try and hurt a small business when they don’t like the answer they are getting or need someone to blame.
From the owners, Randy and Lori, to the staff I have interacted with over the years, they genuinely care about your success in the hobby and together with me, come up with solutions when things might not work out.
The saltwater hobby has its challenges as equipment will fail in a saltwater environment at some point. Aquarium Illusions will always try and make it right whether it be ordering a piece of equipment , fish etc.
Hobbyists who have fish that die on them suddenly can result from improper acclimation procedures, stress, or adaption to your reef habitants. A copper band butterfly is a demanding species to introduce. I’ve had that experience with them as my tangs killed it. I took a chance and didn’t work out. Not AI’s fault but we discussed this result might happen.
The staff is probably the most knowledgeable in our city. The coral and fish stock levels are constantly being maintained. They certainly can give you updates when next shipments are coming in.
Over the years, I have dealt with Ron, Shawn, Craig, Amber and now Chris, Derek and Destiny and others I’m forgetting who have been professional, respectful, valued opinions, options etc. If they don’t know, they get back to me. What else would you want from a specialized store.
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October 2024 by Jenna Thebeau
Visited from out of province and sooo happy I stopped by. Soooo many great freshwater fish and plants! Staff were extremely helpful and kind. Will definitely be back!
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October 2024 by Corey Wilkinson
Overpriced and bad selection.
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October 2024 by Amy Wehnan
Found it really expensive and not much stock
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October 2024 by Lance N
First time at this store, I was extremely impressed with the selections of corals, the prices and the service I received. They have a great selection of saltwater fish as well. I will definitely be back next time I’m in edmonton.
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October 2024 by Umberto Giardino
I would highly recommend aquarium illusions if you’re starting a new saltwater/freshwater aquarium or looking for new products/equipment. Friendly environment. Knowledgeable staff . They also carry products for your dogs cats. 5 stars *****
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October 2024 by Arthur Wihlidal
I have been doing business with Aquarium Illusions for about 20 years. They are still by far the best aquarium store in Edmonton.
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October 2024 by Brody Sarafinchan
Phenomenal service and knowledgeable staff, look no further for all your aquarium needs
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October 2024 by Taylor Nery
walked out because staff was rude
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October 2024 by Cassandra Jade
Decided to give this place a chance as I was in the area and although they seemed to have a good selection upon closer inspection I noticed a few dead fishes in their tanks.. I figured okay, maybe it’s the one off so I decided to look past it. I purchased a clown fish only to have it die in my tank soon after.
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October 2024 by Lisa Wilton
Lots has changed since I was in the hobby last but Aquarium Illusions helped me get going again with a custom tank. They helped me design it, supplied everything and even installed it. They are also coming in to maintain it and keep it flourishing. I love the selection of fish & corals at this Shop and the friendly helpful service I get there. Happy to be in the hobby again
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October 2024 by Brandon freigang
Always like stopping by the store when I’m in Edmonton. I have been wanting to get into the saltwater hobby for a long time. Lori and Chris have been very helpful to talk to. Can’t wait to pick up my first pair of clowns when I get back from work.
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October 2024 by Mike Benson
**If I could give zero stars, I would.**
I’ve spent **thousands of dollars** with this company, only to have my entire fish tank wiped out overnight after their last visit. They certainly didn’t go out of their way to make me feel like a valued customer—rather, they were more interested in shifting the blame onto me for their own negligence.
Here’s how it went:
I reached out to this company to clean my fish tank since I’m no expert and had one fish that was looking less than ideal. After the first visit, the technician said my tank wasn’t that bad and suggested I feed the fish a little more, as one was looking skinnier than it should be. *Feed it more*. Because clearly, that’s the expert solution for a fish on the verge of death. I even asked about quarantining the fish, but his response? “No need.” When it came to the health of my water, he said the phosphate levels were lower than normal, but apparently, nothing to worry about. I mentioned that my RO water system was older, and while he recommended getting a new one, it wasn’t urgent. Instead, they convinced me to spend $450 on a new filter system to “clean up impurities” in the tank.
Fast forward a month, and my royal gramma fish was on the verge of death, so I called them again. At this point, my tank was flourishing and looking the best it had in a while. The technician shrugged and basically said, “it’ll either get better or it won’t.” Once again, I brought up the RO water, and he reassured me that the new filter system they sold me would take care of any impurities, so there was no need to worry. The service guy’s advice?When I expressed concern about my old RO water, I was told it was fine because the new $450 filter they sold me would “take care of the impurities.” Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
Fast forward to the most recent visit: my tank was **flourishing**—fish, corals, crabs, all thriving. The serviceman came, gave me a thumbs up, and reassured me everything was perfect. Later that evening, I noticed some of my previously healthy fish, who were thriving before their visit, suddenly looking like they were fighting for their lives.
I went to bed feeling uneasy but, trusting the servicing would help my tank and woke up to... **an aquatic graveyard**. Every single one of my seven fish, two lobsters, my crab, and all my coral? Dead. Overnight.
I called the company immediately, hoping for some accountability. Instead, I was ignored for hours by both the owner and manager. When I finally managed to speak to another manager, they seemed clueless and told me they’d “call me back.” When they did, I was somehow blamed for killing all my fish. Yes, after following their advice to the letter, it was *my fault*. They even threw in a claim that I was yelling at their staff—which, for the record, never happened. I calmly emailed them my concerns the same night, then followed up the next morning after being ghosted.
I’ve spent thousands with this company over the years, diligently following their every recommendation to maintain my tank, and their grand solution to wiping out my entire tank overnight? A generous 25% off, because nothing says “we killed everything in your tank” like a token discount.
Judging by their track record of replying to negative reviews, I’m not expecting anything different—just more proof of how little they value their customers. It’s poor business practice at its finest. Save yourself the heartache and your money. Do yourself a favor and avoid this company. Go somewhere that actually values your business and knows how to take accountability.
