CB'S Tropical Aquarium

Delaney Stevans

2023-05

I've gotten three rummy nose tetras from here as well as some hardscape materials and a sponge filter + air pump for my freshwater tanks and I've had good experiences each time. One of the tetras died before I got home (and my house is only a 15 minute drive away from the store at the most, more like 10 minutes realistically), but honestly, I know that rummy noses are fragile tetras so I don't blame the store. I figure if it was something on their end, all of them would've bit the dust in that time frame instead of just the one. The hardscape materials I've picked up have been exactly what I've been looking for and I appreciated the suggestion of the sponge filter for my red claw crab tank instead of using a traditional HOB. I will say that the air pump noise kind of drives me insane, but that's a me problem to figure out and not a store problem - my crabs love the bubbles from the sponge filter so honestly, the store nailed it with the suggestion. I've attached photos of the hardscape materials I got from CB's just to show how top notch they are though. I honestly haven't found "showcase" pieces at prices this good ANYWHERE, including online. I will say that CB's definitely feels like more of a saltwater focused store, but they still do have a good selection for freshwater tanks, and I'll definitely be frequenting them when I eventually get a saltwater setup rustled together for sure.

Tony Wallace

2020-05

Great selection of both salt water fresh water fish to choose from. Place and thanks are clean and staff was friendly and helpful. Also has some of the best Discus fish in town.

Mike Nelson

2021-05

Had a great experience here. Very knowledgeable owner and healthy fish. I wanted to try an independent tropical fish store after previously using a national chain. The variety and quality of the fish and service is dramatically better here. I will definitely be coming back.

John Miller

2023-11

Travis was super helpful. Accommodated us with all the fish, products and more importantly the info we needed to our family's fish adventure.Support local businesses like this.

Walter Fowler

2024-01

Advertises African cichlids but only discus and saltwater available. Otherwise a nice store and owner seemed cool.

Haylee Wagner

2023-05

Went in with the purpose of educating myself as a new fish owner, they were very knowledgeable and attentive to me. I ended up buying my aquarium from there and plan to go back when I'm ready to get my fish! It's a bit further away from me, but absolutely worth the drive.

JR Montez

2022-05

Paul is super sweet. I have anxiety and he made me feel comfy, was patient & helped me set up my new saltwater tank.

Pacu

2023-08

Iv purchased freshwater fish here years ago that are still healthy today.Also some redlegs crabs in the recent months.100% success rate.These two visit had different people working.Unfortunately had to bring my 5 to a 4 on my third visit.My last visit I felt like I was being either G checked , Gate kept, or maybe he was just trying to upsell.I was told incorrect information possibly to spend more.It felt just bizzare and not enjoyable. Take my time without being followed around and or questioned like im throwing a fish I'm a coke bottle.

Drussell Russell

2024-03

Wonderful and very knowledgeable.

Wayne's Mobile RV Repair

2022-05

Travis has been excellent to work with! He performs excellent maintenance on our tank, gives great advice and delivers a quality, well-rounded service. He's also fun to talk to! Thank you for working so hard to keep our fish happy!

mainstreamlala T

2019-05

Do You need a tank? You need fish? You need water? You need maintenance? Ect this is you store extremely knowledgeable and will get you in the right direction.

Cassidy Ferry

2022-05

Just moved to the area and went to get some new guys for the tank. Walked in and the guy working greeted us with a smile. The store was well kept up and the fish were healthy. Overall great service and price! Will be back again.

Robert Weitekamp

2021-05

The manager Travis is very helpful. He has a great selection of clownfish.

shawn fester

2022-05

Beautiful tanks, well cared for with a large selection of fish, both fresh water and salt water. We were acknowledged and offered assistance from the owner who offered to answer any questions we might have. No fish was bought this visit, but we have plans to return within the week to pick up 2 or 3 new members for our aquarium family..

Makena Barnett

2021-05

I love seeing the passion that the owner has for these fish. He is so knowledgeable about fish and is definitely there to help you have the most successful tank around! Love that I can ask him questions without feeling judged for being an amateur. 11/10 Would Recommend!

Amanda Couch

2020-05

So far I have been really happy with my service here, it was easy to navigate around the store and the guy who works here was helpful in answering questions. I ended up getting three guppy's and a catfish. He was nice enough to give me one guppy as a "Christmas present" unfortunately on the second day the cats fish died. I brought him back into the store to see if maybe it was something I had done. We tested the water I brought in with the fish to find out I needed to work on balancing out some of the Ph and things in my tank. He was super helpful and tested some water from one of his own tanks so I could see the side by side and compare. He set me up with the correct additives and said to come back in a few days to test again and that he could help me out with a new fish. I followed his instructions and things have been good so far. I need to still bring water back for testing but so far so good. One thing I did when I got back was look up the water treatments he has sold me to compare price. I was shocked the find out that his prices were actually CHEAPER than online which is crazy to find anywhere!! Hope to go back shortly and I won't hesitate to take advise or buy new products from them

Ron Gabbart

2018-05

We came to Portland to check out several local fish stores as we have only big chain stores where we live.This place was easy to find and had good parking. The store was a bit small but it was well stocked with supplies and fish.We came in search of a few certain types of fish, which he had. They were in very good shape and very well priced. He said his stock was low due to him not taking shipments due to the heat. I like that. Even with his stock being low I felt he had a good selection of fish.The owner was helpful and straightforward. Another positive. We are heading back tomorrow to pick up several fish to take back home with us.

David Haldane

2020-05

I was in Portland home shopping and gave the store a call to inquire about water and supplies I’d need to move my reef tank. The man who answered the phone was friendly and informative. Needing a new tank to have established by moving time, I stopped by to purchase the black Red Sea Reefer 65 gallon system in the back of the store. The staff member was busy talking to an older couple about basic fish care for quite a while and I was never acknowledged. I did not have time to continue waiting and purchased a system elsewhere.After response from the owner: As I can also see the point of view that staff was also working to provide a good customer experience for another group I have updated this review from a 3 to a 5 star, as it’s an unfair review.

Jacob Fuchs

2022-05

Small shops with cool workers are hard to find, normally with just one person they are in 100 different directions not only is the man running a business but he is also taking care of live animals AND balancing salt water and fresh water tanks. Great selection and some of the most beautiful Discus I’ve seen, I only bought little stuff but even while the man (idk if he’s the owner) was on the phone helping someone he still made sure I was ok and didn’t have questions. Awesome little atmosphere too with some cool equipment. I’d suggest this place to anyone.

Lucas Turner

2017-05

The owner Travis and his colleague Paul have been nothing but amazing. They are incredibly experienced, knowledgeable, and honest. They won't try to push a sale if it isn't good for the tank, and are happy to guide you through the process. Furthermore, they price competitively and will offer a bargain whenever possible. If you are in search for fish or fish supplies come see these guys.

Joseph Franko

2020-05

This place is fantastic! Great selection and prices. The tanks are well maintained and the fish are healthy. I Have bought fish 3 different times now and they are all beautiful and nothing like what you see at big box stores. Super friendly crew and very knowledgeable.

Jay Titsworth

2019-05

I needed a new light for my tank in a pinch, so I called up CB's and the owner, Travis, went out of his way to set aside the last Hydra 26 for me to pick up. He also price-matched the mount for the light and that was cool. In addition, he pulled a mesh screen off a display tank to sell to me at basically cost, which really made my day. The customer service was above and beyond! Definitely worth the drive across town. Thank you again, Travis!

Christy Wilson

2017-05

Best service and staff in the field. Travis and his team go above and beyond what any place would. The quality of the fish, and supplies is top notch. They take the time to educate and explain everything you need to know to be successful in the fish world. I highly recommend them over anyone in the industry.

Chandler

2023-05

The staff is super knowledgeable. Especially when it comes to Reef care. Travis and Paul are definitely world class. If you are local to the Portland OR area definitely stop inn.

Jim Sampson

2020-05

Went in over the weekend and had a lot of questions. Travis was very knowledgeable and recommended a few options. Nice inventory and selection. Made r purchase and look forward to returning to fill the new tank.

Martin Stringer

2016-05

After nearly a decade off from having salt water tanks we recently got back into the hobby. We travel nearly 30 miles to get our equipment and fish from here. The Owner, Travis, is very professional, knowledge and he doesn't try to oversell you. He helped me troubleshoot my first ever sump set up and it's now running great. I highly recommend this establishment for your aquarium needs!!!

Colton Davis

2021-05

Bought several fish and plecos from them. While so far the rest are doing good, the most expensive fish I got that were $45 for 3 and all of them have died within a two day span. All of my water levels are stable and healthy. No reason fish should have died. Thankfully I had them in a hospital tank so no issues with my current fish. Should have walked out as soon as I saw how many dead fish were in the bottom of the tanks there. Only reason I’d ever go back is possibly for some live coral, other than that I’d avoid this place or have a hospital tank and be prepared to lose some of the fish

Chad Smith

2014-05

I've known the CB's location for years and years. The staff and knowledge is top shelf and most of all, "honest". Even when it's not what you want to hear, the owner Travis gives it to you straight and I really appreciate that. Because I've been a lifelong saltwater enthusiast, and every time I go in there, I learn something new in a way that's not undermining or takes away from a hobby that I love so much. This is a great place, a great resource and you won't be disappointed

Anna Hilbruner

2020-05

The place and fish looked nice inside. The guy staffing was not so nice. Clearly was not interested in helping a couple of newbies find their way into the aquarium world.CB's response below is pure bull. There was one other family in the shop. No phone calls coming in and the other family got less attention than we did. If you look at the bad reviews it seems a common excuse.

Josh Oller

2016-05

This place has outstanding customer service, a great selection of fish that I have not seen at other locations. The owner has patiently helped me over the phone and once even came out to see my tank that I was having problems with and was able to help me settle the tank all at no charge.They have won my business. ... Oh and the store dog is great.