CB'S Tropical Aquarium

Fantastic experience: I had great visit to the new CB’s this weekend! New location is incredible, spotless tanks and lots of variety. I am just getting back into the hobby. I received great customer service. I purchased this clown pleco for my 29 gallon planted freshwater tank. He seems to be settling in. I’m excited to return and see the new location get all stocked up.

Fantastic experience: Best aquarium store in Portland area. What you get here is great service and great advice. Travis only sells product that he believes in. His 30 years in this business is what saltwater, reef keepers, and freshwater hobbyists really need. Watch all the YouTube videos for background information that you want, but listen to only what Travis tells you. A winning knowledgable experienced formula that will make you a great success.

Fantastic experience: They are the best!!! They helped me out of an emergency koi pond catastrophe! Very helpful! Thank you so much!!!!

Fantastic experience: Love this store good people

Fantastic experience: Nice fish store fair prices, they are moving down the street to a better store next month can't wait! Very nice and helpful owner! Thanks!

Positive experience: Had a few beautiful Amazon sword plants. He is also moving in about a month right off 181 and division. In about a month I will definitely be back to check out the new location.

Fantastic experience: The guy working in there is nice and helpful a little bit on edge because bums randomly walk in but I can understand they have what I need and it's a smooth transaction

Fantastic experience: Great selection of fresh and salt water fish. Lots of great aquarium supplies for true enthusiasts!

Negative experience: Worst store ever, will never return. Talking shit about other stores is very rude!!!

Fantastic experience: Beautiful selection of salt and fresh water fish. We respected how the owner only sells Discus to ppl who know how to care for them. He cares about their future.

Fantastic experience: Do you take cash for aquariums and fish

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing customer service! They helped load everything I bought into the car, they cut the tank lid for me to fit my filter, they were overall really kind, helpful and funny! Also very informative to make sure our fish live a long and healthy life! Definitely going back for more later!

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

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: Great place the owner always takes the time to talk to me and help me with any issues

Fantastic experience: Knowledgeable freindly staff. Thanks for being there. I can see it ain't easy. Fight on.

Positive experience: Unique fish. And great staff. The girl who helped me was very informative and didn't make me feel annoying asking a bunch of questions.

Positive experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: Good prices, good tanks , good supplies of pretty much everything you need. Salt and freshwater

Negative experience: There are far better places to acquire fish and supplies.

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: Alot of fish in one tiny place. Loved walking through with my husband. Tanks are very lovely.

Fantastic experience: The owners absolutely amazing walk me through how to test my tank, all-around great experience

Fantastic experience: Small store. Great service. These folks know their stuff.

Fantastic experience: Very good customer service they have a lot of experience with saltwater fish and they answered all questions ... very good variety of fish

Fantastic experience: Always helpful. Nice selection of healthy fish. Limited hours so check ahead.

Fantastic experience: Very helpful to this novice, lots of good information. Fish selection was fine. Lots of accessories and supplies. Great place

Fantastic experience: So beautiful love the animallls!

Fantastic experience: I was so pleasantly surprised that this aquarium store was so humane to their fish, all looked healthy and not too overcrowded! We went in with low expectations and were blown out of the water! ;)

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: Neat little fish store! They have both freshwater and saltwater fish along with assorted tanks and accessories. Staff seemed friendly and i didn't get any bad vibes from the place!

Fantastic experience: I love the gal that helped me. I wish I knew her name. But she gave me a couple shrimp while trying to help someone on the phone. I thought I could multi-task but this gal could help two of us at the same time. Good job.

Fantastic experience: This place has some cool fish! Very helpful staff as well. I love coming here!

Fantastic experience: 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!

Fantastic experience: They have a lot of knowledge about each type of fish so that I could make educated decisions on what fish would be best for my situation.

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

Fantastic experience: Love going here. Absolutely trust their advice. They are my go to

Fantastic experience: 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.

Negative experience: Horrible customer service.. You will not feel welcome here. Don't even waste your time. Barely a fish selection. Go visit a better location with friendlier staff.

Positive experience: 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..

Fantastic experience: Small hole in the wall type place, but obviously well cared for and some great selection. I don't live anywhere near them but I'll definitely stop in when I'm in the area.

Fantastic experience: Have bought around 15 or 20 freshwater fish from this place which have all been healthy.

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: This is a real aquarium pet store. It's dark so you can really see the fish and staff is really knowledgeable about their hobby.

Fantastic experience: I’d have to say this couldn’t be in a better location for me! Wish the business hours were open later, but both the gentleman working here are always so helpful! This is my fav fish & supplies store, for sure!

Fantastic experience: 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.

Positive experience: Great place I get all my stuff from there will go back

Fantastic experience: Nice place with a huge selection of clownfish. This place is clean and organized.

Fantastic experience: One of the best local fish shops in PDX, always friendly staff and the fish seem healthy and taken care of.

Fantastic experience: Owners knows his fish! Incredibly helpful helping us find what we needed. He said he's been at this for 27 years. I highly recommend this place!

Fantastic experience: 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!

Negative experience: 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

Fantastic experience: Friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff. The store was clean and well stpcked

Fantastic experience: I always come get my RO water here for my plants! The owners are awesome and I'm glad to live so close!

Fantastic experience: Awesome store great recommendations even provided me with a free Beta after mine died after being in the hospital for 4 weeks in could not take care of him wonderful people

Fantastic experience: Great selection awesome Fish!

Fantastic experience: The owner is always really kind and knowledgeable. He prioritizes the safety of the fish over sales which is something large cooperations like PetCo dont do. Highly recommend this shop any day.

Fantastic experience: Excellent staff have all your aquarium needs whether salt water or freshwater high quality healthy fish always available

Fantastic experience: Super informative, good prices, friendly staff, and a very clean shop with healthy livestock. What a gem, ill be back for sure!

Negative experience: Over priced and Travis the owner is flat out rude will never shop there again

Fantastic experience: Amazing and helpful staff every time ive gone in. Very healthy fish, large selection of both fresh and salt water fish.

Fantastic experience: These people are knowledgeable and have any fish, or fish products u will need.

Fantastic experience: Great shop!

Fantastic experience: I am fairly new to the aquarium world and went in with a lot of questions. The person working there was so incredibly helpful. Not only did I get exactly what I needed, he also helped set up the tubing and explained what I needed to do for setup. Such a great experience.

Fantastic experience: Excellent staff, excellent selection, excellent store. The staff is very knowledgeable, and it seems as though the owner has decades of fish keeping experience. This is where I'll get all my fish from now on.

Fantastic experience: Couldn't ask for a more knowledgeable and friendly fish store. Fabulous fish to choose from

Fantastic experience: I was short ten dollars on getting medicine for my fish and the owner let me get it anyways and to pay him later. Very passionate about the hobby and great prices, I won't ship anywhere else because the good experience and great customer service.

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: I can’t believe how clean this place is. This is the nicest aquarium shop I think I’ve seen. Great variety of salt water and freshwater fish. this is my new store, the parking is a little tight, but well worth the trouble. keep up the good work!

Fantastic experience: 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

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: Update: Wouldn’t want to go anywhere else for corals or fish. I’ve been searching for a hawk fish and found one finally at CB’s he was a little stressed after being caught and instead of selling me a stressed out fish that probably wouldn’t make it home he will hold him for me till tomorrow to see if he does ok. Honesty and integrity go a long ways now days!! We will make the trip from the coast when we want more corals or fish. Still by far one of the cleanest and healthiest fish stores I’ve been too from Newport to Portland!! Every tanks on its own system and they are spotless!! He didn’t have many corals but the ones he did have are beautiful and very healthy!! The store location isn’t the best but I’d gladly drive from Newport again to get coral or fish from CB’s!! All the corals I bought are doing AMAZING! And are by far the fastest growing in my tank!

Fantastic experience: I was very impressed by the cleanliness of the tanks and the deep knowledge of the proprietor.

Fantastic experience: Travis, the owner of CB's Tropical Aquarium is AWESOME! He cares and doesn't just try and sale you anything just for Him to make a Profit! Stand up Guy!

Fantastic experience: 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.

Negative experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable staff. Helped us set up our 25 gallon reef tank with all the things. Pump, lights, sand, water. Not a high fish display at the time but they seem very popular. Our place to get water we trust.

Fantastic experience: Been going here nearly 20 years. I've always been impressed with the selection and knowledgeable staff

Negative experience: The store and tanks were clean and the fish seemed healthy. One star because the employee gave off a super gatekeeper vibe. My bad, I guess, for bothering him with my noob questions. Definitely won't be spending any more money in there as there are several other tropical fish stores in town. Edit: Revised to one star, from two, for BS response from the owner.

Negative experience: When I called up the person on the phone never actually talked to me instead he was talking to one of his friends.

Fantastic experience: crepe place, the owner of the store so nice guy and he knows what he's doing place is kept clean smells healthy nicely laid out Lot ogi things that if you need them they're there.

Fantastic experience: I jest want to thank Travis for really helping me out with putting my tank together. He wasn’t real costly like a few other guy wanted to charge me. CB’S will keep my business as long as I’m in the hubby. I really appreciate you

Fantastic experience: Always great place to get fish specially saltwater fish

Positive experience: The employee was friendly. They had a lot of accessories as well as a decent fish and coral selection. They also had the one hard to find item I was looking for.

Fantastic experience: Good selection of healthy fresh and salt water fish. Super helpful and knowledge abounds

Fantastic experience: Red sea dealer and customer service was second to none. The owner Travis stayed late just to help me out. Highly recommended!!

Fantastic experience: They are very accommodating and friendly. Great advise and customer service is off the charts! I will comeback!

Negative experience: Still won't go there

Fantastic experience: Nice people. Cool fish. Big tanks at reasonable prices. I've gotten two fire eels a ghost knife and two angelfish from them. All healthy. They seem to genuinely appreciate their customers.

Negative experience: It's ok but has very little selection and price are high

Fantastic experience: First time fish buyer. The owner helped answer a bunch of questions before I was ready to get a tank. Later I got one and he put it together for me before I took it to my place and went over what I needed to do to get it up and running. After I got it set up the owner also tested my water for me on a couple of different occasions (especially before I got some fish) and since then has helped me pick out fish that would work well with what I already have. Super helpful would definitely recommend this place.

Fantastic experience: This place is awesome!! Travis is crazy knowledgeable and helpful and makes you feel like family. Everytime my fiance and I go he has been super helpful & everytime we call the store with questions he's been helpful. My fiance and I would recommend this place to everyone. Thanks CB's for having everything we need and more. Luckily we have you and your products (since what you have is better than regular corporate pet stores). Thank you CB's & Travis!

Fantastic experience: Great advice. Healthy fish

Fantastic experience: Great fish shop.

Fantastic experience: 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!

Fantastic experience: I felt like it is important for me to leave a review for CB's, first, because I have now been in several times. I always seem to go in when Paul is working. He has been very helpful and knowledgeable on fish/ aquarium care and very much an asset to this company. I am new to the hobby and he has always taken the time to listen and answer all of my newbie question without making me feel uncomfortable. Second, I want to leave a review because there is another fish (*!@ spot) store that has a lot of younger people working there, that don't want to give the time of day.. and don't have the years of experience CB's has on staff. Yes, CB's is a small store comparatively, but they also have healthy tanks and they have a reasonable return of product/ livestock, which is unlike the (*!@ spot) other store that accept no returns on product and no returns unless your livestock dies within 24 hrs and even that is only if they agree with your water parameters. Not to mention that other (*!@ spot) store has black beard algae and fish with ich in their tanks of fish for sell, so don't waste your time and your money. Come on out to CB's and get your aquarium on! And thank you CB's for my two beautiful Angels. I'll be back for more.

Negative experience: Wow the guy behind the counter had an attitude. I asked about Koi and it was as if I had asked for a three headed snake.

Fantastic experience: 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.