Big Al's Aquarium Supercentres - Whitby

Fantastic experience: Always the staff is really helpful

Fantastic experience: if you want fish or fish stuff this is the store

Fantastic experience: Steve at the Whitby location is very knowledgeable when it comes to taking care of fish. He is very friendly and willing to help even after we purchased our Fantail goldfish there that got sick. I'm a very satisfied with the customer service I received from Steve and will specially make the trip to Big Al's in Whitby because of Steve. He is a great guy

Fantastic experience: Knowledgeable staff, good variety of fish and plants at this location, no complaints

Negative experience: Misinformation and really obnoxious attitudes from the floor staff. The cashiers are nice and friendly.

Fantastic experience: So many different types of fish you can't get anywhere else.

Positive experience: Good customer service and a lot of variety of Aquarium and Fishes.

Fantastic experience: Friendly informative staff Great selection of fish.

Positive experience: Great selection of aquarium and reptile supplies. Huge selection of fish plants snails and shrimp. It does seem kind of expensive but not terrible for the selection.

Fantastic experience: Went with my son and grandson and my grandson was fascinated with all the different fish

Fantastic experience: Always a great place to see the fish. Lots of great ideas to purchase as well.

Fantastic experience: Great spot for aquarium supplies and very helpful people

Fantastic experience: I just wanted take a moment to let you know guys that I really appreciate bringing this business to the community. Amazing workers Andrew, richard , Roy Steve HaleyEverybody . They take the time to explain how Aquariums en general work . Anytime that I need anything they will order for me . Thank you guys honestly.. hermano lol ..I wouldn't have a reef aquarium without your knowledge. I appreciate it ..

Negative experience: First time going to Big Al’s to get some more fish for our tank and immediately I noticed how many dead fish were in the tanks as we were looking at what fish to get. Should have known something was wrong then but we pick out 7 fish, and in about 2 weeks we had 4 die. One fish didn’t even make it home. All our old fish including the one from Pet Value are fine and doing well but all our fish from Big Al’s are dying. Don’t waste your money on fish from here they won’t last long and they are way over priced for what you get. The tanks were gross and they don’t take out the dead fish when they die they just leave them floating around the tank for who knows how long. Also none of the staff asked if we needed help or anything like that, never going back again.

Fantastic experience: Love Big ALs ! I buy everything from them for my fish needs ! I can’t wait to visit again to see new fish !

Fantastic experience: First visit to Big Al's was great. Staff approached me first, were very helpful, even providing written specific instructions. They price matched to Amazon without me even asking. Got this nifty light for the sea monkeys. Good experience, will be back.

Fantastic experience: The time has come to write my official review! My first visit here was about 3 weeks ago when I decided to get back into Aquariums. Staff have been incredibly helpful and friendly and instead of just sticking with my little 10 gallon tank, I purchased a complete 65 gallon set up!!! My little tank has a gorgeous Betta fish and my big tank has been started on freshwater tropicals! I'd like to give a big shout out to Roy who helped me make all the right choices for my big tank set up. To Andrew (and the other other young man whose name I didn't get) for helping me the day of my purchase and to Steve for helping me pick out my first tropical fish. He also made me feel pretty good about the limited fish knowledge I have and when I showed him my Betta tank set up he said my fish just won the lottery! Go visit Big Al's, you won't be disappointed!

Fantastic experience: Very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly staff. Number one place to go to for all my fish needs.

Negative experience: Live about 4 hours away was in the GTA area, so we stopped at a couple of locations as we regularly visit the ottawa location. Grabbed a few different cichlids and a pleco for our tank from each loction, all healthy and doing well. We were pleased with the service in both locations, except for the cashier at this location. We didn't realize we couldn't use our point at a privately owned store. When we questioned it, she got snippy and started bashing the other store, stating that we dont communicate or, like other stores, she didn't believe we used our point earned in ottawa could be used in another location. Needless to say cause of this one cashiers attitude we will not be returning to this location next time we visit the GTA area

Positive experience: The selection is unparalleled. The downside is how they offer their services. There are 4-5 staff in the middle behind ropes, you must get a clipboard and bring your order to the centre. Not one person asked if we needed help or if we had any questions. Another patron was trying to buy fish and had her clipboard and said "why is this so complicated". I have been to the big Al's in Kitchener and they don't operate like this, they are super helpful and answer all your questions. Needless to say we didn't purchase anything and I wouldn't go there for help.

Fantastic experience: Stopped in for some supplies, wide selection and helpful staff

Fantastic experience: If you are in Durham and have or want an aquarium, this IS the place for you. The selection is incredible and the staff are very helpful/knowledgeable.

Fantastic experience: Always have what I need friendly staff. Called to order for pick up and excellent service provided.

Negative experience: Very disappointed with Big Al's in Whitby. Bought 12 snails and 8 guppies within 2 weeks all of the snails died and within 4 weeks 7 guppies died. Tested the water and it was okay.

Fantastic experience: I've been here many times always excellent customer service never any issues with The fish we buy

Fantastic experience: Love all the Big Al's we've made it to so far!

Fantastic experience: Excellent customer service good and healthy Fish no issues with all the fish we buy

Fantastic experience: Excellent assortment of all things aquatic. Aquariums; plants; fish; fish food.... A super place for all levels of enthusiasts!

Fantastic experience: I would 100000000000% recommend Big Al's Aquarium Supercentre for any of your aquarium needs. Everyone is super friendly, and they are super helpful. I can't wait to go back there.

Fantastic experience: One of my favorite stores to browse through just to kill some time. They always have cool looking fish. used to have a shark back in the bad.

Fantastic experience: Extremely helpful staff and great stock.

Fantastic experience: Was looking for a specific fish food. They found me a better alternative

Fantastic experience: Really awesome place for your aquarium needs. Used to go to the scarborough location for years, but now this is much closer to my place. They got good variety of fish.

Positive experience: My rating isn't a reflection of the entire store - some are good dudes who really are willing to help when required. 1. Patrick in the fish room is absolutely amazing - genuine guy who knows what he is doing and does not sell anything to you. 2. Richard at the front desk and Travis in the fish room are good, helpful, and easy to speak with. Long story short: Bought three juvenile cichlids at noon on boxing day and added them to a cycled tank. Two cichlids settled down quickly. The blood parrot hid for 24 hours and then started swimming sideways - called and spoke with them - was asked to bring the fish over. I wanted to save the fish and possibly get a replacement, was asked to come over, to know my options. Realized after getting there that the manager in the fish room was a rule book based robot disguised as a human being. She educated me that my only hope/chance for a resolution was: 1. Need the fish room slip (usually bagged alongside the fish) - Most important document) 2. Need the bill/receipt from the main desk 3. Would consider half credit only if I had the fish room slip - they have no other way to know the type of fish purchased. The rule book robot and a buddy of hers also educated me that the fish room slip mentions all of this and I should read everything on that slip before buying anything from her store. It doesn't matter if you are a member and every purchase is logged. When I mentioned that I may have the receipt, Iwas told that there could be no solution without the fish room slip. Absolutely no letting up, inspite of showing her a picture of the water parameters that I clicked, right before heading to the store. If you are buying fish from this store, please make sure that you spend 10 minutes and read up everything on every piece of paper, before paying. All of this despite Patrick suggesting to her that the fish was bought just 24 hours ago and it could be replaced. In any case, I thanked Patrick (again - great guy to buy fish from), met Richard on the way out and he was understanding enough to apologize and provide half credit for my purchase. I can appreciate the variables involved in credits/refund issues. I bought another blood parrot, Patrick reassured that the returned fish will be just fine and tbh.. that was most important.. Some of the other stores have better customer friendly guarantees though.. Scarborough Big Als issues store credits within the first 15 days if there is an issue with the fish NAFB replaces fish in the first 5 days in case of issues - and tell you so when you buy. Petsmart has a 15 day refund policy if you keep their paper receipt - and they tell you so when buying. But hey - let me close out this review on a positive note; Patrick, Richard, Travis and a couple of good folks over at the billing counter - Have a great new year. I wish all.of you guys and your fish an amazing 2025. To the Robot disguised as a lady manager in the fish room and to your robot buddy who educated me about your terms and conditions - do robots celebrate New Year's too? If yes - Happy New Year - Here's wishing that your wiring is tuned and adjusted in 2025 to help your customers when required. And if that too does not help, shadow Patrick for a week and learn from him!!!! So far, you both have only been coded to bag fish, write their names on a piece of paper, and read our rules, terms and conditions in a rude tone and aggressive posture...just out of curiosity - are you coded to ape a convict cichlid"s persona? I do hope that you enjoy reading this review as much as I hated spending 15 minutes to write all this out.. Thanks again.....Patrick - and do help your colleagues out... i trust that you won't give up on your manager!!! All the best!!

Fantastic experience: Faith is by far one of the most pleasant employees I’ve ever dealt with ANYWHERE. Her passion is undeniable and anytime I get to deal with her is a privilege. ‘Literally would buy fish all day’ if I could hang out and learn from her more lol.

Positive experience: Love coming here to see all the different aquatic life they have to offer. Brought our son here to see fish for the first time, I think he really liked seeing all the colors

Fantastic experience: Always a joy coming here, you never know what new species of fish they will have that day. They have a very large stock of anything you would need for fish, Im here almost every week where I hand over most of my paycheck, enough said

Fantastic experience: My step daughters love their new tropical fish. Thank you for taking the time to give detailed instructions on how to macimise these fish and enjoy them for as long as possible.

Fantastic experience: Been going to BIG Al's since I was a child with my Dad. Never had anything but great service and help

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff. Clean store. Great prices and healthy fish!

Fantastic experience: Knowledgeable staff, high-quality fish, and price are a bit high, but it is worth ;)

Positive experience: The people there are great and very helpful. Definitely one of the better aquarium stores around Scarborough.

Fantastic experience: I absolutely love this place. Everyone is happy to help you and very knowledgeable. Their prices and selection are great, I no longer put as much effort into shopping around since I know they are priced well. I've been to other locations as well which were fine, but the Whitby location has the best group of employees, in my opinion. Check them out!

Positive experience: A great selection of fish, but watch out for sales people who try to get you to buy the more expensive item. Save your receipts for fish, they only give returns up to 5 days with receipt only.

Fantastic experience: Best location in my opinion. Great staff and best variety of fish

Positive experience: Huge variety of options for your aquariums, and a few reptile things. Betas are very poorly treated, and many fish are not very healthy but you'd only know tjat if you do your research.

Negative experience: Nobody jumped to help me for the time I was in there. Visited on August 9th around 5:30 PM. All 3 staff members were all sitting on there phone at the exact same time behind the desk in the room where all the fish are (5:40 -5:45 PM) not paying any attention to customers. Any time I needed something I felt like I was annoying them because they would rather sit on their phones.

Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable staff who want you to have a good experience with the hobby. I appreciate that they are not afraid to ask questions to ensure you are aware of what you are buying instead of just bagging the fish up and sending you on your way. They have great weekly specials and a wide selection of animals, plants, decor, supplies, and food. I'd recommend visiting even if it's to gain knowledge.

Fantastic experience: Had the most wonderful experience today. Haven't had too many wins lately but my faith in humanity was restored. Finished up with my weekly back injections and needed to pick up a scraper for my fish tank. Got there way before opening and I'm assuming it was the owner or manager was outside early to cut the grass before the heat kicked in. Hooked me up with exactly what I needed. Bro was a superstar.

Fantastic experience: Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Good selection of aquatic pet and reptile products for a fair price. Place keeps their tanks and store in a clean environment for both customers and their fish they have in stock. I personally just bought their remaining 3 Golden Marble Angels and they are gorgeous!

Fantastic experience: Big Al's is clean the employee's are very helpful. I enjoy getting all my Fish & Aquarium filters, food etc from here.

Fantastic experience: Brought my grandkids to Big Al's because I had to get some feeder goldfish. They loved seeing all the cool fish, and I love that new koi pond! The staff is always helpful and nice here.

Fantastic experience: Been coming here for for over 20 years , ever since I got my first aquarium as a kid. I refuse to buy animals at big box pet stores. The level of care, and knowledge of the staff at big als is second to none, prices are very competitive and the selection of fish both fresh and saltwater has to be the largest east of Toronto. I live in the kawarthas now , and still drive almost an hour specifically to this store anytime I need something aquarium related!

Fantastic experience: Amazing staff, always very helpful and willing to share their knowledge. Started with a 20g and now I have a 40, a 30, and the 20. They have the best products and good deals on various items. Even though I’m in bowmanville, it’s always worth the drive. Especially with the amazing selections of plants and fish. If anyone is wanting to start a hobby (expensive lol) this is the place to go to.

Positive experience: Very nice store and friendly staff, and they have a whole bunch of fish varieties to choose from, but there prices are a bit pricey and there return policy is a bit weird, they don’t pay you back for you money, they gave you credit, i wish if they just gave the money back!

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing selection of fish service is always fast Amazing deals on fish and tanks very good warrentys

Negative experience: Worse experience ever. If there was an option not to select a star then that would have been my choice. Purchase 3 fish within a few days beta died. The other two only had one eye each. I had to be asking if it was those fish are and then later the other one comes in. The worse recommendations ever to use this company and location. Not ever again.

Fantastic experience: Great staff! They are very knowledgeable about the fish keeping hobby. I highly recommend them. Also, the pricing on products is very competitive to Amazon and other pet stores. In fact, big al’s is a few dollars cheaper on most products.

Fantastic experience: Big Al's has always been an amazing store in Whitby but recently they have gone above and beyond to not only help us purchase a new pump but they have have helped to fix an older pump twice with kindness and courtesy! Thank you so much!!

Negative experience: bought some ruby tetra from them and fish came infected with Ich, 3 days after purchase it killed 6 other fish in my tank, I thought it's a common practice for fish store to treat their incoming fish with internal/external parasite medicine regarless if they show symptoms or not, there are a lot of none-invasive treatments so it doesn't make sense to not do it, 5 days in a clean heated tank and your problems are gone Edit: upon remembering their fish station they soak all their nets in water, and who does that to leave a mess every time you go use the net? So they must have known some of their livestock have issues and soak the nets in hydrogen peroxide solutions maybe, it's just my guess, but if it's true then that's really evil knowing a deadly problem but decide to cover up

Fantastic experience: Visited today looking for specific filter cartridges I wasn't able to find at other pet stores. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and answered my inquiries about other products. The store is clean and well lit, the prices are very fair. I'm a happy customer.

Negative experience: Absolutely terrible store. Doesn't care for their fish properly at all, picked up fish today only to get home to notice they had ripped apart tails and fins. Called into the store and they tell me "it's not their problem it's my problem" since I bought the fish! Watch out for this location everyone, they are horrible and rude!

Negative experience: Very disappointed went in website wanted to purchase the 75 gallon for that price an got told they don't update there websites the tank went from 310 after taxes online to 395 in store I'm very disappointed website should be updated. I feel like I could of gotten a used one for less then what I just paid for

Negative experience: Never buy marine fish from this store! I bought a sleep gold head goby last week from this store and put it in one of our fish tanks, two days later, all other fish, including one mata tang and two clown fish died, the only possibility is that the goby brought bacteria/fungi to the tank. We asked to return our fish back and the store staff says there is no refund for marine fish, even if you bought fish and it died one day later in your tank, NO REFUND! DO NOT BUT ANY MARINE FISH FROM THIS STORE! Update: I posted the above comment to the store’s Instagram post, they blocked me right after! I bought five fish tanks, more than 30 fish, and accessories, spent more than $10000 in this store. They treat me like this! I’ll never buy any fish from this store any more!!

Positive experience: Lots of variety of fish and everything you need to keep them happy and healthy

Negative experience: Cancelled the big al bucks I spent a lot of money to get. This is just bad business and a slap in the face to a loyal customer. I will find a new pet store.

Positive experience: Great location, good knowledgeable staff. Always asked if I need a hand which is great. Great fish selection.

Fantastic experience: Recently had a great experience at Big Al's when looking for a new pump for a turtle aquarium. We also had questions about a pump from another aquarium that wasn't working properly. They fixed our noisy pump and then suggested a good quality pump for other aquarium which will save us so much money in the long run. Thank you to Andrew and the amazing team for all of your help!!

Negative experience: They can be helpful and knowledgeable, although it's really hit or miss. My issue, is with how they have a bunch of beta fish slowly dying in tiny little bowls on a wall that have been there for God knows how long. I wish they'd do better for these fish. They need so much more than what they're being given. I've stopped frequenting here because it breaks my heart to see them like that. Pretty sure at least two were dead last time I visited.

Positive experience: The location is nice. The store is cleaner and more organized than the scarborough location, and the fish were healthy. The staff were not very helpful or friendly.

Fantastic experience: Great spot for all your home aquarium needs. Impressive in comparison to many of the others around. The staff are nice and helpful. Bring the kids, and they'll be entertained for hours with all sorts of species of fish to see. Multiple visits later, and still feel the same, great selection and always have whatever it is you need.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic staff and the best place for aquarium needs they have it all. Thanks so much for taking my call and answering questions I had about my fish :)

Fantastic experience: I never have a bad experience here! The employees are so knowledgeable and as I set up my new tank I’ll be giving them more of my money. The store is very clean and the fish are in better health than what you’d expect in a big chain store. It’s a little pricier than petsmart but you’re paying for good service, great selection and good fish.

Fantastic experience: The staff ate very knowledgeable and friendly. Our whole family loves going to Big Als. The live fish area is quite large with alot of variety, they have a great selection of tanks, decor and supplies.

Fantastic experience: I wanted to express my gratitude for the outstanding service provided by one of the employees in the aquarium section. Their assistance was invaluable – they were exceptionally helpful, displaying an impressive knowledge of the aquatic products available. Not only did they offer guidance on selecting the right items for my tank, but they also shared insightful tips for maintaining a healthy environment. Their friendly demeanor made the experience all the more enjoyable. This employee's helpfulness, knowledge, and friendliness truly set them apart. A big thank you for making my visit to the aquarium section so rewarding!

Negative experience: My tank got camallanus worms from the fish here. I've lost three corydoras julii, two cherry barbs, and three gold gouramis so far. Their stock seems to have parasites abound.

Negative experience: I love Big Al's but this location is so weird. They don't have a shark, or reptiles, or birds, or small animals, or much inventory. They have feeder insects, which is better than the Barrie location, but they are always limited quantity and undersized. If you want feeder insects, you need to fill out a form lol.. Staff are friendly but a bit weird too, there is usually a store greeter, and some of the people seem to just be lingering around and will follow you around the store. Overall it's better than nothing, but it's more worthwhile to drive to the Scarborough location or find another exotic pet store if you're looking for 1 stop pet shopping for all your critters.

Fantastic experience: loved this place. wide variety of fish, turtles and fishbtanks with decorative items for tanks. they also sell all kingds of aquarium abd fish food needs. one stop shop for anyone who wants to dedticate their time to pet fish, turtles etc. amazed with kinds of options available to choose from. some of the options were real expensive but you would definitely find something that suits your budget. overall recommend this to kids and families.

Fantastic experience: Super friendly stuff and very helpful. They're honest and provide great advice to a person like me who is new to owning a 10 gallon aquarium. Having so many questions the staff is very patient with me. Thanks amazing and friendly service. See you soon.

Fantastic experience: Loved this place staff were helpful definitely going to buy all my aquarium stuff and fish from here such a nice and huge selection

Fantastic experience: I really enjoy this place, but always spend way more than I think I will. So many options for fish and aquarium plants. Never had any problems with livestock from them. Although, I did have shrimp that died almost immediately, it may have been on my end of things as they can be hard to acclimate.

Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable staff and good selection of all sorts of aquatic and reptile needs.

Fantastic experience: I absolutely love shopping for all of my aquarium related stuff. We've owned aquariums/fish for several years and always come here because of the expert advice and help you receive. Some of the negative reviews I'm sure are case specific to them but I've yet to encounter any issues with dead fish (I've purchased maybe a dozen over the years). Sure, the fact that there are no refunds is not ideal but the way I see it, I'm going to spend money on something eventually (food, filter stuff etc) so not a deal breaker for me. And for those who say they're more expensive then big box like PetSmart..just like at any other retail establishment there are some items that are cheaper and others that more expensive. If you wanna save $$ then make the drive over and go get it there.

Fantastic experience: Amazing selection, decent prices and the staff are friendly. You really can’t go wrong shopping here when you need either fish, or other aquarium supplies.

Fantastic experience: Got an awesome tank for my husbands birthday! Everyone was helpful, giving advice on which model and kit to get!

Fantastic experience: Dean was the guy who helped me out today. He taught me so much and I didn't feel bad about being a first time fish owner noob. He educated me on a lot and was kind, courteous and knowledgeable. It was over all a very fun experience. Can't wait to go back

Positive experience: Really good selection of fish and aquatic items. The employees are very knowledgeable and friendly. If you are just looking for a pet fish in a plan bowl this place might be a bit pricey. However if you have a larger tank this is the place to go.

Positive experience: Ordered an item online from their website, when I called to check in with the store they mentioned they dont do the curbside pickup anymore since the lockdown lifted. On the website it showed me 1 unit in stock which was on sale so I placed an order online but when I called the store they mentioned they dont have the item in stock. They need to fix their system, information on their website and the one which I got from the store was highly inconsistent. The person who answered the call was polite though. Now I can't find the sale price on their website anymore for other BigAl locations.

Fantastic experience: My daughter and I recently got into the planted aquarium hobby and visit here all the time. The staff is very friendly and helpful.

Fantastic experience: I've been comming here for YEARS. Not only so they have literally anything you could need for your pets, but the staff has always been so kind and knowledgeable. I've never had any issues with this place. Won't get my aquarium stuff anywhere else (for both fishies and snake)

Fantastic experience: The fact that every single tank is a stand alone tank and they dont share a common sump system proves they care about quanrenteen, bio security and keeping all their fish safe. This is in the best interest of everyone involved. Thanks for your continued support Big Al's Team.

Fantastic experience: Customer service is excellent and many have a wealth of knowledge. Fish keeping is difficult but they are so helpful that they make it easy. Wonderful place with lots of selection. Faith and Steve have been incredible in helping our family with our journey. Looking forward to see what the next few moths brings.

Fantastic experience: Always spend an hour plus here. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Lots of livestock selection. If you see something you like, buy it or put it on hold! It may not be there next week because someone else liked it too. Loyalty program is amazing too.

Fantastic experience: We had purchased an aquarium from pet smart and after going here i would recommend you go here first of you want to get an aquarium. They will guide your selection and provide instructions to keep your tanks and investment healthy. Really great service.

Negative experience: So I bought all of my fish from this place and most have done very well. I usually have great customer service there until today. I bought 2 fish 6 days ago and they never did well since we put them in the tank. A couple days ago I couldn’t see them. So I called the store and asked if they were going to replace them they said no because there is no bodies. There are about 12 fish in the tank and if 2 died do you really think there would be a body left Apparently they think we are lying. NOT good CUSTOMER SERVICE if you ask me.

Fantastic experience: This location is way cleaner and prices lower compared with the Scarborough. I went to both stores for my new fish and plants the same day and I'll be coming back here only.

Positive experience: Love the variety of fish that they carry. Lots of various fish products to choose from including supplies, equipment and etc. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. Great place to come to get all your fish needs.

Fantastic experience: I purchased an item yesterday at Big Al's , which I installed on my terrarium today . To my surprise , after I threw away the receipt and the wrapping the item was defective. The friendly and professional staff at Big Al's let me exchange it. Now thats what I call 5 stars service . Thank you Andrew.

Fantastic experience: Called ahead asking if they had what I needed, the girl who answered was friendly! When I arrived it was easy to navigate the store and find the section I needed. Staff saw me and offered help and really useful advice!! Checkout was fast. Great place for reptile keepers to find enclosure essentials.

Fantastic experience: Very nice experience. Staffs are friendly and willing to help. From the get go it was a great experience. We went to store in Scarborough prior to this place and we saw a huge difference. Also price is better compared to the Scarborough location. Highly recommend this place for small fishes.