Westside Aquarium & Pets

This place was overall a really good experience. Me and Samantha went yesterday to check it out. There was great selection of freshwater everything, he even had frogs, turtles, and snakes! The types of fish he carried also varied and they all looked reasonably happy. The owner, Paul, sounded like he can get you almost anything you need if you asked. I got really great prices on everything I purhased. I got three types of plants (which because my tank is so small I got way more than I can fit) including a sunset hygrophila (purple leafy tree plant), Aurea I think (A lily stem type plant), and what I think is another type of hygrophila (that looks like an herb). Got the extra sitting in a cup if anyone wants .

My only complaints were that it was a little hard to get his attention, as it appears Paul kind of runs the whole store alone and let's people serve themselves (quite literally out of the tank). Also the store kind of reeked a bit and seemed a little dirty even though Paul seemed to have things under control. I saw some saltwater stuff, but not much; It sounded like he'll get you whatever you need by order though (the store has its own fish farms that sound like it can keep them very well stocked). The deals were really fantastic too. I also got some other assorted fish goodies (food, net) and a couple little fish (ahh ahh ahh spoilers)! So I am very pleased with my time spent at West Side Pets. Bring yourself some patience or perhaps more daring than I had to stick your hands in his tanks, I would definitely recommend.

Yeah, I was really impressed by Westside Aquariums & Pets. We went on Don's recommendation, and the owner Paul was nice, they had a nice selection of freshwater fish and plants, and the prices were a great deal.

The saltwater section was lacking, but Paul said they get in saltwater orders only every 3 weeks or so... But, he can try to order whatever you want.

Paul talked with us a bit about how he owns two fish farms, and that the fish sold at the store are aquacultured at his farms. That's pretty cool! One, because that means the fish are probably hardier, more suited for aquarium life, and disease/parasite-free having been tank-raised. And, two, because that means the fish you buy aren't wild-caught, meaning that we are making the hobby sustainable and doing our part to protect nature.

Sounds interesting, where is it? i'd heard somebody reccomend it before

Here's contact/address info:

Westside Aquarium & Pets
3402 South Dale Mabry Hwy.
Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 839-4751

Just added them to our LFS List: https://aquarists-at-usf.forumotion.com/t7-local-fish-stores-lfs-list#11

That's awesome. Im glad there's finally a good place for FW people. Not that the other stores dont have any FW stuff, but I Paul sounds like he has the expertise people often need.

Stopped in Westside this afternoon. Really happy to see the saltwater side better stocked than last time! I couldn't believe the size and number of all of the gorgonians, sea whips, and sponges that they have! I would have loved to buy one of their giant purple sea fans, but, as it would not fit in my aquarium, I opted for the smaller purple sea whip (still pretty giant though!).

The main con to the store is that it smells like fish and it's just kinda messy (water on the floor etc.). BUT, they have a nice selection (both fresh and salt), good prices, and Paul (the owner) is really nice.

Pic of my sea whip... (Pic was taken shortly after putting it in the aquarium. Hopefully the polyps will pop out soon! )

Wow I look forward to seeing how this does in your tank!

Yeah, I'm really excited! I soooooo wish that one of those big sea fans would have fit in my tank, though! (Must upgrade!!!! )

Sam_G wrote:

Yeah, I'm really excited! I soooooo wish that one of those big sea fans would have fit in my tank, though! (Must upgrade!!!! )

May have to go check them out.. my dentist had reccomended a place called Southside petstore for their sponges and gorgonia (he's got a few tanks), do you think this is the place they just changed names?

also, how big and how much was the seafan?

Went by Westside the other day. Picked up a nice purple sea fan and some sponges for a nice price. I've never kept sponges before, and Paul was very helpful with his recommendations and tips. Glad I stopped in, and plan to go back soon!