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Big Al's Aquarium Supercentre
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am - 6 pm
6 reviews for Big Al's Aquarium Supercentre
6 reviews in English
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Review from Wendy P.
2/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I got it in my head yesterday that it was time for a pet. Being that I live in a building that doesn't allow for anything cute and cuddly, that pretty much leaves me with things that are small and unlikely to escape into the building.
Over the years, I've had a variety of different fish. When I was a kid, I had goldfish, in University, I kept an aquarium with all kinds of fun little tiger barbs, tetras, even a little shark. I haven't got any of my equipment anymore, and didn't feel like spending all that much, but figured something along the lines of the goldfish in a bowl was the way to go.
After a quick search, Big Al's became my target. Come on, the place is called Big Al's! Isn't that enough to draw you in too? (Admittedly, the other reviews may have had something to do with my choice).
I didn't expect Big Al's to be quite as well... big. It was like slapping 3 PJ's Pet Centres together, but without the dogs, cats, hamsters and other non-fish and reptile related animals. The entire back around of the store was filled with fish, lizards, snakes, toads, tortoises, live plants and the likes. The selection of fish was impressive. I didn't find nearly the same size of selection for the other species in stock, but hey. It's called an Aquarium Supercentre for a reason.
I wandered pretty much all of the aisles trying to get a sense of what I wanted. Just as I was thinking that I should probably get some help and guidance, one of the staff approached me to see if I needed any help.
"I've decided I need a pet," I replied. "I was thinking a fish, although I'm not entirely sure what it is I want."
She turned me onto a Beta. I've had a couple of them before as well, but this time, I decided I was grown up enough to move beyond the regular under $10 blue or red Beta. Oh yes, this time, I came home with a $22.50 whitish-gold Beta with a fancy flaring tail. Yep, bringing the expensive home, this Wendy's growing up!
The girl helping me was amazing. Even though it was a just a Beta I was buying, nothing more than a $50-ish purchase in her land once I bought the little aquarium for little Banzai to live in, she gave me her undivided attention, answered my questions, went into detail about the different kinds of Betas and why they were different priced, brought each bowl out into the light for me to take a look at and even helped me pick out just the home for my roomie.
Before I left, she also assured me that if I ever had any problems with Banzai, just to give the store a call. "We open around 9 every morning," she said, "so even if you've got a question early in the morning, there's almost always someone around."
Awesome possum. Big Al's has my vote for all things fishy. -
Review from Crystal W.
Calgary, AB
1/3/2012
I wasn't a true customer recently because I only entered Big Al's to browse. However, I was impressed that they limit the amount of pets showcased despite the enormity of the store. You just can't specialize in everything. The variety of aquariums and other pet accessories from a non-pet owner's perspective is astonishing and I nearly went home with a bird. Honestly, it's worth stopping in just to see the variety of fish and check out the small shark.
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Review from Ryan K.
Calgary, AB
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a really neat pet store, they even have a shark. I enjoyed looking around but found myself trying to get someones attention to ask questions was impossible. I finally caught the eye of a staff member and she told me she was not in that department and said to ask someone else. There were at least 5 people working in the fish area but none of them were dealing with customers, they were chatting, walking around, or doing paperwork. The next person I asked told me they were off work now and at that point I had been there for a while and decided to take my business elsewhere. By the way, anyone know a great place to get a tortoise?
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Review from Jollean C.
Vancouver, BC
12/3/2009
After going to Pisces Pet Emporium, I sauntered over to Big Al's to have a look. When life philosophizes that we cannot know black without white or sane without Tom Cruise jumping on a couch, you go to Big Al's and it's what I didn't have at the previous aquarium store.
This place is organized with such clarity, pride, simplicity and order that my Mom and I were shocked. Even though they didn't have the Biorb, the tanks were laid out in separate areas by size and price so you would know exactly where to look for your specifications. Price tags and info were easy to see. The back of the store was a mecca of colour and marine delights. In beautiful (almost Sea-World aquarium-style) displays were such gorgeous fish...everything from Nemos (clown fish) to fluorescent pink wonders to the freshwater kinds I normally know (tetras). The water was clear and the fish were healthy. This store is just a dream for fish afficianados and newbies alike and I'd guess that the staff are probably quite knowledgeable! -
Review from Christie L.
Calgary, AB
3/13/2010
Big Al's is probably one of the best places to buy your aquarium fish in all of calgary.
Their prices are reasonable, and all the fish are healthy. Their reptiles are also very well cared for and are being fed the proper food (unlike some of the other pet stores I've been to that clearly don't do their research).
The only issue with this store is that the last 2 times I've been into the store, I've stood around at the counter waiting for the one girl to stop flirting with one of the guys and assist me in catching my fish.
I stood there for 20 minutes watching her flirt with a young man that was dealing with the reptiles, and then the next time she was hiding out in the back room and there was no one to be seen...
Unfortunately that doesn't really make me feel like going back, just because I seriously don't have the time to stand around and wait. -
Review from Jason G.
Calgary, AB
5/18/2010 5 photos
Big Al's Aquarium Supercentre is an enormous aquarium store with an abundance of aquarium displays, furnishings and accessories available.
The supercentre, which is about the size of a football field, houses a huge assortment of aquatic life in their myriad of fish tanks. They carry over 400 different species of fish imported from around the world, including Asia, Africa, South and Central America. As well, they have a plant wall that is stocked with over 50 varieties of live plants.
Besides the bounty of products, Big Al's also features a giant waterfall complete with an adjoining Koi pond to enhance your shopping experience.
For all things aquarium, Big Al's big-ass Aquarium Supercentre can't be beat.
