Southwest Seas Introduce
For dedicated aquarium enthusiasts across Arizona, finding a specialized pet store that not only offers a diverse selection but also provides unparalleled expertise and comprehensive services is a true treasure. Southwest Seas in Phoenix stands as a leading destination for all things aquatic, distinguishing itself as more than just a retail space. With over two decades of experience, this family-owned business has cultivated a reputation for quality, knowledge, and exceptional customer service, making it an indispensable resource for both freshwater and saltwater hobbyists throughout the state. Whether you're planning an elaborate custom tank installation, seeking advice on maintaining a thriving ecosystem, or simply looking for healthy new inhabitants, Southwest Seas is equipped to meet all your aquatic needs, right here in the heart of Arizona.
In a desert state like Arizona, creating and maintaining a vibrant aquatic environment requires specialized knowledge and reliable resources. Southwest Seas understands this unique challenge and steps up to provide a truly comprehensive solution for local aquarists. Their long-standing presence in the community, coupled with their expertise in both design and maintenance, positions them as a trusted partner for anyone passionate about underwater worlds. This commitment to the aquatic hobby makes them a vital part of Arizona's local business landscape, catering to a niche yet enthusiastic clientele.
Southwest Seas is conveniently located at 12425 N Cave Creek Rd Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85022, USA. This address places it within easy reach for a large portion of the Phoenix metropolitan area, including residents of Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, and north Phoenix. Situated on a major thoroughfare like Cave Creek Road, the store benefits from excellent accessibility, with clear signage and typically ample parking, making visits hassle-free for customers transporting delicate livestock or larger equipment. The strategic location enhances its role as a central hub for aquarium enthusiasts, ensuring that whether you're coming from across town or just down the road, your journey to Southwest Seas is convenient and straightforward. Their consistent hours from Monday through Saturday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm, closed Sundays) further add to their accessibility for busy Arizona locals.
Southwest Seas offers a broad spectrum of services designed to support every stage of an aquarist's journey, from conceptualization and installation to ongoing maintenance and expert consultation. Their offerings cater to both freshwater and saltwater systems, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of diverse aquatic needs.
- Extensive Selection of Aquatic Life: While noted for not having the "hugest selection of fish," they are praised for their "quality," including unique offerings like blue velvet and jade green shrimp for freshwater tanks, and a variety of healthy saltwater and freshwater fish. They emphasize healthy fish and well-maintained aquariums in their retail space.
- Aquarium Supplies and Equipment: The store provides a wide range of essential aquarium supplies, including tank options, decorations, filtration systems, heaters, chillers, automatic feeders, and pumps. They stock products from reputable brands like Red Sea Aquarium Equipment, Neptune Systems, and Instant Ocean Salt, among others, ensuring high-quality components for any setup.
- Custom Aquarium Design and Installation: Southwest Seas excels in creating bespoke aquarium designs. They offer "exquisite fish tank designs" and comprehensive installation services, working with clients to "create an aquarium that will be a centerpiece of your living room or office." This includes integrating all necessary elements from filters to rocks and coral. They also have over 20 years of experience in this area.
- Professional Aquarium Maintenance: To ensure the long-term health and beauty of aquariums, Southwest Seas provides professional maintenance services. This includes regular cleaning, water testing, and overall upkeep for both saltwater and freshwater tanks, helping to keep aquariums "looking clean and beautiful" and ensuring "healthy fishes." They reportedly maintain around 200 monthly service contracts, including for prominent clients.
- Expert Knowledge and Consultation: The staff, including Cassie, are consistently praised for being "very knowledgeable" and "friendly and helpful." They offer expert advice on all aspects of aquarium keeping, from fish compatibility and water parameters to troubleshooting issues.
- Special Offers and Value: The store occasionally offers specials, such as "all freshwater is 40% off" as mentioned in a review, indicating their commitment to providing great prices alongside quality.
- RODI Water: They supply RODI (Reverse Osmosis Deionized) water, which is crucial for maintaining proper water chemistry, especially in saltwater and sensitive freshwater setups.
Southwest Seas stands out significantly in the Phoenix aquarium community due to several distinctive features and highlights that consistently earn high praise from its local clientele.
- Deep Expertise and Knowledgeable Staff: The most frequently highlighted feature is the profound knowledge of the staff, particularly Cassie. Customers repeatedly mention their expertise, making the store a reliable source for informed advice on complex aquarium challenges, from water parameters to specific species care. This level of insight is invaluable for both beginners and advanced hobbyists.
- High-Quality Livestock and Clean Tanks: Despite not having the absolute largest selection of fish, the emphasis on "quality" and "healthy fishes" is a major draw. The fact that "Their aquariums are always cleaned, healthy fishes and very organized!" assures customers of the well-being of the animals they purchase, reducing common anxieties associated with buying live stock. Unique offerings like "blue velvet and jade green shrimp" further enhance their appeal.
- Comprehensive Custom Installation and Maintenance Services: Beyond retail, Southwest Seas offers professional "custom installations and maintenance." This full-service approach, with over 20 years of experience, means they can assist clients from the initial design of a dream aquarium to its long-term upkeep, making them a one-stop shop for complex aquatic projects. Their service team is readily available.
- Family-Owned Business with a Personal Touch: Being a "Family-Owned Business" with over 20 years of experience suggests a strong commitment to the community and a personalized approach to customer relations, fostering loyalty and trust.
- Great Prices and Value: The mention of "great prices" and specific discounts like "all freshwater is 40% off" indicates that Southwest Seas strives to offer competitive pricing, making quality aquarium keeping more accessible to a wider audience.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff: Customer reviews consistently praise the staff for being "very friendly and helpful," creating a welcoming and supportive environment where customers feel comfortable asking questions and receiving assistance.
- Established Reputation: Established in 1997, Southwest Seas has built a solid reputation as "the best place in Phoenix for all your aquarium needs," a testament to their consistent quality and service over two decades.
For direct inquiries or to plan your visit to Southwest Seas, here’s how you can get in touch:
Address: 12425 N Cave Creek Rd Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85022, USA
Phone: (602) 279-5452
For those seeking to contact their service department for installations or maintenance, an additional line is available: (623) 695-5516 (open Monday-Friday).
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm, Sunday: Closed.
For aquarium enthusiasts throughout Phoenix and the wider Arizona community, Southwest Seas stands out as an unparalleled local resource. Its convenient location on N Cave Creek Rd, combined with a remarkable 20+ years of family-owned experience, makes it a cornerstone of the local aquatic scene. What truly sets Southwest Seas apart is its commitment to providing healthy, high-quality livestock, even when the selection isn't the largest, ensuring that every purchase contributes to a thriving home aquarium. The profound knowledge and friendliness of the staff, especially Cassie, provide invaluable guidance, transforming a simple shopping trip into an educational and supportive experience. Furthermore, their comprehensive services, from custom tank installations to meticulous maintenance, offer a complete solution for both novice and seasoned aquarists. By choosing Southwest Seas, Arizona locals are not only accessing superior products and expertise but also supporting a long-standing, trusted local business that genuinely contributes to the vibrancy of the state's aquatic hobby. It is indeed the "best place in Phoenix for all your aquarium needs."
Southwest Seas Photos










Southwest Seas Location
Southwest Seas
12425 N Cave Creek Rd Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85022, USA
Southwest Seas Reviews
Not a huge selection of fish but they do have quality like actually having blue velvet and jade green shrimp this week all freshwater is 40% off they do however have great decorations and tank options at great prices staff is very friendly and knowledgeable they also do custom installations and maintenance
Feb 13, 2025 · Cameron WallingBest place in Phoenix for all your aquarium needs, Cassie is very knowledgeable and his staff is very friendly and helpful as well!!! Their aquariums are always cleaned, healthy fishes and very organized!
Jan 11, 2021 · Joni SupraVery costly, poor service of the salt water aquarium. There are way better options than them.
Jun 22, 2025 · GoodCasey & Caleb are always there on Saturdays and are a great team that know how to help a new or experienced reefer get started!
Oct 14, 2023 · Jake BrabecNice place. Very helpful and a down to earth staff.Fish are well fed, healthy and in clean water!!!Prices are reasonable too.Check it out!
Jul 27, 2018 · Tarisa
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