Upscale Aquatics

For dedicated aquarium hobbyists and those looking to embark on the fascinating journey of keeping aquatic life in North Carolina, finding a specialized store with a diverse inventory and knowledgeable staff is key. Upscale Aquatics, located in Cornelius, NC, presents itself as a distinguished destination within the state's aquatic community. As part of the Tropical Fish Company family, it aims to provide a comprehensive selection of freshwater and saltwater inhabitants, along with the essential supplies needed to create and maintain thriving underwater worlds. This article will offer an in-depth look at Upscale Aquatics, detailing its convenient location, the array of products it offers, its key features, and a balanced perspective informed by customer experiences, all from the viewpoint of local North Carolina users.

In North Carolina, the passion for aquariums, whether a serene freshwater planted tank or a vibrant saltwater reef, is a growing hobby. Enthusiasts constantly seek reliable sources for healthy livestock and quality equipment, coupled with expert advice. Upscale Aquatics strives to meet this demand, presenting itself as a gateway to "a world of captivating underwater life." Their commitment to curating a diverse selection of aquatic species and supplies is a major draw for both seasoned aquarists and newcomers. We will explore the specific offerings that make Upscale Aquatics a notable presence in the North Carolina aquatic scene, considering both the positive aspects and areas for caution as highlighted by customer feedback.

Upscale Aquatics is strategically located at 18926 Statesville Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031, USA. This address places it in a highly accessible area of Cornelius, a rapidly growing town in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Its position on Statesville Road (US-21) ensures excellent visibility and ease of access for residents not only within Cornelius but also from surrounding North Carolina communities such as Huntersville, Davidson, Mooresville, and even northern parts of Charlotte.

The accessibility of Upscale Aquatics is a significant advantage for North Carolina aquarists. Being on a major thoroughfare typically means convenient parking options, making it simple for customers to transport delicate live fish, heavy bags of substrate, or bulky aquarium equipment. The hours of operation, generally Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm, also cater to various schedules, allowing for visits during weekdays or over the weekend. This straightforward navigation to the store contributes to a more pleasant and efficient shopping experience for anyone in the region seeking specialized aquatic supplies and livestock.

• Freshwater Fish, Invertebrates, and Plants: Upscale Aquatics provides a diverse range of freshwater fish, invertebrates (like snails and shrimp), and lush aquatic plants to enhance and populate freshwater aquariums. They aim to help customers create vibrant underwater worlds.

• Saltwater Fish, Invertebrates, and Coral: For marine enthusiasts, the store offers a selection of captivating saltwater fish, various marine invertebrates, and vibrant coral species. This comprehensive offering allows customers to build and maintain diverse reef tanks.

• Aquarium Supplies and Essentials: They stock a wide array of dry goods and essential aquarium products. Their inventory includes popular and crucial items for aquarium maintenance and health, such as Hikari Frozen Bloodworms, Seachem Prime, Hikari Frozen Brine Shrimp, and Hikari Frozen Mysis, indicating a focus on quality consumables.

• Expert Product Sourcing: As part of the Tropical Fish Company family, Upscale Aquatics benefits from a legacy of expertise in sourcing aquatic life, aiming to provide specimens that meet high standards of quality.

• Gift Cards: Customers can purchase gift cards in various denominations ($10, $20, $50, $100), offering a convenient option for gifting to fellow aquarists.

• In-Store Shopping Experience: The primary service is providing a physical retail location where customers can browse the selection of live animals and dry goods, and interact with staff.

• Part of the Tropical Fish Company Family: Being a member of the Tropical Fish Company family suggests a shared commitment to aquatic excellence and a potentially broader network for sourcing and expertise. This connection is highlighted on their website as a point of distinction.

• Specialized Aquatic Focus: Unlike general pet stores, Upscale Aquatics is entirely dedicated to the aquatic hobby, allowing for a deeper inventory and potentially more specialized knowledge in both freshwater and saltwater systems.

• Diverse Live Stock: The ability to provide a comprehensive range of both freshwater and saltwater fish, invertebrates, and corals is a significant highlight for hobbyists who might otherwise have to visit multiple stores.

• "Where Underwater Dreams Become a Reality": Their tagline conveys a commitment to helping customers achieve their ideal aquatic setup, emphasizing their role in enabling captivating underwater environments.

• Knowledgeable Staff (as per some reviews): One customer explicitly praises the staff for being "very knowledgeable people" who "know what they're talking about," and for putting "plenty of oxygen in the bags" for fish transport, indicating a positive experience for some visitors.

Address: 18926 Statesville Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031, USA

Phone: (704) 727-3133

Mobile Phone: +1 704-727-3133

For North Carolina residents who are deeply engaged in the aquatic hobby, or those looking to expand their underwater endeavors, Upscale Aquatics in Cornelius presents itself as a dedicated and promising local resource. Its specialization in both freshwater and saltwater environments, coupled with a diverse inventory of fish, invertebrates, plants, and corals, means that local enthusiasts have a focused establishment catering directly to their unique needs. This specialized approach, as opposed to general pet stores, often translates into a more curated selection and potentially a deeper level of product knowledge from the staff.

The accessibility of its location on Statesville Road in Cornelius makes it a convenient destination for a broad swath of the North Carolina population, particularly those in the northern Charlotte metropolitan area. The extended operating hours also provide flexibility for busy schedules, allowing hobbyists to visit during weekdays or on weekends. The positive customer feedback highlighting the knowledgeable staff and careful packaging for live fish underscores the potential for a beneficial and informed shopping experience. For customers who have had successful transactions, Upscale Aquatics is clearly a valued part of their aquatic journey, providing the varied livestock and supplies needed to nurture their tanks.

However, it is crucial for prospective North Carolina customers to approach with caution, as indicated by a significant customer review detailing issues with fish health and customer service regarding credits/refunds. This highlights the importance of observing the condition of livestock firsthand and potentially making smaller, initial purchases to assess compatibility with existing tanks. While the store aims to be a premier destination for aquatic life and offers a credit policy for lost fish, the severe outcome described by one customer (loss of new and existing fish due to disease) is a serious concern. Therefore, for local aquarists, Upscale Aquatics offers a comprehensive selection and knowledgeable staff (as per some positive experiences), but prudent observation of fish health and careful consideration of return policies are recommended to ensure a suitable and successful experience for their established aquatic environments.

Upscale Aquatics

18926 Statesville Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031, USA