WHO WE ARE
PDX Fish Guys is a hobbyist owned and operated aquarium store based in Aloha Oregon.
Our strength is in customer service as we are always willing to take the time to answer
your questions. If we don't have an answer, we will find the information for you. We are even
putting together a small library of books, magazines and videos in the store for your use.
It is our goal to continue expanding our operations until we can open a public aquaria here in
the Portland area for the purposes of research and education.
OUR MISSION
It is our mission to provide the best customer service and friendly advice to our customers
while both educating and learning from them.
We will do this through continued study, utilizing
existing data provided through books and online sources, as well as through personal experience and
the collection of our customers experiences.
We will share the information we learn with our customers and provide them with information and
learning opportunities so that together we can all benefit from this fantastic hobby.
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 2001 by an aquarium hobbyist, the store was established as
an aquarium
fish rescue.
The idea was to take in unwanted aquarium fish, make sure
they were healthy then sell them to new homes
where they would be cared for.
The owner quickly became known throughout the Greater
Portland area as “The PDX Fish Guy”.
After establishing working relationships
with local Petco and PetSmart stores, the “Fish Rescue” began to
take off and was soon paying for the hobby as planned. What he did not
realize at this time was just how successful
this business would
become.
By 2003 “The PDX Fish Guy” had become a mentor for many new hobbyists
and the business continued to grow while still operating primarily as a fish rescue
service. By this time the store was also taking in used aquariums and equipment for re-selling.
We also continued to add to our collection of aquariums used to
house the constant flow of fish.
In 2004 request was growing for the PDX Fish Guy to start selling Saltwater Fish.
Since Saltwater fish are not as commonly discarded as
freshwater fish, the only way that this would be possible would be to order the
fish in.
The business name PDX Fish Guys was registered with the state, a business license obtained and
soon the fish rescue was taking it's first step to becoming something more.
In 2005 aquarium
maintenance
services were added to compliment the
growing store.
The store also added the sales of equipment,
foods,
salt mixes and more.
In October 2007 the
decision was made to move to a new and larger location so that the business could
continue it’s growth. We also completed the first revision of our aquarium maintenance software known as TankKeeper. If you are interested in software for tracking the history
of your aquarium and learning more about the fish you keep, go to www.tankkeeper.com
While the store was taking off, we had some set backs and I decided to take a break for awhile. I knew that I would
eventually have to try again as I am addicted to this hobby.
I am in the process right now of opening our new store in Aloha, OR!
The doors are open even though we are still moving some of our stuff in and getting setup. I am REALLY excited to be
back and hope to see you all in the store soon! We are in a building two doors down from the NAPA auto parts on Shaw St.
From TV Hwy, turn south on 185th Avenue. Turn right immediately after the train tracks onto Shaw st. We are a few hundred
yards down on the left. Park in the front and walk down the alley on the left side of the building. Our door is around the back to the right.
I have a dream that goes far beyond that of an aquarium shop or pet store. I have a dream to one day develop a public aquaria here in the Portland
area. This Public Aquaria would be designed in such a way as to contain almost exclusively, animals
that you might find in an aquarium. These would be displayed in large aquariums that are designed to
mimic the settings of the animals natural homes. There will be information about the natural habitats
and proper aquarium care for all of the animals found within. At the end of the tour you will pass through an aquarium
store where you can purchase or order any of the plants, fish, corals, etc. that you saw while going
through the aquaria, or even have our technicians deliver, setup and even aquascape your tank for you!
Obtaining this dream requires the steady and consistent growth of our customer base, and the support
of everyone who is interested in helping us to obtain this goal. If you are
interesting in helping us to reach our goals by volunteering your time or by donating to
the aquaria project, please email us.