Bird Palace

Selection-(9)-First off the store has only 30 aquariums, and that is including goldfish and feeder guppy tanks. Noting that, you shouldn’t expect much of a selection, but then you’d be wrong! Despite the fact that all the tanks are basically 20 gal and smaller, they without fail have 20-30 species of cichlids to go along with the bread and butter fish of the hobby. They are wonderful at getting in fish that are uncommon and fun to keep. Oh and they have nice discus.

Quality-(7)-I’ve found the quality to be highly variable. On the cichlids I’d rate it a 9 on the bread and butter varieties I’d give it about a 6. Usually they will not sell fish that look like they could be sick, and I highly appreciate that. You won’t find that kind of caring at the mega-stores, but of course most of the megastores do provide an autoinsurance policy of at least a week.

Price-(9)-Prices are among the best out there. I don’t think I’ve ever complained. In fact, I think they may be some of the cheapest in the nation. The fact that they can provide lower prices without killing the quality I think is marvelous.

Service-(2)-OK, the service is terrible. The staff is always in a state of flux, and the owner seems to have no desire to speak to you. Don’t expect to find out all those mysteries of the hobby that you never knew before. You will be cordially helped though, and you won’t have to hunt anyone down to get your fish. (the store’s not big enough to have to do any hunting)

Overall-(8)-A great place to go. I think every town in America should have a store like this, and I believe that at one time, every town did. They have everything from the big show tank that used to house pirhana you could pay to feed to the mural on the outside wall. If you are passing through Provo, they are worth the visit.