The Purple Tang Aquatics FAQ & Expert Resources

Find quick answers about our fish, rare shrimp, and tissue-culture plants, or learn how our custom aquarium design and maintenance services work. Serving Hillsboro and the greater Portland metro area, our Shop Master is here to help you sustain a healthy, thriving ecosystem. Explore our top FAQs below.

Learn About Us

Store & Live Fish FAQs

Do you quarantine your fish and invertebrates?

Yes. To ensure maximum health and biological stability, all of our freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and rare shrimp go through a strict, professional quarantine protocol before they ever hit our retail systems. We do the hard work upfront so you receive resilient, healthy live fish.

What kind of shrimp and plants do you specialize in?

We are a premier local source for hobbyists, specializing in high-grade Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp. For aquascapers, we carry an extensive inventory of rare tissue-culture plants, lush mosses, and marine macroalgae perfect for both low-tech and high-tech setups.

Where is your retail shop located, and what are your hours?

Our shop, The Purple Tang Aquatics, is located at 5405 SE Alexander St. Suite A, Hillsboro, OR 97123. We are open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM to serve the greater Portland metro area.

Can I make a special order?

Yes, we will absolutely add you to our special request list and do our very best to order the exact fish you want!

To help manage expectations, please keep a few quick things in mind before submitting your request:

Distributor Availability: Our aquarium livestock is subject to what our distributors have in stock. Because of this, certain rare or seasonal fish and invertebrates may not always be available.

Strict Legal Compliance: We love the hobby and our environment. We will not fulfill requests for any illegal or invasive species under any circumstances.

Do we sell Aquarium Co-Op Products?

Yes, we carry Aquarium Co-Op products exclusively at our physical retail location; they are not available for purchase on our online store. We invite you to visit us at 5405 SE Alexander St, Ste A/B, Hillsboro, OR 97123 to browse our full selection.

Custom Design & Installation FAQs

What areas do you serve for custom aquarium installation?

We offer professional, on-site aquarium design, equipment configuration, and seamless installation throughout Hillsboro, Portland, and the surrounding Pacific Northwest cities for both residential homes and commercial businesses.

How do I get started with a custom aquascape project?

The process begins by booking a one-on-one consultation with our shop master. We will evaluate your space, discuss your vision (whether it is a high-tech planted tank or a vibrant saltwater reef), select your hardscape materials, and design a balanced, custom ecosystem tailored to your lifestyle.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting FAQs

What is included in your routine aquarium maintenance plans?

Our stress-free care programs include scheduled water changes, comprehensive water chemistry and parameters testing, deep algae cleaning, filter optimization, and equipment checks. We customize our maintenance plans to keep your freshwater or saltwater tank crystal clear year-round.

Can I book a consultation if I'm struggling with algae or dying plants?

Absolutely. If you are dealing with persistent algae blooms, plant nutrient deficiencies, or complex equipment failures, you can book an expert troubleshooting consultation. Our shop master provides practical, professional solutions to get your ecosystem back on track.

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