Pisces is the best store in the city for freshwater aquarium plants and supplies/equipment for planted tanks but unfortunately there are many things you can't get in Calgary. I've spent about 1/2 of my money for my tanks at Pisces, the other half from online resellers buying products they don't have. I'm willing to pay higher prices at a local reseller if they just had the stuff.
The staff aren't "google" but they're still fairly knowledgeable. Their prices are similar to Big Al's but not as low as J&L Aquatics out of Vancouver but you get to see a face when you buy something.
They have a pretty good selection of aquatic plants at all times. Their fish aisles are well organized with signs for the various types of fish which is nice. The selection of freshwater fish is quite good so you don't have to keep checking in if you're looking for a specific species.
Their dry good selection is pretty strong but lacks the "ultra" high end products you can source from online resellers. The selection is all "mass market" but they generally carry all of the models and products that each mass-market manufacturer produces. Strangely they have ADA AquaSoil products with a room dedicated to ADA but a VERY bad selection of CO2 systems. It's a shame I have to go elsewhere for this.
They carry ADA and Go!Aqua tanks which are very nice rimless tanks. These tanks command a slightly higher price compared to your average tank with a frame but they utilize higher quality glass and come in sizes that are more conducive to aquascaping rather than dimensions that are "the cheapest to manufacture." Good stuff, I have a couple ADA/Go!Aqua tanks. Lately they've had some very attractive aquarium Fluval aquarium packages at good prices.
One thing I'd like to point out is if you want the quickest service from the fish department head to the left side of the fish department, take a number, and press the button. The system's for both dry goods and livestock and it's the quickest way to get somebody's help when they're busy.
Pluses:
Best aquatic dry-good selection in the city
Clean aquatic tanks
ADA Aquasoil and Tanks
Eheim Products at competitive prices
Fluval/Aquaclear products at "ok" prices
Attractive Fluval aquarium packages
Great aquatic plant selection
Minuses:
Frequently understaffed
Poor CO2 system selection at expensive prices
Lacking in higher-end products (ie: Kessil lighting, ADA stands in stock, good CO2 systems and accessories, Neptune aquarium controllers)