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Aquatic Central
Category: Pets Pet Stores Pet Stores [Edit]
1963 Ocean Ave(between Fairfield Way & Keystone Way)
San Francisco, CA 94127
(415) 584-1888
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 8 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
39 reviews for Aquatic Central
39 reviews in English
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Review from Peter C.
4/17/2012
Review is long overdue. I had a problem with ich in my aquarium so I decided to come in to ask what the problem and solutions there are and the owner Chris was able to help me by recommending some medication "noxich" for my fishes. Chris also gave me tips on how I should do a water change and that I should not be washing the filters under tap water because he said that it kills all the bacteria which was probably the cause of the ich on my fishes. Would return when I am in a rush for supplies.
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Review from Amar K.
I got a message from Chris, the owner. Turns out they stopped carrying a lot of turtle stuff last year, but he encouraged me to come back in and check out the plants. He also said they hired a new person who would hopefully be a little better. I came back in earlier in the afternoon and Chris was there and helped me pick up some plants for my turtle tanks. I am loving my anubis and so is my turtle, hope to be back to find some more plants for my tank again.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/5/2012
I wasn't really impressed by this place. There is cool coral growing tho! felt ignored by staff,… Read more »
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Review from Donut C.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2012
This place is "cool". They have so many fish, and some of them are funny looking. I took my time going around and looking at the fishies. Never knew fish could be so expensive, over thousands of dollars. Downstairs is creepy and look likes it could be a mutation lab to fuse eels. Feeds are $0.15 I tried to raise some and they died! Now I have useless pet food
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Review from Jess C.
San Francisco, CA
7/10/2011
This is by far my favorite local fish store. A year or two ago my boyfriend dragged me here a few times to see what kind of goodies they had. While he was looking at his stuff i was walking around and i spotted some pea puffers and fell in love. That's when first began getting into fish keeping. The guy that was working there which i think is the owner was very helpful he gave me some great tips and some worms to feed my new babies. Then six months later when i went to Japan town he saw me and recognized me as one of his customers which i thought was very cool.
Now just yesterday i went back to the store to get some equipment to start on a new project. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable in the questions that i had. I even recognized them from another shop and sure enough both of the workers moved to working over here which i thought was hilarious. -
Review from Walter C.
Redwood City, CA
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I definitely agree that this is a good local fish store. Consider the competition is it not very hard to beat. I do wish that they carry more fishes and their corals are better shape and cut. Compare to other LFS, they are reasonably price and that they do have some ok stuff. They can definitely be better, I wishes their continue success and will be back.
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Review from Spencer S.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2010
Went in one day to get 5 gallons of RO/DI water. Was told they didn't have any ready but they would make some up while I looked around. Got the water and a few other things and left. Went to do a water change a couple days later and the water had a ton of dirt (or something) floating in it. Tested the water and the TDS was in the 70's (RO/DI water should be 0). I guess they either filled it from a hose or they don't change their filters.
I posted something on the local reef club forum about this and the store told me "shit happens" (literally his words) and the thread was deleted.
I was willing to look past that until I dropped by today. Employee was standing outside the door smoking a cigarette as I walked in. No greeting, no asking if I needed anything. Looked around for 10 minutes and then left and he was still outside smoking.
So I can't recommend this place based on their poor customer service and obvious water condition problems. Unfortunately there aren't that many good stores near downtown SF. They do occasionally have good prices on corals/fish though. -
Review from Vi H.
San Francisco, CA
5/5/2011
Store cleanliness = 5 stars
Tanks and fish cleanliness/health = 5 stars
Varieties = 5 stars
Staff knowledge = 5 stars
Staff friendliness = 5 stars
What can I say? This place made a really good impression on me. Went there for some Amano shrimps and other supplies for my new hobby and got exactly what I was looking for. Cameron, the shop-keeper was super helpful, friendly and was knowledgeable. Unlike 6th Ave Fish Store where you have to self-serve and they just stand around and take your money, this store caters to your needs by netting your fish no matter how insignificant your purchase is -- they're there to help. I will surely return and spend my money at this place! -
Review from Michael H.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2008
I've owned a fish tank for a little over two years now, and I've always gone to some huge corporate chain store for my all of my fish tank needs. My reasoning was that things would be much cheaper in these places, and the selection would be slightly larger.
In an effort to support local businesses, I decided to break from my pattern and patronize a neighborhood pet store to see if there was any difference in service. I was very impressed with my experience at Aquatic Central. I was greeted almost immediately when I came through the door and the gentleman that helped me was able to answer all of my fish tank questions. He even gave me some ideas on how to get rid of some troublesome snails which I have been trying to eliminate from my fish tank for over a year now. Besides having a incredibly large selection of fish and tank products and accessories, the prices were competitively matched with the large chain stores. They even offered something I've never seen in a pet store before, live monochromatic coral! This place did their job to secure me as a local customer. I highly recommend this establishment. -
Review from Joe W.
San Francisco, CA
8/5/2011
I raised fish for years in IL before moving to the Bay Area. I had a great relationship with a solid aquarium store with folks that were a font of knowledge. I've struggled to find such a place out here until now. Chris, Kevin and Pat know their stuff, offer solid options for every budget, and give great customer service. What more could one ask for in any store. Great job guys!
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Review from Chai S.
San Francisco, CA
12/17/2008
One hell of an aquarium..
This placed has turned around dramatically since the previous owners ran the place..
Great selection, great advice, great service..Just great..What more can I say?
5 Stars.. -
Review from Susy C.
3/12/2007
I love this place. I'm not a fish expert, but the guys who worked here did everything they could for me when my beloved betta fish was dying. Bubby Jr. was a good fish, he was by my bedside for over 2 years!! That's pretty long for a betta fish! They gave me all sorts of advice and although it didn't work, it was nice to know they cared and didn't look at me like some sort of crazy cat lady just because i was sad my pet fish was sick.
Other than that, they've got a great variety of fish. I've seen other fish here that you normally don't see at other pet stores. Oh, and the thing I like most about this place? Their fish are all ALIVE. No sporadic dead ones floating all over the place like at Petco. *shudders* oh the horror..
But anyway. Nice little shop, nice guys...
Rest In Peace Bubby Jr, you were the best pet fish i've ever had in my whole entire life. And you lived the longest. -
Review from Kevin S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 6/29/2009
Chris helped me solve a problem with my reef tank last week - a problem I've had since I started it 2 years ago. I hated my light fixture. The damn thing had a fan on it that made sitting in the same room as the tank unpleasant. It sounded like a DC10.
Since I needed to replace the tubes anyway (every year, you know) Chris instead sold me an AWESOME fixture for only $50 more than all 4 bulbs would have cost. Once again, Chris is the master.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/19/2008
I've been an aquarium hobbyist for over 45 years - (44 in fresh, and started my first marine tank a… Read more »
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Review from Rj C.
Daly City, CA
8/5/2011 45 Check-ins Here
I've been going to this place ever since I got into the saltwater hobby a little over 3 years ago. Great staff, they give you the right information you need, they don't try to sell you just anything just to make sales. I came to aquatic central one time to get a specific item that they have, and was advised to get the cheaper version that does the exact same thing and saved me money. This is why I keep coming back to this place. The place downstairs could use a little bit more attention and more fish, but I'm not complaining since I'm mainly here for corals and water. Even my daughter spent more time here than the playground, and it's harder to get her out of this place than chuck-e-cheese. I recommend this place to everybody specially the beginners.
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Review from Gusty S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/31/2009
This has grown into an excellent store, and another fine addition to our glut of aquarium stores in the bay. You might say we are overstocked, but I just consider myself lucky to live here.
Every time I have been in this store, there is something cool to look at. The owner listens to what people want, and while he might have had some growing pains, and learning experiences, anyone who has ever run a business can sympathize. It's a great place to get livestock, and he still stocks a lot of miscellaneous things you can't find elsewhere.
I highly recommend this store.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/11/2006 First to Review
Aquatic Central is a small store that is now under new ownership. It carries both fresh and salt… Read more »
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Review from john h.
Menlo Park, CA
10/3/2008
The one stop shop!
Great selection, and able to order any rare fish you are looking for. Extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
Prices are great. I found a fixture here for half the price of my usual mid- peninsula shop, and it wasn't even on sale.
This story has a great energy to it. I hope it continues to grow as well as it has. -
Review from kim w.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
Im starting to really like this place. can i work here?
Listed in: for my homies at home
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Review from Scott S.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2008
There's too many other "stores of quality" in the city -- stay away from this place. I've been in a battle with them for over a year over a "custom" system for which I paid over $6,000 and it's a piece of crap. The owner's inexperience shows through his careless ways of doing business. He says he's not responsible for work that he outsourced (cabinetry) and paid for without finding out whether or not it fit my desired space. Would you pay $6,000+ for a system that doesn't fit the space (3 inch hole in the space), not to mention the cabinet doors that can't stay closed because the furniture wasn't properly vented prior to installing. And then there's the bad plumbing that the owner himself did that has flooded my house every time the power goes off.
The offer that came back from Aquatic Central and the cabinet company was $200 in compensation. He blamed ACW, the company who makes the cabinets, but ultimately he paid them, not me. On a $6,000 system I get an offer for $200? I'll see him in court, but why should we have to go through this? STAY AWAY.
Are these enough reasons for you to shop elsewhere?
In case this isn't enough, be careful when you walk in the store. I was there on several occasions when there was water all over the floor because nobody was paying attention to the hose used to fill the tanks. Somebody's gonna fall one day and hopefully it won't be you.Comment from Chris S. of Aquatic Central 5/23/2009
Unfortunate turn of events between customer and whoever, if… More » -
Review from Lizzie C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 12/15/2008
My fish died. :''''''(
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/20/2008
I got a "fancy goldfish" here the other day and named him Ian. It's been two days and he's still… Read more »
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Review from Harry B.
San Francisco, CA
5/10/2007
I picked up some turtles from this store recently. In the turtle tank there was a dead turtle being eatten by the other turtles. The owner is pretty cool guy, but his stock quality varies from time to time. First time I went there, the stock was great, but the last time I went to get the turtles everything wasn't doing to well.
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Review from Michael L.
San Francisco, CA
11/8/2009 1 Check-in Here
When i was in high school there were a lot more aquarium stores to choose from. its a dying business. Aquatic Central set up is like the good ol' days. sometimes i wish they had more livestock but having all that inventory prolly isn't practical. maybe thats why all the old stores closed up. but AC is one of the best in the city.
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Review from Jennifer L.
Santa Monica, CA
12/19/2009
I like Aquatic Central a lot. Everyone that I meet there is really knowledgeable and super friendly.
I've been here 3 times so far and each occasion was pleasant. I deducted a star because I would like to see a little bit of information posted about the different types of fish that the store carries. I know with a high volume turnaround it might be hard to post information about the fish (preferred temp, community, etc...), but I would really appreciate it. Unfortunately for me, I tend to be a spur of the moment fish buyer ... I'll go in with the intent of buying a fish that I've researched and I always end up buying a different fish because it was really cool looking. For example, the last 2 times I've gone in I came home with fish that I didn't really know how to take care of and they died almost immediately :( (the water was too cold) :( The last time I came in I bought a really really cool Electric Blue Jack Dempsey - it's awesome looking, but it likes to eat my smaller tetras :( Totally my fault for not researching my fish or asking enough questions ...
Other than my own lack of knowledge, Aquatic Central is awesome. They even sometimes hook me up with special deals!! -
Review from Jetta c.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2010
They're great. Good selection of healthy fish at a reasonable price
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Review from Keoni U.
South San Francisco, CA
10/7/2009
This is the closest LFS to me and I don't even live in the city. I have bought a good amount of stuff here. They have a large selection of corals, sw fish and some HUGE pieces of LR. Chris, Alex and the rest of the AC crew are very knowledgeable and give you good advice. Will come here for sure for questions reef related or to buy more goods.
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Review from mike h.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2009
Healthy well priced fish. Knowledgable staff. Some live plants. Good selection of both salt and freshwater fish. The owner is always there, and always ready to answer any question I have. I'll likely be shopping here for all my consumables because of their close proximity to my home. If you are looking for livestock, especially flowerhorns, look here.
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Review from Jess M.
We love coming here! This was one of our first stops when my husband was just starting his saltwater fish tank a year ago and it's been our favorite since! The staff are really helpful and will tell you what other fish stores fail to or won't tell you! They don't just run a fish store to run it! They know their stuff and it shows!
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Review from Lizzy L.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2009
my boyfriend LOVES this place & i have been dragged there with him on multiple occasions. the guy that usually helps him out (i think his name is Chris) is very approachable, knowledgeable, & never tries to oversell products. their fish seem a lot happier & healthier than those at the other stores we have been to (6th Ave. Aquarium, Tropical Reef, etc.). they also have a pretty good selection of high quality, easily maintainable live plants. &, from what the boy says, the prices are pretty damn good.
while the staff gives him advice on Co2 tests or whatever else he needs, i keep myself busy picking out which fish i want him to buy. although i can't tell you what species they carry, i can tell you that they are pretty cool to look at :] -
Review from James T.
San Francisco, CA
2/24/2008
I have lived in the Ocean Ave . / City College Area for a total of about 5 years . I had went into Aquatic Central before just to check it out , they have some interesting stuff . So when my wife's boss gave us some fish , I went here to buy all my aquarium goodies . I am bias , due to the fact that I support small business owners , but I've always been helped , prices are fair , and you get to deal with the owners . I don't like going to places like Petco and some high school kid is looking like a deer in headlights when I ask a question . I told them what was wrong with my fish and they sold me the medicine to make them better . They did a free water test . Of course it was terrible . We managed to fix that as well using their advice . Good luck Aquatic Central and thanks for the help !!!
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Review from Tintin and Snowy x.
San Francisco, CA
5/23/2009
My cleaner shrimp died because I dumped fresh water into my tank thinking it was salt water. The new clerk at the store made a mistake! I spoke to the owner who immediately replaced my shrimp and apologized. No drama, no hassle! That's great customer service in my book and I will definitely keep going back. There are a lot of places in SF where one can shop for your aquarium, but none with this kind of service : )
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Review from JACOB L.
San Francisco, CA
3/12/2010
Nice guys that work there. They will answer your questions and recommend the right product for your needs. They have a wide selection of corals in the back.
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Review from Brian L.
San Francisco, CA
2/26/2008
Guy knows his stuff. Good guy, good morals, and GREAT FISH when you get there on the right days!
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Review from Raul G.
San Francisco, CA
12/24/2008
Small shop, but cool stuff and cool folks. If I don't need a gang of plants or a field trip to 6th ave, then you'll find me here. Prices are very fair. If Chris doesn't know, he'll ask someone else or tell you he's unsure. Plus they have Discus now and this place is really close to home. So Aquatic has all my aquarium needs covered.
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Review from Brian Y.
San Francisco, CA
3/25/2009
He loves aggressive fish, and he is dedicated in customer service. Check it out sometime, very laid back individual!
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Review from Christopher K.
Daly City, CA
8/28/2009
Great place and great service! Chris was exceptionally helpful in helping me get everything that I needed to set up my betta tank. It was an awesome experience and I will return for sure!
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Review from Tim T.
Daly City, CA
9/1/2009
This little hidden store is great. I've been around to a lot of local San Francisco fish stores and I would have to say that this is one of the better places I've been to. The staff are really down to earth and treat you well. If you have any questions or concerns about your tank and critters, they will be more than glad to share their knowledge with you. I've ran into some places that will just sell you whatevers to make a couple bucks, but they'll warn you about reef compatibilities and what not. Very honest and helpful.
They were really helpful in getting my nano tank started. When I went out and bought my first piece (sun anemone TUBESTREA) and my tank wasn't cycled yet, they even baby sitted my little guy for a week until my tank was ready! I always come here now for all my needs.
Thanks you guys.
P.S. Boat loads of awesome SPS corals, LPS corals, saltwater sea creatures (sea-stars, variety of shrimps and crabs), and a nice fresh water selection of plants and flowerhorns for those fanatics out there. -
Review from Lee B.
San Francisco, CA
3/11/2010
Chris and the guys at aquatic central are awesome... They helped me build my tank step by step and now i have a healthy and beautiful tank.. Its the best store I've been to around here.... 6 stars!
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Review from Christina C.
San Francisco, CA
4/25/2007
i don't really like the place here. very bad service. they always seem to be too busy and not bother to ask if you need help. think twice before you buy the fishes or their products such as food. they over charge too many things. if you planning to buy fish food, double check on other stores because they are cheaper than the ones here. plus they dont have variety of fishes and the owner always say they are out of stock. dont waste your time here because you will find somewhere else better than here
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Review from Jonathan T.
Colma, CA
8/25/2009
Great Service with the very good prices. Awesome staff to help get your tank set up!
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Review from Teej A.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2010
I wish I could give them 10 stars! The owner, Chris, is super knowledgeable and really knows his stuff. The store has a HUGE selection of saltwater corals and fish. It's always a pleasant visit/experience. I've noticed a lot of standoffish stores...meaning that if you don't look like you can afford saltwater fish they just won't acknowledge your existence--it's really quite sad but not this place!! This store is way out of my way but definitely worth the trip. To be honest, one of the best stores I have seen in the San Francisco area (believe me I hit them all up @ least once a month). All my fish, urchins, corals are thriving. In my opinion, it's truly the only place to purchase saltwater items/corals/fish.
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Review from B D.
Mountain View, CA
9/15/2009
This place is great. Quality, knowledgeable and great to talk with. Prices are not bad at all either! Just make sure to know what you're looking for so you don't buy something that doesn't match well with your system.
