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Aquatic Life Forms
Category: Pets Pet Stores Pet Stores [Edit]
Westmoor Village Shopping Ctr1247 S Mary Ave
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
(408) 245-9600
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 11 am - 6 am
36 reviews for Aquatic Life Forms
36 reviews in English
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Review from Lizzie S.
Mountain View, CA
1/9/2012
This is my favorite freshwater aquarium store in the Silicon Valley area -- no question. The fish are healthy and robust. And I get good advice and good products. Robert is no nonsense and extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
I wish I'd known about this place when I started my tank. Instead, I initially dropped by whatever chain store was nearby to get supplies. When a betta developed a bad case of ick, the chain store sold me treatment tablets that (I later found out) were designed to "burn" the buggers off the fish. (Why is this even being sold??) The store clerk said to just drop a tablet in the water. After reading the instructions, I tried to get clarification on a few things. The clerk seemed clueless, though, so it was clear I was flying solo on this mission. (You know when someone's talking to you, and you just look at them and think "you don't know what the hell you're talking about, do you?" That was me in the store.) After I added the treatment to the tank, my fish was literally jumping out of the water in pain. Agonizing, and agonizing to watch. I'm glad I only tried 1/4 of the recommended dosage -- it would've been a lot worse if I'd followed Pets$*%!'s recommendation.
Desperate, I changed the water quickly and then searched Yelp for an alternative. Came across Aquatic Life Forms and what a difference. Robert gave me the low down on Ick treatments. Then he asked for my tank size and mixed up a special batch of something or other (insert trademark symbol here). I'm not sure what it was (a pink liquid diluted with tank water), but it worked like magic. He didn't even charge me for this treatment. My fish crossed back into the world of the living, then thriving.
This place has earned my loyalty. And it's nice to shop local, too. I can't imagine they make much money since there is so much big corp pressure to keep prices low. So shop here and support this good resource! -
Review from Deepak S.
Milpitas, CA
12/12/2011
I just started with my first freshwater fish tank. tried pretty much all the Petsmart and Petcos around here to see if they had some of the nicer bigger finned fancy guppies. Found this place on yelp and thought of giving it a try and so glad I did.
This shop has the best supply of fresh water fishes. Way more than any other chain store or any store for that matter. you can see from the way they have the fishes that they are all very healthy.
So if you are looking for fishes you should check this shop out. The owner is very helpful and will give you good tips and suggestions. I haven't come across any other store around here that has that many options for freshwater fishes.. -
Review from Ken B.
San Jose, CA
2/29/2012
Visited this store today and there was only one sales person in there and we were the only customers there. He said hi to us but didn't offer any help...
The fish tanks in this store is dirty and there are dead fishes in various tanks. The backroom where the saltwater fishes are looked terrible and unorganized. The fancy goldfish tank in the back room looked like it was WAY overstocked and I counted about 5 or 6 dead goldfishes on the bottom of the tank rotting away. This place is terrible when it comes to taking care of their livestock. I would not recommend coming here. -
Review from Fred H.
Milpitas, CA
4/20/2011
I came here looking for some salt water stuff and boy was I met with a strong opinion. I think he's the owner of the store who told me this "salt water is dead man". really? has this guy been on the internet? has this guy looked around at any of his competition?
If you choose to not sell salt water livestock please dont try to make me feel like an idiot for wanting corals.
I will never come here again. -
Review from Tim H.
Sunnyvale, CA
3/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really enjoy all things fish. And this store has just bout anything you will need to get started on a new fish tank setup or need stuff for your aquarium. The store has a huge selection of freash & Salt water fish & creatures great for the first time owner or starter tank.
I like shopping at the local stores its good for the economy!
The owner is a real nice guy he knows his stuff and is very helpful. The store has all types of fresh & sea water creatures. Also if your in need of a new fish tank or additions to your existing one I say check them out! -
Review from Michael J.
Sunnyvale, CA
5/12/2008 1 Check-in Here
As it's been mentioned, this is definitely not going to be stop #1 for saltwater.
I've bought many fish from this guy and have (to no surprise) never had one die on me from some weird disease it came with.
The guy takes good care of the fish and his customers. He doesn't hesitate to answer any newbie questions either and he's definitely not in it to sell you a whole bunch of crap you don't need. I wish there were more places like this cause I'm kinda sick of the usual Petco stuff..Listed in: Do you like Fish? The pet…
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Review from taylor l.
Sunnyvale, CA
7/21/2006
The owner is very friendly and knowledgeable. I bought 3 columbian ramshorn snails and an ammonia test kit from him. I researched the columbian ramshorn snail after I bought them, and found that they are capable of eating all the plant life in a pond.
I wish he had cautioned me about this when I wanted to buy them. I guess I should have told him more about my pond. -
Review from Jenifer V.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/28/2008
This is a great local store. The freshwater selection is always good and the fish are incredibly healthy. I've never had an issue when buying fish here.
He also has a great selection of crowntail bettas - my favorite!
The owner (sorry - don't know his name) is super friendly and knowledgeable. He never pushes you to leave the store with something which I really like.
Please stop by this place before buying your fish from a place like Petco or Petsmart. -
Review from Maralyn S.
San Mateo, CA
1/9/2012 1 photo
i will have to edit to provide proper info re: review. for now, we have been in his store about 5 x in the past month.... because even just to visit is that great. he has more confidence in his knowledge than competing chains, is matter of fact and honest. tremendously helpful and is patient with the barrage of questions i constantly have. love this place. support a local fish store and buy your fish needs here.
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Review from Shana A.
Fort Bragg, CA
10/15/2008
Okay so I stopped in here last weekend with my boyfriend. I'm starting a salt water tank and my boyfriend is helping me. We had to get a few supplies for the tank and was recommended to come to this place. One of the few places in this area to have salt water stuff I guess.
The owner Bob was VERY helpful and really shed some knowledge on the salt water industry and why his set up was the way it was in the back. makes sense. It goes in cycles plus with the economy these days..well I won't get into the whole conversation but I really did appreciate him shedding some light on stuff. We got our light and headed on our way.
I'd totally just come back just for the convo. The prices were decent. You can tell he really busts his @ss to get this place running. I can totally appreciate that. The owner is wonderful.
Come here and support your local businesses -
Review from Jolie P.
San Jose, CA
3/11/2011 1 photo
This is an excellent spot to check out if you're looking to add new fishies to your freshwater tank. Typically, fish stores have elaborate salt water tanks and fish that poor college students like myself don't have the funds for. But this place definitely specializes in freshwater, which made me really happy. They had beautiful veiled angels and HUGE exotic fish in the last couple rows. The saltwater section in the back has obviously been put on the back burner and had a sign stating that saltwater sales were not guaranteed. The place could also use a little dusting. The owner was helpful and let me know that a cichlid (demasoni?) I was considering would wipe out my whole tank. I left happy with my pretty marble angelfish.
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Review from Jim D.
Santa Clara, CA
8/31/2007
The store is pretty well stocked, and the fish seem relatively healthy, but the marine tanks in the back are looking a little neglected, and a number of the plants for sale look dreadful.
I'd probably purchase something from here if I was in the area, but I don't think I'd go out of my way to visit this store. -
Review from john h.
Menlo Park, CA
10/3/2008
The only place I buy my worms. That screams respect.
Actually have never bought fish here, but all look healthy. The owner is as knowledgeable as anyone you'll find, and will tell you as much as you want to hear on any fish subject.
Left of the fifth star because he has a limit selection of plants. This is not the place for you if you're doing an aquatic garden. -
Review from Mike H.
Sunnyvale, CA
4/20/2008
This is easily the best fish store in the South Bay. I've been going here for about four years. The owner, Bob, is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and friendly. The fish there are always in great shape, and the prices are fair. They carry a wide selection of fish, and even get in some rarer cichlids (Nandopsis haitiensis, grammodes, etc.).
There are very few locally owned fish stores remaining, so I always try to go to the Aquatic Life Forms for food, supplies, and fish. -
Review from Hollis M.
Mountain View, CA
7/26/2010
Aquatic Life Forms is a small store, but it is really packed with the most sensible version of everything you could want. The owner, Bob, carries live tubifex worms, which are very popular with our veiled angels (though not so popular with me because they are GROSS); he also carries a couple other types of live foods, plus a full array of frozen foods. I will echo other reviewers' comments that Bob is extremely knowledgeable, cares about what he does, and does not ever try to push or rush a sale. He was kind enough to take care of our fish for two weeks and then overnight them to us at our new location in Madison, WI for about half what I thought this service would cost.
My hat is off to you, Bob; many thanks for keeping this awesome little store in such good shape. -
Review from Kieve W.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/19/2007
I love to go in and look at all the different types of fish in the store. They are known for healthy freshwater fish and interesting selection. I bought bumblebee goby, freshwater flounder, and dwarf puffers there. Great deal on ghost shrimps (4/$1.00) and snails too. Robert is very knowledgeable and friendly.
Please check out the store and help keep these local stores in business. We really need to support those who care enough about the hobby so everyone can benefit. -
Review from Jill B.
Los Altos, CA
5/10/2010
Robert is a awesome and this store has quality fish and their prices are great. If you take a little time to speak to the owner, he will dazzle you with his knowledge of fish, the distributors of what you want and he will go out of his way to carry what you need or give you an equivalent item.
The only place I will go to in the Bay Area for fish and food, period. -
Review from G M.
San Jose, CA
2/26/2011
Some of the cleanest aquariums and the healthiest fish in the south bay. The proprietor is personable, knowledgeable, and helpful. The anubias plants are robust. Merchandise is to be less expensive than at some of the bigger chains. We'll definitely go back.
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Review from Carlo F.
San Jose, CA
4/25/2008
Though they do have a large stock of healthy Freshwater fish, the saltwater tanks in the back were just awful. The owner isn't friendly to us, looked so angry, he just looked like he was about to stab us... We probrally came on a bad day...Also I've never seen a aquarium kept their fish in a blow up plastic kiddie pool....kinda off to me..
Listed in: Pets, aquariums and more!
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Review from M L.
Cupertino, CA
8/2/2011
I would give no stars if possible! Usually small private businesses strive to keep business. I asked to buy 50 goldfish and was told he had only about 20. I said that I would take the 20 goldfish. He replied, "its not worth my time to catch the 20." WOW!! I drove out of my way to go to his store vs petsmart that is just around the corner. Needless to say i will never waste my time to go to this store and strongly advise others to steer clear! Bad business!!!!
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Review from Frey V.
Mountain View, CA
5/17/2008
My experience level: beginner, fresh water, 20g tank.
I had never had an aquarium before and I bought my first aquarium, fish, etc. from PetSmart, and 75% died within the first week of ich and NH4 poisoning. A friend, who has been going here for years, directed me to this store, and I am very grateful she did, for now my fish are happy and thriving.
Employees:
The owner, Robert, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable on the topic of keeping an aquarium. He took a lot of time with me to explain why the fish died, and how a new aquarium needs to be set up and cycled properly. Apparently all first-time tank owners make this mistake, and kill off all their fish. I felt quite upset at PetSmart for not informing me of this, when it seems like something they should tell customers about.
I'm sure I asked a lot of silly beginner questions, and he very patiently answered them all. He must have been right, as I have been following his advice and no other fish have died.
I feel that Robert is very honest in his advice. He did not try to sell me any expensive items that I just plain did not need; just some live starter bacteria and an under-gravel filter. After installing the filter and adding the bacteria, the fish recovered, NH4 levels dropped over-night, and I have had no further problems.
I recently returned to purchase some more supplies and fish for the tank. Again, Robert was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about all the different types of fish in his inventory, and made several great suggestion after I explained my desires and parameters for the tank.
The store itself:
Good selection of fish, good selection of supplies. The tanks are crystal clear, and the fish seem to be in good health.
Conclusion:
I will never go to another pet store chain again for help / fish / supplies for my aquarium, as the employees there do not have the depth of knowledge, passion, honesty, and willingness to answer my silly beginner questions that Robert has. -
Review from Hiroshi K.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/16/2010
As I live in the immediate neighborhood, I had seen this place many times but never went in. I needed turtle supplies and was very pleased to see a large turtle tank right in the front of the store. One of my sliders was getting shell rot and the owner gave me great advice on not just treating shell rot, but tank cleaning, turtle diet and basking rocks. I'm so glad that I found this store. Will never go back to Petco.
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Review from Cyprus N.
San Jose, CA
3/11/2011
The place is very clean and well organize, you can get the best and cheapest Anubias plants here.
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Review from Elizabeth W.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/26/2008
This is by far the best experience I've had with an aquarium store. The shopkeeper is very friendly and not pushy. I don't know how knowledgeable he is because I do my research online before I go to the store to buy anything. It's always the same guy--I believe he is the owner--so you always know what to expect. He has a good selection of rocks, driftwood, food. I bought a Marineland tank from him at a very competitive price. Also, he carries cherry shrimp and live tubifex worms.
The tubifex worms are dirty; you need to put them through the cleaning process yourself.
This is not a good place to find planted aquarium supplies. -
Review from Dana B.
Mountain View, CA
5/24/2009
First, let me say that I used to work at an independent fish store that is no longer in business, so I am VERY picky about where I procure animals. This store is wonderful! Robert, the owner is a never ending ball on knowledge and has helped me tremendously while I was getting back into fish keeping. Beware... he gives it to you straight so don't expect anything but the blunt truth, which I always appreciate! His animals are always healthy and he has a good selection of fish. Considering the quality of his animals his prices are very reasonable!
He is also very accepting of returns if for whatever reason a fish is not working in your tank, which is GREAT! I wont shop anywhere else! -
Review from l. a.
West Newton, MA
2/3/2008
If you are looking for aquarium supplies - this guy as the best prices on tanks. In fact, the prices here for acrylic are even better than glass. Also, the owner is really helpful and nice. Highly recommended!
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Review from Anita W.
Los Altos, CA
10/24/2007
Robert, the store owner, is exceptional when it comes to knowing what to do with fish of just about any kind. He typically offers suggestions which are extremely helpful and appreciated. Moreover, he'll help you assemble what you purchased, like a fish tank with a filter, if you aren't familiar with the accouterments.
This is the fish store for me when I need help and supplies. -
Review from carolyn w.
San Mateo, CA
11/24/2009
What an awesome place... the owner is always there, is extremely knowledgeable, and he saved me alot of money with his great advice for my pond filtration I was installing. There really isn't many fish stores left, and this one is worth the drive if you don't live in Sunnyvale.
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Review from John M.
Redwood City, CA
4/29/2010
On of the last truly great fish stores in the bay. Not a great place to buy saltwater fish. But a great variety of freshwater fish for sale. Impressively knowledgeable owner. Prices on fish are very reasonable. Equipment and food supplies you can fins cheaper online ,but beware the years of experience the owner possesses can guide you to the right product for your needs the first time. As opposed to buying site unseen online and using the trial and error method. Defiantly worth the slightly higher prices IMHO. Overall great shop, don't think I will be going anywhere else in the bay for fish/supplies or advice.
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Review from Eddie k.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/26/2010
Just an ok place. Walked around for a bit. No customer service etiquette. Not even a hello or a hi. It wasnt until I had to go up to someone and ask if they worked at the store. Looked like they have a bunch of cool stuff in the store. The fish looked healthy and happy. Like some of the previous reviewers said, I wouldnt go out of my way to come to this place.
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Review from Steve W.
Palo Alto, CA
6/16/2007
I have visited the other independent aquarium stores in the area, and Aquatic Life Forms has the best selection by far.
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Review from Monica E.
San Jose, CA
11/6/2009
If your fish are sick DO NOT BUY ANY MEDS FROM THIS PLACE!!!!! It is WAY over priced and if the medicine does not work they will not give you a refund. Our fish had gotten anchor worm and before buying medicine from this place (which costs $25.99 plus tax) I got some from Petsmart that did not work either and I WAS able to get a full refund. Word of advice... buy from Petsmart or Petco, they will let you return anything that does not work out for you no matter how much you used. I hope I can save someone money with this comment.
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Review from Marcus L.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/20/2011
Went to this store to get supplies to start up a 55 gallon tank. I needed the basic start up stuff. I went to ask for some assistance locating items and was meet by a some "Dude" that needs to learn what good customer service is. This oger/ fish Nazi appeared irritated when I walk in, irritated to sell items, irritated to be there. He claimed to be the owner which shocked me. If I owned a fish store and some came in and spent 100 bucks on fish stuff, I'd be a whole lot nicer... Really this guys was rude and irritating. Thinking everyone can have a bad day, I decided to challenge my patience once again and head back to this store to buy fish. I meet up with the same dude and asked for a price break because I bought so much stuff last time (way over paid)and was now looking to get fish. I must have offended him because his face turned beat red and he said his mark up on fish is his mark up. So I left and will never return to his store. I do not recommend this store to anyone. This guy is known as "Fish Nazi" in the circle of people I know.... Good customer service can make or break you
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Review from B D.
Mountain View, CA
9/7/2009
Sincere, helpful workers at a small, clean, well-kept fish store. Just FYI, if you go in on weekends or holidays, there'll probably be employee family members sitting around and kids playing.
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Review from Sylvia P.
Mountain View, CA
2/13/2010
I dragged my husband into this store on our way to get our rabbit food from "For Other Living Things". I really enjoy looking at fish, so I was curious to check it out. At first I was really underwhelmed with the overabundance of goldfish. As we progressed through the rows of aquariums we noticed more and more dead or sick fish in the tanks. By the last row of the freshwater tanks there was a big Oscar loaded with what looked like white fungus all over it. I was shocked! I couldn't believe they could let their fish get so sick and even share water with other tanks! But it got worse when we looked in the back at the saltwater tanks; they were so covered in algae that you couldn't see the fish! The substrate looked like it hadn't been cleaned in months and there was a dark, non working tank of fake plants with dying fish in it! I'm tempted to call animal control. I guess this place has really gone downhill since all those positive reviews in 2008. It's really too bad.
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Review from ricardo m.
San Jose, CA
9/28/2010
i will never,never never go back to this place ever!!! customer service is very bad .i wanted a large bag of arowana food & they were all expired. ibrought to the attention of the woman working in that store & she showed that she didn't care a bit. this is actually my 2nd experience at this store 1st was when i purchased a flower horn fish as a tankmate for my arowana i asked the man in the counter if they would get along & he said yes since they're both south american fish & the flowerhorn almost murdered my arowana.bad service,i will nerver go back & i will not recomend this store.
