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King Aquarium
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
36 reviews for King Aquarium
Large, busy store...super selection! Unique items like pistol shrimp/goby pairs, baby hippo tangs, and basket stars! They had some decent prices/ specials. I picked up a few peppermint shrimp...and am going back today for an unusual Mushroom frag. Getting helped when I decided what I wanted was a bit tough on a BUSY Sunday afternoon. I waited about 15 minutes to be helped & then the guy waiting behind me was taken first. Irked me, but it was a madhouse & not an intentional thing.
If you are into fish keeping, either fresh or salt, this is definitely a destination for you!!
3.5 stars.
I been caring for fish and anything in an aquarium since I a little boy. So I know my fish stores.
The fish here are great! Selection is good, they are healthy and the displays are awesome! However, they do have some flaws in my opinion.
They have illegal animals everywhere. Baby Turtles, illegal fish, etc. Their prices are pretty expensive from what I am used to (shopping in SF). 10 guppies for $1!!!! SF you can get them for 16 or 18. Thats 60-80% increase!!
Bottom Line, they are the best in SJ, overall.
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Actually 3.5 stars.
I was in the mood for some King Eggroll on Saturday and asked the wife if she wanted to tag along. It was unbearably hot outside but we had the a.c. cranking in the G ride all the way down 680. A 40 minute ride to SJ was well worth it. The eggrolls were off the hook, as usual, and were oh so tasty.
King Aquarium is in the same complex all the way at the end and we decided to check them out. I've been here before and I like their selection of tropical fish and their salt water tanks and displays are really nice. I've been hesitant over the years and really afraid of getting a large tank because of the amount of care required to maintain a salt water environment so the fishes will live long and happy. So, I bought a little one!
We spent about 2 hours talking to a couple guys and getting their opinions and recommendations of starting a fish tank. Their knowledge was in depth and never had any issues with customer service. They seemed passionate in what they do and seemed genuine.
They had a good selection of salt water baby fishes and I couldn't wait to finally having my own lil fish tank. It was an eye opener with how much is required to maintain 3 fishes (2 Nemos and a lil blue guy). The 8 gallon container was inexpensive but then you need coral rocks, a nice lighting fixture, a power filter, a heater, sand, thermometer, salt water and food. Easily pushed my purchase beyond 3 bills.
I wasn't that concerned about the price since they were really helpful. For that they get 3.5 stars.
btw, I plan on going back to get a "cleaner crew" and maybe a lil lobster. I expect my experience to be just as good if not better. I'll send an update soon.
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Right next to King Eggroll, these owners probably sell their dead items for cooking supplies. It's no cleaner than a rundown Chinese restaurant, with a large selection of fish.
The problem with this place for me is disease. There are 2 saltwater sections, each with its own water system. On the right side are fish only, and includes hefty copper and additives in the water to keep them looking healthy. Still, I found a few cases of Ich which makes me think that the copper levels are not controlled. Note that prolonged copper and other additives is hazardous and kills fish or heavily shortens their life expectancy! On the left side with corals and invertebrates, all fish show obvious signs of disease.
Beware of saltwater buying items from here as you will surely compromise the health of your home system.
And a side note: beware of buying food from King Eggroll next door unless you want to ingest fish that died of disease from next door.
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King Aquarium is overrated. The price is ridiculously expensive! The owner is cocky and arrogant. The staff there are rude and not helpful at all.
The parking lot is horrible. The price is expensive. The service is terrible.
Don't waste your money at this place. You'll be more happy if you go to PetSmart.
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I love their collection. Sonny is awesome help!
It's a fairly large store with everything from tropical fish, fresh fish, turtles and well most things you could be looking for. It has a great selection and the store seemed clean, the tanks clean, the fish healthy and well stocked.
The customer service was good, friendly and informative. Though there are dried sea horses on the wall, they swear it was natural! They even helped us bring the big biotank to the car and load it - not an easy task for a Jetta!
My betta is still happy and healthy - and might I mention pretty!
The biotank is working great and it was on sale, a great sale.
We will definately being coming back!
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At first I thought this was a good aquarium because the tanks were really nice and the fish looked healthy. The prices seemed to okay so I ended up buying a few fish here.
However the next few times I went back I talked with the owner and tried to ask him questions. He didn't seem to have the slightest interest in helping me out.
I later observed the same guy show great interest and help out a relatively attractive girl..... hmmm maybe if I go back again I'll wear a short skirt and a push up bra, maybe he will give me the time of day and a discount.
I also have to agree with one of the other yelper about the staffs customer service. They typically act like they arent there to help you and that you need to approach them and ask them if they could spare some of their time away from their texting to help you out.
The only reason why this place gets 2 stars is because of its prices. Also, the parking lot is a freaking nightmare...I've seen two accidents here in 3 months. You'd better drive your beater care here
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I've always bought quality fish here.
Fresh water - varieties: arrows to teacups to torpedo sharks, shadow fins.. bichers, discus, saber tusks, ghost fish.. just about everything.
Salt water - varieties:seahorses, octopuses, and angler fishes (anglers are rare), eels, jelly fish.. w/ the right amount of $$, you can pre-order the fish you want in advance.
Love it here.
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So after following debates on the South Bay aquariums, I decided to check them our for myself. Display tanks? sure, they were nice. Supplies seemed fairly priced - but it was mixed...some high, some normal but nothing "cheap." For fish - selection was a so-so. Maybe because I was expecting more or maybe because they stock on Mondays or something...who knows. Lots of freshwater fish - saltwater selection was lame. The few fish they did have looked healthy. Coral prices were on the high side as well... Service wasn't the best but at least it was there - unlike Aquarium Showroom.................
Might be a good place to go - if they stocked more fish...But probably not since the city spoils me ;)
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I have bought some great looking discus from this place. It was a few dollars more than elsewhere, but the discus at King looked healthy and thriving. They have a great selection of livestock, both fresh, salt, and reef, in addition to equipment. Sometimes you'll see a shark embryo or a nautilus!
By asking questions to all the employees, you can tell they were somewhat trained in fish keeping. They have a good handle on basic knowledge of water chemistry and the compatibility of different species of fish. Sometimes, however, I got conflicting information and had 2 of them arguing right in front of me. To clear it up, they checked with the boss. Overall they are friendly and helpful.
The owner is very helpful, though not very cheerful. I was making a purchase of a few fish and wanted some of a different species. Rather than make a huge sale, he recommended against the additional fish as they "might" not get a long. He told me to play it safe.
You can get the same products elsewhere, such as at Petco, for slightly cheaper. However, you won't find anyone at Petco/Petsmart as knowledgeable as the guys at King Aquarium.
I seen bigger and better but this place is decent. The customer service was good. Someone came up to me and asked if I needed any help. They have a pretty good selection of fish as well as freshwater plants. But the store is a little pricey though.
I've been going here for years since it is the closest fishstore for me in essj that I can trust. The staff is always helpful and they always answer my questions. I bought a clownfish here in 2005 and hes still alive. Prices are okay with coral when I do buy some it is worth the money for the size.
I am a fish hobbyist, and am also concerned with the ethics of fish keeping.
This store is one of the better ones that I have visited. The fish are generally healthy, and the ones that are ill are quarantined and cared for. They are not left with the other healthy fish to make the entire tank sick. I never have to point out sick fish to them, because they monitor them frequently.
They are VERY knowledgable and can answer many questions.
They have good stock of equipment which are not the cheap kind.
I have heard about things being overpriced here, but I think the prices are good. They are not cheap, and I do not think any place that sells fish or other animals should be cheap (other than adoptions). That way, only serious people will buy and not those who are looking for a fish to stick in a lonely pathetic bowl only to let it die a week later. (Walmart)
I have come in a few times with sick fish asking for opinions on what the staff thinks it could be, and they have always been helpful with their advice.
Other than that, their store is clean, and attractive. There is also a koi pond where you can feed the fish, which is kind of fun.
An important note: I have never seen them sell fish that are injected with pigments to create "hearts" and other patterns. This is a cruel practice and they do not seem to encourage it.
The only thing I do not like about the store is they sell those "picture frame" aquariums which provide the fish with a small amount of flat space to swim. Not very ethical.
Maybe it's just me and my crazy self, but back in Sacramento, items appear to be so much cheaper. Here at a store fixated on selling a certain product, I'd blindly figure that it would be somewhat or a tab bit cheaper. Unfortunately, because of the difference in location, the closer you are to the bay, the more moolah you have to dish out.
So as I'm taking my tour of this cool facility, I get help right when I'm about done finding all the nic nacs I need for my fishies.
$5.49 for a 1.34oz TetraFin brand goldfish crisps yummies. In Sacramento, I can probably buy that out the door for a little bit over three something. =( Oh well.
The place over all is alright. There's probably five to six or so people working at a time and though they are friendly, sometimes, it takes a bit for them to say "Hello, how can I help you?"
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So they've done a bit of cleaning up since the last time I was here. They have a lot more stock and have redone some of their display tanks.
Some of the coral frags here are a steal but I can usually find better prices at Neptunes.
One hobbiest friend of mine found a blue stalk Xenia here for only $10!!! They really didn't know what they had!
They sell some wicked urchins, octopuses and sea horses from time to time.
I like how they have some Pistol Shrimp/Goby pair deals. Pretty cheap compared to other stores who would sell them separately.
False Clownfish here are some of the cheapest in the area at $9.99. Aquarium Showroom matches that price but has healthier specimens.
Also they recently got a new shipment of Betta fish, lots of Deltas, Halfmoons and Crowntails. Of course there are some roundtail fighters, but they're usually not that good of a selection nor as healthy.
Oh, still lack good customer service skills. But what ev, it's expected now.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/23/2008
King Aquarium is one of the few places I actually frequent when it comes to aquarium goods. They… Read more »
I've had positive experiences here the few times I've been in (3-4). Their big tanks are THE most impressive in-store tanks I've ever seen. Theirs selection is off the charts, in my opinion, and their prices aren't that bad.
I picked up a big AquaClear filter here for $10 less than Petsmart advertised (and I say "advertised" because PM didn't have it in-stock!) - aren't the big chains supposed to be LESS expensive due to volume of sales?
They've always had whatever I needed in-stock, and at a price I was willing to pay. Contrary to many of the reports, I've never been treated rudely. Yes, I've had to wait for service, but so what!? The store is busy! I see that as a good sign.
This probably isn't your go-to shop for guppies or goldfish, but if you want something a little more high-end and don't want to drive to San Francisco, I can think of no better place to go.
3.5 stars
I'm not a fish person. My BF is though. I enjoy coming here with him and checking out all the gorgeous display tanks. We haven't made any big purchases here other than supplies for his tank, or feeder fish, so I can't speak much for the high prices. I'm pretty sure the owners of this store are ballin' outta control, though. Someone told me they're part of the King Eggroll family. Not sure if that's fact or fiction... but I wouldn't doubt it if it were true.
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Everything you've ever needed for tropical or fresh water. This store is the only place that sells live BRINE SHRIMP. They have so much to choose from it's ridiculous. From ultra-exotic to mutated species to the rare. They have many plants to choose from. They have a huge store probably over 10,000 square feet of fish & supplies.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT
Also, bunch of cute asian guys working there :)
This is a cool shop. At times they can have some hard to find fish for sale for reasonable prices. the coral selection is not bad but its not all that great. they always have some really nice RBTA's for sale with other nice carpet anemones. The one thing that i like the most is there service. the team they have there is great and they have always been able to answer any questions that i have.
Everything in this store seemed to be marked up 300%, unlike the usual 100-150% Aquarium stores do. No wonder they drive Corvettes, Benzs and High end Japanese cars. I bought a few fishes years back and it made my whole tank sick. The only positive is that the place has a nice big tank in the front entrance..once you watch, get the hella out!
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5 words -- Two days, Dead Clown Loach T_T.
6 bucks down the drain, and they are so far away that it's not worth driving back for a refund =/. I'm going to dolphin instead and buy another clown loach. Man, all my fish are healthy, except for the tigerbarbs and the clown loach I bought from this place -- over priced, under health fish =/
I've never had fish like that just die out of no where =/
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Update -- maybe not as bad as I thought for the 1st time. I've gone back several times and after my 1st experience, this place ends up better than dolphin pet village. I think maybe the ones I bought were on the way to the grave yard anyway.
the fishes i got afterwards are very strong and are happily swimming in my 90 gallon tank today.
so far so good -- upping the stars to 3.
This place wasnt too helpful. Being the Coral Reef Enthusiast that I am. They purchase everything in bulk and only sell you the crap they do not want to keep. All of the premium corals and fish are inside their display tanks.
Guarantee? What guarantee? Its not your water dont let people tell you its your water that kills your fish or corals. If you have livestock living and thriving, then introduce new inhabitants to it that die a few hours later.
It's probably the way the store ACCLIMATES their shipments.
Everything I bought here has died. I only buy my goods online now. Unless its dry goods or frozen foods.
I had some helpful people there, but I havent seen them since.
pretty good selection on accessories. i think they are definitly over priced but did have the things i've been looking for.
ie. dried decorative coral, plastic container to hang on outside of aquarium, lots of selection of decent pet store quality betta half moons/etc.
fish selection...eh...i guess if you're a cichild person it's good.
but i'm a tropical fancy guppy/betta/snails girl :)
the best part was-it didn't smell like a petstore! hardly any dead fish seen
worst- yea, the people don't have customer service skills...but probably cuz their asian. i'm asian so i can say that ;)
King Aquarium has a great selection of rarer fish (datnoids, African Tiger Fish, exodons, puffers, central american cichlids, plecos--I even saw a Wolf Fish there one time).
But, their service is marginal. Employees can vary from rude to friendly. The owner is an unfriendly, arrogant man.
This is a great shop. It's got the small mom and pop feel to it, but they actually have a very wide variety in terms of selection. From a cost perspective, everything is either on par or very competitive, and the live stock is all very healthy. I bought a lionfish, yellow tang, and sailfin tang from these guys, and they are all doing very well. I was particularly impressed that they feed their lionfish non-living food as opposed to live food. This takes time for the fish to adapt to, but is better in the long run once you purchase and own the fish (feeding goldfish long term to lionfish is not good for the fish). In fact, I was able to get my lion fish feeding on flakes even, which is almost unheard of! Anyhow, I did have one fish (fiji damsel) not make it alive due to a damaged lip that either I nor the guy helping me noticed. I called the shop two days later and spoke with one of the guys managing the store (named Sung) about returning the fish. He politely explained the policy on fish returns to me, but made an exception for me to get store credit. I went in, he cordially greeted me, gave me store credit for the fish, and even cut me a discount on my next fish. I was so pleased with the service, i ended up buying another fish from them and a fish tank on my way out. I have not dealt with the actual store owner, and he did seem more reserved with not much to say, but overall the service here is top notch, and my experience has been very positive. Staff is excellent - usually young guys, but all eager to help and knowledgeable. Recommended.
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HAHA...after reading the reviews for King Aquarium, I don't know why people who gave bad rating or comments about King Aquarium. 1st, these people are not real fish enthusiastic. True hobbyist don't cry over dead fish. Just because their fish dead, they feel it's King Aquarium's fault..ahh yeah, fish is a living creature and if your tank water isn't the right condition then it'll die. Blame everyone else, except yourself. I take a risk everytime I buy fish from ANYWHERE...but I've had many success because I KNOW how to care for my fish.
Very big store with a big selection of fish and fish stuff. Place is very clean. Find everything I need and workers are very helpful.
There is no customer service here! They don't greet you. The guys who work there are nonchalant about your needs. Go somewhere else! Don't buy those baby turtles. I saw them selling red-bellied piranhas once, and it's no "Pacu". And one last thing, don't buy or ask question about planted aquarium because they are not knowledgeable. Go see Ocean Aquarium or Aqua Forest Aquarium in SF for planted aquariums, the best freshwater aquarium stores in the bay area.
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we got our iguana here about 1 year ago, and it is the best aquarium ive seen so far here in san jose. the place is clean and very organized, they have the fish in front and supplies towards the back. i like how they have the koi fish in the back that you can feed, it gives the kids something to do while you find what your looking for. while you're here, dont forget to stop by king eggroll! they have the best food around in the east side
Pretty amazing place to just walk around in. It's a cross between a pet store and a museum. They have a couple of large 500-1000 gallon display tanks that have been very meticulously set up, you can definitely waste half an hour alone just looking at these tanks.
As for as selection and pricing goes, this is one of the best places in the bay area. They have the widest selection of salt and freshwater fish I've seen and prices are considerably low. Equipment selection and pricing is pretty good too.
The downside is that this place seems to be pretty shady. There's a lot of illegal exotic animal trade going on (blue ring octopus, stingrays, baby turtles). Overall I would definitely check this place out.
I'll make this quick and short. They have a decent variety of fish, but you can find the same fish at other places for way less. Customer service? What customer service? The people in the front don't even greet you and if you're walking around obviously looking for something, no one comes to you to ask if you need help. Don't waste your time going here. There's better establishments that appreciate your business elsewhere.
Best selection in the area. The customer service needs help, they don't allow dogs in their store which stupid because its fish...not a restaurant or grocery store. The prices are high but they do have a good selection of fish and supplies. If I ever come here again, I'm just going to browse but not buy. I spent enough money here already and now i'm broke with a overdraft fee from my turtles.
This place sucks big bird. My parents who have a huge aquarium went there and spent bucu bucks on aquarium stuff. My mom bought a castle, and informed the owner husband guy that it might not be big enough for her tank. He said, no worries, just bring it back, and he'll exchange it. So of course - it was too small like she suspected. We went back the following weekend, and the owner wife bitch was at the register, my mom informed her of the situation, and owner bitch said in a rude tone, that it was not exchangeable. Of course my mom explained to her what her husband had told her... but owner bitch didn't listen. She just kept saying no. If she wasn't so stupid, then she would have realized my mom was exchanging it for something a lot more expensive. I let her talk for a bit, but then realized that owner bitch was being VERY rude. She must have been in her early 30s, making that almost half my mom's age. I was pissed, told her she seriously needed some customer service skills, common sense, and if she needed me to pound some into her - I'd be happy to do it outside. haha... I was causing quite a scene in front of all their customers. The husband heard all the commotion and came to the front. Realized what happened, gave my mom the bigger castle, and apologized.
Nonetheless - this place sucks, and is completely over-priced. We never steped foot back into that place.
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By far this is the greatest fish store I've been to in San Jose. Awesome display tanks as you walk in....they are huge! Fish looks pretty healthy with no floating dead fish. From Koi, ciclids, and to salt water they got it all. Alot of workers to help you out as well. Check them out, it's worth the visit.
way overpriced. amazing tanks and beautiful fish. they got some illegal stuff in the back but its cool cause theyre asians haha. they look like they know theyre stuff., except for this one dude that told me they had red oscars when i called in and i went and they were albino red and he said they were "red"....lol he was just quiet and i walked away shaking my head. WTF get this noob outta here. let the experts like me work there. only gave it an extra star because of the display tanks
STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE. The prices are very high and the fish are typically sickly/diseased. The owner is also unscrupulous. I spoke with him on the phone and he told me I could get some store credit for some LR, but later reneged. The owner and most of the people in the store are rude.
