The Aquarium Showroom - CLOSED

4.0 star rating
52 reviews Rating Details

Category: Aquariums  [Edit]

2137 S 10th St
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 907-5619
Good for Kids:
Yes
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52 reviews in English

  • Review from Lam L.

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    • 16 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/23/2010

    very clean place.  no dead fish unlike other places.

    clubs usually host events here so you can come and ask questions from people who are actually in the hobbies ... free food included :)

  • Review from Yen T.

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    • 17 friends
    • 163 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    1.0 star rating
    7/1/2010

    At first the fishes looks alive... but then they get all diseased.

    I bought a couple of the parrot fishes from here... they didn't last long either.

    The staff are what? Man they don't know anything. And they like to sit outside and look at their cars more.

    Parking lot huge! So park anyway you like.

  • Review from Irvin C.

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    • 96 friends
    • 14 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/23/2010

    This update review 12/23 Closing down

    Place closing down =/. The owner Max and Minh are cool cats they get to know you personally as an individual and that is what I personally think is very important. Tanks are dirty stopped caring care of stuff read my last review of what I thought liek i said this is an update review.

    +cool people STILL
    +alot of freakin stuff too much ( a good thing)
    + lots of corals exotics/rares

    -Dirty/Neglect/Workers lazy
    -Too big of a place to feel comfy
    -CLosing down =/

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    • 5.0 star rating
      10/24/2009

      Awesome People. Very nice place the owner max and cash register minh is pretty cool guy's been here… Read more »

  • Review from Veronica B.

    Campbell, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/24/2010 1 photo

    A job in the mental health field isn't easy. It has its ups downs, brick walls, but every so often glimmers of reward. Atop my cubicle sits my Betta fish Brutus. He flutters when he sees me and gobbles up his three food pellets everytime I feed him. His pretty purple and blue fins dance and wave with grace and rhythm distracting me from a trying work day.

    Brutus came to me free of charge via the Aquarium Showroom. If you are a first time ever customer, you get a free betta! Of course, your betta will need food and a home so you'd have to patron the business. But it's totally worth it if you get a free fishy!

    This aquarium store is pretty magnificent. Upon entering, you'll find a 150+ gallon shark tank framed with a huge wooden carving of what looks like a sunken pirate ship. You'll find hundreds of different salt and freshwater species here as well as terrarium animals and even seahorses! The guys who work here are friendly and extremely knowledgeable.

    If I ever decide to start my under the sea salt-water collection, AS will be my aquarium of choice! Now if only my cubicle were larger....

  • Review from Sabrina A.

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    • 295 friends
    • 839 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/3/2009

    This place is huge and I mean huge.  With so many fish, crabs, tanks, etc in parts it seems a little empty but good gosh!  They say they are still building!

    You walk in to see a huge ship with a shark swimming around, interesting and well kind of odd.  And when you walk into the ship area you are surrounded by four tanks all with tropical fish - you feel literally like you could be at the aquarium.

    Soooo many tropical and fresh fish!  Great to browse and ahhh at!  

    They offered a free betta with an ad and he is still alive and well.  Though he seems to be stalking me . . . . .

  • Review from domo k.

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    • 0 friends
    • 63 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    1.0 star rating
    7/29/2011

    i didn't know they moved.
    i drove there to see a closed down building.
    i went to the king aquarium instead.

  • Review from Vi Y.

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/11/2009

    OMFG this spot is amazing. We were in the plaza on Sunday, and decided to stop by Aquarium Showroom for a quick visit. I wasn't expecting much, since it was in the back of a business warehouse area on 10th street, but I was shocked when I got inside.

    Right when you walk through the door, there is a huge pirate ship, hand made by the owner with recycled train tracks found outside of his shop. The fish on display were so exotic. The displays itself were beautiful and colorful as well. It didn't feel like you were in a pet store, it felt like you were at the aquarium. Most of their displays are even nicer than the ones you can see at the aquarium.

    Since this is a sole proprietor business, the owner takes pride in his work. Everything is built from the ground up in the workshop, found at the back of the shop. He really did take his hobby and love for fish to a whole new level with this showroom.

    Even if you are not planning on purchasing a fish tank any time soon, I'd still recommend coming here to check out the fish. The entire family will be amused, from dads to kids to even the mommas. :) This is hands down the largest fish store in San Jose.

    As for the other reviewers that stated then tanks were uncared for, I think this may have been when the shop was first opening. They've only been open for 6-7 months, so it's a work in progress. At the time of our visit yesterday, there were no dead fish visible anywhere in the shop. Also, all of the tanks were clean, and all of the fish looked happy.

    My only wish and request is for the fish that are in the little solitary confinement cells. I wish they'd be given more space to swim around. :( They have a HUGE building...and so many tanks....treat the fishies nicely and let them share some of that space as well. :)

  • Review from Chris A.

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    • 91 friends
    • 132 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    2.0 star rating
    3/11/2009

    This aquarium is very large and has a lot really nice display tanks.  Since its new, there were a lot of tanks still empty.  I've been there about six times and purchased a few things.  

    Some of the staff are really nice and helpful, however others are just okay.  One of the staff gave me an extra peppermint shrimp on my first visit.  However, another staff told me that Royal Gammas/Dotty back was a very mellow and friendly fish.  This was before I knew anything about this species.  So I bought it and he terrorized the other fish in my tank.  I later read lots of articles indicating that these fish are know to be mean.

    I also got a bubble tip anemone, but it was dead the next morning.  I'm not sure if this was because it was injured when it was removed from the rock it was on, because I could tell that it was on there pretty tight, or from my water. But I have had another bubble tip in my tank for quite some time now.

    Overall its hit or miss I would say.  Their prices are about average, something pricey others okay.  It is a little hard to find as its tucked back from the main street.

  • Review from Cindy H.

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    • 126 friends
    • 171 reviews

    Sunnyvale, CA

    3.0 star rating
    4/1/2009

    Randomly came here because we had a friend who owned a shop in the same plaza around the corner (Pacific powersports!) and it was SOOO cool!!! I don't really LOVE fish all that much, but the different varieties and the HUGE tanks were really interesting.  The big ship thing was really really cool.  Our friend told us that it was handmade, out of some old railroad planks (how tight is that?!?!), and there are some sharks swimming around in it.  

    On the bad side, my boyfriend is now determined to have a huge shark tank in our future home...the type that you can see through to another room.  Just like a bad episode of Mtv Cribs.  If you're in the area, it's worth it to stop by!!

  • Review from april j.

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    • 76 friends
    • 42 reviews

    Santa Clara, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/15/2009

    This is my favorite LFS in the san jose county. There's nothing compared to Max's spot. Really, this spot is very huge and worth the drive to see. You can just tell from when you first step in the store that  Max the owner put a lot of time and effort to build the showroom. Awesome displays of fish tanks! He's still finishing up fixing everything but its like more than half way done! Great selections of fresh and salt water fish. Good selection of supplies. Customer service is great =) Awesome, doggy that max has its so cute and well mannered.

    This is the spot to check out! especially in San Jose-there's really nothing like it in the area. TRUST ME!

  • Review from Deborah D.

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    • 25 friends
    • 13 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/18/2008

    Ok, so we're not Aquarium store aficionados but have been in our share of aquarium type shops....

    That being said, this place was amazing and so impressive!  We were told about this place from someone who goes there so we got a bit of the inside scoop.  Not only do they make all the aquariums but they also made the amazing and huge pirate ship / aquarium that overwhelms you when you first walk in the door! Water features and all...  

    The sea life is so colorful and spectacular, it's really indescribable!

    I will definitely go back with friends just to show them!

    http://www.d2dezigns.com/

  • Review from Eladio S.

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    • 52 friends
    • 121 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/1/2009

    I personally have not invested in an aquarium yet, but I definitely know where to go when I make my move. The selection here is truly exotic. The Puffer Fish are some of the most amazing specimens in the store. Strolling through the aisles here reminds me of diving on the Great Barrier Reef.

    Be sure to check out the huge pirate ship in the entrance currently housing a nurse shark and a black tip shark. There's another one in there too, not sure what kind.

    If you want to check out of the custom work Max and his crew has done for people, cruise on down to Crawdaddy. The tank there is made from the ground up by The Aquarium Showroom and is a stunner.

  • Review from Keoni B.

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    • 29 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Union City, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/27/2009

    This is probably one of the best aquarium supply places that I've been to. They've got a huge selection, and they take very good care of the stock.

    The fish that they stock are in very very good condition. In most chain pet stores, you usually see sick fish, or fish that have been badly beaten by other fish. This place has a great setup for all the stock they carry, so you'll definitely get a healthy pet.  Also, the main showroom and gallery is pretty amazing. I don't think I've seen oscars that big before.

    Since this place is new, they're constantly adding things. So be patient as they're still growing the business. Previous review will have complaints that there wasn't enough customer service or the fish were in poor condition. Since then, they've gotten more people, and upgraded the holding tanks.

    Even if you're not looking to buy something, go check it out.  Also, the shop is actually located towards the back of the building, so you won't exactly see a sign. Just turn in to the parking lot and drive along the left side (if facing the building).

  • Review from Julia P.

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    • 11 friends
    • 17 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/11/2009

    This place has the best customer service of any of the marine retailers I have encountered. I spent a lot of time talking to Max looking for some advice. He never made me feel like I was keeping him from something. In fact, all the staff I encountered in the shop were happy to spend time with each customer and everyone was taken care of.

    The display tanks are stunning! I could spend hours just watching them. The retail tanks were all well kept, no dead fish, and a large selection of both salt and fresh water inhabitants.

    The store is located about a block or two north of Tully on 10th street, on the west side of the road, on the side of a business area. If you have not been there before you might miss it so be prepared to make a couple u-turns your first time.

    Pro's
    Excellent staff
    Decent pricing
    Excellent selection

    Con's
    If you have not been there before you might have a difficult time spotting it.

  • Review from Chuck T.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Boulder, CO

    4.0 star rating
    12/27/2008

    This place is awesome!
    They still seem to be moving in, but it is already one of the most impressive aquarium stores I have seen, so I can't wait to see it in a few months...  The employees were more than willing to help as well, so it made for a very rewarding discovery.

  • Review from dan c.

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    • 11 friends
    • 44 reviews

    San Leandro, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/21/2010

    I use to come here almost everyday when I lived near the area.  I went to see what new fish they got everyday.  It may be hard to find at first since its slightly hidden.  

    Once you go inside the first thing you will see is the giant pirate ship that has two sharks in there.  You can also feed the sharks for a dollar or two don't remember exactly how much.  

    The staff is very friendly and know their stuff.  They know a lot of people just go to look around, but they don't seem to mind and have never pressured me to buy anything.  

    I want a saltwater tank one  day but because I'm broke this place will do for now. I don't think you will be disappointed

  • Review from Stephanie R.

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/17/2009 6 photos

    Wow, this place is like a wonderland!
    When you walk in you see the huge pirate ship/ shark tank.
    They have a variety of sharks, even baby hammerhead sharks!

    I didn't come here for supplies or to buy anything.
    I just wanted to visit a cool aquarium!

    The people working there are really friendly and helpful.
    I guess the guys working there all have their own profession.
    Kinda cool that each person has their own expertise.  

    The place is really big and it seems like they have a lot of what you need for basic goldfish to tropical and salt water fish.

    i'd come back for all their different tanks!

  • Review from Carlo F.

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    • 90 friends
    • 215 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/22/2008

    Max stayed open an hour later on Sunday to help my friends and I find the perfect fish for our tank!!!

    He was completely honest about a oddly sick clown fish in the tanks and so we ended up getting a colorful Firefish goby instead. All that for only $12.98 too!!

    Thanks again Max!!!

    One thing though, there were a lot of dead fish this time when we visited...though they have increased their stock...they also started carrying freshwater now...though they are a little bit over stocked.

    Listed in: Pets, aquariums and more!, Day to Day Digs

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    • 5.0 star rating
      11/5/2008

      Finally Visited yesterday and the store is AWESOME!!!! They're still getting things together but the… Read more »

  • Review from Rachael W.

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    • 6 friends
    • 56 reviews

    Folsom, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/21/2009

    What can I say that hasn't been said? HARD to find, but worth it...even if just looking around. The front entrance display ROCKS! Nice cushion shark in the upper tank... & man is that nurse shark huge! Love the tidal surge efrfect! Very cool work.

    Aquarium Showroom has a wide selection! Maybe not the cheapest place on Earth...but man, you gotta be able to find SOMETHING you like here. I got a clean up crew for my nano-reef. I was SERIOUSLY tempted to set up a whole new tank, just so I could have one of their gorgeous sea horses...but sensibility prevailed (damn! ;)). No , really, I just knew I didn't have the time & set up for their specialized care. I also saw a frag or two I'd like to go back for...

    Customer service was very helpful & checked on me several times to make sure I was helped when I wanted to be, left to look when that was more my speed.
    Very cool stop, I'll be spending a lot of time checking back to see what's new.

  • Review from melissa l.

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    • 3 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/6/2009

    This place is my favorite no doubt.  They're displays are the best I've ever seen and the workers are great. They know just about everything about saltwater an fresh and they really don't mind taking the time to explain anything to you. Their customer service, collection of salt and fresh water fish, and their knowledge of fish are what keep me returning to this aquarium, and their not even done moving in! Only downside is the prices :P but you get what you pay for here.

    They really are a humble aquarium.

  • Review from Jubei J.

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    • 0 friends
    • 30 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/9/2009

    Came here a couple times to pick up some additives and see what they got. First time, it was cool and all with the wow factor, but after that it was meh. Customer service was flaky, sometimes you catch them on a good day, most of the times it seems like a bad day o.O ... I, too, question the integrity of some of the 5 star reviews here. Some(most?) of the tanks are not cleaned or too cramped for their inhabitants and the price on drygoods are kinda on the high side.

    However, they do have some really good deals on tanks there. I would recommend a friend just to check out the place, but if you're a serious hobbyist, there are better LFS within the area.

  • Review from kathlene t.

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    • 56 friends
    • 40 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/18/2010

    this place is soo pretty ! i love coming here just to stare :] best fish store ive ever been too and sometimes they have really big friendly dogs !

    like:

    1) super friendly staff

    2) very helpful and they actually know what theyre talking about!

    3) theyre honest! they dont try to talk you into buying something that you cant handle.

    dislikes:

    1) the parking lot. (im an asian driver!)

  • Review from James Y.

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    • 25 reviews

    Santa Clara, CA

    2.0 star rating
    10/1/2009

    How can people give this place a high score?  Sure they have HUGE fish, but I went there today and it's like the owners don't give a crap about you.  There was one short viet guy and he's holding a measuring tape just standing there.

    I'm looking at a couple of tanks, sure I raise freshwater fish, and it's not as elaborate as saltwater fish, but hell it took 3 guys to help one customer!?!?!?

    Anyway, i felt bad for one of their freshwater tanks.

    once you walk in, you see a gigantic saltwater arrangement -- 1st tank has 3 sharks another tank has a couple of fish and a lot of coral -- the last tank behind it had some arrangements of more damsels and etc.

    ALL THE WATER in the display tank was cloudy -- and they all look established.

    to the right the HUGE freshwater tank was way overstocked -- they had so many fish inside, no one was moving -- no swimming space.

    anyway -- I continue to circle around -- about 90% of the store had saltwater, and some of them weren't that great.  the freshwater choices were low as well.

    I was looking for some clown loaches, i found 1 tiny small loach and it was unhealthy.

    going back to the short viet guy, he just stood there twirling his tape measure, when I walked up to ask him he just shrugged as though he didn't know.

    tanks were huge, display is great (although cloudy)

    no selection for me... sorry aquarium showroom, i kinda see your downfall.

  • Review from Lily L.

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/4/2008

    This place will wow all reefers.  Be prepared to be amazed here.  Thank you TAS for bringing such a large selections of saltwater fishes, corals, invertebrates, and tanks.

  • Review from Con L.

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    • 29 friends
    • 71 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    6/21/2009

    I don't get why this place has 4 stars. I've been to every lfs from Sacramento to San Jose and this doesn't even make the top 5. Sure, the huge display tanks are almost cool but other than that...?! They have so much space and don't utilize it at all....The place has the potential to be an amazing fish store, but as of right now, it's just an empty wearhouse. They didn't have many fish to choose from and those they did have were over priced. Coral selection? hardly. HUGE disappointment. The displays were nice-ish for five seconds but from a reefer's perspective, the store aspect was pretty sad. Won't be going back.

    The "parking lot" smelled like bathroom cleaning chemicals...

  • Review from Es T.

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    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/23/2010

    I've been a frequent shopper of TAS for the past year now. Recently, their selection has been minimal, and a lot of the fish they've got in have ich. :( What's worse, their service has taken a turn for the worse as they don't seem to really care that I go there week in and week out (seems only the select few get preferential treatment). I've started going to King Aquarium more now, since they have as good of a selection, if not better, and the prices are much more reasonable (and the fish seemingly more healthy).

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    • 4.0 star rating
      3/26/2009

      Good: Amazing showroom.  Wide variety of saltwater fish galore! Great owner who understands the… Read more »

  • Review from Rox R.

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    • 8 friends
    • 87 reviews

    Madera, CA

    2.0 star rating
    1/30/2010

    I think place is kinda lame. You walk in and see this huge pirate ship fish tank and you think the whole store is gonna be like major awesome. But its not... Its actually kinda crummy inside and a lil on the pricey side. I'll stick with buying little fishies at Petco!

  • Review from Andrew Y.

    Sunnyvale, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/24/2009

    An awesome display of fish if anything, and definitely worth a visit. Live stock looked healthy, and selection was great also. If there was anything close to a 'super' fish store, this would be it.

  • Review from jay c.

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    • 4 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Vallejo, CA

    2.0 star rating
    5/2/2010

    After reading some of the reviews, I had developed a high expectation.   While the old ship up front wowed me and my daughter, I was quickly disappointed by the empty shelves in the back.   It looked like someone had big plans for this place but fell a little short due to the economy.   Don't get me wrong, I did find some nice exotic corals in this place but there were plenty of dead fishes too.   The prices are way up there too. :-/

    The guy helping us was pretty cool though.

  • Review from Mike L.

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    • 12 friends
    • 83 reviews

    Saratoga, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/6/2010

    I noticed on my past trip that they've been trying to expand their selections and are starting to incorporate a reptile corner of the store.  And they also let you "feed" their shark tank where they let you pay them $1 for food in which I assume they just throw food into the tank for you to see what happens.  pretty neat idea in case you want to see sharks rip up some food.

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    • 5.0 star rating
      1/26/2010

      Gigantic Local Fish Store (LFS)!

      This place is a little hard to find since it's hidden on the side of… Read more »

  • Review from Khai T.

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    • 38 friends
    • 39 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/5/2010

    This place is huge. They specialize in rare and exotic livestock, and are one of the few stores that carry ADA products in the whole country. If you're into freshwater, then definitely ask for Chris since he's like a guru, an will take his time to see what you want. The saltwater side is where they are the best at. They have decades of SW experience, and are very friendly. Great place to go for all hobbyists.

  • Review from Lam N.

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    • 5 friends
    • 27 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/4/2008

    Awesome place and expectional service. The owner, Max has been someway been involved in the aquarium business for close to 20 years.  I use to go to his old store before they close down. Been waiting for close to 2 years for the new store. Well worth the wait. Its easily the largest fish store outside of texas.

  • Review from Indo C.

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    • 3 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Morgan Hill, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/28/2008

    This is the most beautifly decorated aquarium store I have ever seen!!! The entrance was UNFORGETABLE. They have a beautiful assortment of salt water fish, and soon they will be stocked with lots of fresh water fish! The owner and his staff were AWSOME! As I walked in they greeted me like I was family, and now a days that is very hard to find. The staff and owner are very knowledgable they helped me with everything I needed for my fish tank. I am definetly going back. I HIGHLY recommend this aquarium store, and all it has to give.

  • Review from Sheryl P.

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    • 113 friends
    • 158 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/4/2010 9 Check-ins Here

    My boyfriend is good friends with the guys who work here. I might be a little biased since I do know the guys but even if we didn't.. These guys never let our questions go unanswered. My boyfriend & I both LOVE salt water tanks. Fresh water tanks & the fish in them can be nice. But almost everytime.. A salt water tank can out-do a fresh water tank. My boyfriends loves the fish.. I'm more into the setting like the corals & anemone. Salt water fish are way nicer, most are much more colorful therefore they cost way more. Common sense. They have hella different types of fish, rays, eels, & all kinds of different corals! Once in a blue moon there are the illegals swimming in the tanks. Real aquarium lovers recognize them & I myself wont mention what exactly but let's just say im jealous of whoever owns some of the things i saw! HAHA. My boyfriend & I pretty much Had a fixed plan that we were going to start our first salt water tank. I never had one before cause Ive heard of the hassle of starting one & the boyfriend never started one because none of his exes were into salt water tanks.. But I am, so he definat wanted to start one. We were looking at something between 1500-1800 gallon tank. With the full custom cabinet set up that we wanted & that glass that makes everything in the tank look HD would costs us a pretty penny. The guys went over everything from the type of material our cabinet could be, the dimensions our tank would need to be, to the lighting set up, how to start the tank going, how log to put wait to start putting fish in the tank, to what types of coral, fish, & rays can live with each other & who can't, etc. Seriously we were talking to them for hella long. We thought we were bugging coming there every few days & asking more questions. Those guys will NOT let you feel confused about anything. They won't lie on how expensive of a hobby a salt water tank can be. They even shared how much customers' & their own PG&R bills cost monthly. Unfortunately it's too expensive of a hobby for us & planning on having another baby is just going to collide with the expenses of starting a tank. They did price us for smaller tank set ups but seriously.. I would never have a salt water tank smaller than 1200 gallons. They are just too small. The guys here are awesome. They KNOW their shit, will help you understand rather than make you feel stupid, & they definately won't sugar coat anything just to 'make a sale'.

  • Review from Anthony L.

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    • 38 friends
    • 58 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    5/16/2009

    Honestly, I expected a little more when I made the commute from SF to SJ to check this place out.  It is probably due to all the hype I've been hearing from everyone else.  But hey, what can I say.
    1. A lot of the tanks seemed to be a little dirty, and very dimly lit.  
    2. The fish selection was okay -when I went many of the fish didn't look to be in the greatest condition, at all.
    3.  Nice collection of coral stock, though the prices seemed a little high.  Even the dry stock seemed a  little on the expensive side ... I've seen these items cheaper at many other LFS's.  But this may not be their fault, as they may just cater to a different crowd I am not aware of
    4. Wasn't greeted by one employee the entire duration of my visit.
    If you've got money, and are looking for eye candy, check this place out.  Not really worth the drive from SF in my opinion.

  • Review from Ed B.

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    • 2 friends
    • 34 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/14/2010

    I grow exotic plants for aquascaping. Although their selection for my needs are somewhat limited, they have a very expert group of people working there. I was impressed by their knowledge and gained some good advice. I'll be a regular here. By the way, their fish are healthy and their tanks are in good condition. None of the warning signs that one would look for.

  • Review from MooMoo H.

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    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/26/2008

    I don't agree at all about the place being "the largest fish store outside texas"  I think the store is still being set up because even though there is a lot of space, there is barely any inventory including livestock.  

    They don't seem to have any freshwater at all except for a small pond section, with no pond livestock.  No plants whatsover.  Its too bad since with the all the empty tanks they have, they could maybe have some freshwater exotics...

    I wasn't greeted by the staff right away.  I might have come during the end of their shift and they were tired or something.  I came right next to a staff member and was nicely ignored.  Tried again with another staff member and ignored once again.  No wonder I'm the only customer.

    Where are the price tags for inventory?  Again, this may be because the store is still being set up, but I would never shop at any store where you have to hunt down someone to find out the price of something.  Feels more like a snooty furniture store than an aquarium store.

    To their credit, their marine livestock inventory was pretty good.  Once this place finishes moving, I'm sure it will be much better.

  • Review from T Y.

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    • 20 reviews

    Saratoga, CA

    2.0 star rating
    4/21/2009

    This store is cavernous and has a huge amount of display capacity.  The front displays are gargantuan in size and are at first very impressive.  Upon closer inspection, all sorts of issues start to become apparent, not the least of which is poor water clarity.  For a fish store having really clean water is a sign of good housekeeping.  Unfortunately the displays were all murky (with the exception of the coral display - probably because otherwise all the inventory would just die.)  Well, if they can keep one or two tanks clean, but leave all the others in a murky state, it must indicate something.

    Much of the fish inventory at the time of writing is marine/saltwater which is not my interest.  Since I can't comment intelligently, I won't.  The freshwater selection however was pretty disappointing.  The selection appears to be somewhat biased towards SE Asian hobbyists with quite a few larger cichlids, flowerhorns, arowanas etc.  Discus were surprisingly few.  But there were relatively few of the bread and butter fish for the starting hobbyist (mollys, swords etc.).

    Anyway, I won't be coming back.  Everything appeared dark and somewhat unkempt.  Many of the fish did not appear to be alert and at their best.  Unlike a couple of other very well run aquarium stores in the South Bay, this store did not hang quarantine signs on tanks where the fish were very obviously diseased.  To me, that's a bad sign that the management just wants to move product.

  • Review from msfish s.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Los Gatos, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/27/2009

    The best aquarium store in the bay area!! They have the biggest selection of fish and by far the best customer service. They are not only friendly and knowledgable but they will do thier best to make sure you are happy.

    They built my custom 45 Oceanic Reef tank which is absolutley fantastic, my dream tank. They also did a great job setting it up at my house which was a huge help.

    I highly recommend checking out this store,  you are sure to love thier custom multi-1000 gallon tank displays and super awesome staff.

  • Review from Trillian H.

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    • 3 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Morgan Hill, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/7/2009

    Is hard to find, if you come from Tully and make a R onto 10th street it will be on the left, they usually have a sign on the sidewalk instructing you to pull into that parking lot. The ship in the pics is pretty cool when you go in although it is smaller than it looks in the pics.  The sharks and gigantic eels make you feel like you are at the aquarium. There is not much here for freshwater but plenty for saltwater. I do not yet have a saltwater tank so am by no means an expert but some of the saltwater tanks look REALLY dirty. There are a few rows of little (like 4"x4") tanks for saltwater fish that you can hardly see through the glass!

    One of the workers said hi and was very friendly. He gave me extra information which is always appreciated. I asked if a certain bright yellow fish was fresh or salt water, he let me know it was fresh but very aggressive so not suitable for many other species. He also showed me they other shrimps he was growing.

    I was just looking for some boring mollies (personally I love my little guys) and they didnt have any or platies that were colorful, prices seemed high on some things but not on others? I wanted to get something so I bought 5 ghost shrimps for $1. I did get the free betta with the ad on this site but the guy at the counter didnt seem to give a hoot about me. He did not say a word, except "pick out your fish". Then he proceeded to poor the betta in a bag with no additional water so the poor thing had to lay on its side to stay wet! If he had asked me if I needed specific betta food or a plant or anything extra for this guy I would have bought it, but didnt think about it until I got home.

    If you buy fish from here and have them held here I would check on them regularly, they had a parrot fish with sold written on his tank that was so small he could barely turn around.

    This place is alright but probably wont go back because of the guy behind the counter (I believe this was the owner as he had the dog with him) didnt seem to care at all about the fish. I know they are just common bettas but shouldnt they have a good home as well?

    Unfortunately they have lost $100's with me because I shortly plan to set up a large saltwater aquarium. Every customer even if buying only $1 worth at a time should still get customer service. Do have to say that the one worker earned all 3 of my stars.

    **They have some really good deals on huge fish tanks for cheap if you are looking.

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