Albany Aquarium is one of the oldest stores around this part of the East Bay, dating back at least to the 1980’s. Always known for having one of the best freshwater plant selections regionally, as well as excellent quality and selection on freshwater fish. Store is always feels old and musty (lack of ventilation) and two story design makes store feel smaller than it really is. Owner (forgot his name right now) is very knowledgable and willing to give advice about freshwater tanks.
That being said, in 2005 the owner seemed to want to shift into saltwater tanks. From what I heard (as of mid-2006) the original employee that was supposed to be helping stopped working there and the converted downstairs area is now fully plummed (with an amazing looking four foot skimmer) but sitting for over 6 months with nothing but some live rock and cyano. Doesn’t seem like store is ready for transition yet and owner is not knowledgable about saltwater/reef tanks. Hopefully if store eventually can get quality and variety of saltwater to its freshwater level in the coming years this would be a nice addition to the reef LFS community. As of 2006 there’s nothing worth speaking about saltwater-wise.
SaltyDog Rating System: 1-5; 1=worst, 5=best
Store Size: medium
Atmosphere: 2
Customer Service: 4 (fresh), 1 (salt)
Ratio of Tanks: 1/3 Salt, 2/3 Fresh
Freshwater: 4
Saltwater Fish: 1?
Corals: 1?
Dry Goods: 2

818 San Pablo Ave.
Albany, CA 94706

Telephone: 510-525-1166
Website: http://www.albanyaquarium.com/
E-mail: plant.guru@gmail.com
Cost: 0 USD per person
Hours: Sat-Sun: 11am-6pm, Mon-Tue: Noon-7pm, Wed-Thur: Closed, Fri: Noon-7pm

General Directions:

From Berkeley/Oakland
Take Highway 80 north
Exit Buchanan St.
Head East on Buchanan St.
Left turn on San Pablo Ave
818 San Pablo (After Solano Ave)
From San Francisco
Take the Bay Bridge to
Highway 80 North
Exit Buchanan St.
Same as above directions
From Sacramento
Exit Buchanan St. from 80 North
Turn Left on Buchanan
Same as above directions
BART
The nearest BART station is El Cerrito Plaza
We are less than 5 minutes walk south on San Pablo Ave

Tips:

1) Though this is obviously not focused on saltwater, it is nice if you are interested in planted freshwater tanks. Hoping to put this holder here as saltwater setup gets fully running and stocked.

Type: Sights & Activities
Tags: fish store san san san francisco francisco bay area reef planted saltwater freshwater corals aquarium fishtank SF discus albany pablo