Great little store over in Alameda, look online beforehand as sometimes their best stuff isn’t always on display since they are still setting up their centerpiece display tank in the front as of November 2006. Steve and company recently took over store in the past couple years and are still working to revamp the store so its current state, though a little messy, is definitely still in transition. Store is long and narrow, with all the livestock except their display tank in the back area. Customer service is excellent, with Steve and most of his employees being extremely knowledgable and willing to talk about various aspects of reefkeeping and willing to try to find particular fish/corals that you may be looking for. Also, lots of his employees are from the local reefing club (Bay Area Reefers www.bareefers.com) and are among the most knowledgable hobbyists around. Supplies and equipment is minimal. Seems to have a little bit of all the basics, but definitely don’t specialize in a large equipment selection. Sometimes do have nice deals on used equipment.
NAA is definitely focused on saltwater/reef. Freshwater selection for fish and plants is decent and will satisfy most general hobby needs. Saltwater fish selection is hit-or-miss. Prices are consistently some of the lowest in the Bay Area. Fish look healthy and you can ask to have them feed the fish to check if they eat. So great selection/price when they come in with shipments, but sometimes they don’t have much fish for a week or two. Perhaps this may change as they become more established.
Coral-wise is where NAA shines, though this sometimes is not apparent from just going into the store. NAA has some of the best zoanthid selections locally, having a ‘zoa tank’ with over 40 different colorful (not browned out) varieties including ‘Armor of Gods’ (originally from NAA) and other interesting zoas for good prices (if they are not out, definitely ask, as they are still setting up). Same thing with LPS, especially blastos – with the watermelon and candy blastos being some of the nicer, and more expensive varieties (see their online website) as well as cheaper varieties. SPS include a nice selection including frags supposedly going to be available from their display tank when it gets fully setup.
SaltyDog Rating System: 1-5; 1=worst, 5=best
Store Size: smaller
Atmosphere: 3
Customer Service: 5
Ratio of Tanks: 2/3 Salt, 1/3 Fresh
Freshwater: 3
Saltwater Fish: 2
Corals: 4
Dry Goods: 2

Tips:
1) This is the store where the customer service is solid.. so if you are looking for something in particular ask as often they either don’t have their full selection on display (they seem to be in transition for most of 2006 trying to remodel the store so various tanks are being set up and taken down) or they are definitely willing to find you the fish/coral you are looking for.
2) go to their online website first to check out their cool coral selections and call to ask about their stuff before you come. Seem to have a particular focus on zoas, blastos and montis in 2006.

Lucky Goldfish has been around for a while, though in the last few years it moved from its location nearer to chinatown/jack london area up broadway. easy to find parking on sidestreet. store is good size and even though is has all kinds of other animals (birds, rodents, etc.) it has a well stocked fish and coral selection. Hunter is the person to talk to, he is knowledgable and helpful, as are the other workers. both planted freshwater and full reef saltwater display tanks (both around the 150 to 200 gallon range) are some of the best eyecandy around the east bay. equipment selection is pretty good, with most food, supplement and basic equipment available.
saltwater fish as priced a little on the higher side, but people often come for quality and variety of fish available. same can be said for the freshwater selection. in terms of corals, in addition to the display tank (which you can ask for frags out of from some colonies) across from the saltwater fish there are about 5-7 tanks which have a variety of softies and LPS. there is a newer SPS prop tank on the side of the display… in addition, ask hunter to check out the ‘coral alley’ in the middle area to see more SPS and clams.
definitely a good place to check out along with new alameda aquatic, aquatic concepts, etc. if you are doing an east bay run and are in the area.
SaltyDog Rating System: 1-5; 1=worst, 5=best
Store Size: medium
Atmosphere: 3
Customer Service: 4
Ratio of Tanks: 1/2 Salt, 1/2 Fresh
Freshwater: 3
Saltwater Fish: 3
Corals: 4
Dry Goods: 3

1) defiinitely ask hunter to see the ‘coral alley’ if you are into SPS and are in the area..

Octopus Garden opened in the last few years and is a good place to find rarer fish, both salt and freshwater, but not the best place for coral selection. Store feels messy and crowded, though tanks are definitely well upkept. Equipment selection is slim, though most basics in terms of supplies and food are there if you need something quick and can’t wait to find it cheaper. Customer service is mixed at best. Aaron, the owner, is moody and can either be very helpful or not at all (to the point of being tactless), and it seems dependent on nothing on the customer side. Not the best business model.
Display tanks are mostly freshwater, with two bigger saltwater displays, including a ~150 gallon and a ~ 500-700 gallon tank, both mainly with saltwater fish and mainly softie coral selection. Corals are nothing impressive. Most of his selection are beginner softies and LPS and seem very overpriced compared to his competitors.
Fish-wise is the only reason I would go to the store. His freshwater selection is impressive, as is his saltwater selection (though it seemed like the selection of more uncommon fish is going down recently). Again, prices are among the highest in the Bay Area, often going for almost double other LFS, but quality of fish are good and often he has fish you only could find online otherwise.
If you are looking for a particular fish and don’t mind paying to see it in person (versus online) give Octopus a call, otherwise prices generally are a turnoff.
SaltyDog Rating System: 1-5; 1=worst, 5=best
Store Size: medium
Atmosphere: 2
Customer Service: 2
Ratio of Tanks: 1/3 Salt, 2/3 Fresh
Freshwater: 4
Saltwater Fish: 4
Corals: 2
Dry Goods: 2

Located on the corner of Essex and Shattuck, between Alcatraz and Ashby, within easy access from Highways 13, 24, 80, 580, 880, and 980 and only two short blocks from the Ashby BART station.

1) Check out the store if you are looking for fish and don’t mind Aaron or the employees if they either totally ignore you or seem moody. If he is in a good mood advice is forthcoming, though stick with the basics as he seems to not know more nuanced questions about saltwater.

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

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

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.

Amazon Aquarium is one of two LFS in Alameda. Though one of the larger stores, its livestock selection seems smaller than most, for both fish (fresh/saltwater) as well as corals. Makes up somewhat in terms of larger than normal equipment, supply selection with decent prices. Overall, setup seems older and somewhat inefficient in terms of use of space. Customer service is helpful and somewhat knowledgable, and younger employees (seem like high school kids one the weekends) seem to be hobbyists and not afraid to look up in books for answers, something i rarely see in adults in most LFS.
Though they have one ~ 200 gallon bowfront mixed reef tank in front that is nicely done, the majority of the corals are in two larger holding tanks in the back of the store with mostly browned out beginner softies and LPS (no SPS except few pieces in display tank). Also, no prices on tanks and when asked, prices seem too high for corals.
Saltwater fish selection is limited to four tanks and some rows of cubby tanks. Almost no selection, and prices are not exceptional in any way. Freshwater selection is better, covering on side of the store.
Though you can grab some equipment here, with all the other LFS selections around, this is not on my regular ‘check’ list.
SaltyDog Rating System: 1-5; 1=worst, 5=best
Store Size: larger
Atmosphere: 2
Customer Service: 2
Ratio of Tanks: 1/2 Salt, 1/2 Fresh
Freshwater: 3
Saltwater Fish: 1-2
Corals: 1-2
Dry Goods: 4

From North or South 880, take the 23rd Street (Park Street) exit and follow the signs over the Park Street Bridge onto the island of Alameda. Once you pass Encinal, we will be on your left side.

1) Willing to make special orders on fish, so if you don’t see what you are looking for (which will most likely be the case since they don’t have much of anything fish or coral-wise) at least for fish you can ask for help.

Connie’s fishstore in Oakland is no longer related to the Connie’s fishstore in Castro Valley (the original owner sold the Oakland store). Since then, though it seems the new owner has been trying to do some improvements, but the store still lacks in multiple areas. The customer service is lacking, with high school students who don’t seem to know much doing most of the advice.
Decent selection of equipment and supplies, and offers birds and reptiles in addition to a decent freshwater selection, including a new african cichlid area in the back. However, saltwater section is pretty non-existent. Two coral tanks have nothing but browned-out softies and fish tanks with nothing but a couple damsels and a bunch of cyano. Good if you are local and need something quick, but not for reef livestock shopping or advice.
SaltyDog Rating System: 1-5; 1=worst, 5=best
Store Size: medium
Atmosphere: 3
Customer Service: 2
Ratio of Tanks: 1/4 Salt, 3/4 Fresh
Freshwater: 3
Saltwater Fish: 1
Corals: 1
Dry Goods: 3

From north going south
Take highway I-880 south, exit towards Mission Blvd., make a left on Mohave Dr. into the Warm Springs Plaza Shopping Center. Arrive at 46513 Mission Blvd.
Take highway I-680 south, take second Mission Blvd. exit toward Warm Springs District, make a right on Mohave Dr. into the Warm Springs Plaza Shopping Center. Arrive at 46513 Mission Blvd.
From south going north
Take highway I-880 north, exit towards Mission Blvd., make a left on Mohave Dr. into the Warm Springs Plaza Shopping Center. Arrive at 46513 Mission Blvd.
Take highway I-680 north, take first Mission Blvd. exit toward Warm Springs District, make a right on Mohave Dr. into the Warm Springs Plaza Shopping Center. Arrive at 46513 Mission Blvd.

New Store Coming to San Jose, CA in Spring 2007!

new location is located just 3 miles from there former location in Fremont.

Connie’s fish store in Castro Valley is not related anymore to the Oakland store. Connie’s in Castro Valley is right off the 580 highway with its own parking lot and koi/pond/garden store in the back. The store itself seems to have standard, run of the mill equipment and livestock selection. The employees seem somewhat knowledgable, though definitely would check beforehand online before following any type of advice.
Equipment selection is typical, coral selection is minimal and seems mostly beginner softie corals. Saltwater fish selection is also minimal, with standard fish that you would be able to find at petco, or other stores, though prices for livestock seem somewhat cheaper than other stores, the risk is the quality of the livestock. Another decent local store to pickup some equipment fast, but definitely wouldn’t put on a normal store crawl with all the other stores that have more interesting and seemingly better upkept livestock.
SaltyDog Rating System: 1-5; 1=worst, 5=best
Store Size: medium
Atmosphere: 3
Customer Service: 3
Ratio of Tanks: 1/2 Salt, 1/2 Fresh
Freshwater: 3
Saltwater Fish: 2
Corals: 2
Dry Goods: 3

1) one exception is if you are looking for fish and can make it over on saturday mornings. Every saturday from 10-1 they have a ‘bag sale’ for saltwater fish only. The fish are in the bags directly from their suppliers and when they get a bigger shipment there are anywhere from 50-100 bags with fish at about 50% off normal LFS prices.

Aquarium Concepts opened in 1992 and is currently one of the largest stores in the East Bay. Ken, the current owner, as well as his managers are knowledgable and helpful. Store is well setup with one of the largest and varied equipment and supply area around, inlcluding tank and stand selections, often rivaling some of the online stores. Prices on equipment are decent, with some equipment being somewhat comparable to online stores after shipping.
Nice mixed reef (softie, LPS, anemone focused) around 250-350 gallon display in addition to a ‘tank entry’ gateway when you walk in that is also an aquarium. Coral selection is well developed, though at times their SPS selection is great, then other times they aren’t that impressive. SPS are all housed in one large, shallow tank towards front, with LPS and softies in 4-5 other larger tanks around the side. Great variety of both LPS and softies regularly in addition to very reasonable prices.
Saltwater fish are along side and back wall. One of the largest saltwater selections around, often coming in with a few exotics, but definitely a well stocked selection of both more common and uncommon saltwater fish. Definitely focus on saltwater, though their freshwater selection is still about the same size as most smaller fishstores anyway.
Again, on my standard run of stores to check out in East Bay, along with Lucky Goldfish, New Alameda Aquatics when I’m in the area.
SaltyDog Rating System: 1-5; 1=worst, 5=best
Store Size: larger
Atmosphere: 4
Customer Service: 3
Ratio of Tanks: 3/4 Salt, 1/4 Fresh
Freshwater: 3
Saltwater Fish: 4
Corals: 3
Dry Goods: 5

1) Check online before you drive over as they will be moving to a new store in Dublin in the spring 2007, sounds like an expansion with over 9000 square feet of room.

6th Avenue Aquarium is one of the larger local fish stores in san francisco. Atmosphere is somewhat messy and overcrowded, and not much customer service unless you go up to the front to ask for help. Generally the store owners have some knowledge, but not enough to trust unless they are beginner questions (do your homework online first).
Good place to buy dry goods and equipment as prices are generally lower than any other lfs closest to online pricing and they have a bigger selection than most other fishstores so you can compare in person.
Decent selection of saltwater and freshwater fish, with two levels of tanks (walk up the rickety stairs in the back left of the main level to see discus, rarer freshwater fish and fishtank selection). Again, generally one of the cheapest stores around for livestock too. They allow you to catch your own fish, but you have to be careful as they generally do not quarentine so you should quarentine yourself as they may have a higher chance of succumbing to illness. They generally get bigger shipments so there are fish that you sometimes can’t find readily elsewhere. Likewise with selection of inverts.
Coral selection is limited to a tri-level coral tank in the front of the bottom level of the store. Used to have a better selection, now generally limited to brownish softies (like zoas) and lps which are not that colorful. Sometimes come in with cool shipments of clams, RBTA anemones, SPS.. but again those are far and few between. Generally decent price on corals.
Can also find freshwater fish including discus, plants and koi there for a good price. Same caveat regarding picking carefully or coming back to check on fish over a period of a week as they throw livestock in tank and go for quantity over quality.
*
SaltyDog Rating System: 1-5; 1=worst, 5=best
Store Size: large
Atmosphere: 2
Customer Service: 2
Ratio of Tanks: 1/3 Salt, 2/3 Fresh
Freshwater Fish/Plants: 3
Saltwater Fish: 3
Corals: 2
Dry Goods: 4

Two tips:
1) This is the best place to go if you are in a bind with equipment failure of need a specific water treatment, etc. after hours. They are open until 10pm every night, 365 days a year (i know, once i drove out there on christmas eve after dinner for a tank emergency) and generally have a bigger selection on equipment than anyone else.
2) Every Sunday starting at 10am they have a ‘bag sale’ for saltwater fish directly from the sellers that are generally about 1/3 to 1/2 off. Used to be corals too, but they stopped doing this. Generally the more common fish, but still cool to find good deals, and sometimes better chance of surviving as they don’t need to be acclimated twice (store, then home). Get there at 10am for best pickings.