Albany Aquarium

Service is slooooow. Eventually got helped by Patrick who seemed very knowledgeable. Fantastic selection of freshwater plants -- bit pricey especially for the stem plants.

They had a few unique plants and some unusual freshwater fish. They do have a few saltwater fish in the front of the store -- limited selection. Even the freshwater selection isn't that great, but all the freshwater fish seemed happy and healthy.

Highly recommend if you're looking for some freshwater plants.

One note. I wanted a few Malaysian Trumpet Snails (good to have in a plant tank). They sold 'em to me for 99 cents each. After spending almost $200.00 in the store they could have thrown in a half dozen of those snails for free (they do wildly reproduce it's not like they really paid any money for them).
Kyle 21:03:07 9/16/2007
 

Believe it or not, this tiny store has great prices on equipment... cheaper than the big box stores! Somewhat limited selection - but most of what you would want.

Fish are WONderful. And the quarantining is a fantastic safeguard worth paying a little more for.

Lots of plants for sale.

Most importantly - advice is thoughtful, insightful, and plenty. The owner, Guy, and his main employee, Patrick, are both very knowledgeable about fish and plants.

I like the small-town feel to the place... it is hot, but it's almost charming.
Phillip 19:56:26 8/29/2006
 

Good, longstanding place. Decent selection of fish over time. Decent prices. Knowledgale/friendly staff - well, I've only really seen that english guy there for about the last year helping people - but he is smart about fish.

Sometimes the rarer pleco or oddball but the only place I've seen a few things consistently at least over the last few months (black/yellow kuhlis, vampire shrimps, Peruvian fresh puffers, green banded river loaches).

My single largest complaint is the heat and humidity of the upper portion of the store - DAMN, ITS HOT!! - that's where all the fish are. Guys, ever consider turning on an air conditioner or at least a couple fans or build/open a window?? Leave the jackets/sweaters in the car folks and prepare to sweat....

Selection: B/B+
Quality of fish: A
(yes, very strict about their quarantines)
Prices: B+
Parking: A- (Easy, off street)
HEAT/HUMIDITY Comfort Factor: F

alexdk 10:12:30 8/20/2006
 

I agree. This store may be cramped, but the selection of healthy, freshwater fish is wonderful. I have been a repeat customer since August 2005. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The angelfish and SAEs I purchased are growing and thriving. This is the only place I know in the Bay Area that carry the real SAE. The selection of plants is amazing! I definitely recommend this LFS to other hobbyists.
Joel 14:12:42 3/12/2006
 

The place for freshwater community and plants.

Livestock is properly qurantined and the staff has always been helpful and courteous.

Skip 12:07:55 11/10/2005
 

They have set up for salt. Allways had a nice slection of fresh water fish and plants. I hope their salt will be the same.
Eric 14:17:39 10/20/2005
 

Very knowledgeable staff and great variety but the store is very small and has no saltwater section.
Miles 15:46:40 8/10/2005
 

This place is great for rare community fish, they also sometimes get rare bettas and have a great selection fo plants.
erwin 11:28:38 2/24/2005
 

This store specializes in Freshwater Fish and Plants, great selection of plants, no saltwater. If you can talk to the store owner, he is an excellent resource, very knowledgeable about both fresh and saltwater. The help can be a bit spotty, some are much more knowledgeable than others. Small space is kind of crowded, but the fish are well cared for and do not seem stressed.
Stephen 12:40:58 12/20/2004