 Just went there today & I was very happy to see there new frag tanks. They've started fragging their large coral colonies & have them separated in 9.99 racks, 19.99 racks, etc. Lots of duncans, zoos, different xenia, & random polyps. Def. worth a look. Everytime I go there I end up taking one or two things home even though I usually stop by just to look. Anyhow, I'm always pleased to walk in this store. One of the bay areas best! Tom 00:03:50 2/05/2008 |
 I have known this store since it first opened in Hayward and I have loved it ever since. Everyone was helpful and werent always trying to sell you items. This store was great and I go there almost every week. They have GREAT selections and a great variety I totaly recomend this store. They had great live rock too. Fishlvr 4 ever 22:26:43 1/03/2008 |
Wow what a great store, some times I hear some super obnoxious customers ask the same questions over and over, but I get great service. I think people need to read more rather then tell everyone there whole fish story and ask millions of stupid questions and youll get further when you have an important question, I always do...This store and AQ Gallery are among the best in the Bay Area...Great service, Tons of knowledge, Huge selection...A MUST TO VISIT... Manny 17:28:06 10/11/2007 |
WHat a great store! It is the best one I have seen - anywhere. Mark 10:54:53 9/12/2007 |
 mediocre fish mediocre employees. the variety of products and their display tank seem to be the only pluses Diana 00:41:19 9/05/2007 |
 A great place to look around and good deals can be had here. The fish are not always up to snuff. I try to buy fish from their coral tanks , which has always worked out well for me and the fish. Customer service is a real mixed bag depending on who is working. I once stood there waiting and asking for help on a return and it took me more than half an hour to get help. |
I went there recently to check I out since I had heard it was pretty big. They had a good variety of supplies at decent prices but the saltwater fish selection/health was not impressive. Almost all of say 60 or 70 clowns in one tank had viral infections. Good number of dead fish. I asked for the price of the fish which didnt have a label and they gave me a price. Later I saw another of the same fish with a lower price written on the tank. The girl there was less than polite. Their display tank is pretty cool. Overall great for dry goods but if your looking for saltwater fish try somewhere else. Tommy 22:51:44 7/14/2007 |
We have 3 freshwater aquariums and 2 salt water aquariums. We buy all our fish and supplies from Aquarium Concepts in Dublin, CA. The selection of fish, food, and everything aquarium is very broad and high quality. There are more salt water fish than fresh water fish though. The fish seems to be pretty healthy and nothing we have bought from them has ever died. They have an incredible amount of corrals and invertebrates for the reef lovers. They have some awesome display tanks too! I have been in the new Dublin store at least 10 times and I have always been treated courteously. Weekend mornings tend to be the busiest time and you may have to wait your turn but afternoons are less busy. My teenagers also go to the store and their questions are always answered and they are not ignored which happens in many stores. This doesn't seem to be a bargain hunters paradise but I feel the prices are not high for the quality they deliver. Several other stores in the Bay Area have much higher prices. I am really happy this top quality store is near to my home. It saves me from driving long distances to get exactly what I want and need. |
Being new to aquaria my wife and I went to Aquarium Concepts to see about starting an aquarium. I can't say enough good things about the level of service we received from a very knowledgeable salesman there (Ed). He set us up with a small all-in-one tank (Eclipse System 3) and got us up to speed on the concepts of cycling and how to get it going. After doing a lot of reading online and in books I discovered that the advice Ed had given me was appropriate and well-informed. Over the next several weeks I continued to go back and get more info and direction. also picked up a test kit and began charting the cycling process. When it appeared that our tank was crashing (ammonia thru the roof, no nitrites) Ed suggested we cut way back on feeding. Sure enough within a few days we were down to 0 on both tests and the fish seem happy. My wife and I went in yesterday to order a new 37G tank as an upgrade - we're having fun and enjoying our new hobby. Ed and Cameron worked to get us a great deal on our new setup. Although new to fish-keeping I'm not new to retail, and I appreciate the value that local experts provide. I'm very happy to live just up the street from Aquarium Concepts. I highly recommend visiting. |
Maybe it was their old store with their old employees working there that deserved the poor reviews. I've gone to AC several times this past week to get various things for a reef tank i'm setting up and while their prices are a bit on the high side the place is one of the best in the bay and from my expirience with jason, ken, and jake their service is good too. Even before I spent my first dollar there there was this one female worker who asked me several times if I needed help. I think the setup cost me $300+ over what I could have done (spending lots of time) online but the help/service + instant gratification was well worth it. jayson 10:01:04 5/07/2007 |
I live in Concord and I'd rather driving to Dublin than going to All About Fish. They have better prices, service and selections. Cameron and Jake are very knowlegable. I have recently gotten two nice sea apples from them and they have been doing wonderful. I've been a customer with them for over 3 years and I think this store is a "must see". Larry 00:18:04 5/02/2007 |
 This store has moved to Dublin. It's a much larger place and has a lot more of everything. Store seems to be going through some growing pains though. Lots of new employees but if you talk to any of the old employees you'll def. get what you need. Their systems are slowly getting stable. I came in one weekend and they had signs up on their salt fish tanks. Pretty bad looking ich outbreak but it was nice to see they were not selling anything. Overall, I got what I needed and was very pleased with everything. In another month or so I'd say they'll be running smoothly. |
 I guess this is the first review since they moved! The new store is very nice (very fun to check out), although they still need to put prices on everything-- it's annoying to have to go up to the counter and ask the price of things. I really like Jake and Cameron and they've added a lot of new staff lately who, from what I can tell, are pretty knowledgeable. Their dry goods are a bit pricey, but their fish cost less than other local shops. I recommend visiting the store several times before buying fish. I came in one day and all the tanks looked fine. A few days later, all the tanks on the left had ich and it was on almost all of the fish in that system. Overall, I think it is a nice store and we should give them some time to adjust to the new store, new employees, and increase in business. Sal 12:43:08 3/30/2007 |
San Fran has a lot better fish stores then Hayward! Their customer service leaves something to be desired. The manager & the lady were nice, other guy is a like a gargoyle "a real person but will stare @ you like a beast" I would buy $100s of stuff if it were on sale & I was treated right. It’s rude when the staff stares at you like you’re going to steal something. |
 no 1 asked me if i needed help. some big guy finally got me some stuff behind the counter then preceeded to stare at me for the next 12 minutes. i asked a few questions, 1/2 of which he got wrong. sounded like he wanted me out the door. he said he didn't have any more product that i was interested in, then i looked closer behind the counter & found what i was looking for, but he said they didn't have anymore! but the manager & the woman seemed nicer. their feeder fish looked healthy, in a big tank with big filter. their tanks are pretty cool. everything expensive though. |
This store seems to have been running pretty well in the past year - given that they have been trying to get their new location in Dublin built since January! Most of the freshwater tanks were taken down a year ago to make room to store the new tanks for the new store. The new store should get opened by the end of January 07, and then the Hayward store will close. The new one will be much larger and will have more than double the tanks - fresh and salt. Also, there will be many new staff members, and they will all be formally trained on customer service skills! It is extremely hard to find knowledgable help in the aquatics business, especially for such a large store. This is why the store accepts applications year around. Any referals? Lastly, this store moves more livestock than some wholesalers- That is why some shipments may be in great shape while others may be not so good. It is the nature of our hobby unfortunately. The store does try to keep everything as healthy as possible though. staff ( a female employee !) 21:29:33 10/05/2006 |
Very Very nice selection! Definately on the expensive side, but I'd pay a few extra bucks for a healthy specimen. Fish usually look and act healthy. However, Staff seem a bit elitist. Overall, I'd say a bit above average.
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this places is the worst place to go to. Customer service is horrible. I wanted some help and did not receive not even a slight hint of it. the only time they will help you is if you are interested in spending alot there but if your not they wont care about you. its a nice aquarium shop but it takes great customer service with friendly employes that are willing to hear what you have to say and help you accordingly to make it a great shop. overall, this place is not worth coming into. Oscar Ramirez 11:52:27 7/12/2006 |
Wow!! The sales people there are so smart! NOT!!!!!!!!!!! One girl was actually very stubborn & argumentative towards me about what she insisted & thought was right concerning reef compatibility about a certain salt H2O fish species. I guess she has never heard of good customer service... I even pointed out that what she was saying contradicted what the reef books that they sold there at the store informed or what I have been told by marine biologist that are experts on reef fishes & also what was on the web... But she would not hear it... She was a very rude & obviously uneducated child who should not be working in an environment where communication is essential. The only reason that I gave this store 1/2 fish is because of their livestock but I am not sure anymore because one of the guys there told me that some of their fish are cyanide caught!! I couldn't believe he said that!! So if your fish dies shortly after his first large meal then he was most likely cyanide caught!! That is detrimental to coral reefs where these fish are caught in this inhumane manner!!! |
this store may be a little overpriced but their fish are of great quality and by that i mean healthy, and the tanks are always clean everytime im there. i dont care what other people say but i love it there, its my favorite fish store and i go there atleast once a week, sometimes just to look at all the cool fish and i buy new fish often..this is without a doubt the best fish store i know of.... Hannah 19:04:40 4/17/2006 |
this is a great store. They have a wide variety of marine fish, inverts, and corals. I search the web for deals and I think their prices are very reasonable compare to smaller shops around the bay. BTW, they do match price if you can show them where you found the items at a lower cost. Other than that, great group of folks, beautiful presentation. The Aquarist 22:23:20 4/01/2006 |
O.K. These guys are pro when it comes to aqurium settings! Set up is awesome. WARNING: If you are in to buy Marine fish (which most of us do) becareful of the quality of fish. I bought 2 cardinals (~$15 each) and they both died immediately upon arriving home. Went back to the store within 24 hours and found out that their whole tank of cardinals are also all DEAD! So...stand your ground if hy blame you for your water quality. In this case, it seems to me that their supplier had delivered them a bunch of sick cardinals. Also..watch out for the sales girls. Most of them don't know jack! I tested one of them on the basics of tank cycling and the girl (short stature- a little chubby with glasses) gave me all the wrong anser. Otherwise, great store with exotic Marine items. Penisula _Dude |
Ok - If you want to see great tank set ups, this is a nice place to go see what people can do with custom aquariums. But if you are going to go buy fish (especially fresh water ones), there weren't as much fresh water to choose from. What was there, I was not impressed with the quality of the fish..Some looked hybrids and lacked color. For tanks, they do have a fair enough selection on stock and some cool rocks. Staff lacked knowledge on fish but one had better knowledge on tanks. I will consider this store if I need to buy tanks but if it is freshwater fish I am looking for, this store isn't the place to be ! fisharefun 09:09:40 1/27/2006 |
Well, what to say about Aquarium Concepts... I'm going to spare echoing of previous comments about the livestock and layout of the store; which is all very nice and I agree about the dry and livestock being overpriced. My main complaint, which is why I haven't bought much (outside of a betta and a few ghost shrimp), is the customer service. Had I received any sort of help (with the exception of the one time) I would have spent a fair amount of money here. It seems the level of customer service you receive is based on how much you've spent in the past or how much you look like you are going to spend. I came to that conclusion after I watched a friend being helped immediately (he's spent at least $1,000 in that store) and I was left to rot near the aquariums for sale and the fish tanks. Another one of my complaints was the bettas. No one seemed to know much, but I foolishly bought one anyway. Two days later the betta I bought died from some unidentifiable illness. He was listless at first, then rejected food and ultimately twirled himself to death. All in all it's a toss up. Chances are I won't be visiting again. |
A mixed bag.... Pros: They often carry some of the harder to find CA/SA/WA cichlids and stock from Rapps. There are several extremely helpful employees. Cons: Fish often appear sickly and the prices are high compared to other stores. There are several extremely unhelpful employees. |
HORRIBLE STORE, prices for fish are overpriced. Example, a average fish store sells feeder guppies 12 for 1$, here they sell for 10. Goldfish for 7-9$ and ugly too. I drove all the way from San Francisco to check this store and a few others in hayward, sad to say this store is horrible. Too much kids playing with each other and gossiping too much. Saltwater selection is big but OVERPRICED. There coral prices starts at 18.99$ and UP, tiny pieces also. Freshwater is low selection and OVERPRICED. Equip. is horrible pricing, decorations also. I don't want to be harsh on juding this store but this is the WORST STORE I've been to. In conclusion, If you want high prices and crappy service. Go to PETCO! |
Large selection that is well priced. They carry many rare creatures that are hard to find. Creatures are shipped in and sold very quickly so nothing stays in the store very long so you don't know how hardy they are. Some of the staff is very knowledgeable and gives you good prices but other staff is inexperienced and charge slightly higher. Also large selection of tanks. Miles 15:36:39 8/10/2005 |
Best fish store in the greater bay area! They carry items no one else has and there selection is good too. I went every store in the phone book when I first moved here 10 years ago and Ken's Aquarium Concepts was by far the best! Jerry Loisel 16:42:36 7/20/2005 |
Not a bad place and I think some of the reviews here are a bit harsh. Either that or the service has been improved. I was dismayed to see them carrying "painted Tetras" at one point which are essentially fish injected with dye but I haven't seen them again. I almost stopped shopping here because of that. Otherwise I have no compainted from the freshwater side of the tracks. Prices are fine and selection is quite good as well. |
Big place.... prices too high !! Dan 21:23:58 4/01/2005 |
Everything is way overpriced. Much of their enormous stock is sick and dying. The employees are useless. There's no excuse for the poor condition of their tanks and livestock. If only the manager could hire a consultant with some good business sense to explain how to move more stock before it dies or dry goods become obsolete or expired. He would be happy, we would be happy..., the FISH and CORALS would be happy ! Good luck to these people. JeanAnn 22:26:01 3/30/2005 |
The Store is great, lots of money put in to it, however, it is a dry goods store rather than a fish store. their goals are to always sell by quantity and not any close to quality. you can count 100+ dead fish every morning, cyano infected fish tanks, and dyed leather corals "stresses" to be exact on their reef tanks. Corals are never acclimated right. with past reviews here, i think their employees are one of the most knowledge in reef tanks, of course as an equal opportunity employer, they emply inexperienced employees to help with cashier sales, cleaning, while gaining knowledge. ask for their experienced staff, and you shall. tommy and ken can name every fish they have in that store, give you specific care, as well as coral information, exept SPS. but to conclude this review, the store is worth checking out, great show tanks, lots of dry goods, and customer service can be good at times, depends on who you talk to. |
The store is at 22398 foothill blvd in hayward. ( Not on C street anymore) Also the 2000 gallon reef tank cracked, but there will be a new one there in 1 month, as well as a oceanic 500 gallon bow front reef tank! It is very hard to find good help these days, but there are a few very good employees there. Just like anywhere else , there are good employees and bad ones.(unfortunately) store manager 21:25:13 1/20/2005 |
oscar salazar 12:59:17 1/20/2005 |
the selection is great. customer service is what they lack. never ask one of the younger girls to help you out. they think they know it all about aquatics. prices are a little high but ok i guess. advice: try to talk to someone more knowledgable than a dumb girl. jack 11:33:11 1/15/2005 |
Great store, need better help running it (hard to get help buying fish), but great selection & prices. Also laid out very nice and its clean and lots of room unlike some of the other local stores which are crampt for room. Matt 09:15:16 10/02/2004 |
We love this place. Great selection, clean, and healthy stock. Yes, the employees are a little young and flaky, and do spend a lot of time playing with each other. But they are pretty knowledgable and it's worth it. Ask for Aiden...he's awesome. Julie 13:27:04 9/16/2004 |
Good selection of fish and equipment. Staff spent alot of time playing with each other and avoiding customers. And yes I saw a tank of Piranha's. Bad call here - sorry but if I want cheap prices and bad service I can always go to Walmart. |
I walked in and was the only customer in the store for 15 minutes. NO one asked to help me or even said hi. Some guy walks in and 2 sales people rush right on over. Will never go there again susan 21:37:13 8/10/2004 |
by far the best shop in hayward.good selection of fish especially cichlids.good staff very helpful wyatt 15:39:26 8/08/2004 |
 They sell small turtles and have pirahnas. They are cool. I would go there again. Alex 10:10:18 7/25/2004 |
This is a great aquarium shop specializing in only fish. A large selection of equipment and a large selection of healthy fish. Great staff and competive prices on fish. Bonus - They have some really awesome display tanks! Its worth a drive to check out. devin 09:41:13 7/15/2004 |