Aquatic Gallery

115 North Milpitas Blvd
Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 262-3400
aquatic-gallery.com
Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 11am - 7pm
Sunday: 12pm - 5pm
Closed Monday

First the good parts of this store. They have an incredible selections of animals and tanks. You won't find better maintained tanks anywhere in the Bay Area that's for sure. The staff are usually very friendly and helpful.

But, and this is a big negative for me, they don't seem to want to help me since I didn't buy all my hardware from them. I've tried on THREE occasions to get help with my setup and each time when the person on the other end of the phone finds out I already have all the hardware I need they tell me "Ok, I'll call you back" or something along those lines and then they never call me back. On my last atempt I even started the conversation saying "I have all the hardware, I just need help with the setup and getting started." This lead to a sales pitch for a filter that even the employee admitted I didn't really need. Then they said "Ok, I will have someone call you to schedule a visit." No one ever called. I'm willing to pay for the visits I just don't need the hardware.
Otto Maddox 15:34:41 3/18/2008
 


 

I forgot to mention in my previous review that before Dr. Le set-up my new custom aquarium-specifically designed for my living room (150 gallons), he watched my fish for about 2 months without charging me anything. I had a previous tank (not designed by Dr. Le that had several issues (primarily related to Nitrates because it was a wet/dry set-up).

Any way, some people might complain about service and also pick on Dr. Le because his "Dr." name is not related to biology or the aquarium life. However, for the knowledge and know how of what he has done to build AG and give back to the community I don't think it is fair at all to make some of the comments that some people have made. I would like to see these people start up their own aquarium store. For the marine hobbiest, it is not easy to have all the right answers, but from what I have found out, AG has helped make an excellent aquarium set-up for me with very minimal maintenance.

I would recommend AG to anyone that is interested in setting up an aquarium or that want livestock or Coral. If you can find a better aquarium store in the South Bay I would like to know about, because I don't think anyone can make any other recommendations.

George M. 18:35:57 11/16/2007
 


 

I have been a customer of Aquatic Gallery for over 6 months now. Dr. Le personally came to my home (40 miles away) and set up my 60 gallon tank.

He and his staff are extremely professional, have a depth and breadth of experience with all aquatic life - and go above and beyond to provide excellent service at all times.

The level of service he and his team provide are exactly what I need as I am a first time salt water aquarium owner.

To top it off - the design of the system is so solid the amount of time I spend maintaining is minimal and my enjoyment of the aquarium is maximum!

I would and do recommend Aquatic Gallery to my friends and colleagues.
David Mooers 13:29:53 11/16/2007
 


 

I have had Dr. Le and his staff build an aquarium for me and it has been running for about a year now with no issues. So far I have no complaints based on the service and advice I have received. Whenever I had a question (either by email or phone), Dr. Le or his staff responded rather quickly.

AG is one of the best salt water fish stores I have seen in the Bay area. AG does a great job of introducing new fish before they are sold to the customer...I have never had a problem with any of the fish or coral I have bought from there.

The only complaint if I had one is that the fish and coral are typically a little more expensive then some of the competitors in the Bay area. Although, I should say that the quality of Marine life that is sold at AG is usually better than anywhere else.

If some people have complaints about service it could be because the time when they are in the store. Sometimes there are so many people in the store (and the displays are a little tight) so it is hard to get immediate help. I would suggest to come before lunch time or between 1-3pm (week days) where it is typically not that busy.
George M. 13:11:22 11/16/2007
 


 

blahblahblahblah
knock off w/ the envy
dr. le has a great fish store and is an asset to the hobbyist. he has great system and has the formula that allows ur fish and coral to propagate....u are already saving money when ur fish don't die prematurely or ur mushroom doubles.......moooooron

Dr. Q 00:12:15 11/16/2007
 

 

I have started out a newbie and quickly became a semi expert in a few months with the help and expertise of Aquatic Gallery!
Parking-Easy!Unless OSH is having it's NO TAX day there is plenty of parking all the time.
Gallery-Amazing, Huge, the BEST. Huge mature fish, anemones and rare corals, breath taking is an underestimation.
Inside Isle-ways are narrow so passing can be tight but I would rather have a up close view of the monster displays anyway. The store could use more square footage but if anyone can move monster aquariums it's AG!Personally the location is very convenient.
Staff-Dr Le of Chiropractics and Aquariums extraordinaire-who says you need a PHD to have the knowledge he does! They recommend and use the best systems, have the best resources to get you the exact system for success, best dry goods, and salts to keep you up and running. Success is the goal right? Dr Le gives back to the community in a big way also closing down the store for tours to school children. He teaches ecology, how to care for our oceans, and children leave with a new respect and love for the oceans. He is a great guy with a huge heart.
Services-Knowledgeable and friendly. Billy and Zac I love you but Michael Pham is my favorite. His service is A+. Yes, it's pricey but do the cost analysis, who ever said saltwater aquariums were cheap to maintain? They are set up with several vans with all the supplies found in the store, even foods. Michael will maintain your aquarium, teach you how to DIY if you want, you choose. Do you know of ANY aquarium store that lets you call them on their cell day or night for problems? You do now. Service is #1.
As far as the negative comments I have read they are out of line. Everyone can have a bad day from time to time, I had 99% great days, always received discounts for my patronage, and knowledgeable staff. AG has the best system set up, most knowledgeable staff and best service available anywhere.

Brenda 17:58:15 11/15/2007
 

 

Gallery- that is the best way to describe the winner of the 2006/2007 Best of the Bay Award. I have been a customer of Aquatic Gallery in Milpitas for over a year now and must say that I am shocked that anyone could have anything bad to say about this store. I have been in the store more than 50 times and I still receive the welcoming “Hello” from Minnie every time I walk thru the door. The service is impeccable. Billy and Zac are more than helpful to ease any of my questions and always provide me with the latest and most current research in the world of saltwater aquaria. Dr. Le, the store owner, always goes more than out of his way to stop and answer anyone’s questions and concerns. I personally find it rewarding to see that he cares equally about someone’s first 10 gal. aquarium as much as he does about his world renowned 7,000 gal. showpiece at Marvel. Dr. Le is always helpful in planning custom aquariums, common concerns and worries, and giving advice on fish and coral. True, he is not a “doctor” of marine biology, but his twenty plus years in the hobby and his countless thriving customer aquariums speak for themselves.
The store is always clean, displays are beautiful, and there are always workers cleaning and care taking of the fish/corals. This is a top notch store. Yes, the store is a tad small, but that gives it its personality and charm.
Prices are fair. Dry goods are comparable to competition in the neighborhood. You will not feel pressured into buying the latest and newest gadget to hit the market. Fish and corals are a bit pricey, yet the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” The fish are always healthy and always look good. Corals are magnificent and the staff is always helpful in picking out the best one to suit your needs.
Overall, I give this store an A. Awesome staff, super knowledgeable, great owner, and the best reputation in the bay!

Beau 16:37:53 11/13/2007
 

 

I'm extremely impress with the service and the support that Dr. Le and his staff has given me as I learn to take care my 1st saltwater fish tank. I think they have spent more time answering emails, phone calls, and in-store visits from me than what I paid for my fish tank. Everyone is so helpful and supportive. I'm proud to say that I can now take care the tank on my own (well, most of the time ... Dr. Le and his staff are just a phone call or email away).
Anne 22:10:01 11/12/2007
 

 

I am surprised to see any negative reveiws of Aquatic Gallery. I've been a customer of the store for over two years and have always been treated well by the staff and Dr. Le has always patiently answered my questions and shown a great depth of knowledge in the hobby. The beautiful, thriving display tanks should be enough evidence to anyone that Dr. Le knows what he's doing and his philosophies are sound. Yes, I wish the store had wider isles, but I imagine a smaller store means lower overhead and keeps prices somewhat in check. Yes things are a bit pricey, but this is an expensive hobby, and part of what you are paying for is the advice you get along with the product. I have also used the store's tank moving and maintanence services several times and have been pleased with their work. I recommend this store highly. -Ken
Ken 11:41:15 11/12/2007
 

 

Ugh. Awful rude employees. It's such a shame, because the displays are fantastic, but who wants to frequent a store where you get attitude and the employees treat you like they wish you didn't even come into the store.
fishy deluxe 11:19:48 10/23/2007
 

 

This store is fun for saltwater aquarium people. There is a reasonable (but not large) selection of saltwater fish and all were healthy the 3 times I was in the store. There are many beautiful saltwater aquariums set up just for viewing and they are spectacular. The selection of corals and invertebrates is one of the best in Northern California. Dr. Lee took a lot of time to answer my questions and didn't try to pressure me on anything. Once I made my selections, he wrote down the care instructions for each coral for me (type of light, water current, food, etc.) This is not a discount fish store but I truly believe they offer good value for what you get. I am willing to pay more money for non-traumatized fish and corals in good shape. The only negative is that the store has rather small aisles so you may want to visit during the non-rush hour times.
Glenda 16:07:50 6/22/2007
 

 

I've never been to this store, but the reviews has raised quite some interesting drama on this board, resulting in what looks like a veiled threat from Dr. Le:

"I welcome you again, whoever commented on me personnally to come to the store and we can "talk"...

Dr Bao Le,

Owner, Aquatic Gallery, LLC.
Dr Bao Le 15:50:56 5/25/2007"

Now I want to visit just to see what the hub bub is all about.
Curious 11:15:55 6/06/2007
 


 

I am not sure what other's are talking about and I've never spoken to Bao, but the displays were some of the nicest I've seen around here (besides AQ in Dublin) and the coral prices weren't so bad. I also thought the people that worked there were pretty helpful, knowledgable and patient. Over all good store that I would buy mainly livestock from. I'd probably buy dry goods elsewhere as selection could be merchandised better.
Jayson Africa 14:45:47 6/02/2007
 

 

Hello All, normally I do not respond to these types of reviews. But I do not appreciate personal attacks on review boards. If you have an issue with me personally, I welcome the comments to my face.

I provide a service and if you do not like the service don't come to the store. But, don't ruin it by writting a comment purely based on stupidity. I treat everyone the same when they come to the store, regardless of experience. But, when you attack my Profession... get a life. If you seem to know so much, why don't you opened your own fish store and then you can have the merit to make such comments. Until then, since you know so much about this hobby...why don't you share the knowlegde with others instead of making people look bad or feel bad. Huh? That would be nice...

I welcome you again, whoever commented on me personnally to come to the store and we can "talk"...

Dr Bao Le,

Owner, Aquatic Gallery, LLC.
Dr Bao Le 15:50:56 5/25/2007
 


 

By calling himself "Dr. Bao Le" it represents that he has some higher degree in aquatic biology, which is not the case. I also heard that he was recently taking scuba diving lessons. Some "reefkeeper."
Ocellaris Harris 15:49:05 5/04/2007
 

 

Don't go here. There are many other stores in the Bay Area that have much better prices and more knowledgeable owners and staff.

The completely overcharge for everything.
Reefie 14:53:50 1/28/2007
 


 

Not a very good selection of fish and those that I saw all had ich or tattered fins. Also, the livestock is overpriced. I think they were charging something in the neighborhood of $75 for a mated pair of clownfish. Ridiculous!!
Jim B. 16:34:42 1/16/2007
 

 

Do not patronize this store, especially if buying an aquarium system. Not only do they overcharge for everything (it seems that they mostly cater to businesses who don't mind overpaying), but once they collect your money, they are not very responsive to your customer needs. Also, in the store, the employees are not very knowledgeable or well trained. Not sure what kind of doctor "Dr." Le is, but he certainly does not appear to be a doctor of marine biology. If you look on the customer questions section of his website, you will see that he didn't know a red flame hawkfish likes to eat shrimp, including cleaner shrimp. A somewhat basic piece of knowledge for anyone who purports to be an expert in marine aquariums.
fishfreakster 13:12:03 1/14/2007
 

 

I am sort of being genrous in rating this store. The first thing I noticed upon entering was the pressure of the Doc selling me hardware immediately. This left me feel like I am in some sort of used car lot! Upon checking his credentials, I found that the Doc is actually a chiropractor and he has nothing to do with being a doctor in Marine Biology (which I was hoping that he was). He wasn't even a M.D. Maybe if the fish there needs their fins alligned, otherwise I would not walk around telling everyone that I am a doc. Prices are high and displays are middle of the road.
Saratoga valley shopper 14:39:52 3/17/2006
 

 

Clean and nice display. A little bit pricy, not for bargain hunters. The way things are labeled sometimes make it hard to find the right stuff. Also need more knowledgable staff.
xiao 13:45:57 7/07/2005
 

 

I like the way the Aquarium fishes are displayed. Very clean, quite and peaceful place to be there. I hope, they get more experienced employess who know more about Aquatic life & able to respond to CUstomer's questions precisely. Not every customer is Savvy to make a decision. I remember, I use to talk to one guy overe there who was a Biology college student.. where is he now ?
Victor 17:32:08 5/27/2005
 

 

[...]

This is a great store to visit for coral. Weekend traffic makes it very cramped but during the day it is a pleasureable experience.
Patric 15:13:31 5/23/2005
 


 

Store is great to browse. Dr. is savy in his field. I am a regular visitor. Just few weeks ago, I came across unprofessional attitude- arrogant and unfriendly for the questions related to RO water quality, volume and container. I would certainly recommend to go when Dr is there. I have see in past smat employess. I have not seen them over there now ! . I have NOT informed to BBB, I will , If I see that happens next time.
Anil 10:31:29 5/15/2005
 

 

You havnt seen a fish store untill you visit aquatic gallery.

great place, but i think it needs a more knowledgable employee's.
im not complaining, i get deals all the time.
sometimes their employees dont know what they are selling you. i just bought a rare SPS for 24.99, which was listed 100.00 the week prior.
chuck 00:57:40 2/14/2005
 


 

12/2004. This is one of the cleanest fish store I have been to. It's really a GALLERY. In my opinion, this is one of the best reef store in the Bay Area. Lots of selections and the price is reasonable.


Beginner 13:37:46 12/26/2004
 


 

The store is located ina strip mall so parking is a hassle. The tank displays are really nice.The doctor knows his stuff.Unfortunately he charges doctor's rates -rent to own reef setups - 4and 5 grand for a 30 gallon tank. A great store to browse or if you have alot of money to burn. tanks were clean for the most part but the dividers in some tanks looked like a 7 year old cut them out. I liked the office room the best it was relaxing. The staff are petty knowledgable except for a few minor answers most of the info is right on. I did notice ich in 4 of the showtanks but since it is reef they would have to catch the fish to treat them and it didn't seem like that's a practical solution. Best in the south bay but not in the Bay area for sure.
Pisces 23:27:10 8/11/2004
 

 


This is a great fish store. They have a knowledgable staff and an awesome selection. The store itself is a little crowded -- especially on the weekends. Their prices are reasonable.

They have some awesome show tanks.

I've seen fish with ich and dead fish there but no more so than at any other fish store.

This is by far the best saltwater fish store in the south bay.
Luke 13:42:17 8/08/2004