Ocean Aquarium image

Ocean Aquarium

Tropical fish store

Basic spot with freshwater aquarium displays plus an extensive selection of fish & supplies. People often mention fish, store, aquarium, tank, plants, tanks, beautiful, shop,


Address

120 Cedar St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Website

oceanaquarium.blogspot.com

Contact

(415) 771-3206

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (270 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 11 AM to 6 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 6 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 6 PM
  • Monday: 11 AM to 6 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 6 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: fish (43) store (18) aquarium (14) tank (14) plants (13) tanks (9) beautiful (7) shop (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Elmira V. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing store and amazing couple owners. They shared many tips on how to be successful at fish keeping and maintaining my aquarium. I love to see the dedication they have towards their fish and plants. All fish and plants that I bought there are healthy and thriving.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eduardo B. 2 years ago on Google
    I have never been to a more beautiful aquarium store. I wish I could give them over 5 stars. You can tell they care about the fish asking if your tank is right, your parameters, your hardware and everything. Some people may not like that but you have to learn that others can know more than you and take their advice.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J A. 1 year ago on Google
    This man is the truth. I followed his method and listened it took me three months and I have an amazing tank! Be patient and enjoy watching the miracle Grow. I do not have to change the water. It’s clearer than anything I’ve ever seen and it’s an immaculate tank. used no chemicals and just bacteria and this beautiful natural balance emerges.the plants clean the water the fish Nourish the plants.We call it our “Hopi” tank in respect to the teacher. I am ever thankful for learning how to manage A tank properly. When you go to Ocean aquarium you’re not only paying for a product but for 30+ years of wisdom and insight that in today’s world is very hard to find. If your wanting to start a tank and looking for someone or already have a tank this is the shop. So many stores sell you on so many products ocean aquarium has a love form aquariums and will teach you how to run a tank in a biologically effective manner and only sell you what you really need for a beautiful aquarium
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ray F. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful tanks. I disagree with the bad reviews here, the woman and man working there were friendly and were happy to explain how they set up their tanks. Some dead fish here and there (happens in every fish store) but the majority of them thriving. Resourceful/eco-friendly store, great place to browse even if you aren’t looking to buy. A hundred mini-ecosystems, so cool.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rion A. 4 years ago on Google
    The owners were some of the nicest people I've ever met. It doesn't get more mom and pop shop than this local business. They were very informative and super helpful with all of my questions. Their shop was no frills and straight to the point. If you have planted aquarium questions, they have answers.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katarina S. 2 years ago on Google
    My favorite aquarium store! I come to buy fish and plants even though I now live out of state. :) The owners are incredibly knowledgeable and kind. The fish and plants are healthy and beautiful, plus they often have rare and interesting species
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 syed m. 1 year ago on Google
    Great, friendly ,knowledgeable and very helpful staff. They have huge selection of 🐠. If you are looking for a place to leave your pet fish while you are on vacation then this is your place as well. They charge 2$ per day and are open 7 days a week.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J P. 3 years ago on Google
    Must-visit for aquarium hobbyists. All their tanks are densely planted and have the right amount of fish so they don’t need to do water changes. They’re open and limiting guests.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Probably P. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredible! 6 stars! When I checked out I almost wished my total was higher so I could support this couple even more! The owner spent 40 minutes explaining his entire approach to fish keeping. This man is rare in our hobby. A true OG who has forgotten more about aquariums than I will ever know. Quote for all new hobbyists from the owner “raise your water not your fish”
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bruce O. 2 years ago on Google
    This hidden wonder belies it’s location and clutter. Their knowledge of the entire freshwater hobby is incredible. When I purchased fish for my latest tank they took the time to discuss acclimation. The owner created a drip cup for me and explained in detail about matching PH. Don’t expect a big big box store to do this. Every of the fish I bought at Petco died in a week. Not an easy place to find, buts it’s a find.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David B. 1 year ago on Google
    A little $$$ but very knowledgeable great place to go if you are having fish tank or fish problems. Their fish are very healthy they are happy to help you get your at its best it can be. Like letting you know that cleaning your tank isn't good for your fish it destroys the tanks ecosystem. They will explain why if you ask them. Very friendly people, if you are having tank issues I recommend giving them a call. They have lots and lots of different kinds of fish and plants for your tank.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Deborah R. 1 year ago on Google
    Wish I lived closer. I live in Spokane WA and have watched Justin's tour YouTube twice to get the details. I'm setting up a 75 gallon tank and calculated that I would need 225 lbs gravel to avoid water changes. That's a lot so hoping I can phone Justin later to make sure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gerald E. 2 years ago on Google
    Owner Justin is amazing. His approach in helping his customers is so much different, but professional! His store his very small, yet large. It's like a basement store. Many, many tanks with many types of fish and plant tanks. Absolutely worthwhile a visit!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel W. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredible place! Tons to look at and plenty that catches the eye! Some really amazing plants and fish! Tons of knowledge and things to learn! Literally every bit of aquascape you could dream of!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pinky Blob (. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic management, excellent customer service, and a wonderful selection of aquatic plants. Owners are also incredibly knowledgeable on what they sell, and super helpful.

  • 5/5 Andrew “Drew” M. 2 years ago on Google
    The best fish/aquarium business I've ever been too. The owner and his wife are so sweet and have such a wealth of knowledge. I've never seen such healthy and vibrant tanks with such diy equipment. They have taught me so much and I can't thank them enough for inspiring me. Its the best hole in the wall tropical fish store without a doubt even though it's "ocean" aquarium. 😂

  • 5/5 Maggie C. 1 year ago on Google
    Omg! This aquarium is amazing! I was lucky and went when no one else was around and the couple who owns this place were so unbelievably helpful. They gave me advice and we’re so nice! I used to go to 6th ave aquarium but they have dead fish in the tanks and they just don’t care as much as this place. Do yourself and your fish family a favor and go to this aquarium store.

  • 5/5 Nicholas C. 2 years ago on Google
    Wanted to give you a 5 star. From Canada. Loved your YouTube video. You and your wife are wonderful people. I would love to learn from you over youtube or tiktok or anywhere else. Happy fish!!

  • 1/5 Ron Kristoffer S. 1 year ago on Google
    Edit 1/31 Returned today after a really long hiatus from this store. The lady tried to charge me $60 for three white cloud mountain minnows. A common fish that sells for 5 bucks or less everywhere else. Appalled, I didn't have the energy to argue about the $18 glowlight danio and $5 feeder guppies shed already bagged. Got charged 170 bucks for 18 fish( 4 common danio, 3 adult, 5 fry feeder guppies, 2 paradise fish, 4 rainbow shiners). Don't shop here if you've checked out every other fish store in the city and have some idea of what's common and what they cost. Unless you want to buy 15 dollar cardinal tetra. Never again. 3 star 》》1 star. Great selection of fish but the prices are fairly high with some common fish one would expect to be 3-4 bucks sold for 8-10. Wish they’d list prices so it didn’t feel like they were making them up on the fly. Used to love it here until I went to another local store and was able to get 20 of the same fishes there for a third of the price.

  • 4/5 ALESSANDRO DE JESUS M. 1 year ago on Google
    Came in today, Sunday. They take your temperature at the door, so that's nice that they are being mindful of the pandemic. The place is very small, but its stocked with many fish and plants. I like how the reuse everything as much as they can. I was looking for saltwater fish today, but they did not have any, so I did not make any purchases. But the owners were very nice.

  • 5/5 Spencer H. 1 year ago on Google
    Mama and Papa fish are the most wonderful pet store owners I’ve ever encountered. Their shop is a wonderland of fish, shrimp, plants and every supply or food item you could imagine to keep your fish happy and healthy. They are also both extremely knowledgeable, and will help you with any question. I can’t recommend this store any higher than five stars, seriously if you’re in the market for some beautiful fishies, shop local and visit mama and papa fish!!!

  • 5/5 Christian Van H. 1 year ago on Google
    Most genuine and honest experience in a store I have ever had. I was met with open arms and a plethora of valuable information with the backup of the quality of his fish tanks to show proof in his knowledge. I was more than happy to spend my money here and am absolutely looking forward to my next opportunity to visit. Thank you Ocean Aquarium for your dedication to what you do. It was an honor to visit.

  • 5/5 J D. 7 months ago on Google
    If this lovely couple was not located here., I would not have an aquarium. They have a lovely store, and a great work ethic. I've found it pointless to buy live plants and animals online in my experience. They also have something most salespeople do not have in San Francisco. Wisdom & kindness. One of the best and only remains of a once beautiful and proud City. Professional to the utmost. I visit weekly, I recommend it over any Bay Area Store I've been to most from SF to Colma.

  • 5/5 Robin I. 8 months ago on Google
    Amazing selection and customer service! The shop looks tiny from the outside but it's actually very spacious in the back and the variety of fish and products is excellent. The woman who sold me the fish also took the time to carefully explain how to care for it, acclimate it, etc.

  • 5/5 Ray M. 9 months ago on Google
    A wonderful, wonderful store, unlike anywhere else you will ever go. Owners are extremely kind and helpful. Fantastic selection of fish and plants. Highly recommended


Call (415) 771-3206 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ In-store shopping

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