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Best Places To Buy An Aquarium In San Francisco

(credit: Thinkstock)

As any aquarium owner knows, an attractive tank can provide many hours of enjoyment and entertainment. But owning an aquarium also requires the right equipment, proper maintenance, and close attention to the health of both plants and pets inside. The correct water temperature, lighting, food, and supplements are all part of the mix. There are a number of businesses in San Francisco which offer a good selection of fish and accessories, along with expert advice and even personalized service.

Ocean Aquarium
120 Cedar St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 771-3206
www.oceanaquarium.com

The owners at Ocean Aquarium pride themselves on being knowledgeable about what species of fish will work best together and how to maintain a healthy tank. Although this is a small store, it carries a number of uncommon species. Bettas (small and colorful ray-finned freshwater fish) are well-cared for here. Ocean does a good job of keeping their website up-to-date with regular postings of new arrivals for their eclectic inventory.

Lau's H2O Habitats
280 26th Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 432-0233
www.h2ohabitats.com

No aquarium is ever problem free, so it's important to have someone who fish owners can rely on for advice when issues arise. Cesar Lau has been in the aquarium business a long time and has gained a loyal following throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. H2O Habitats is a personalized, custom service that will order the right tank, fish, and supplies for you and then set it all up as well. Lau and his team will also troubleshoot problems and provide regular maintenance if needed.

6th Avenue Aquarium
425 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 668-7190
www.6th-Ave-Aquarium.com

This Clement Street store is a combined flower mart and aquarium shop after merging two businesses a few years ago. Freshwater and marine fish can be found here in abundance, along with a wide selection of supplies, all at very reasonable prices. On most Sundays, 6th Avenue Aquarium holds a special event, supported by local hatcheries, that features new fish in stock. They also offer free first time water tests to all customers.

Lucky Ocean Aquarium
109 Balboa St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 668-3676
www.luckyoceanaquarium.com

Opened almost 30 years ago, Lucky Ocean Aquarium offers a wide range of tropical and salt water fish. Their store is well stocked with a wide selection of supplies. This business is experienced in the setup and installation of reef tanks, with live rock and coral. Lucky Ocean is also known for providing fresh, healthy plants, an important component in keeping fish happy in their watery world.

Ocean Flower
356 Hyde St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 929-9286
www.Ocean-Flower.com

Quietly tucked away in the Tenderloin, Ocean Flower is a small shop yet they stock many hard-to-find fish and other items not commonly found in aquarium stores. They are known for offering good prices on tanks and discus (a beautiful freshwater fish). They also carry freshwater plants. It can be hard to find stores that sell live insects in San Francisco, but Ocean Flower stocks a number of fresh varieties, including crickets for hungry lizards.

 

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