Good LFS in the San Francisco Area?

[dpetruescu]

Does anyone know of a good LFS in the Bay Area?

I appreciate your help.

Davidp

 

[Anonymous]

Aquarium Concepts in Hayward is probably the best. The is also Lucky Goldfish in Oakland, and Connie's Tropical Fish in San Leandro.
The Aquarium, in Concord I think, is very nice as well. Where do you live excactly?
Jim

 

[Jan-Dman]

Also Nippon in SF on Geary St. a bit pricey though

 

[NoriMuncher]

I like Lucky Ocean on Balboa. Small, but honest people.

 

[nisom88]

Allright, this place is extremely shady, you've got to catch your own fish, there is absolutely no one there that can help you, and conditions in the tanks are often awful, but you cannot beat their prices. 6th Avenue Aquarium, it's just off Geary at Clement and 6th Avenue. It looks like a flower shop from the front, but the fish store is behind the flower shop. It's definitely one of a kind, but I only have good things to say about their livestock. I've bought everything from large African cichlids to rainbowfish to marine fish and I've never had anything die on me. A lot of times you find things you don't see at your average lfs either.

 

[pathos]

All of the above mentioned are the best we've got. Kudos for mentioning Lucky Ocean. That place is definitely off the beaten path but worth a visit. I will add one more to the list, Hung Ming on Broadway near Columbus. They sometimes get good stuff in. I bought an amazing green zooanthid colony from them.

 

[Lknapp]

Reef Science in San Ramon

 

[Lknapp]

Sorry Danville. Here is their .web page

 

[NoriMuncher]

I though reefscience closed.

 

[desktopsilver]

ya man i heard reef science is taking a break,,(they were always busy too)aquarium concepts is good for dry goods,,ultimate aquarium in san mateo is a quality place,,,natraul life in belmont has moved to san jose,,aquarium concepts #1,,,,natrul life #2 here on the pininsula,,,tnt in sanjose is excelent (far though),,san fran has some great shops,,

 

[dieselboy]

In addition to those mentioned, you might also want to try Aquatic Reflections out in Dublin...they have stuff you'd only find in L.A....nice SPS you wouldn't otherwise get in the Bay Area w/o resorting to mail order. There's also Coral Reef Ecosystems out in the North Bay (Petaluma or Santa Rosa?). Both of these places have websites for more info, and are highly recommended for quality, high end livestock. IMO, light years ahead of all the other stores in the Bay Area, and more inline with "LA methodology", than current dogma around these parts.

 

[nisom88]

Dieselboy, where's aquatic reflections in doublin? I've never heard of the place and I thought I hit up all the fish stores in the bay area!

 

[Anonymous]

In San Jose there's T&T Marine and Koi--they've got a decent shop. Also, in Mtn View, there's Seascapes, another decent shop.

Ty

 

[dpetruescu]

Thank you for your replies. I appreciate it.

I live in San Jose, but I am willing to drive an hour or so to shop at a good place.

 

[sillingw]

seascapes in mview has good stock if you can put up with the arrogant attitude of the owner - I cannot. Ultimate Aquarium, on el camino in San Mateo is a good shop, has a reasonable stock of both fish and inverts, but always either know what you want and how to look after it or get a trusted second opinion on their advice. Aquarium concepts in Haywood is a really good place, mostly knowledgable with a good stock and the best display tank in the area - they are about to move though - about 3-4 blocks so give a call before going.

 

[Red Leader]

Check out http://www.geocities.com/LFSinSFO/Lfs.html

 

[BerlinMethod.com]

Seascapes in Mountain View sucks. The owner doesn't deserve any business...

Regards,
Kris

 

[Anonymous]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by pathos:
<STRONG>. I will add one more to the list, Hung Ming on Broadway near Columbus. They sometimes get good stuff in. I bought an amazing green zooanthid colony from them.</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

After reading this I walked up there for my lunch today. The fish were AMAZING! I have never seen clowns or Morays so HUGE for sale in my life. All the fish looked really good. They had great fresh water too. Interesting inverts though....again really huge green serpent stars. The arms had to be at least 17 to 20 inches across, and thick. They could easily take down a large tang. Some nudibranchs that they prolly shoudn't be selling along with sea apples. The corals weren't that impressive. Most of the tanks were left over receeded skeletons with small amounts on tissue hanging on. Maybe you need to go when they recieve a delivery.

OK...the good stuff: Ecosystem 6 gal bow front acrylic tanks on sale for $49.00 and Ecosystem 12 gal bow front acrylic for $99.00! I bought one of each!

That's my report......

-Greg

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry...that was Eclipse not Ecosystem.

I went back to pick up my stuff and talked to the guy behind the counter (I couldn't before as I was on my lunch). Very knowlegable and didn't rush me even though it was obvious I wasn't going to make anymore purchases. He took the tanks out and inspected them for defects, no I didn't ask, and actually found one with a crack.

Also to their credit they had all the retro lighting kits for the tanks. I originally would have said an OK place to visit, however, after talking to the guy and the great customer service I received I will definately be back.

-Greg

[ October 19, 2001: Message edited by: GDawson ]

 

[pathos]

The guy you talked to was probably Terry. Extremely helpful guy. The man who does handles the saltwater ordering is named John.