About
Aquarium City in Canoga Park has been a San Fernando Valley institution for well over a decade, and the loyalty it inspires is remarkable — multiple reviewers mention 15-year relationships with the store. Walking in, you're greeted by a sprawling layout packed with freshwater and saltwater livestock, a deep coral selection ranging from $5 frags to high-end pieces, and a plant section that regulars describe as exceptional. Discus, peacock cichlids, geophagus, ghost knifefish, and other rare species share floor space with snails, and the variety genuinely surprises first-time visitors.
The dry goods section is equally serious. ADA aquascaping supplies sit alongside RODI equipment, Neptune Systems Apex controllers, and a well-stocked medication aisle. If they don't carry something, staff will order it.
Free water testing is a nice everyday perk that keeps hobbyists coming back between livestock purchases. Staff members like Grace, Kiarash, Jason, Rayan, and owner Julian are called out by name repeatedly for their patience and depth of knowledge. Tank maintenance appears to be a point of pride — one reviewer noted not a single fish with ich or visible parasites across the entire store.
Custom-built aquariums are available for home setups at all scales. The store also carries live reptiles and reptile supplies, including feeder insects for leopard geckos, though the reptile selection has reportedly scaled back over the years. A resident cat adds to the family-shop atmosphere.
Not every visit is perfect — a few customers have encountered brusque service or questioned pricing on smaller items — but the overwhelming pattern across nearly 700 reviews is one of genuine expertise and competitive pricing. For anyone in the Valley maintaining a reef tank, building a planted freshwater setup, or hunting for quality discus and uncommon species, Aquarium City is the kind of destination store worth driving across Los Angeles for. The depth of inventory alone makes it hard to leave empty-handed.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Free water testing available for freshwater and saltwater hobbyists
- ADA aquascaping supplies and Neptune Systems Apex controllers in stock
- Quality discus, cichlids, ghost knifefish, and other rare species
- Extensive live plant section praised by regulars
- Coral frags available across a wide price range
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I just left and the manager was very rude. I was looking for attachment clips for my RODI machine the little blue clips and she told me they’re two dollars apiece and I asked why are they so expensive and she rudely stated that that’s what the owners want to charge.”
— Mark Morgan1.0a week ago“Knowledgeable staff. Free water tests. Tons of fresh and salt water options. Honestly one of the best aquarium stores I’ve ever visited.”
— Brent Madison5.03 weeks ago“Best fish store around!”
— Cbwicywb Ruxjwbfka5.02 months ago“Wonderful staff great selection. Good prices have been buying from there for a couple years now and it’s always a good experience.”
— Albertine Vasandani5.02 months ago“Very knowledgeable and helpful staff! Excellent variety!!! my fav place! 5/5”
— Val “Val. EDU” dansmr5.02 months ago“The best!!!!”
— Kevin Metzgus5.03 months ago“Grace did a great job. She’s Every knowledgeable works. Thank you I’m now coming back to this place and going to tell people about this place. Thank you again Grace”
— Josh Guerrero5.03 months ago“Great selection of coral fish and dry goods. For both fresh water and salt water aquariums. As well as supplies for reptiles, RODI and saltwater. Staff is very friendly, professional, courteous, knowledgeable, they make your experience memorable and create a family atmosphere!!!!!”
— Ramon Godinez5.03 months ago“This is a great store with lots of different kinds of fish. They also live plants. The people that work here as well as the owner are friendly and very helpful.”
— James Peter5.03 months ago“Employees are remarkably nice and very helpful and patient I'd recommend this place to anyone who is looking for fish to add to their collection or starting one”
— Leo Garcia5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (818) 887-7460 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquarium City.