--- type: store name: "Tropical Imports" city: "Glendale" state: "CA" rating: 4.5 reviews: 235 url: https://www.fishstores.org/california/glendale/tropical-imports --- # Tropical Imports Fish store in Glendale, California - **Address**: 1134 E Colorado St, Glendale, CA, 91205 - **Phone**: (818) 240-9356 - **Rating**: 4.5/5 (235 reviews) ## Hours | Day | Hours | | --- | --- | | Monday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Tuesday | Closed | | Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Thursday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Friday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | | Saturday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | | Sunday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | ## About Tropical Imports has been a fixture of the Glendale, California aquarium scene for years, drawing fishkeepers from across the area with a deep freshwater inventory and a functional saltwater section. The store occupies a compact footprint but packs in a surprising variety — reviewers have spotted everything from Amano shrimp and African cichlids to bettas, goldfish, loaches, and even manta rays. Live blackworms are available for feeding, and the reptile section adds another dimension with bearded dragons, frogs, and feeder insects. Dean is the name most frequently attached to standout experiences here. Multiple customers describe him walking them through complete tank setups, from substrate and filtration to cycling products and food. One first-time betta owner recounted Dean helping them select an Aqua Clear 20 pump, API Freshwater Master Test Kit, Microbe-Lift Nite-Out II, Ocean Nutrition Betta Pellets, and a live plant — plus a full walkthrough of weekly maintenance. That kind of hands-on consultation is the store's strongest asset, and staff members Juan and Anthony also earn consistent praise for their patience with questions. The equipment and dry goods section is well-stocked enough that regulars recommend it over big-box alternatives for everyday aquarium supplies. Free water testing has been noted by at least one customer who needed help troubleshooting a tank problem. That said, Tropical Imports has its rough edges. The store has undergone renovations that left sections temporarily closed, frustrating customers who drove long distances. A handful of reviewers have flagged overcrowded tanks and dead livestock, and communication around special orders has occasionally fallen short. The experience can feel inconsistent depending on timing and who's working. For Glendale-area freshwater hobbyists especially, Tropical Imports delivers solid selection and genuinely knowledgeable guidance at competitive prices. The saltwater side is more limited but functional. If you catch Dean or the regular crew on a good day, the personalized service is hard to match at any chain store. ## Specializations - **Water Types**: Freshwater, Saltwater - **Livestock & Products**: Bettas, Shrimp, Cichlids, African Cichlids, Goldfish, Live Plants, Aquarium Equipment, Fish Food - **Services**: Water Testing, Consultation - **Known For**: Reptiles & Amphibians, Premium Equipment, Knowledgeable Staff, Beginner Friendly, Great Selection, Good Prices ## Highlights - Dean provides detailed one-on-one consultations for complete tank setups - Amano shrimp, African cichlids, bettas, loaches, and live blackworms in stock - Free water testing available for troubleshooting aquarium issues - Carries API, Aqua Clear, Microbe-Lift, and Ocean Nutrition products - Strong freshwater selection with a functional saltwater section ## Brands Carried Aqua Clear, Api, Microbe Lift, Ocean Nutrition ## Customer Reviews **"Suleman Ishaque"** - 5/5 - 3 months ago > Great little store with an amazing collection of freshwater fish at great prices. A decent saltwater section and a very well stocked place for aquarium equipment. Very helpful and respectful staff! **"Jacquelyn London"** - 5/5 - 4 months ago > I’ve been coming to this store for years And I highly recommend it. Dean is the best and recently he helped me to create my dream tank! Last time I was there, he told me they were doing some renovations… I can’t wait to see what he’s up to! **"Cynthia Tamraz"** - 3/5 - 5 months ago > I visited this place this morning, the guy who first assisted me completely ignore me and said that he was going to help another client who got there after me. He seemed inpatient (employee/owner) when assisting me. Not sure if will come back despite this place is the closest to my house. **"Mario Perez"** - 3/5 - Edited 6 months ago > Just went here again after a long time. The salt water fish selection wasnt great. If you need fresh water than you have more options. **"John Monteverde"** - 5/5 - 6 months ago > Came in for the first time and was very pleased to see Amano Shrimp to add to my freshwater aquarium. I've searched a few places before here and was unsuccessful. On another note, this place has a huge selection of salt water & freshwater fish, all kinds of shrimp, reptiles, and we even spotted some manta rays. How cool is that?! Anyways, thank you Tropical Imports for the huge help!! **"Garrison Alecsaunder"** - 1/5 - 8 months ago > Said it was open online, but it was not. **"Anthony V"** - 5/5 - 8 months ago > Very chill guy and helpful and good prices 10/10 will come again **"Vreje"** - 5/5 - 11 months ago > Amazing service, very kind. **"Andres Garcia"** - 5/5 - a year ago > The staff is friendly and very helpful. Great selection in live animals and necessities for said animals. **"Patty Cuellar"** - 5/5 - a year ago > Best pet shop in town.you'll find what you need for your pets ## Nearby Stores - [Aquarium Specialties](https://www.fishstores.org/california/redding/aquarium-specialties) - Redding, CA - 5.0/5 - [Art’s Underwater Reef](https://www.fishstores.org/california/pasadena/arts-underwater-reef) - Pasadena, CA - 5.0/5 - [Fintastic Fish](https://www.fishstores.org/california/scotts-valley/fintastic-fish) - Scotts Valley, CA - 5.0/5 - [High Tide Aquatics](https://www.fishstores.org/california/oakland/high-tide-aquatics) - Oakland, CA - 5.0/5 - [Holy Reef](https://www.fishstores.org/california/morro-bay/holy-reef) - Morro Bay, CA - 5.0/5 - [Oceans Aquarium Design](https://www.fishstores.org/california/signal-hill/oceans-aquarium-design) - Signal Hill, CA - 5.0/5 --- *Source: [FishStores.org](https://www.fishstores.org/california/glendale/tropical-imports)* *Last updated: February 8, 2026*