About
Tucked into Pasadena, Art's Underwater Reef is a family-owned aquarium shop where the owner, Art, and staffer Chris have built a loyal following through genuine expertise and hands-on guidance. The store carries both freshwater and saltwater livestock alongside corals and reef supplies, and reviewers consistently note the health and vibrancy of the animals on display. This isn't a place where you grab a bag of fish and leave — multiple customers describe being walked through entire tank setups, from heaters and filters to live plants, with patient, step-by-step instruction.
The bettas here deserve special mention. Customers compare them favorably against big-box alternatives, calling even the store's most modest specimens superior to what chain pet stores offer. Shrimp keepers also find what they need, whether it's cherry shrimp or advice on maintaining a dedicated shrimp tank.
Ember tetras, vampire crabs, and other uncommon species make regular appearances in the inventory, earning the store a reputation for stocking animals you won't find at the typical Petco. Chris has become something of a local hero for newer hobbyists — one reviewer credits him with saving a crashing tank through careful guidance on water changes, filtration, and activated charcoal. Art himself has helped betta owners troubleshoot health issues over multiple visits, offering the kind of follow-up care that builds real trust.
The store also provides monthly tank cleaning services for those who want professional maintenance. Water testing is available in-store, and several first-time fishkeepers describe bringing in samples before transferring livestock to new setups. The coral selection draws reef enthusiasts looking for quality frags alongside knowledgeable advice on reef tank management.
The shop itself is compact but immaculately maintained — spotless tanks, organized supplies, and healthy animals at every turn. For Pasadena aquarists who value personalized service and carefully curated livestock over warehouse-scale inventory, Art's Underwater Reef delivers an experience that keeps people coming back.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned shop run by Art and Chris with deep hands-on expertise
- Exceptional betta quality that far surpasses chain pet store offerings
- Monthly tank cleaning and maintenance services available
- Free water testing to help customers ensure safe tank conditions
- Unique livestock like vampire crabs and rare species not found at big-box stores
From keepers
Customer reviews
“The most helpful staff I've encountered! Super clean and high quality products, fish and plants. This is hands down the best local aquarium shop in Pasadena!”
— Ricardo Monterroso5.03 weeks ago“Love this place! They have great customer service and every fish I’ve bought from them has been super healthy love my school of ember Tetras as well as all the shrimp I’ve bought too. 5 stars all the way!!!”
— Robert M5.03 weeks ago“Great advice and great service!”
— Pam5.0a month ago“Such a sweet business! I didn’t catch his name, but the person manning the store that day was so helpful and generous! Definitely shopping here again for my shrimp tank needs.”
— Amanda T5.0a month ago“Really helpful staff, shoutout to Chris, I’m new to the hobby and he helped me save my tank from almost crashing when excess nutrients where released into the water by accident and guided me step by step with the water/filter/charcoal changes, they also have a great selection of fish and coral to pick from.”
— Luweezzz -5.0a month ago“Great selection of supplies for building and maintaining tanks.”
— Cbwicywb Ruxjwbfka5.02 months ago“I can’t say enough good things about Arts Underwater Reef! From the very beginning of setting up my fish tank, they’ve been there for me every step of the way. They’ve guided me through the whole process with patience, knowledge, and real care. Not once have they left me hanging or without answers. Every visit feels welcoming, and they truly make you feel like part of the reefing family. Their customer service is second to none, and the quality of their livestock and supplies is always top-notch. If you’re into aquariums, saltwater, or reef tanks—this is hands down the best shop in Pasadena. Highly recommend!”
— Jairo Resendiz5.04 months ago“The store was very clean. And staff very helpful and courteous definitely will be returning again For another bird, my grandson absolutely loved the bird he got he wanted two but was only able to get him 1”
— Maggie Estrada5.05 months ago“Got a great deal with the Vampire crabs! The guy was extremely knowledgeable and polite. I got a total of 7 and one of the crabs had eggs. Might even get a Betta fish for my next tank. The Bettas here are hands down the best quality I’ve seen. Petco/PetSmart best Betta fish does NOT compare to this stores “worst” Betta fish!”
— Fabian P5.05 months ago“Arts the man, got me everything I needed and set up monthly cleaning services”
— Prodigy Barbershop5.05 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (626) 529-3425 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Art’s Underwater Reef.