Splash Aquarium

Tucked into Lemon Hill Plaza in southeastern Sacramento, Splash Aquarium packs a remarkable amount of aquatic life and expertise into a compact footprint. Owner Mike has been a fixture in the local fishkeeping scene since the store's predecessor, Jojo Aquarium, and his passion for reef keeping permeates every corner of the shop. Clean, well-maintained tanks line the walls, housing everything from higher-end freshwater species like discus and plecos to saltwater fish, corals, live rock, and invertebrates.

They even stock brackish oddities — one customer drove from Manteca specifically hunting for an Amazon puffer, and the staff tracked one down, texted photos and water parameters, and held it until pickup. The staff is the real draw. Dana has earned particular praise for her aquascaping guidance, turning a customer's $20 substrate run into a $200 creative project through sheer enthusiasm and expertise.

Sabrina has won fans for her patience when diagnosing fish losses, testing tank water and walking customers through corrective steps. Mike, whether on the phone or behind the counter, fields questions from veteran hobbyists and first-time tank owners alike with equal care. Multiple reviewers mention driving 45 minutes or more past closer options because the advice here is honest — staff will tell you when you don't need something rather than upsell.

The freshwater section features a strong selection of tropical fish, bettas, shrimp, and live plants, while the saltwater side covers corals, tangs, clownfish territory, and reef supplies. Prices are consistently described as competitive and fair, often beating big-box stores. Water testing is available for walk-ins who bring a sample.

Splash Aquarium has cultivated something rare in Sacramento's aquarium scene: a store where the livestock is healthy, the prices are reasonable, and the people genuinely want to see your tank succeed. 5 stars tell that story convincingly.