About
Tucked along Saratoga Avenue in San Jose, Clear Water Aquarium is the kind of neighborhood fish store that earns its reputation one conversation at a time. Owner Ed and staff members like Eric have built a loyal following by doing something increasingly rare in the aquarium trade: genuinely caring about whether your fish survive after they leave the shop. One reviewer recounted how a staff member flat-out refused to sell them more neon tetras than their tank could support — and they were grateful for it.
The store stocks a solid range of both freshwater and saltwater fish, with particular strength in corals and marine livestock alongside a well-curated freshwater selection that includes live plants, driftwood, and various hardscape materials. Reviewers note you can find duckweed and water lettuce for turtle keepers, orandas and their food, koi pond supplies, bettas, and even rare species that don't show up at chain stores. One customer drove in after impulsively buying four koi elsewhere and left with water conditioner, bio rings, driftwood, and live plants for their pond — plus the education to actually keep those fish alive.
The atmosphere is decidedly no-frills — this isn't a showroom, it's a working fish shop. Store dogs Ceviche and Peanut greet visitors, kids get personal tours of unusual species, and Ed has been known to send first-time aquarists home with plants and a cycling game plan instead of pushing a premature livestock sale. Several reviewers mention that the depth of information shared can feel overwhelming, but that's the byproduct of staff who genuinely understand aquatic ecosystems rather than reading off care sheets.
Pricing sits above big-box retailers but below specialty boutiques, and the fish quality generally reflects that — one customer's neon tetra lasted six years. The limited weekday hours (closing at 5 PM) can be frustrating for nine-to-fivers, but weekend visits reward with full attention from a team that treats fishkeeping as a community, not just a transaction.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Ed provides personalized tank cycling guidance and honest livestock advice
- Strong coral and saltwater selection alongside diverse freshwater inventory
- Staff will refuse sales if your tank can't support additional fish
- Carries pond supplies including koi, water lettuce, and duckweed
- Store dogs Ceviche and Peanut welcome visitors
From keepers
Customer reviews
“They have both saltwater and freshwater fish. This place may be better for those seeking corals and saltwater fishy. They also have some freshwater plants, driftwood, and varieties of rocks. First and only time visiting. I was unimpressed. There are some notable lack of of care for the aquariums. Noted some dead freshwater fish left in tanks and also some that appear to have diseases. Not sure how customer service is here, i wasnt acknowledged.”
— Vee H3.012 hours ago“The neon tetra I bought here seems to be a lot hardier than other places. The staff here are knowledgeable and takes pride in their work. I tried to buy more fish than my tank’s ecosystem could handle (I definitely knew that but I was impatient haha). One of the staff just wouldn’t let me do it and I’m glad he was there to stop me 😂”
— Steven Do5.0a week ago“These folks know their fish: from tropical to salt water to cold water (including pond plants). Really knowledgeable and an excellent selection.”
— Josh Defosset5.0a week ago“Employees are very well versed in fishkeep and always happy to help. Very friendly place. Wide selection of freshwater and saltwater species and healthy specimens.”
— Alejandro Sanchez5.03 weeks ago“Awesome store to look at but I have fresh water shrimps and plants I bought from them killed them all. I specifically asked him if it's safe for them too so I'm devastated 😭”
— Amber B.1.0a month ago“Ed was super helpful and I picked up everything I needed. Highly recommended!”
— Dane D5.0a month ago“May not be the most extravagant store but it is local, kind, knowledgeable, and honest. I was starting a new aquarium and honestly had no idea on where to start. Ed ran me through what I needed to do and where to start without any extra fluff. I left that day with no animals but, a new some new aquatic plants and a game plan for my first time trying to cycle a tank. I really appreciate and respect Ed has for the life for critters he has in the store. Shout out to Ceviche and Peanut the store dogs :)”
— sami aquino5.0a month ago“Always helpful and they always have what I need. They helped me and my 5 year old daughter set up a brand new 15 gallon tank that is doing amazing 6 months later.”
— Gregory Luedtke5.02 months ago“Tiene mucha variedad”
— Norma Ceballos5.02 months ago“Lots to choose from, aqua scaping and fish, pretty well maintained”
— Elaine Ye5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (408) 217-8069 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Clear Water Aquarium.