Neptune Aquatics has been a fixture of the San Jose aquarium scene for years, and walking through the front door makes it clear why. The store is expansive — a dedicated aquascape room sits off to one side, and a showroom filled with display tanks in various sizes and shapes draws visitors deeper into the space. Crystal-clear show tanks line the walls, each maintained to a standard that makes them look like competition-ready setups rather than retail displays.
The coral selection is where Neptune truly stands out. Reviewers consistently call it the best coral destination in San Jose, and possibly the entire Bay Area. Frags are plentiful, and the live coral displays are genuinely stunning.
Saltwater hobbyists will find clownfish, hermit crabs, blennies, and other marine livestock, though some visitors note the saltwater fish selection can be narrower than the coral inventory. Natural sea water is also available for weekly water changes — a convenience that keeps reefers coming back. Freshwater gets serious attention too.
Healthy neon tetras, corydoras, hillstream loaches, freshwater puffers, and bettas share space with a strong live plant selection. Staff have helped customers build community tanks from scratch, offering practical advice on plant choices that match existing lighting rather than pushing expensive upgrades. Java fern, driftwood, hardscape materials, and substrates round out the planted tank offerings.
Dry goods fill out the inventory well — tanks, lighting, test kits, and frozen foods like LRS Reef Frenzy line the shelves. The store sends weekly stocking update emails, a detail that dedicated hobbyists genuinely appreciate for tracking down specific species. Neptune's staff knowledge is frequently praised, though experiences vary — some visitors report warm, detailed guidance, while others have felt overlooked.
Pricing runs slightly above chain stores, which reflects the livestock quality and specialist inventory. For Bay Area aquarists willing to make the drive, Neptune Aquatics rewards the trip with one of the region's deepest and healthiest selections of fish, corals, and plants under one roof.
Walter Ison
4 reviews
I had been buying LRS Reef Frenzy Nano 4oz frozen fish food from this store for years. The average price was 12.99 or 14. Though on a recent visit, they’ve marked it up to 21.99!!! I can buy online for 11.99 each…shipping may be $30 but I’m still saving in bulk. There’s absolutely no reason to be increasing the price to almost double.
Brionna Moore
6 reviews
Great
Joshua Rich
7 reviews
Always a fantastic stop
Ben
6 reviews
Clean selection of both fresh and saltwater fish. Fish always seem very healthy and staff are really helpful. They send a weekly email with their stocking to keep community informed. A great place for local hobbyist.
Quentin Le-Ba (TheSealofDoom)
4 reviews
Staff are helpful and friendly
Victor Aguilar
48 reviews
Great shop, family owned. Excellent costomer service with wide variety of freshwater / salt water inventory including tanks, hardscape, fish, lighting etc. Well worth the drive for me and will definitely be doing business with them again.
Thomas
11 reviews
Best place in San jose for corals. Maybe there's a better spot, I just haven't found it. But, I doubt it..
Cameron Yem
70 reviews
Worked with three separate store associates. All of them did an amazing job and answered my copious of questions. Great selection, health plants and and fish. Tanks in immaculate condition. I will be back for more materials in the future despite the fact that I live a fair bit away!
Benjamin Prosnitz
564 reviews
Huge store. Great aquascape room on the side
William Lee
On a positive note, the display of corals is amazing! Sorry folks, it all goes downhill from here. Its dirty, dark, and disorganized, 3D. Ok first, dirty as heck. Is there an Aquarium Rescue show, like bar rescue, john taptap whatever the heck is name is?? Seriously, i go in a see 10 shrimp feasting on dead fish guy, and employee does nothing as he shows me hermit crabs nearby. They sold me a sick blenny that died in a few days. Yeah poor guy was stuck in a toxic 3x4x5 for who knows how long, then goes in a nice clean cycled tank, and pow. Dark, please turn on some lights, we dont have to be in a dungeon. And disorganized. Oh and the dark, discouraging, catty banter from the employees. CALM DOWN and be nice, like you actually want to help your employer retain a customer and grow the business! Enough of the sideshow antics, clean up, and be professional. Oh yeah, im not going back! If you care as consumer, open your eyes, if something looks OFF, it probly is. Seriously, this whole Aquarium nonsense needs professional oversight and auditing. Because unfortunately, there is a shrinking number of competitors that are better. We have sunk to a new low.
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1238 N 5th St
February 7, 2026
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