About
Tucked behind a Togo's in Santa Clara, Infinite Aquarium has quietly built a devoted following among Bay Area freshwater enthusiasts. Owner Jimmy, along with longtime staff members Steven and Ryan, have cultivated a shop that balances accessible appeal with serious hobbyist depth — stocking everything from vibrant cherry shrimp in multiple color morphs to obscure species like freshwater gobies and Thorichthys maculipinnis cichlids. The plant selection is a major draw.
All aquatic plants are sold in submerged-grown form, which means faster acclimatization when you bring them home — a detail experienced planted tank keepers will appreciate. Reviewers consistently note that plants purchased here thrive, with one long-time customer crediting their entire lush aquascape to Infinite Aquarium stock. Prices for plants are notably competitive, often undercutting online retailers.
Bettas are another standout. The shop regularly carries high-quality specimens that go well beyond what you'd find at chain stores. Locally bred fish also make frequent appearances on the livestock list, reflecting the store's close ties to the Bay Area aquarium community.
They actively support local aquarium clubs, reinforcing their role as a community hub rather than just a retail space. Hardscape materials — rocks sold by the pound, driftwood, and other natural décor — round out the livestock and plant offerings. The shop carries Aquarium Co-op products, and also sells RODI water at prices that undercut many competitors.
Staff will test your water parameters and offer specific stocking recommendations based on your setup, which has earned loyalty from first-time tank owners and veteran keepers alike. The store is freshwater only, so don't come expecting corals or marine fish. But within that focus, Infinite Aquarium delivers remarkable variety: pea puffers, assassin snails, guppies, tetras, shrimp, and species you won't find elsewhere in the South Bay.
Multiple reviewers mention driving an hour or more to shop here — and that says everything about the quality of livestock and the people behind the counter.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Water TestingConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Submerged-grown aquatic plants for faster tank acclimatization
- High-quality Bettas and locally bred freshwater fish
- Extensive hardscape selection including rocks sold by the pound
- Carries Aquarium Co-op products and affordable RODI water
- Cherry shrimp in multiple color varieties
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I enjoyed looking at the fish and plants here. Very good selection of freshwater plants avaliable. I dont see freshwater goby avaliable too often and they had a few. Employees check on you to see if you need help.”
— Vee H5.02 days ago“Jimmy, Steven, and Ryan are great! We've been able to get help for our set up and they've been incredibly friendly and kind. I'll be continuing to visit for any further needs”
— Omar Salazar5.03 weeks ago“This has been my LFS for many years now. Staff is incredibly friendly, patient and knowledgeable. I’d recommend this place for anyone who is interested in the hobby”
— Ben5.0a month ago“The owner was knowledgeable and is very friendly. He helped us to understand what works for us. We got 4 male guppies but 3 died within 2 days. :(”
— Ramya P V5.0a month ago“Most knowledgeable, courteous, friendly, helpful staff (Steven & Jim) of the 3 south bay aquarium stores that I have found.”
— James Poulson5.0a month ago“Poor customer service. The staff ignored customers”
— Nima Rouhi1.0a month ago“Their customer service is terrible. We were waiting more than 15 minutes and no one helped us (They were consulting on the phone)”
— Zahra1.0Edited a month ago“Bummer! This was my all-time favorite fish store until one of the employees sold me a betta and told me they do fine in community tetra tanks. I voiced my concern that the tetras would attack the betta or vice versa, and was assured that they would be fine. My tetras did attack the betta. I brought back the beta so it could be rehabbed, and to exchange for other fish. The same employee that sold me the fish took the betta but would not exchange! This is wrong. I will not be back.”
— Zachary Schlaefer2.02 months ago“2 things to say: High quality AND fair pricing. This shop has by far the friendliest employees in the bay area. They are not afraid to help you and they are all extremely knowledgeable. As a long time customer and experienced fish keeper you can tell that the staff here knows about the small niche subjects of keeping an aquarium. The stock at this shop may not be as large as some other shops but their pricing is incredibly fair, with some shops charging massive premiums. The quality of their livestock is very high as well, all of my current tanks have been stocked from here with zero deaths in the last 5 years. Highly recommend. All plants seen in my tank in the picture below have been sourced from here and have grown absolutely beautifully.”
— James Nguyen5.02 months ago“Fantastic selection and quality stock”
— Nick Esquivel5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (408) 217-8541 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Infinite Aquarium.