Austin Aqua-Dome

I was so excited to visit the Austin Aqua-Dome as the first time we went it was closed (closed on Mondays). The people working there were pretty friendly, greeting us as we walked in. It's a very cool place...it's a unique rounded building with a plethora of fish from which to pick. I would never purchase fish from this place as I noticed most of their fish have fin rot. I used to have a large fish tank with large goldfish and our fish would get this from time to time (especially when adding new fish to the tank) so I recognized it immediately and then noticed that most of their poor fish have it. It's so sad because it is easily treated. I really feel badly for the fish there as they aren't being cared for properly. I also saw one of the employees "processing" some betas by putting several on the side of the sink before putting them in their individual cups. I couldn't believe how she was treating the poor fish just leaving them flopping around on the side of the sink and then grabbing them to put them in the cups. 😞 No wonder all the betas looked awful with raggedly fins. It was really sad. All in all, this is a cool place to go look at fish of all kinds. We really loved the puffer and the pea puffers (tiny little puffers! So cute!). But, because most of their fish are ill with fin rot, I would not purchase fish here.

My first experience with this LFS could not have been better. Friendly and knowledgeable staff who answered my questions. Super great selection and massive inventory of popular items and products. You will likely see prices that are extremely competitive as well as some that are fairly high. Just keep in mind that you are supporting a local, small business in a hobby not exactly known for its low cost. And consider what the electrical bill looks like, not to mention water changes and maintenance costs for all the systems in the entire store. Before you go to a chain store or Amazon. Please stop by and give this place a look. You will be glad you did no matter what you decide to do. It's tough to beat their selection of aquascaping materials, be sure and check out the driftwood section! Unparalleled pieces for you to choose from, true center pieces for you to build a system around.

I will agree with most everyone else and say this is an amazing shop for aquarists. The staff is knowledgeable and the products are first rate. I love the dome in which it's housed. And to "top" it off, I visited numerous times before going upstairs where they keep many incredible creatures- stingrays, pufferfish, anemone, and much more. Currently, when you walk in you'll see this tank which has one of my favorite tropical fish- Congo Tetras,

Really helpful staff. Insane selection of everything from corals, marine fish, freshwater fish, etc. They also have some really cool ponds in the outside back area. Fun place to visit even if you’re just looking for something to do.

This was one of the most unique places we have visited. It's definitely a must see. Don't forget to grab a $1 bag of fish food to feed the outside ponds. Our family of 6 loved this place. We will definitely be back.