About
Aquarium Designs has earned a loyal following in San Antonio as a go-to destination for saltwater hobbyists, and it's easy to see why. Owner Jason and his team have built a reputation on clean tanks, healthy livestock, and a coral selection that keeps reefers coming back for years. Customers rave about frags that started as single heads or polyps and grew into showpieces in their home tanks, a testament to the quality of what's on the racks.
The saltwater collection is clearly the star here. From bangaii cardinals to a rotating selection of reef fish and coral frags, the store caters heavily to the marine side of the hobby. Jason is personally involved in tank maintenance for local clients, handling cleaning and offering hands-on guidance for everything salt water related.
That level of owner involvement creates a shop culture where the staff genuinely knows the livestock they're selling and the systems they're going into. Freshwater enthusiasts will find some options—a handful of tanks with tropical fish and a limited plant selection—but this isn't really a planted-tank destination. One reviewer noted they wished for more variety on the freshwater side, and that's a fair observation.
If you're building a reef or maintaining a saltwater setup, though, the inventory of fish, corals, and reef equipment is robust for a smaller independent shop. The store itself is consistently described as immaculate. Multiple reviewers single out how clean the tanks and shop floor are, which matters—it reflects how the livestock is being cared for behind the scenes.
Staff members like Lauren have drawn praise for their warmth and willingness to field endless questions from newcomers. It's worth noting that Aquarium Designs does not currently offer a fish guarantee, which frustrated at least one customer who lost several fish shortly after purchase. That's something to keep in mind when budgeting for new additions.
For San Antonio reef keepers looking for quality coral, reliable saltwater fish, and a shop owner who will remember your tank's specs, Aquarium Designs delivers where it counts.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Standout coral frag selection with proven growth results in customer tanks
- Owner Jason provides personal tank cleaning and saltwater maintenance services
- Exceptionally clean store with healthy, well-maintained livestock
- Strong saltwater and reef equipment inventory for a boutique-sized shop
- Bangaii cardinals and diverse marine fish regularly in stock
From keepers
Customer reviews
“This is by far my favorite local fish store in the San Antonio area. Great selection of frags, reef equipment fish and freshwater. Owner and workers are kind, friendly and assist with anything I need. Highly recommend!!!”
— kenda adkins5.04 weeks ago“Been my #1 source for a couple years now for anything fish and coral related. Always see the same people working. Everyone is very nice and helpful. They never make you feel like your putting them out. A few of the corals that I have from them are in the pics. Some started with 1 head or polyp.”
— Cory Smith5.02 months ago“my husband just started a fish tank and I love going with him to Aquarium designs, they do take pride of their fish and coral, everything is always super clean and they are very friendly. from all the fish stores with salt water fish we have visited this place is beyond the best!”
— Gabriela Perez5.02 months ago“Good selection of fish and accessories”
— Dwight Meadows5.02 months ago“This store is a favorite for supplying our salt water tank needs and desires. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Gorgeous tanks, healthy fish, what more could you want. 🐠🪸”
— Kacy Norgan5.03 months ago“Jason is very helpful and will go above and beyond to help his clients, he’s cleans my tank and helps with everything salt water related and has some of the best stock for fish in town. Thanks Jason !”
— michael eisenhauer5.04 months ago“Este lugar necesita ser más inclusivo con los niños!! De lo contrario no deberían permitir que entren niños.”
— Jacky Aviña1.06 months ago“The staff is extremely rude. My sister and her 6 year old kid came to Aquarium designs to buy fish and some aquarium accessories. This man who works at Aquarium designs or possibly the owner turns around and tells the kid he is talking too loud with suck an attitude… very disappointed on this business and their staff. As an adult you don’t talk to someone’s else kid like that you talk to their parents. Plus we are customers of your business! Or we were.. not coming back. If he would talk to my sister, he would’ve known my 6 year old nephew is autistic.”
— Roger Merchant1.06 months ago“I’m deeply disappointed by the experience we had at this store. While shopping, my child who is autistic and was expressing himself a bit loudly, which is part of how he communicates. When we calmly explained to the employee that he is special needs, instead of showing understanding or compassion, the employee attempted to correct him and asked him to lower his voice. This response was not only inappropriate but also incredibly disheartening. Children with autism deserve patience and kindness, not judgment or correction for behaviors they cannot control. It’s clear that this location lacks proper training in how to interact with individuals with disabilities. I hope the management takes this seriously and provides their staff with the necessary education and sensitivity training. No family should have to feel unwelcome or misunderstood because of a child’s disability.”
— Arturo Gamez1.06 months ago“Do NOT recommend this place and will NEVER return why the MAN behind the counter decided to correct my son’s volume is beyond me when both my husband and I are standing next to him. Mind you he is autistic and the sole reason we were even in there. Don’t go there unless you want to be discriminated against. No mannerism or human courtesy. Left wanting to cry because I couldn’t physically do a damn thing.”
— Anna Cortinas1.06 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (210) 495-7333 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquarium Designs.