About
Lone Star Aquariums has carved out a loyal following on San Antonio's aquarium scene by combining genuine expertise with a family-business warmth that's hard to fake. The store stocks both freshwater and saltwater fish alongside a notable coral selection and a plant inventory that draws particular praise — multiple reviewers mention staff member Miles guiding them through moss choices and planted tank setups with real enthusiasm. The freshwater side is clearly the stronger suit, with cichlids, goldfish, and live plants well-represented, while the saltwater section is more compact but bolstered by a larger coral offering.
Staff names come up again and again in reviews — JC, Miles, Patrick, Juan, Dylan — each singled out for patience, product knowledge, and a willingness to special-order fish customers can't find elsewhere. One reviewer recounted JC personally showing off new arrivals when they came to pick up a special order. Another credited Miles with walking them through an algae bloom crisis, recommending Microbacter and ChemiPure Green for a treatment plan that turned a murky tank crystal clear within two weeks.
That kind of hands-on problem-solving sets Lone Star apart from big-box alternatives. The store itself gets consistently high marks for cleanliness and organization, with display tanks described as gorgeous planted setups where fish look healthy and well cared for. They stock tank supplies, fish supplements, medications, and equipment alongside their livestock, making it a practical one-stop visit.
Pricing is repeatedly called reasonable and competitive with chain stores, and a military discount adds extra value. A few reviewers have flagged inconsistent customer service encounters and occasional overcharging, so checking your receipt is wise. The store also practices quarantine protocols — they'll decline to sell a fish showing signs of ich rather than push a sale, which speaks to their ethical approach.
For San Antonio fishkeepers looking for knowledgeable guidance and healthy stock, Lone Star Aquariums delivers a community-minded shop experience that the chains simply can't replicate.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationQuarantine
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Strong planted tank and live plant selection with expert staff guidance
- Named staff members (Miles, JC, Patrick, Juan) praised for hands-on expertise
- Freshwater-focused with a growing coral selection for saltwater hobbyists
- Clean, well-organized store with healthy display tanks
- Competitive pricing with military discount available
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I’m so grateful for this store and everyone in it! Dylan especially he’s always super helpful and cares about the customers and animals! I definitely recommend!”
— Mariaa5.0a week ago“Best place on our side of town... Love the Cards.....”
— Tru Angel5.0a week ago“Very helpful group of guys, that are willing to go out of their way to help out. Definitely a trusted family business.”
— Manny Contreras5.02 weeks ago“Lone Star is by far the best! Not only are their prices fair, but their staff truly cares and is both helpful and friendly. We have been to aquarium stores all around town and they are the nicest!. They ordered a fish we had been looking for and when I went to pick it up, JC showed me all the other new fish that came in…so I bought a second fish too!”
— Amy Hone5.03 weeks ago“JC and the entire team do a fantastic job. Incredible prices, great selection and super friendly. I have visited two other stores and they are not even close on customer service and pricing. I enjoy their passion for fish and their engagement with patrons.”
— Ken Welsh kia5.03 weeks ago“I went there a few weeks back to go look at goldfish.The people that worked there were extremely rude and unfriendly, the fish looked very sick like they had the ick and when i went to go thank one of the employees they didn’t even say anything. Would not buy fish here ever!”
— pumpkin pie always amazing1.0a month ago“Decent selection worker was rude though and to top it off my little sister said have a nice day and the owner or the work just started at her and said nothing and proceeded to ignore her”
— Anthony Cruz2.0a month ago“Very helpful”
— Nikkilov235.0a month ago“Super helpful and knowledgeable staff.”
— Jeffrey Sams5.0a month ago“Staff understands fish keeping. The store is more focused on freshwater and has a very small selection of saltwater fish but a larger selection of coral. They do keep tank supplies and fish supplements on hand.”
— Lemons R Evil4.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (726) 999-2004 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Lone Star Aquariums.