Salty Fish Aquariums

Salty Fish Aquariums in San Antonio has a way of surprising people. From the outside, the storefront looks modest, but step through the door and the space opens up into a sprawling aquatic wonderland that has been earning loyal customers for nearly a decade. The store stocks both saltwater and freshwater livestock in impressive variety — from vibrant coral frags and reef fish to one of the best selections of South and Central American cichlids in the city, plus bettas, mudskippers, and Caridina shrimp that are hard to find elsewhere in town.

The live plant section has become a real draw. Rows of healthy aquatic plants line the displays, and the addition of a dedicated aquascaping table — a platform with sand where customers can test hardscape arrangements before committing — sets Salty Fish apart from typical pet stores. Pair that with a solid inventory of low-iron rimless tanks, Eheim heaters, Fluval filter media, and other quality dry goods, and it's clear the store caters to serious hobbyists while remaining approachable for first-timers setting up their initial betta tank.

Staff members like Nathan, Lauren, Evelyn, and Riley come up repeatedly in reviews for a reason. They test water, walk customers through sump setups, troubleshoot sick fish, and patiently explain substrate choices — all without pressure. One military family praised Riley for arranging a 210-gallon tank and stand shipped and ready for pickup within three days, complete with daily update calls.

Another customer brought in a struggling betta and left with a clear treatment plan tailored to their budget after Evelyn ran water tests on the spot. The store recently expanded into the neighboring space, adding a terrarium section and room for further growth. Custom tank orders are available, and the pricing consistently earns praise as among the best in San Antonio.

For anyone building or maintaining an aquarium in the area, Salty Fish delivers the rare combination of deep inventory, genuine expertise, and fair pricing that keeps people driving across town to shop there.