South Seas Aquatics Inc.

South Seas Aquatics sits in a San Antonio neighborhood where it's become the go-to destination for both saltwater reef keepers and freshwater planted tank enthusiasts. , David, Cody, and Andy are names that come up again and again in reviews — this store has built its reputation on genuinely healthy livestock and what many customers call the best coral selection in the city. Multiple reviewers single out the sheer variety and quality of corals, from affordable frags to premium pieces, and the saltwater side clearly draws hobbyists from across the region.

The freshwater department holds its own. Customers mention panda corydoras, guppies, rare hillstream loaches, cardinal plants, and a solid rotating inventory of freshwater plants and shrimp. At least one reviewer noted finding axolotls in stock, and the store will special order hard-to-find species and plants for dedicated hobbyists.

Hermit crab keepers have even found a bucket of shells waiting for them. Beyond retail, South Seas offers meaningful services. The team handles tank setups, deliveries of large aquariums (including a 150-gallon move without losing a single fish), and ongoing tank maintenance and cleaning.

Several reef keepers credit David and Gary with keeping their home tanks looking pristine on a regular schedule. Phone consultations on issues like bacterial blooms and ICH treatment are handled with patience and real expertise — they stock medications and aren't shy about walking customers through treatment protocols. The store atmosphere skews cozy and utilitarian rather than showroom-flashy.

A few reviewers have found the staff occasionally preoccupied, and pricing on certain livestock draws occasional criticism. But the overwhelming consensus is that livestock quality justifies the cost, and most customers describe staff interactions as genuinely helpful and unhurried. For San Antonio aquarists building anything from a first 39-gallon planted tank to a full reef system, South Seas Aquatics consistently delivers the stock, the knowledge, and the follow-through that keep people coming back.