Tucked away in a somewhat hidden spot in Manassas, Virginia, Capital Aquarium has built a fiercely loyal following across the DMV area — loyal enough that some customers drive nearly two hours to visit. The shop packs a remarkable amount of aquatic life into a compact space, covering freshwater, saltwater, and even brackish setups. Corals, frags, live plants, bettas, clown killifish, Siamese algae eaters, hermit crabs, mystery snails, and White Cloud minnows are just a sampling of what cycles through their tanks, which reviewers consistently describe as clean and well-maintained.
What truly sets Capital Aquarium apart is the depth of expertise behind the counter. Staff members like Cameron — a marine biologist by training — and Sam bring genuine scientific knowledge to everyday fishkeeping questions. The owner is known for going beyond basic strip tests, using advanced water testing kits to diagnose issues other shops miss entirely.
One shrimp keeper credits this thorough approach with finally helping him establish a thriving neocaridina colony after losing dozens of shrimp purchased elsewhere. The shop even researches and mixes custom brackish water for specialized setups. Beyond retail, Capital Aquarium runs a serious tank maintenance service.
Business clients trust them with aquariums across multiple locations, and some service relationships stretch back over nine years. Technicians design, stock, and maintain tanks that reviewers describe as visually captivating. Frozen fish food, baby brine shrimp hatcheries, fish antibiotics, and pre-mixed water are also available for hobbyists managing their own setups.
The coral and frag selection draws saltwater enthusiasts from across Northern Virginia, while the rotating freshwater inventory — plants, community fish, and oddball species — keeps planted tank hobbyists coming back. Staff are patient with newcomers and rigorous enough for experienced aquarists. The stock rotates frequently, so repeat visits are rewarded.
Capital Aquarium earns its reputation through care, expertise, and a genuine love for the hobby.
Anthony F.
14 reviews
After spending hundreds of dollars trying to establish a shrimp colony buying from two other aquarium shops, I had all but given up because I must have killed at least 30 shrimp. So I took a break and came back to it last year and guess what...4 (neocarsdina) shrimp dead in less than a week. Little did I know that customer service was the problem. The owner of this shop Capital Aquariums took time out of his busy day (I'm a small business owner myself, so I know he had work to do) to do use an advanced test kit for my water and revealed that my pH was very acidic! I have had my water tested before at 2 other shops in the area, on multiple occasions and no one bothered to mention this. After buying what I needed from his shop and verifying the results again, I made the adjustments and now for the first time- I'm a shrimp father. I have no choice but to go back when I need help because of this great experience.
Rogelio Guzman
4 reviews
Excellent service
Joshua Picolet
2 reviews
The owner and staff here at the shop are fantastic! My daughter and I stopped by on a whim and turned out to be our best experience as she is getting into the hobby. Everyone was so kind and patient with our questions and we left with our first ever purchase, White Clouds and a mystery snail :) Definitely will be back
Yuan Tony
12 reviews
Great place with fair price, friendly employees taught me a lot of new stuff here.
Clifford OBier
67 reviews
Extremely helpful staff. Took time to answer all our questions
scott weinrich
3 reviews
Nice shop! The store was clean and tidy and the fish, corals and plants looked healthy!
Shawn Wyatt
33 reviews
Good plant selection.
AC
10 reviews
It's kind of hidden away in the back but a great aquatics store. The selection is amazing for both saltwater and freshwater. Prices are good for the area.
Mrs. K. Brown Button
84 reviews
I’ve been to this store 3 times. The first time any freshwater fish they had were out of stock it seemed and the I don’t have any saltwater fish. The 2nd time ( this past Saturday)I happened to be in the area. I saw some fish listed that they carry in the store but were out of stock. Cameron helped me- checked to see if any clown killifish were hiding in the tank and verified they were out of stock. My fish of choice but there were none. Cameron then checked to see when a new shipment of clown killifish would be back in stock- which was 4 days later. He called me on said day to tell me the fish had come in. I stopped by just before closing and Luke helped me. Both super friendly. I also found out that Cameron is a marine biologist(via Luke) so I thought it was cool to have someone knowledgable who can explain the science aspect of this hobby who also works here. Although I did not discus any marine biology related, just think it’s cool. Customer service from both gentlemen was super friendly. I love supporting small business so I’ll definitely be back when I’m in the area and I want to see what they have in stock. Super clean inside. Aquariums inside the store are clean. Fish look well taken care of. Bettas look healthy. My Woodbridge store closed so I like that capital aquarium has my clown killis because I also drove to dc to see if they had any in stock. Manassas is closer to me. They also have all your fish antibiotics, frozen food, baby brine shrimp on the hatchery and fresh water plants.
Jasmine Reyes
16 reviews
Great customer service, knowledgeable, friendly & good selections..
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (703) 439-0700 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Capital Aquarium.
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8825 Commerce Ct, Manassas, VA 20110
February 7, 2026
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