About
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.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Capital Aquarium in Manassas, VA
Capital Aquarium stocks corals, shrimp, betta fish, invertebrates, aquarium plants and freshwater, saltwater & brackish fish for sale in Manassas, VA. As an aquarium store serving Manassas, VA, it also carries fish food and fish medications and offers tank maintenance, water testing, aquarium consultations, aquarium setup and tank cleaning.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Advanced water testing that diagnosed issues other shops missed
- Staff includes a marine biologist (Cameron) for science-backed advice
- Tank maintenance service trusted by businesses for 9+ years
- Rotating selection of corals, frags, and freshwater live plants
- Custom brackish water mixing for specialized setups
From keepers
Customer reviews
“They always show me love when I come in and time slips by me and I stay longer than I should but they always give me that time and the new store is hot. Great job guys !”
— Robert Minter5.03 weeks ago“Large, clean, well-stocked aquarium store with knowledgeable and friendly staff. I highly recommend a visit!”
— Rachel Smith5.04 weeks ago“Went by there last week. Found out that they had reasonably priced mixed water and frag’s. I wanted to pick up a GSP frag and they only had one. It was kind of small. The owner immediately said let me give you a better piece out of the main display tank. I was blown away. We will definitely be back In the very near future”
— Nic Norris5.02 months ago“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.”
— Anthony F.5.02 weeks ago“Excellent service”
— Rogelio Guzman5.0a month ago“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”
— Joshua Picolet5.05 months ago“Great place with fair price, friendly employees taught me a lot of new stuff here.”
— Yuan Tony5.05 months ago“Extremely helpful staff. Took time to answer all our questions”
— Clifford OBier4.06 months ago“Nice shop! The store was clean and tidy and the fish, corals and plants looked healthy!”
— scott weinrich5.07 months ago“Good plant selection.”
— Shawn Wyatt4.07 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (703) 439-0700 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Capital Aquarium.