The Best Fish Store Experience Ever! I don't usually leave reviews, but this place truly deserves it. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed like family. I had the pleasure of being helped by the store owner, Art, himself -- and let me tell you, his knowledge, passion, and genuine kindness made the experience unforgettable. He took the time to answer every question, gave honest recommendations, and clearly cares deeply about both his fish and his customers. The store was clean, well-organized, and full of healthy, vibrant fish and quality products. You can tell this isn't just a business -- it's a passion project, and Art makes it feel like a community. If you're into aquariums, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, this is the place to go. I left with everything I needed -- and more importantly, with confidence and excitement. Can't recommend this place enough! read more

The staff here were so helpful and friendly, gave great advice and recommendations. The plants and fish I bought are all healthy and thriving, obviously carefully selected and maintained unlike big box stores!! So lucky to live near a great place like this. read more

Knowledgeable, kind, and patient staff! I was blown away by the cleanliness of the store and tanks and even the pricing in comparison to other shops in the area. This is a family owned business and I am happy to continue supporting! Absolutely amazing! read more

Art really cares and is so helpful! Fantastic fish and all looking very healthy. Wonderful shop to work with - wants your tank to succeed!

Awesome selection of fish . We bought plants and mystery snails for our tanks. Great customer service and very knowledgeable!

The most helpful staff I've encountered! Super clean and high quality products, fish and plants. This is hands down the best local aquarium shop in Pasadena! read more

Art is a kind soul. I was going through a very hard time with the Eaton fires causing me to be in a very stressful situation with my long term marine pets. Art came through, very rare and very thankful for his help. I will always be thankful for his help as you don't find this type of catered service. One of a kind type of guy. Thank you Art for everything & also Chris, and keep staying blessed brotha! God will always bless you for being who you are! Keep it up! read more

I had just started the hobby of aquascaping and had so many questions about my tap water quality. The whole family has been super helpful and hilarious along the way. It's been a few months now and my two tiny tanks are humming along nicely and my shrimp and snail seem lovely and happy. Also Art is cool about helping his community. I will bring in items I don't need and he will store stuff for other people who might be beginners looking for items they normally can't afford. I love that. Also the family is absolutely cool with people coming in to look at the wide variety of creatures in the store. While I have a freshwater tank, there is an amazing selection of salt water flora and fauna. Absolutely a place to check out if you haven't been here or heard of this place. Absolutely a neighborhood gem. read more

Quality. I've been looking for a small purple tang for weeks now, most LFS have it at some point but the tang is always with lateral lines or broken fins. I didn't expect much from Art when I called but he surprised me by saying that he would look for one for me when he goes to pick up his fish. I was excited, but I was burned by too many lfs owners saying they have the "perfect" fish yet when I always end up disappointed. Art got the small purple for me, small size, no lateral lines, healthy, and in perfect condition. I was skeptical at first but he sent multiple videos while picking up the fish til I was satisfied. Here is a video of him/her in my tank already eating on day 2. If you are picky like me, go to Art for your centerpiece fish. read more

Store personnel is very informative and very helpful. He is very knowledgeable on all his corals and saltwater fish. Found a trustworthy store. Definitely going back again and again. read more

Art is very knowledgeable in the fishkeeping hobby. You can tell he is very passionate about it. I witnessed him make a very kind offer to check a customers tank because the guys water levels testing crazy. He greets us with a smile every time and takes the time to explain information without us feeling rushed. He has a nice selection of freshwater and saltwater fish. We will continue to support this local fish store. read more

Art is the man! He's in a cool spot in North Pasadena. He sells high quality tropical fish and coral. If you are into reefing you have to hit up Art's spot because the shops always carrying the best clown fish, tangs, butterflies and all the rest of the best reef goodies around. read more

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Recently got started into the saltwater aquarium hobby and I have to say if it wasn't for Art I probably wouldn't have fully jumped in. He's helpful, really understanding and takes his time to understand your needs. Best part VERY clean store , with beautiful colorful fish and corrals. read more

Amazing fish store with lots of amazing corals and unique fish you don't see at every store in the area. Art is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable, so if you have a tank and need help or you are just starting out this is the guy to talk with! He will help you get everything started and make sure you are in the right track. I'm so glad my husband and I found this store today. What an awesome hidden gem! read more

Fantastic experience . Art is a class act! Most shops in California have a thing or 2 to learn from Art and the way they operate. There is no other shop i would recommend anyone to go to fresh or salt. Great selection, and amazing service. read more

X5 star experience. Very knowledgeable and helpful! Best selection I've ever seen! Pristine waters for the marine life. They look happy and healthy and brightly colored! And anemone are full and colorful and healthy! Same for the corals! Just all around a great spot to get your marine needs from! I'd say this is the place you want to be no matter how far or close definitely get here you will be impressed for sure. read more

Art’s Underwater Reef - This is the anemone I got from him. It's beautiful pure white and periwinkle. Absolutely stunning. - Aquarium Services Near Me - Pasadena, California

Art goes above and beyond to help you out. Their fish and corals look well taken care of. He's very enthusiastic about that hobby.

This is a beautiful place with a wide selection of tropical and freshwater fish. The tanks are well maintained and you can tell that the staff take great care of the animals. Everyone that works here is friendly, knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. They helped me set up a betta fish and shrimp tank, making sure I had all the necessary equipment: low flow filter, heater and filter guard. I always have a lot of fun asking questions and learning from the staff. Highly recommend this place for people interested in getting into fish-keeping. read more

Exquisite Customer Service!!! Art is extremely knowledgeable and is such a great help! He has helped me with my new tank and I will be purchasing my saltwater fish from him. This is one of the only shops that has pristine tanks! As soon as you enter you can tell how much Art and his Family love taking care of all the animals in their shop! I would give them 10 Stars!!! read more

I been coming here for a year now and we can never go back to other spots. Service is top notch. Fish are soooo dope!!!!! Can't find them anywhere else. Thanks art for saving my fish tank so many times haha even when they almost died. But you helped me out! read more

I definitely recommend these guys! I stopped by over the weekend. They have a good selection of saltwater fish and corals. Everything is really organized, well maintained and it´s fresh inside. They offered me a free bottled water. Awesome! The staff did the same to everyone else entering the store. It's cool that there's a reef store in Pasadena! I bought some frozen food and some R.O water. It was cheaper than other stores I've been to. Stop by and check them out. read more

I have had many great experiences at Art's Underwater Reef. I found the store just after I finished cycling my first saltwater tank. I have had many freshwater tanks over the years and still do, but saltwater and reef tanks are a different level. I needed help, advice and compassion. Art is very helpful, completely compassionate and gives great advice and guidance. My reef tank is doing great. I have purchased many fish and corals from Art and use his shop as my #1 source, even though other shops are closer and bigger. Art is the most helpful owner I have worked with and he has a wonderful selection. Art even helped me nurse a sick fish back to health. I bought a Copper band butterfly from him and two weeks later brought it back near death. He had been intimidated by my tang and wasn't eating. When I walked through the shop doors I thought my fish had died on the way there. He was lying lifeless at the bottom of the bag. Art took him and nursed him back to health. I couldn't believe it when he called and said the fish was alive and doing well. Unbelievable!! I am so grateful that I found Art's shop. I am a loyal customer and plan to keep it that way for years to come! read more

Art is super knowledgeable and nice. He is willing to above and beyond for your fish and your tank. Highly recommend this place!!!

Originally coming to Art's due to how close it was to my home, I've since moved out of the city, however still find myself coming to Art's exclusively. The attention to detail and the obvious love for these fish and coral makes the service unmatched, and you can feel the warmth of the team the minute you walk in. Can't stress enough how many of my questions and concerns regarding my own at-home aquarium have been resolved almost instantly by stopping by the shop or even just calling them. Chris is also a great dude and incredibly patient and helpful. This place is amazing and will continue to be coming here for everything I need. There's been rumors they'll be expanding towards including more reptiles, which isn't something I've been interested about in the past- but hearing these guys talk about reptiles and the genuine love- it's just not something you see often in these shops and I have to admit they're starting to make me wonder if I have some reptiles in my future! read more

Great shop And great guy Bought 2 fish.. but they weren't in great shape Died next day But Art took care of me Replaced the fish for me Happy customer read more

Love the atmosphere! It was very educational and family oriented. I highly recommend this place to anyone especially those with a family. Can't wait to go back soon. read more

Art's is the best! Everything is clean and well kept, and I always know that anything I buy is healthy for a reasonable price. He even took in a sick fish for me and nursed it back to health, free of charge! read more

Great customer service, greeted by store owner Art and his wife with a smile and a welcome once I walked in. There is reef aquariums with creatures to see. I purchased corals and fish to start my own reef at home. Art walked me though and pointed out details on how to care for my corals and reef. Along with starting my own reef Art answered all my questions with no hesitation regarding the care for my turtles and Beta fish. Prices are fair!! Place is cleaned and organized. Art's Underwater Reef satisfied customer! read more

Art's Underwater Reef is the best! It is very clean and well organized and has a great selection of merchandise at very reasonable prices. Art, the owner, has put a lot of thought and effort into the design, set up of the tanks, and overall operation. That meticulous attention to detail sets him apart from many others. Art has a wealth of knowledge and experience that he is willing and ready to share with anyone paired with an outgoing, sincere, and cordial personality. He even offers a free cold bottle of water! Who even does that these days? If I can give 100 stars on here, I would! read more

Great store. I can spend hours looking at their magical fishes. The owners are very helpful and knowledgeable about their aquatics. I also had an issue with my turtles, Art was able to recommend me a good product and save me from going to the vet. I wish I was closer to them so I can go more ofter. There is always something needed for fishes and turtles. Thank you for a great survice. read more

recently got into fishkeeping and was so glad i found this store. art has been so helpful with any and all issues i had in setting up my community tank. i've been there countless times and will definitely continue to. he has a great selection of freshwater and saltwater species and knows what he's talking about. read more

Great store and super friendly owners. Have purchased fish and coral from them and everything has been doing great. They can pretty much answer any questions you may have. read more

Very nice clean reef store. Friendly, Reasonable price. Fish food and dry goods also at decent price.

This store has many sea creatures that I've never seen before and awesome under water gardens! The people are super welcoming and the owner knows his stuff! It's clean, not stuffy AND they offer a free water bottle which helps on these hot Cali weather. This is definitely not a Petco type of place but a more personable and professional store with beautiful fish that's well taken care of. read more

If I can give 10 stars I would. Art is definitely the best and very knowledgeable. I walked into his store not knowing a single thing about saltwater aquariums and with his help and patience. I have just completed the cycle on my first tank and super excited to get fish and reef in there with his help. Best customer service, and I will continue to go to Art's Underwater Reef. read more

Amazing Coustumer service, amazing staff,amazing shop, I bought a salt water fish with aquarium with super reasonable price. Art the owner!!!!!! Is a super friendly guy He knows his job very well, if you guys have any question about your aquarium you can ask Art he will be more than happy to help you out. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to have exotic aquarium in home or business. read more

If you're looking for a local fish store this is the one! So glad I stumbled across Art. Very knowledgeable and personable man that'll help you out with everything you need. Customer care is the most important thing and Art always personally makes sure you're set. A business that cares more for a customers well being than simply making a sale is the one I'm a fan of. He goes above and beyond teaching his customers and being able to source anything you need. If you just visit the store you'll see the man knows what he's doing, all of his stock is super healthy and corals are as pest free as possible. If you're having trouble finding something specific, going to stores all the time to check what they got in, just contact Art and he'll make getting what you need easy and stays in contact through the whole process. Not to mention he always has a great stock of saltwater fish and corals at a great price (despite everything having become expensive in the past two years lol). Cant wait to see this shop grow and expand. read more

This is an amazing place to walk in to. My daughter loves to go in and see the amazing fishes they have. They always bring in new things, they have a variety of everything including sea horses, starfish, corals and much more! They are the best fish store in Pasadena, hands down. They always make us feel welcomed, they are very friendly and can help with any questions you have. Have already learned some things about some of the fishes and corals in there. Definitely check them out! read more

Earlier this week I got a fish tank and my friend recommended me to go to Art's underwater reef. I went to the shop and explained to the owner Art what I wanted in my fish tank, and that I was new to this and he explained what I needed to set up. He even took the time to write everything on a paper step by step and was extremely polite. I went to other shops, and I felt like they tried taking advantage of me, because I was new to this. I told Art what they told me and asked him if I needed the multiple supplies they told me to get and he said it was unnecessary, I love how the shop is so honest and their prices are great. I got the supplies he recommended. & after asking him a million of questions and him answering all of them he gave me his business card before I left and told me to call him if I had any more questions and to bring him a water sample next week so we can see what the levels is at. That made me feel at ease knowing I can get the water tested to make sure I'm doing things right!!! Highly recommended!!! read more