Update : we've been coming to Tats for years! We got into salt water - the coral selection and fish are top notch here ! All around great shop! read more

Very friendly, very helpful. They are an institution in the Conejo Valley. Great job.

I love coming to this store! They are always super helpful and always offer great advice.

I've been here dozens of times. It's finally time for review. I used to buy stock for my saltwater reef tank here... Fast-forward years later my son wants a fish tank so we bought him a small desktop one here. The tank purchase went right we got his tank set up following the advice of the owner. This is where the problem began... The staff that work here are generally high school to early 20-year-old girls who know next to nothing. Following their advice my son's fish tank has seen nothing but death. From tetras that introduced ICK to his tank to having to treat it only to find that what we had treated his tank with (copper) would mean certain death for any of the invertebrates that they inevitably recommended for his tank, as well as as the betas that they recommended which fought each other until they all died Not the best start for my six-year-old son's fish tank in this room. It's been more of a tomb than a tank that said after further research we found that how we set up the tank was wrong... All the stock that we've been getting recommended here was also wrong and would never work with one another or in a tank size... They were all too happy to take our money for fish that would never be successful in the environment. We had so thoroughly described to them with equipment we had purchased there. This will never again be our fish store of choice. read more

I've been going here for about a year now and it is 100% the best fish store in the greater TO area. Always super clean and great customer service. read more

Tat is an invaluable veteran of the Reefing community. He's constantly looking for ways to improve the store and goes above and beyond to ensure his customers are successful in their reefing journey. We are very grateful for his time and knowledge that he's spent with us to make sure we enjoy our new tanks and have new pets for many years to come! read more

Tat Tropical Illusion - My daughter excited to get her first Tank - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

See all

I purchased a couple freshwater puffers here and they were both great until one died after being in my tank for a day (preface: all levels in the tank were perfect) Since I have been here before I know they have a 48hr policy for store credit or an exchange so I called and the gal I spoke to after I told her one had passed she told me that my tank was the problem as they were completely fine when they were there and that all the puffers were healthy. (I can vouch the day I was there that there was one puffer in that tank that had his intestines coming out and I notified the employee as he was getting me my 2 puffers out) I have been coming here since I was a child and have NEVER had an interaction like this and have never felt so discouraged to go back. Just know if you get fish from here don't expect them to do anything but basically tell you it's a YOU problem your fish didn't make it. read more

Great fish store with a wide selection of fish and most nutrients for planted fresh water aquariums with a greater focus on marine. Staff is very helpful and they have good quality water as well. read more

I will start by saying Tat the owner is AWESOME! I've been going here for about two years. Tat is VERY pleasant to deal with and happy to help in all ways. His one son is a total A-hole, extremely miserable guy that hates working there. He acts like every transaction is an inconvenience and you aren't welcome. Every time I make a purchase I say thank you and he grunts, uh huh. Tat's other son Chuey rarely works there and he's much better with customers. The prices are somewhat high but that's what you pay in TO. Frozen food is too high (PEI Mysis), cheap Chinese filter socks are $10, lol. The other issue is the RO water, half the time I go there the water filters should be replaced(red LED indictor lights. Tat's son says it's fine but I've tested the phosphates and it's sometimes 0.50, lol. That's unacceptable in reefing. The younger staff seems to be a revolving door and I wonder if they are being compensated fairly. I've chosen to move my business elsewhere due to price and his miserable son. I'm not going to pay money that ultimately supports his ungrateful son. It's unfortunate since I really enjoyed chatting about reefing with Tat over the years and his passion for the hobby. read more

Tat and his staff, stock the best coral and fish in Ventura county. Tat is a wealth of knowledge and he is so generous to spend time to make sure your tank is a success. Whether or not you are interested in keeping a reef tank, it's worth the visit and take a look at the beautiful tanks in the shop. read more

See all

Went into this Shop for the first time on Sunday, it was super busy and they were obviously a little overwhelmed, but the man who helped me was super kind and helpful. I love my new shrimps and kuhli loach I purchased from them and will definitely be making the drive out from Ventura to purchase again! read more

Tat Tropical Illusion - My new little Kuhli Loach! =D - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

This shop is great! They have a wide range of aquarium supplies, plants, and fish - I much prefer shopping here to one of the big stores because of selection, quality, better treatment of their animals, and customer service. A note on customer service - this store and the folks who work here are great. The father and son who own the place are knowledgeable, responsive, and direct - I appreciate their expertise. They are both a little quiet and/or reserved - I have no issue with this, and find it unfair when folks are harsh about this...it is insensitive to the reality that people are different & communication style is not personal. They are experts in fish - not human services providers - and their service is good and appropriate. read more

A lot of options, prices are reasonable, the store has a very clean and cool appearance. Staff was friendly considering I made my purchase three minutes after closing time. I would recommend. read more

This place is great ! The fish are very healthy . Every time I come into town I have to stop in

Great selection and service. Very healthy saltwater and tropical fish and amazing coral selection.

As I have always done, I will leave an honest review. The staff is very helpful and attentive to their customers. The owner, however, needs to be reminded that it matters to have a friendly disposition especially to customers. The habitats are clean enough and the fish seem to be healthy - but the prices are a bit on the high side especially when compared to other aquatic pet sources. read more

They are professional and knowledable. Always have a lot of selections on fish and corals. I love the place and it's my only stop to go.

Update: I went back after a year out of the hobby. The guy working was very friendly and helped me pick out what I needed. Really happy they came around because we don't have a lot of options for local fish stores! I'll be getting my fish / supplies from here from now on :) read more

The owner of this store is extremely helpful when deciding what fish you'll want for the size tank you have or are wanting to purchase.

I really like Tat, the owner. He really spends a lot of time talking with you and familiarize yourself with your needs and your specifics so that he can properly advise. Super friendly, and they also have a huge selection of coral which is nice. read more

I just recently got into this hobby and wanted to support a small business rather then a corporation, so I decided to give shop a go. Walked in, barely greeted by the guy on his phone at the register. I asked him for 3 beginner fish to which he seemed annoyed about having to get up and get for me. I had questions to ask, but he was so unfriendly I just overpaid for my fish and left. I thought maybe it was just a bad day for him but reading these other reviews say otherwise. read more

High quality fish and selection. Very pleased every time I go in. The employees are knowledgeable and have everything I need for my 190 gallon tank read more

This business has gotten worse. Message for the owner; 1. If that was you runing the store today, sell the store and do something else. If it was your employee, he is costing you money. 2. Price your corals, you will sell more. 3. Hire employees that are not rude. I intentionally didnt say friendly because your current employee is far from there. read more

My favorite fish store in Ventura County! Superb service, high-quality fish, and fantastic selection. They have all the answers to my questions/concerns, and I feel confident in my purchases. Thank you Tat! read more

This place should really take care of their pets! I recently bought a beta fish from a different location and I stopped here to get him a nice home with filters and get more information. I was walking towards the back when I saw more Beta stuff and I saw them all in their separate bowls and they were all dead except for 3 of them. You can tell they have been sitting their for weeks. It was the saddest thing I have ever seen. Don't you guys feed them daily at least? Check there water?!?? So if you have ever bought any type of fish here and it was either sick or died really quick. Well now you know why! I refuse to give them any money! read more

See all

Great service and knowledgable staff. They have a good selection for saltwater and fresh, well stocked and often willing to price match legit dealers on line. They will do every type of water test you need and have fresh and saltwater on tap. Lovely soft corals on display and glad to help with problems. Definitely THE place in TO for you fish supplies! I don't know why some people expect big welcome smiles and arm waving greetings when you walk into a store, you're not buying a dress for crying out loud. Fish keeping is an expensive hobby, these guys take it seriously. If you ask for help you will absolutely get it, but remember they get hundreds of people in every day who just bring their kids to look at the fish and tap on the tanks. If you want a warm welcome go to Brighton and buy a handbag, if you're truly into fish keeping then this is the place to go! read more

Knowledgeable, friendly, honest. These guys will make sure you're taken care of. I have a small 10 and my eager eyes always want to get bigger fish, they help me understand why some fish aren't good for small tanks and offer some great fish to substitute. read more

Best sale on Black Friday!! You will never want to miss this kind of deal!! We also provide tank services!! We will do our best to make your aquarium look gorgeous and fabulous!! read more

Tat Tropical Illusion - Black Friday sales - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

Awesome place. The guy who is usually working the store is always so nice and friendly. He seems to love the work and always spends extra time talking to my kids about the fish habitat etc. great prices and the friendliest service! Keep it up Tat. read more

Going to leave a very honest review. I have been keeping aquariums (mostly saltwater) on and off since I was about 10 years old. I am now 23. I've been giving Tat my business for that entire time. Great selection of saltwater & freshwater fish. Decent selection of coral. The owner obviously knows what he's talking about and I've read that some customers mention that he comes off as unfriendly. I don't think he's super personable but not everyone is right? He'll be honest with people and that is valuable. Better than an owner trying to tell you that you can keep a Valentini puffer in a 10 gallon (Aquatic Zoo). Anyways, I'll give Tat a 3.5-4 star rating. Only decent LFS in Thousand Oaks and they know that so their coral & equipment pricing is not competitive whatsoever. A lot of the equipment is made overseas and are cheap brands. Like I said, I've been going to this place for years and never have I been given a good deal or a free snail or whatever haha. I would rather drive down to Vivid Aquariums and pay half for the same coral frag or colony. The old dude is nice though! read more

Went in to look at getting started with some aquarium decor and browse the fish a little bit for when my tank cycles properly. Was met by an Asian guy who I know has been there for years - must be one of the owners. I was hoping service would be better than I remember it being years ago when I was heavily into this hobby. I remember that customer service was fairly poor back then, and unfortunately, today brought back all of the reasons and memories of why I stopped shopping at this place. This guy was rude and acted like I was annoying him by being in the store and having some questions. I was really looking to support a local pet store/fish shop rather than going to a big box, but when you get customer service like this it really makes supporting the local shops seem worthless. I will try the other LFS in town on TO Boulevard and hopefully they will be better with their service. There are so many options for buying fish and maintaining your hobby addiction online and within a few miles, the customer service really makes a difference. I would suggest to TAT that they consider being friendly to customers. read more

I love this store, it s amazing that they have a lot of different kind of fishes, I always have fun looking around to find the fish I love. The staff there is very helpful & great. read more

Tat Tropical Illusion - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

This store gave me great advise and sold me some very cool coral at a great price. They have a great selection of fish as well. read more

Tat Tropical Illusion - Awesome Blue Aquarium Coral - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

I'd go here over any LFS any day. Great selection, ask an employee to order something that they don't have and it will show up. The tanks themselves are very high quality and fairly priced. As for the fish, you pay for what you get. All fish I've seen or had have been very healthy. Yuban and Laura are very knowledgeable and have been super helpful. read more

This is one of my go to stores. They have healthy fish that have all lived a long time for me. The staff is very helpful and the store is always clean. I also appreciate the good prices on freshwater fish. A very good place to get your aquarium supplies. read more

Came into buy a Betta & Marimo ball and stayed to look at all the beautiful tanks! The attendants were very nice and helpful. There is a big selection of beautiful bettas. I was so happy to see that they are kept in fish bowls instead of in the tiny cups like at Petco or Petsmart. All the fish looked happy! Very happy with my visit! read more

Purchased 10 Cardinal Tetras from Tat's about 3 weeks ago. Every single one is still alive and very active. If you know Cardinals and Neons, they have a very high mortality rate when introduced into a new environment. I believe there are 2 reasons for the high quality of the fish I purchased. 1) They are more mature in age, rather then most places where you get juveniles. 2) I believe they were farm raised vs wild caught which makes a huge difference in survivability in a home tank. Overall I am very pleased with the fish I purchased, but I still have to remove 1 star because they don't carry juveniles so you lose some life span in your tank, and they cost a little bit more. I would say the Cardinals were about 50 cents more per fish then other stores, but the fish are higher quality and larger in size (age difference again). read more

My husband and I usually visit all the fish stores in Thousand Oaks, Los Angeles, and Ventura county area. I have to say... They have completely changed the store around! I mean a complete 360 degree turn around!! I was completely astonished! Tats is one of the most welcoming places I've been to as of today! The owner is actually a really sweet guy, said hello as soon as we walked in, was cleaning/ dusting his shop which by the way is extremely up to date, and incredibly clean! The tanks are 100% clean and lit up! None of the tanks have ich or disease and no dead fish chilling in the tanks! I have to say he has tons of beautiful oddball exotic saltwater fish! His fresh water selection is amazing too (plenty of choices here)! Let me share that Tats is the place to go, his prices even beat out petco/petsmart/other local fish stores! His betta selection is bright and lit up too now! He does amazing deal too! A few weeks ago he had this deal where you spend 60$ and you either get a free tank or 30% off your next purchase! My husband is the reason I came back here and honestly I'm so impressed with Tats that anytime we need anything were coming here!!! Thank you Tat!!! read more

This store gives you different prices on their fishes than the one written on the glass wall of the tank. If you ask a price of the fish you probably like, the guy will look at his cellphone and google it then will get the highest price of a certain corals or fish in the web then tell you their price. Ridiculous. read more

I walk in, and the first tank I look in has two dead fish in it. I let the guy know, and he scoops them out, but looks really annoyed that I let him know? Then, I see a fish tank under the tanks and there is a fish in with other fish being eaten alive. Like, skin all torn up end everything. He looks like he is in immense pain/shock. Then, I look in another tank and there's this eel that looks sick and is struggling to move, but not being eaten alive. It seems to have a tumor on its face. Anyway, I go to the register and inform them (the owner and an employee) about the fish being eaten alive and they couldn't give two less sh*ts. They tell me that "he's being medicated" and that "they're just picking the extra stuff off". The damage to his side obviously wasn't from some skin condition, the other fish had clearly ripped him up. And to make it worse, the owner and employee KNEW exactly which fish I was talking about and hadn't done anything about it! These people aren't passionate. They're only in it for money. I don't doubt that many other fish are sick with things that these other dying fish likely had. Never go here. Pictures are attached of the ripped up fish and sick eel so you know I'm not lying. read more

Tat Tropical Illusion - Eel lying on its side. Doesn't look good. I'm thinking sick. - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

See all