I was looking for someone to ship my fish from my aquarium here in LA to their new aquarium home in Florida - yes another California resident fleeing this crazy state. After checking around with a lot of places, I found Chris, the owner of LAX Aquarium and yes you guessed it.....it's near LAX. This is an amazing aquarium store with beautiful fish, and basically everything you need for an amazing aquarium. I'm sorry I didn't find this place sooner. And they also have free parking at the rear of the business. Anyways, Chris told me how and when to bring my fish in. They were very detailed with specific packaging preparing the fish for an overnight flight to Florida. The fish arrived within 18 hours all alive and happy to be in their new home in Florida. Thanks Chris and staff.... read more

In response to the owner's comment: I was not "repeatedly assured throughout the day" that I would be helped. Witnesses can attest to the exact opposite. I spent over FIVE HOURS at this event after driving well over an hour to get there. During that time, I purchased livestock, participated in auctions and flash sales, and repeatedly attempted to obtain assistance so I could finalize my purchases and leave. At one point my friend asked whether anyone had helped me yet, and I responded, "No, I cannot get anyone's attention." At that moment, a woman later identified as the owner's niece approached me aggressively and stated that if I wanted help, I needed to be "more aggressive." Moments later, despite the fact that I had not moved from my original location, she accused me of "getting in her face." Rather than assisting a customer who had already been ignored for hours, she instead escalated the situation before returning to socialize with friends. The owner repeatedly emphasizes that my coral purchases were refunded, as though that resolves the issue. It does not. The obvious reason I bid on auction corals and flash sale items was because I intended to take them home that day. Returning another day at the store's convenience to retrieve already paid merchandise was not a reasonable option after driving such a long distance to attend this heavily advertised event. I also find it interesting that several of the pieces I won at excellent prices are now being re-listed on the store's site for dramatically higher amounts. I am clearly not the only customer who has experienced issues involving auction items allegedly becoming unavailable once sold too cheaply. At no point did I become aggressive or abusive toward staff. However, after more than five hours of being systematically ignored while watching others receive immediate assistance, I was understandably frustrated. There was allegedly a pickup list, yet multiple men walked directly to the counter and were assisted immediately despite not waiting. One customer was told to "put his name on the list," only to then receive immediate assistance anyway. Meanwhile, I remained standing there waiting. Most importantly, I spent OVER AN HOUR standing directly at the pickup counter waiting for over $1,000 in already paid coral to be packaged while being almost entirely ignored by staff. The only employee who consistently acknowledged me during that hour was the owner's niece, whose involvement consisted primarily of confrontation rather than assistance. Eventually, after I stated that I had already been waiting over an hour at the counter, I was told I would be "next." I then remained ignored for approximately another thirty minutes before the owner's niece returned, ordered me out of the store, and summoned security. The owner's claim that staff repeatedly tried to assist me while I simply stood there "making a scene" is directly contradicted by his own employees' conduct afterward. Approximately an hour after I left, the same saleswoman who had earlier bypassed me to assist another customer reportedly returned and asked my friend where I had gone and why I had left. If staff had truly been repeatedly assisting me throughout the day, they obviously would not later be confused about why I was gone. What followed afterward was entirely unacceptable. These security guards were not law enforcement officers, yet they belittled and insulted me personally, calling me fat, old, and ugly, while simultaneously making repeated threats regarding unlawful detention and handcuffing. Threatening physical restraint without lawful basis carries serious civil and potential legal implications. Importantly, there were numerous witnesses to these events. Portions of these interactions were recorded, and relevant footage almost certainly exists on the store's own surveillance system. Accordingly, the owner's claim that there is "no proof" is false. Shopping is supposed to be enjoyable, not humiliating. In my case, I had just said goodbye to my beloved dog Kublai and was already emotionally devastated before arriving at this event. To then spend five hours being ignored, insulted, humiliated, and threatened was inexcusable. Ultimately, this store appears to function less as a business focused on customer experience and more as a platform for the owner's ego. His own statements made clear that he does not care about his customers or whether they leave feeling distressed and depleted after being mistreated. Prospective customers should read the actual reviews carefully before deciding whether to support this business. Sadly, based on those reviews, this does not appear to be an isolated incident. read more

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We were excited to find out about this place on YouTube. It's a little tricky to get into the narrow parking lot or to notice it from the street. Checking out the fresh water, I noticed an obviously older Petricola catfish by himself (most likely dropped off by a pet owner. ) I asked the staff for a price ( not listed) and the first employee didn't know what it was. I told her the species and that I already have a group of them. She got another guy had to Google what it was and then started reading off his phone where they're from, where they're found etc. and how special they are then paused and threw out an outrageous price that he made up on the spot of $35. What? For an old fish? No thank you. They're $12-16 each for young healthy Petricolas at other stores. It was such gross feeling to know someone is trying to take advantage of you because you're a girl in a fish store. We walked out and don't plan on returning or recommending read more

I've been a little obsessed with this place over the last month. They have a big area in back with claw machines to entertain the kiddos and some toys have envelopes attached w/ gift cards and other gifts such as tanks, pnw frag rags, long fin clowns, etc. You can entertain your kid here for hours and maybe they'll win you something lol. If you follow them on IG or FB the owner does "live coral sales" which is fun. I got a bubble coral, acan, and some Lepto frags here. I recently started my reef, and I usually only get coral from other hobbyist via fb groups or marketplace BUT this store is actually a really good price and all the pieces I got here have flourished in my tank. I feel like a kid again when I come here. Also it's spacious and very clean!! All the staff is really nice. Btw parking is TRICKY . They have a personal lot in the back but drive in slowly bc it's only one tiny lane to go in AND out. read more

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Walking into the store was walking into a beautiful dream! This store is HUGE and there are a lot of black lights and fluorescent colors to make the tank illuminate with life! There are a LOT of salt water fish. There is a great selection of fresh water fish also! There must have been over 250+ active tanks in the shop. The staff here are super friendly and helpful! I needed to learn a few things and owner Jesus took the time to help me. His staff were all so friendly and welcoming. Prices are super reasonable! The selection is vast. Tons of fun, useful and professional items here! I'm a new huge fan! read more

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Kris is the man. Always professional and knowledgeable about his business. Highly recommend

Really cool experience coming here and look at all the different fish they have. Their coral reef is really awesome. Fun dance music the second you walk in. The staff are friendly and helpful. If I had an aquarium this would be a sweet place to add to my collection read more

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My family love coming to LAX Aquarium! We first came here when we found out about Reef-N-Busters (iykyk) and we've been coming back since! We buy corals and their live sales and pick up but always end up leaving with more than what we originally came for. Whether it be more live goods or something we win from the claws. Kris and his awesome team are always happy to help with any questions or other requests we have. They have a huge selection of live stock and has been the only place I've seen with a vast selection of different designer clown fish. LAX Aquarium is my daughter's new favorite LFS for a reason. read more

Lax Aquarium - Coral pick up and won a 15g AIO tank - Pet Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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What a little unexpected gem! I've lived in the area, my whole life, and didn't know this place existed. I happen to be waiting for a friend at the airport and decided to pull over at the Starbucks across the street when I noticed it and figured that might be more fun place to wait. I was right! My favorite part is that they have Blue light glasses so that the coral will glow in the tanks. What a fun experience. read more

They sell unhealthy livestock, really sickly corals for their live sale, and when your newly purchased Blue Tang dies due to not fault of your own, will say they'll honor their 48 hour livestock guarantee twice, then call back a few minutes later to say they are not going to because of their store wide livestock sale. If you take into consideration they ALWAYS have a sale on their livestock, what a shady way to pull the rug out from under their customers who spent $180 in one trip just in their livestock alone. Their live sale corals are a joke, had I know their "multicolor goniopora" was actually a purple goniopora halfway through serious bleaching event with the connective tissue peeling off, I'd have run away fast. Don't bother with this place if you're serious about the hobby. Actually, stay as far away as possible. No hobbies in LA in their right mind would ever come here, I should have listened to my mentors. The only thing the owner truly cares about is taking your money to lease his obnoxiously hideous six-figure Jeep. read more

Lax Aquarium - Bleached out live sale goniopora - Pet Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Best reef store hands down. All the staff and owner super friendly and knowledgeable. This is the spot for beginners and experts alike. I seriously love this place read more

Wow I'm happy to had visited this aquarium fish store. I really gotta say that is my favorite fish store all the fish they have there really top quality you can tell right away all the corals are super nice so bright and the the fish tanks they have set up wow there really nice they look like if your walking to someone's home there not empty with just fish only Nooo... All the supplies they have for sale that you need like reef rocks ext... you will find it there they have an excellent selection. Jesus was a really nice person really polite answer all my questions really Is knowledgeable. Really wish I would of met Chris maybe on my next time I go. One more thing even the out side of the store is really nice... almost for LAX Aquarium the inside wow is so clean... Never seen something like that... Keep up the good work everyone. read more

This place is the international fairway of Fishies People who go here are the hardcore fish ppl However the store itself is as if you mixed strobe lights with fish with the cool kids Everyone is super approachable and rather knowledgeable across a broad range of aquariums... like fresh water brackish, and ofcourse salt. Even hard to find species ... also these ppl are cool from when they sell at conferences Alssoooo speaking of rare the corals here are top notch... like insane selection of cool colors read more

I want to thank Chris at LAX aquarium for designing my fish tank set. very professional what he does very into detail. I highly recommend LAX aquarium. read more

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This place is so cool! They have so much variety and everyone gives amazing tips. I learn so much every time I go read more

Lax Aquarium - Pet Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Despite all of the touristy places I could take family to when they visit, I strangely find myself wanting to bring them here. Sharks, stingrays, octopi. lionfish, eels, this place is comparable to a public aquarium, and it's probably why I find myself there frequently just to look at the fish. Nobody says no to a saltwater tank store with a restaurant + game room 5 minutes from the airport. This was the 9th place I'd been to around LA looking for a tank. One month later and I have a thriving 65 gallon saltwater tank filled with fish and invertebrates. It takes a certain level of restraint for a business to tell me to slow down and be patient on buying up their fish too quickly. I also don't feel pressured into buying an Apex system or other over-the-top equipment for a tank my size. I respect their knowledge of my setup and compatible fish species, and have been stopped from buying certain fish before by Chris and one other employee because they were incompatible with my inhabitants or size. I'm confident enough with this store to hold off on getting a quarantine tank, since I've seen firsthand how a sick fish (nothing serious) was quarantined and cared for. The fish turnover rate here is incredible, every time I visit there are new options. Another underrated thing that took me a while to realize is how unbelievable sanitary and smell-free the place is (other aquatic stores in LA PLEASE take note). I'd give LAX aquarium a perfect rating both as a trustworthy source of livestock, and an awesome aquarium to look at fish with others. I'll post better tank photos once it gets out of its Diatom phase. read more

Really cool lfs. It's pretty big. They have a bigger salt water selection than freshwater. Staff was nice and knowledgeable.

Kris is the man! The shop is incredible. Lax aquarium always has tons of coral, fish and everything else you'll need for your aquarium. The live shows are very exciting as well. I drive about an hour each way because this is the only fish store I'll ever go to. read more

Lax Aquarium - Pet Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I went for the first time yesterday and was greeted immediately! The employees were so full of knowledge and was patient. I had a bad petsmart trip and found this place. read more

Chris and the employees are very helpful and eager to assist! I will be building out my saltwater aquarium here. read more

They charge $16+ for salt water testing and I wasn't informed in advance. This is super uncommon for an aquarium, you can get free testing at Petco or anywhere else. read more

A nice fish store that has some good deals. They carry the most amazing live rock I have ever seen. Good deals on their live sale corals as well. read more

Great selection and excellent customer service, I will continue to shop here when in the area.

Went over to purchase 2 1" 90 degree elbow and can't believe they they sell them for 8.99$ this is outrageous to top it off they are brand ERA MADE IN CHINA i also went over to purchase a 46" 3/4 orange pvc pipe a couple days ago and was 29.99$ I can just imagine the people that are buying them custom tanks from this shop with custom pluming omg this is literally a rip off . read more

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Cleanliness. Good. No stars for that, that's how every establishment should be! They usually have pretty good deals, but with good reason. Prices are not the best in the area. Therefore, their sales make sense. The staff is really unprofessional and uneducated about the livestock. Julia was something else.... Attitude and work ethic is Definitely lacking here. Especially with the NEW guy that "brags/claims" to be from Jersey Besides Hatcher & Armani, Everybody else that I've dealt with is very careless. I have been here about 7 times and I've had issues 4 out of the 7 times. From underpaying, to being overcharged.... I have even been sold dead brine shrimp, When it's supposed to be alive‍ I mean how do you not notice everything you packed in the bag is LONG GONE! Where is your attention to detail? I always have to be on my toes when I come here... read more

Lax Aquarium - "NEW" guy - Pet Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

They don't care for the fish they sell and even care less for the customers who buy them. Last Saturday I went to LAX Aquarium to buy live fish. I spoke with a clerk and the manager on that day. I clearly told them my tank size that is 55 gallon and they are already 12 cichlids in there. The store manager who others referred to as the "expert" in that store, after a 10 minute discussion, showed me some Monos (about 2 inches) and Shovelnose fish (about 4 inches). I bought overall about 20 fish for 3 different tanks , including two Monos and two Shovelnoses for the Cichlid tank. I took them home and immediately I noticed the Cichlids were not happy with the Monos and Shovelnoses , so I separated them. Later, as I read about them, I learned that the Shovelnoses get to be FOUR feet long! Can you imagine two 4 feet long fish in a 55 gallon tank (the tank is only 4 feet long) ? So I called and the person answering the phone said I could take them back for store credit. So I drove down there again on Sunday. I presented the fish to a blond guy (who was present the day before while I was discussing my situation with the manager). He snapped at me with an attitude that "we sold you that fish because you insisted on buying fish! " Really? You are a fish selling store and you are complaining that why a customer insisted on buying fish? I told him, I wanted the right fish for my tanks and fish that would grow to be 4 feet long are not suitable and they should not have offered that fish to me. At the end, I wanted to use the credit for some hard items, but the blond said, store credit for "live fish" only! I had to take some Mollys to use the store credit and paid for the hard item separately. This was a disgusting service from LAX Aquarium (to sell something absolutely unsuitable and not workable for a customer) , and blame the customer for insisting on buying fish and without apology forcing the customer to buy a dozen more fish that he did not need at that time. When I asked another clerk why they even sell a fish that would not fit into any of their own fresh water tanks, she said: "We just want to sell them". This is animal cruelty. They must be closed down to save those creatures from torture and unnecessary deaths by these unscrupulous and unconscionable group of people. Shame on the management of LAX Aquarium to not care about the fish they sell and the customers who buy them. read more

Truly amazing selection of salt water fish. ALso sell both Fresh and Saltwater RO water by the gallon!

Thank you LAX Aquarium for helping me with my first reef aquarium! Covid safety: The Aquarium installed two brand new motion-sensor operated hand-washing stations. In front of a tank! So washing your hands for 20 seconds while watching fish will be easy to do. They require masks for all, and also ask people to wait before entering-- so they can ensure there is enough space for people to be safe. Their orange-lens coral viewing glasses are sterilized when customers are done wearing them. I came to the store in August 2020 and met with Matt who sold me my aquarium. He is very patient and answered all my questions. He knows his fish, coral & aquarium upkeep very well and continues to provide me advice when I visit. Kris followed up on the sale and ensured I have the best and proper equipment. His experience in the business and passion for the hobby really helps all the customers. Kris and Jesus installed my tank. They set up EVERYTHING: tank, electrical, live rock/sand/water, Neptune app settings, and left my place looking clean. I would consider this to be top notch, professional white-glove style delivery. I've been coming in regularly to slowly build up my tank, picking up fish and coral. The store has a large and consistently new selection of livestock and all the dry goods you can think of. I've been helped by many great and knowledgeable employees-- Julia, Armani, Patrick & Matt. Everyone bags my livestock with care and I always leave feeling confident re my purchases. The prices are reasonable, market value or sometimes cheaper than what you find online. The FB live sales are an option to find great corals at cheaper prices. Windy does very fast and accurate invoicing. Overall: Highly recommend the store, great people & always a great experience. read more

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Good large well stocked equipment bad not Central location don't have any fish I've bought from there that are alive Spanish dancer told they eat algae research said they eat sponges. Who has sponges to feed? They should carry live brine . Staff is friendly and helpful read more

Thanks for all the help with our shrimp purchase! Loved checking out this place for the first time. Your shark tank and eel tank are dope. Will have to come back and purchase some coral when we get the chance. I appreciated the emphasis on cleanliness regarding COVID. Adding the mandatory hand washing station outside the entrance on top of wearing a mask was a good idea. Also, the service here was great; the employees were attentive and continued to ask if help was needed to find an item. Much appreciated. read more

Lax Aquarium - Sharks on sharks - Pet Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Wonderful place!!! I've been dealing with them for years and years. Chris and his team help you in everything you want, need, and teach you what you need to know. They don't sell you just to sell, they teach you the best way and let you make the decisions. If you want overkill, they're not going to sell it to you, they sell you what you need to be in this hobby and do it right. There prices are good there livestock is great, inventory for anything you can dream of in stock. I highly recommend Chris and his team, and they don't forget you, years and years later they still remember me by name. I trust them and they have earned it! Paul read more

Was helped by an employee Isabel. She had great customer service and was knowledgeable. I highly recommend you buy your fish here.

Is absolutely one of the cleanest and most friendliest fish stores I've ever been to Love the prices Love the sales doing what you guys do you provide a great service. read more

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Some corals look in okay condition but a lot are bleaching, to be honest months ago quality was decent but recently not so much. Even bleaching ones are going for 30$+ read more

Prices are great (if your livestock survives) and so is the coral and fish selection. On the other hand, the staff is condescending and poorly trained. But my biggest issue is the sick fish. I bought 7 fish from them this year and only 2 made it past a week. Visit the store a week after they receive a shipment and their tanks are riddled with dead fish. They don't even bother removing them. They keep their fish at hyposalinity because they are well aware of this. Corals aren't much better in this regard, they move a ton of corals every week without proper acclimation so I've also lost a few. After factoring in deaths, the discounted prices are not worth it. I've rarely had issues with livestock from other stores so I will take my business elsewhere. At least I will be treated with more respect. It's a shame because the store has potential read more

I went to this place today around 5:00PM. My wife and I were looking for designer clownfish. Finally after looking around we found a pair that we were interested in. I inquired on the fish with the man with blue hair! He was extremely rude in his demeanor towards me. He also treated me like I was a novice! He seemed annoyed and bothered by my question! I will definitely not be going back to this place at all. I much rather deal with my LFS and other people in the reef community. I also, want to add that I waited around for someone to acknowledge my wife and I and no one came to ask us if we needed help. Some of the employees were to busy checking their phone and having conversations amongst themselves that had nothing to do with work. Lastly, everything at this store is completely overpriced! read more

Best experience. Chris was great! He took the time to help me out and gave me tips on my light settings. I literally was there for an hour looking at coral. Lost track of the time. Definitely will be back for more coral. read more

I love going to this shop. It's has the energy of and arcade. The Marine fish are beautiful and healthy. The water is crystle clean. They have an assortment of coral and sea plants. They also have a unique variety of Tropical fish too. The best part of the LAX Aquarium is its staff. Armani has such an compassionate sense of ease about her that comes through even with her face covering. Austin cool too and willing to make the experience meet your expectations and provide good deal. I highly recommended a visit. Tell them Omar sent you. read more

Although I'm a freshwater planted tank aquarist, LAX Aquarium clearly is one of the best stores in the region. The staff there is very knowledgeable, the prices are surprisingly reasonable for the quality, and it's just a fun place to shop! When I finally get my reef tank (as in "when my wife lets me get a reef tank"), I'll be getting everything from LAX Aquarium, but for now they provide enough to have me as a repeat customer. read more

If you're looking for a custom tank don't come here! I've tried getting quotes after coming in the store 3 times and they won't get me a quote. I'm looking for a 50g tank and finally after speaking with Jesus he told me the owner probably doesn't want the business because it's too small of a tank. Literally just looking for a cube predrilled for a sump nothing crazy. read more