A reef tank was a hope of mine for a while, and David made it possible to feel confident enough to get into it. Very informative, very patient. As well as kind to new or experienced reef owners. Beautifully kept shop, locally owned and very supported. Ignore any bad reviews on here as no one is perfect, and the aquarium world is unique as they come lol. I am local in mission and am in here quite bit, and I always see the staff helping someone, making them feel confident, guiding them within budget. If you visit, take the time to appreciate all the wall art...super rad. As well as the front entrance tanks, very wonderful to admire for a few minutes in our busy days. Great work David, keep up the good in reefing :) read more

It was my first time visiting this store, and unfortunately, it was not a good experience. As soon as I walked in, the atmosphere felt unwelcoming. The employee at the front greeted me as though he was forced to, which didn't make for a friendly first impression. I looked around the store and found the selection to be fairly basic, while many of the prices were significantly higher than other local fish stores. For example, a skunk cleaner shrimp that typically sells for around $29 was priced at $39 here. I was also surprised to learn that they don't offer any 24hour livestock guarantee. I ended up purchasing some crabs and snails. I should have selected them myself, but the employee picked them for me. When I got home, I discovered that a couple of the hermit crab shells were empty, meaning I had paid for crabs that weren't actually there. Based on my experience, I can't recommend this store. I left feeling disappointed and that I didn't receive good value for what I paid. read more

This local fish store is by far and above my favorite! David the owner is great and very knowledgeable. Tanks are always clean. Fish and corals always healthy and robust. read more

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I got a sand sifter star fish today and after putting in my tank he was crawling around and super active!!! I love him he's healthy and thriving Also in general I love this place it's super clean and david made me feel so welcomed and taken care of. He has a nice variety of a lil bit of everything for my fresh water tank and salt tank - must visit !! read more

Overall, really neat fish store - very cool inside and a lot of cool fish - however I was so sad to see the conditions of their betta fish. I've seen bettas at Petco look happier than those babies. they also do not have a very big selection. Definitely a smaller store. Will I be back? Maybe. But I was hoping to see some healthier looking fish. read more

David, the owner, is super nice and very knowledgeable. I purchased a 16 gallon cube salt water tank which is cycling now. David patiently answered all my questions and even a few phone calls while setting up the tank. I love having the opportunity to support a small business with an owner that cares. read more

Ocean's Tropical Fish - 16 gallon salt water aquarium. - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

I've been in the fish hobby for quite some time, and my two boys (ages 13 and 10) are just starting to get into it. We have four tanks in our home, and my boys worked hard to save up for their own 20-gallon setup. We cycled the tank properly, tested the water regularly, and added fish slowly. I chose to shop at Oceans Tropical Fish because I wanted to support a local business and was willing to pay more for healthier, higher-quality fish -- especially given the poor reputation of many big box stores. Unfortunately, the fish we purchased from Oceans turned out to be sick with ich. Despite all our precautions, it spread to the entire tank and my boys lost everything they had worked for. I also breed fish myself and currently have about 60 juvenile cichlids, so I'm not new to aquarium care. I went back today to speak with the owner, hoping he'd be willing to make things right. I even offered all my juvenile fish for free in exchange for some help replacing what we lost. Sadly, the experience was disappointing. While the owner clearly knows fish, he runs a poor business. Instead of showing any empathy or professionalism, he spoke down to me, blamed me for the loss, and offered no assistance whatsoever. He even criticized me for having purchased some fish from PetSmart -- fish that were actually added before anything from his store. When I mentioned that several of his own tanks appeared to have sick fish (which he acknowledged), he still deflected all responsibility. I really wanted to support this local shop, but after this experience, I can't recommend Oceans Tropical Fish. Respect and accountability go a long way -- especially when you're dealing with customers trying to help their kids enjoy the hobby. read more

Good freshwater supplies and livestock. Staff is knowledgeable and capable. It's located right next to the pool hall.

I love this fish store. They have so many options for salt/fresh water fish, and a ton of coral too. Prices seem fairly standard for the area too. Cool if you are already in the hobby or looking to get into it. read more

Yesterday I was frantic when I found my 14 year old Goldfish floating upside down on his side and lifeless. I was fearing the worst, until I saw his eyes move when I spoke to him. He was still alive but was very sick. I called Oceans right away and spoke with David. He asked a few key questions to establish the situation then directed me to add aquatic salt to his tank stating that it works like an electrolyte for Goldfish. He also suggested Fish Keeper which they sell both at their store. Desperate to try and do what I could for my pet, I did just as he said. Using water from his tank , I dissolved the salt in a small pitcher and quickly added it to his water. Within seconds he responded and was jolted alive but returned to his side at the bottom of the tank. An hour later he slowly began to swim around then again only to returned to the bottom of the tank. Again on David's recommendation, I added the proper amount of Fish Keeper to his tank. Over the next 24 hours, he went from a floaty unstable swim, then to his back and then to his side several more times through the evening. This morning I am thrilled to report, he is no longer upside down, no longer on his side and seems to be looking for food as he normally does each morning. He's not out of the woods yet, but thanks to Oceans and David, I believe "Reef" could be on his way to a full recovery. Thank you David for taking my calls yesterday. Thank you Oceans for having attentive caring and knowledgeable staff. You have earned my business and my confidence for sure.!!! Thanks again David for all your help! KFrank read more

Ocean's Tropical Fish - Very sick Gold fish, no movement and laying on his side . - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

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Ocean's is awesome! The staff is super knowledgable, friendly, and engaging. No sales pressure either. I took my son here because we're thinking about setting up an aquarium next month. Before coming, we were thinking about the typical sorts of setups - 10gal tank with some small fish that you can find at most shops (think guppies). But after visiting Ocean's, our whole world opened up. We learned so much about the saltwater ecosystem as well as the variety of species we can keep in the same tank without increasing bioload (a new term for us). In addition, having certain species together actually means less tank cleaning (only water changes), because of reduced waste - almost like moving towards a syngergistic ecosystem. They've got all kinds of aquatic creatures here - many types of fish (small and huge), starfish, hermit crabs, shrimp...it's so cool. They also sell different tanks and setups, and they sell salt water for water changes. In addition, they've got some cool decor on the walls! The community fish and more aggressive fish are kept on opposite sides of the store, and it wsa fun to see some of the more solitary fish in a tank that has a current running through it. Can't wait to come back to start setting up our aquarium! read more

Great store with great service. They always seem to have that hard-to-find thing you're looking for. About 80% of what's in my tank is from Nolan's. At this point it's probably overstocked, but how can I help it with Nolan's amazing selection! Thanks guys! read more

Ocean's Tropical Fish - 20G with 6 CPD, 6 Chilies, 5 Kuhlies, 3 Cories, 1 Honey Gourami, and a zebra snail - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

Fantastic store, friendly and knowledgeable staff. We visited Ocean's to get information on how to transfer our daughter's Beta fish after graduating College on the East Coast to his new home in California. They suggested ways for safe transport. Stressing that oxygen is critical for a long trip and a battery operated air pump 7 stone would allow the fish to be in a closed container . They also recommended not to feed it 24 hours prior to travel to avoid toxins in the water from its waist. FYI, TSA has rules for traveling with a live fish, but they were amused stating it was a first for them to have a fish go through security. Seeing as it was a living creature, they did not have it go through the scanner. and they took great care when handling him. Somehow walking through the airport with a live fish caught the attention and curiosity of many travelers. At my wife's request, the flight attendant even gave him a pin with wings for traveling. After 12 hours of traveling Mr. Smithers was safe and sound in his new tank on the West Coast . Great advice and great results. Thank you to the team Ocean's . read more

OMG--this was honestly one of the worst customer service experiences I've had. I asked three simple questions about a fish tank (its size and whether they could ship it) to find out what is a good choice for my kids and every response felt like I was bothering them. Instead of answering, I got replies like, "sizes and prices are there?" or "we do not ship." Really disappointing--especially from a small local business where you'd expect more personal and helpful service. I wanted to support them, but I left feeling completely dismissed. Not coming back. read more

What a cool store! David answered all the questions I had and got me even more excited for this new hobby I've picked up. Can't wait to come back! read more

This is a wonderful small business. Always pleasant and friendly. Prices are fab bc and beat any of the large chain stores. The inventory is healthy unlike the mass produced box stores . The owner is always helpful and knowledgeable. I travel from Newport Coast because the reliability of the owner. read more

Probably the best fish store I have been to. Just started my fish tank and they were EXTREMELY helpful and knowledgable. Good pricing too, will definetly be back read more

i have been pretty intimidated with starting a fish keeping hobby. when coming here i had questions about cycling my first betta tank and what plants I should add. the girl working was super helpful and suggested a lot of great things. will be coming back to purchase a betta when my tank is fully cycled :) read more

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I came in without any knowledge on how to care for my goldfish I had recently acquired and the gentleman helping me was very knowledgeable and helpful. Great customer service! read more

Ocean's Tropical Fish - Got my goldfish a fish bowl. - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

First the guy at front doesn't want to talk about fish tanks or aquariums but yet works at a fish store very rude disrespectful. I don't know if this is the owner or not, but needs to find a different profession for sure. read more

Went there and bought six tiger barbs, and six green barbs within a week my whole tank had ich and it started with the fish I bought from them first read more

Ocean's Tropical Fish - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

I can't say enough about how great this store is and the high level of integrity of the owner Dave. He is very professional, knowledgeable, and really cares about the well being of the animals and corals that he sells. We are lucky to have them in our community and I recommend we all support this store. read more

Shahmeer was excellent to work with. I sent a txt late in the day Friday and he responded walked me through the process locked in the car and we had it next day just in time for family vacation. Thank you so much for all the help if I could give 10 stars, I would.. read more

I can't say enough about this place. The staff are very friendly, educated about their work, and professional. They helped us start a beautiful saltwater tank and they have a beautiful selection of saltwater fish and coral. read more

Ocean's Tropical Fish - Fish and coral - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

I love this place! Great selection of salt water fish, fresh water fish, corals and more! The staff is super knowledgeable and always ready to help set you up for success! I highly recommend this Oceans Tropical Fish read more

Ocean's Tropical Fish - Entry - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

Dave is the best and second to none!! Our tank looks absolutely amazing thanks to Dave's tips & tricks. Dave is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, customer service oriented and always available to help. Our 100 gallon wouldn't look as amazing without you!! read more

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I started my saltwater journey about a year ago and now I have 2 tanks. One 20 gal and one 14. The nem that I bought from the start has split into 3 so I decided to make a anemone and clown tank ( you can see my other tank in the back) . I have 2 freshwater tanks and 2 saltwater tanks in my room and I've always purchased from here and will continue to. Nothing but 5 Stars from me . read more

My go to local fish store! Answered any and all questions I had. They had the live rock and water options I needed. After cycling my tank I came back for fish. I got two clown fish (paired) and a blue tang. The bigger of the paired clownfish would bully my tang unfortunately. This store took care of me with smaller ones A++++++ I grabbed a royal gamma while I was there also! Going to let my tank continue to settle. I'm definitely going back for coral in the future! read more

Ocean's Tropical Fish - Clown Fish and Blue Hippo Tang - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

Dave has always taken good care of me! Been a customer for 14 years now. Whether it's the basics or a new tank, Dave's can do it.

We first came to this shop to purchase treatment for our sick Betta. Betta is doing better with the recommended product suggested. We came back for an African Dwarf Frog to add to my daughter's tank. "Jabba" the frog is doing well. He seems healthy and acclimated well to the Betta and the tank. We added live plants and rocks to the existing plants and cave to provide more security and hiding places. Staff was helpful with our questions and concerns. They also have a nice selection of beautiful Betta fish. We already had our Betta but would definitely recommend purchasing a Betta here. read more

Ocean's Tropical Fish - African Dwarf Frog - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

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Fantastic corals and excellent service. Everything is super healthy and reasonably priced!

If I could give this store more stars I would! This fish store is the best and I couldn't recommend it more! Very kind and helpful employees, lots of fish, good supplies and more! The tanks and fish are so well taken care of, every fish I've got from them is happy and healthy! If you are looking for new fish or supplies, this is the place to go! read more

Reasonably priced and really really friendly employees. The main guy who seems like the owner and another one of the integral guys (I know, I'm doing great w the details) didn't flinch when my daughter and I came in asking ridiculously paranoid questions about how to take care of a single crayfish that she was about to take home from school end of year. These guys are very mellow but informative and help you feel like 1) your questions aren't stupid; and 2) it's not that hard! They made great suggestions and they had a good variety of aquatic plants. Wish the pricing on rocks (like the kind you stack and build) was cheaper, but judging by the prices of the other items being so reasonable, I'm sure they're priced as well as they can from their distributor. Smallest tanks are 10 gal and $80 including a filter, net, tank heater etc. I came back three times in like four days. I hated to not come back since this baby crayfish had become a child to me apparently. Ha! read more

After years of admiring fish tanks from the safety of my phone screen I made the plunge into this hobby! I looked into Ocean's and found out it was owned by a long time employee for 20+ years and I like that. I came in on a Sunday and it was busy! Shane helped me out for my betta Fish needs and gave advice on water plants. After a month I stopped by again to get some advice on a few things and add a shrimp to my tank. Shane and Ocean's owner took time to listen and help me out with what I needed. I'll definitely come back to Ocean! read more

Ocean's Tropical Fish - My handsome betta fish - "Shrimp" - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

Bought my betta here and this place automatically gets a star for not putting their bettas in plastic cups. That is great to see. The man who runs the place has been so wonderful about answering all of my questions about starting a tank, cycling it, what heater to get, etc. You can tell he is really passionate about this and I enjoy talking to him because of it. Attached is a photo of my beautiful betta Apollo read more

Ocean's Tropical Fish - Apollo - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

Beautiful tanks and fishes here. Didn't get a tank here though because they didn't have the size that I need. However, I did buy a bag of white sand for $20 and some sinking feed for my fiddler crab. They specialize in beautiful exotic fishes here. The guy that helped me today was nice. He didn't know much about fiddler crab but he was very helpful to showing me the types of aquarium they had. He did tell me to come back Wednesday when they get their shipment. He was honest with the sand that I got. He did tell me to rinse it because it is dusty? He was right, my aquarium water did get very cloudy. A handful of rinse. It cleared up a bit. Overall a pretty neat place to visit to see some cool tanks and fish! read more

Ocean's Tropical Fish - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

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This place is awesome. This is my go to place for great advice, supplies, and life stock. Super friendly owner, he's hired intelligent staff who know their stuff, and I'm super pleased. This is so close to my house. If you're getting back into the hobby or joining for the first time, I highly recommend this place. They will get you on the right track to enjoying this hobby whether you want to go big or go small. read more

In this store, prices are twice as high as the market prices, and the quality of fish and corals is poor. Purchased fish and corals die. The staff is rude and uncommunicative. I do not definitely recommend. read more

Best Aquarium Shop in Orange County! It's a small store, but they always kept everything clean and the fish is healthy. Sometimes they bring in some new beautiful fish! I wish I have extra tank to adopt them all! read more

Ocean's Tropical Fish - Betta fish love his plant. - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

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Waited for 30 mins while a store employee was with a mom and her winnie child and no one else in that time came to me or told me that he'd be right with me. Idk what kinda business model that is but I'll buy over priced aquarium stuff elsewhere read more