What a nice store, small but wonderful selection and extremely knowledgeabe! I would say on of the best in the east bay. read more

I love fish barn! I was so excited when I heard a new fish store had opened near me. Now that ive actually been in, im even more excited. First of all it was really easy to get to with a very chill parking situation. Its in a beautiful area and the shop itself was clean and probably the most well organized in the east bay. It was really easy to find what I was looking for. More importantly, the selection of fish.. all healthy. Every single tank looked taken care of and full of life. It seemed like they specialize in smaller fish species, so there was none of that "massive sized fish jammed in a tiny sales tank" sadness that some stores bring. Just lots of healthy, bright fish and shrimps to choose from. They cater to aquascapers as well. They have some beautiful display scapes set up, and carry a big selection of stones, branches, hardscape supplies, & some co2 kits. What brought me in was the fact that they carry Chihiros lights, which I couldn't find anywhere else in the bay. They were out of stock of the specific model I wanted but were kind enough to special order one for me. They also showed me how to set it up and use the app, really above and beyond level of helpful. Basically this store rules. read more

The Fish Barn - Aquarium Services Near Me - Orinda, California

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Great freshwater fish shop, also a very good plant selection. We got 25 small fish as we are just restarting our tank after a year of being gone. The shop was clean, well-supplied, and observed best practices. The fish are already making themselves at home, exploring but not stressed. Easy parking, convenient location. We will definitely be back! read more

The Fish Barn - Black neon tetras - Aquarium Services Near Me - Orinda, California

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Great experience! AJ and staff were more than friendly and very knowledgeable. Thanks for all your help in getting started with aquarium life. read more

Been frequenting this shop since I got into the hobby a few months ago! Such helpful staff & owner, you can tell how knowledgeable they are and how much they care about the wellbeing of the fish!! Also love their method of keeping betta fish healthy and separated, without keeping them in tiny little cups like at big general pet stores. Always happy to come here when I need supplies or more nano fish! read more

The Fish Barn - Betta fish for sale - Aquarium Services Near Me - Orinda, California

Very friendly staff. Went in yesterday to get some help with our beta fish. The young lady was an encyclopedia of information. She was very helpful. We purchased a couple of recommended accessories. Looking forward to visiting again. read more

Thank you for actually reaponding back and I totally understand everything. I was sad when I got home and they were all dead dead didnt even get a chance to put them in my tank but no disrespect I loved your store so beautiful fish and crystal clear water. I just really didnt like the whole playing dead comment but when I got home 5 mins later they were past playing dead and she also said no refunds on fish read more

The Fish Barn - "O their fine their just playing dead" -little girl at the register - Aquarium Services Near Me - Orinda, California

Just went in for my first visit and AJ was so awesome took me step by step of the CO2 process amazing customer service, plants, and fish! Keep up the amazing work! read more

10/10 experience. The owner is extremely knowledgeable and helped us put together a gorgeous tank. He was extremely accommodating and was able to get us everything we wanted. Couldn't have asked for a better experience!! read more

The Fish Barn is clean, well-organized, and super well-stocked with fish, shrimp, snails, plants, and equipment. Everything looked healthy and thriving. The worker was really helpful knew what she was talking about and answered all my questions without rushing. Easily one of the best fish stores I've visited. Highly recommend! read more

5 stars, I would give them 10 stars if I could, I'm so glad I found The Fish Barn! From the moment I walked in, the staff was absolutely incredible--friendly, knowledgeable, and more than willing to help with anything I needed. The quality of fish here is top-notch--healthy, vibrant, and clearly well cared for. The prices are fantastic, especially considering the quality you're getting. I was blown away by their selection--whether you're looking for black worms, frozen fish foods, or any kind of accessory for your aquarium, they have it all. The variety is outstanding and makes it a one-stop shop for any aquarist. The Fish Barn has earned a customer for life. Great job to the entire team--you've created a truly special place. I'll be back again and again Thanks guys Miguel read more

Our local aquarium store with e wry thing including accurate advice on what you might need for your existing or new fish tank no matter its capacity. read more

The Fish Barn - Worth your time - Aquarium Services Near Me - Orinda, California

Starting keeping fish and aquatic plants as a hobby was pretty daunting, as we had zero experience, but was always one of me and my wife's goals. The employee who helped us was unbelievably knowledgeable and helped us from start to finish setting up a beginner friendly 20 gallon tank and had detailed instructions on how to set everything up and how it all worked. Couldn't be more happy read more

The Fish Barn is my favorite fish shop and certainly the friendliest anywhere. AJ usually helps me, and he is very knowledgeable about their fish but what impresses me the most, is his expertise on plant selection and care. Unlike many other places, he has a willingness to share and teach--And he does so in a simple, non-technical way... just enough info to get me on the right path but not too much that I get lost. A great place to start and to grow any aquarium. read more

If you love freshwater fish, you're going to want to visit The Fish Barn. It's an amazing one-stop shop for your tank. Happy and healthy fish. A wide assortment of plants. A bunch of supplies. I can't say enough about this place. It has it all! What really sets these guys above the rest is AJ and Jay. They are always so patient, kind, and helpful. It won't take long for you to see that they love fish and they know a lot! They go above and beyond to make sure you're successful on your fish journey. I was a beginner when I met them. Not once did I feel silly about asking so many questions. My community of fish and tank are thriving, thanks to them! Don't tell my husband, but I'm thinking about starting a second tank. I'm obsessed. If you're just starting out or you've been caring for fish for a while (like my son who drives here from Redwood City), you'll want to go to The Fish Barn. I will never go anywhere else! You won't either. It's that awesome! read more

I love this spot and find myself wanting to go back here on the weekends just for fun. The guy that runs this store not only provides excellent customer service even when the store is really busy, but it's also very clear that he cares about the animals he sells. I remember the first time I was in the store, he was so gentle in making sure that a family thinking of purchasing a fish was ready for the commitment and prepared for the process to make sure it would remain healthy. Additionally, the store is gorgeous. The show tanks are immaculate and something to really aspire to as a hobbyist. I feel that Fish Barn is an excellent business with excellent customer service. It is my go-to fish store. read more

The Fish Barn - Aquarium Services Near Me - Orinda, California

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This is a really nice fish store with a good variety of small fish, plants & a nice assortment of supplies too. Very friendly & informative employees too. Well worth driving out of your way for. Easy access to get on & off the Hwy too. read more

AJ and are incredibly knowledgeable regarding all aspects of maintaining a success aquatic ecosystem in your home. The guidance they provide on ensuring livestock and plant life all mesh together to form a cohesive environment that's ideal for everyone is truly impressive. They also possess a TON of rare plants and fish to add to your tank. Thank you for setting this impressive location up!! read more

The Fish Barn - This is the tank AJ helped me design! - Aquarium Services Near Me - Orinda, California

Super friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable!! It's obvious they take great pride in the fish they keep to sell and want you to successful when you take them home. read more

Awesome little fish store! They have a great selection of freshwater community fish and plants. It's clear the owner is very knowledgeable and passionate about the hobby. He seems to really care that the fish he sells are going into an appropriate aquarium. Support your Local Fish Store and avoid the big national chain stores. The Fish Barn definitely has much healthier fish than you'll find at any of the big box stores. read more

The Fish Barn - Bleeding Heart Tetras purchased on 11/17/24. - Aquarium Services Near Me - Orinda, California

So happy I found this place! I got patient advice on keeping a pond and love my little fish. I felt supported and encouraged in my new hobby :) read more

This review is long overdue. I haven't had to visit for a while now (it's a bit of a drive), but that's only because my 50 gallon aquarium is currently thriving. I've gotten many different aquatic plants, shrimp, rasboras, gourami, corydoras, bolivian ram from here...they've been healthy and were well taken care of prior to me bringing them home. AJ has also been great about being patient and giving advice to make sure my set up at home is good for the fish. This is my go to local fish store for livestock and other supplies read more

I drove to The Fish Barn from SF as I haven't had great luck with the LFSs in the city (besides Ocean Aquarium). The Fish Barn is awesome! By far the best experience I've had at an LFS. AJ and Jay were so helpful. They showed me a number of options for stocking my tank based on the criteria I gave them and answered any questions I had. I'm a beginner/intermediate fish keeper, but all skill levels would enjoy this shop. The fish all look happy, healthy, and were very fairly priced. Definitely check this place out! read more

My favorite local fish store! Great selection of plants. It's a smaller spot so not a ton of super rare/unique fish, but the fish they have are well-cared for and displayed nice. They get really unique bettas and have lots of great fish options for a nano setup. Their supplies are priced cheaper than some box retailers and the employees are always extremely helpful and nice. read more

This is a great aquarium store. They have high quality equipment and products, and a good selection of freshwater fish. You can get a lot of inspiration for tank setup here. Their planted aquariums are really well done. They're extremely knowledgable, and they care about fish health. read more

Was referred to this place by a worker at Walnut Creek Petco and I'm glad I stopped by! The owner AJ was extremely friendly and knowledgeable with the shrimps, fish, and tank setups. Great selection and prices on shrimps and will definitely be coming back to support this local shop! read more

The Fish Barn - Fish Barn has a great variety of shrimps! - Aquarium Services Near Me - Orinda, California

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Happy to find this place after so many aquarium stores have gone out of business. Needed anacharis/elodea for science labs at school and could not find it anywhere! Finally found this store in Orinda and was pleased they had it in stock! Great plants and fish, and they have a teacher discount to boot! I'll be back! read more

Very nice place. I've been many times. The place is seriously top-notch, but watch the data you get from younger assistance. I was told that a fish I asked about was a result of a breeding a guppy and a platy..... that resulted in a fish that looked like a female spotted molly. She said it would not be able to mate with another fish, however. Go figure... Otherwise 4-5 a star place. read more

I have been here a few times, and the staff are very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. This has become my new favorite local fish store since Albany Aquarium has closed. Healthy fish that go through quarantine before hitting the store floor which is something few fish stores do. Beautiful natural looking aquariums with great looking plants. The bettas are not in jars or cups! Great selection of food and everything is fairly priced. Will continue to shop at this store for my fish needs! read more

Super friendly and knowledgeable. Above and beyond! How lucky I am to have them nearby! As a newbie "parent" to a few-years-old Beta fish and wanting to upgrade her tank, I assumed I would go...to to a big corporate chain...? After a quick search, I was excited to find The Fish Barn instead! THANK YOU FISH BARN! Beautiful tanks, plants, rocks. Everything felt high quality. And special thanks to Jay!! She is amazing. Personalized advice. A++++++ THANK YOU!!! read more

Knowledgeable, friendly staff. I was referred to this store a couple months back because I wasn't having the best luck breeding my neo shrimp. Via the recommendation of fish barn to add some crushed coral to my tank - all my problems were solved! My tank is absolutely booming with shrimp now and they are constantly berried. Small store but great selection. I wasn't the only one coming in for advice, numerous people shuffled in as I did a couple months back asking an array of questions about aquascapes, tank mates, etc. read more

Just started my first tank and I could not have done it without this store! The store owner is super helpful and knowledgeable and has thoroughly explained everything I need to know! I was able to find all the equipment and plants I needed and I am super excited to go back when I'm ready for my fish! An amazing store for both first time aquarium havers and experienced fish keepers, 10/10 recommend!!! read more

The Fish Barn - Aquarium Services Near Me - Orinda, California

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Excellent customer service. They were very helpful helping me with starting a tank and picking my fish. They actually care about fish

The staff are so knowledgable and always willing to spend the time with me when I have questions. It's a small store and there can be a wait on the weekends, but it's always worth it. Aj and his team always recognize us when we come in and are genuinely curious about how our tanks doing. I LOVE this place!! read more

I drive over an hour to get to the Fish Barn and it is absolutely worth the trip. At places closer to me, I found tanks with dead fish, fish that were being put into sales tanks straight from their shipping containers, and employees who ignored me or condescended to me. At the Fish Barn, they quarantine their fish to make sure they're healthy and will not let a fish go out the door if it's not looking in the peak of health. Recently, I wanted to get some green neon tetras, but when I texted to check, I was told that while they had them, the fish had signs of white spot and would be held and treated. A week later when they were recovered I got a text and went to the store to pick up my fish, who are now doing great in my tank at home. I always get patient answers to my questions, too. I couldn't be happier with this store. read more

Great customer service and care and AJ is very knowledgeable much recommended if you are thinking about getting an aquarium

In my opinion this is one of the best shops in the SF Bay area. The customer service has always been great. They're quick to ask if you need any help but more than happy to let you take your time and browse, there's even a sand box so you can plan out your hardscape. The fish and tanks are look very healthy, and while I forgot to confirm this is appears that all tanks go through quarantine. Their fish selection is amazing as well, I was particularly impressed by their selection of Dwarf Cichlids, and left with a beautiful pair of Apistogramma borellii "Opal" and a school of Corydora habrosus, which are getting along swimmingly. read more

AJ is the absolute BEST! His knowledge about fresh water fish tanks and their care is epic, and the result... the most AMAZING fish tank I have ever owned!!! His shop might be small, but it is mighty. It is so refreshing to go into a fish store and have someone actually care. read more

The Fish Barn is a wonderful little place where I had one of the best customer service experiences in any shop, pet or otherwise. I have a 55 gallon tank and came in wanting to add some colorful fish. I didn't know exactly what I wanted and even though I've kept fish for years I am by no means an expert. AJ showed me several options and answered all my questions. You can see the quality of the fish in every tank in the store. Ultimately I chose Cherry barbs and a week later they are all happily swimming around in my tank. When I told him the tank is at a daycare center, he showed me a type of fish that tend to follow your hand if you put it up against the glass and move it. And when I mentioned that eventually I'd like to have cories again but was concerned about having an all-gravel substrate, he said they don't need a completely sandy substrate but that you can make a beach using a type of sand substrate that can withstand a gravel vacuum. Those are the kind of details or insights you simply won't get at the "big box" pet stores. We also discussed live plants. I've never had luck with live plants, but I'm encouraged to try again after getting his perspective. I appreciated that he showed me the specimens and materials needed, without pressuring me to buy them. My only suggestion is to have signage on the building (at the top, as with the other stores in the lot). The store is located right across the street from the Orinda Library, and there is easy, free parking in the area. read more

I can't believe I waited this long to review, but AJ at Fish Barn has been an amazing help with our new hobby. He has an big selection of healthy and happy fish and never hesitates to spend the time to make sure we get what's best for our setup and the fish. My only warning is that once you start this hobby, it's hard to stop and this place is like my candy store. Thank you for the great service and healthy fish! read more