Clear Water Aquarium

179 reviews

1080 Saratoga Ave #11, San Jose, CA 95129

clearwateraquariumca.com

+14082178069

About

Clear Water Aquarium is a Tropical fish store located at 1080 Saratoga Ave #11, San Jose, CA 95129. It has received 179 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday9AM-7PM
Tuesday9AM-7PM
Wednesday10AM-5PM
Thursday10AM-5PM
Friday10AM-5PM
Saturday10AM-5PM
Sunday9AM-7PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Clear Water Aquarium: 1080 Saratoga Ave #11, San Jose, CA 95129

  • Clear Water Aquarium has 4.3 stars from 179 reviews

  • Tropical fish store

  • "I support local fish stores, and want to like this place, but I can't"

    "I like to visit LFSs when I travel"

    "Absolutely LOVE this place"

    "I stopped in this new business in the place of the former tropical fish store"

    "Ed and his team are the best"

Reviews

  • brian martin

I support local fish stores, and want to like this place, but I can't. I went to get all the supplies for my new nano reef tank, so I bought premade saltwater as well as live rock, etc. I setup my tank and put many expensive corals in the tank. After several weeks I tested the water and the salt level was at 1.035! It is supposed to be between 1.024 and 1.026! This was way off! I called and spoke to the owner. He said his salt was fine. I asked several times, he suggesated maybe my measurement was off, or I let water evaporate and the salinity rose. After several attempts, he finally admitted that his water was accidentally mixed a "little too salty" a while back! Why not tell me that at the start! I would like to like this place, but I simply can't. If they cannot mix saltwater to the proper concentration, that is simply not acceptable. It is a basic thing. And then to get the runaround before finally admitting their error, shame on them! I have many hundreds of dollars worth of corals, and I need to be able to trust the water they are in. I will not be back there. Update to you response: Just to be clear, after I found the water in my aquarium was too high in salinity, I tested the purchased saltwater that was still in the sealed 5 gallon jug. It was this water that tested 1.035, not just my aquarium water. So no, not shame on me.

  • Gary

I like to visit LFSs when I travel. Today I popped into Clear Water Aquarium. I must have come on a bad day, thinking a big shipment arrived or something. There was stuff everywhere. Boxes, wrapping, half built stands. I have broken foot and am wearing an open toe boot, of course I stubbed my toe on a large pipe wrench sitting in the middle of the floor. I picked it up and tried to hand it to guy behind counter, was told just leave it there. Aside from that the store is small, but manage to pack in a lot of livestock. The freshwater selection was decent. I do think it would be pretty challenging for the team to pick Congo tetras out of tank with rainbows, pencil fish and a number of other fish. There weren’t to many species listed on the tanks, at least the I noticed. Where they really excelled is salt water. They have (two I think) large shallow tanks with live,rock and fish. The moorish idols in particular might have been the meat I’ve seen. Very nice. Lots of damsels and assorted others to pick from. The corals and invertebrates looked great, very healthy and nice selection. The biggest complaint is I felt like I had to climb over stuff to move around the store.

  • Justin Pyle

Absolutely LOVE this place. We are not big-box store people, my wife/daughter/I want to be able to ask questions? Joel is absolutely spectacular, very mellow and really knowledgable. We went in, he spent a whole hour the first time just walking us through all the different tanks, fish, and processes for a salt-water aquarium. He ultimately sent us home with research to watch, before making an investment. The next day, we decided to go for it, he was there walking us through everything we needed. It's the kind of personal service you need when you're starting such an expensive hobby. We went into the big-box store just to check it out, it was super clean and plenty of sales people buzzing around, ultimate they scared us silly with talk of killing all the fish, toxins, over-priced solutions and a bunch of other nonsense. We went straight to Joel and received calm, clear guidance and left feeling totally relieved.

  • Angela Barkes-Draz

I stopped in this new business in the place of the former tropical fish store. The young man, Ed, was eager to talk to me about my set up and gave many helpful suggestions. I had been steered wrong mixing tropical fish with goldfish and when he found that out, he did not tell me it’s a bad situation to mix, but encouraged me to work with what I’d put together. It is very clear he is a fish enthusiast who is trying to make a go of a local fish store competing with the big fish stores. I was hanging around when a few customers stopped by and he said he could order supplies or fish as requested. I’m ecstatic to know there is a local fish store as I’d had no luck with the big fish stores in the area with help with my set up. I will support this guy with all my business and tell anyone who will listen he exists.

  • Kristen House

Ed and his team are the best. This fish shop has the heart and can-do spirit that every other aquarium store in the Bay Area lacks. I needed RO water during the pandemic, and not only did they come in to make it for me, it was near their official closing hours, and they weren't even open. A couple years later, I was desperately looking for someone to do a tank move for me. Nobody will touch that job anywhere in the Bay. But Ed went above and beyond to not only move the tank, but do a full breakdown and setup 2 hours away from the original location. A+ for effort, for customer service, and for being the only folks who will help out when it's so easy for someone to say, "nope, not my problem." Thanks, Clear Water Aquarium. Y'all are awesome.

  • Kimberly Shannon

Staff was "wearing" masks but would pull them down to talk to people. The tanks I saw before I left were filthy and overcrowded. It's a sad state of things when I feel like PetCo has cleaner tanks. Edit: Ed, this wasn't just a "mask adjustment". I turned around from looking at a tank and the employee was within arm's reach of me and had his mask below his face. That alone is enough for me to give this establishment a 1 star, regardless of the state of your livestock. I frequent some of the other local small aquarium businesses. I am sorry you are struggling but I will continue to take my business to them.

  • Darlene Werbelow

What a fun store! I saw a lot of fish that I haven’t seen in stores closer to my house. I came in search of more shrimp for my tank and I was surprised to find Amano shrimp for such an amazing deal! They also have a gorgeous selection of drift wood and bamboo hides. The store gives off a very friendly vibe. The owner is very knowledgeable and welcoming. I have to say, my favorite part of visiting this store today was the gorgeous tarantulas! I’m thankful they are way out of my price range because otherwise I would have brought them home! Only regret is I didn’t get any pictures.

  • Marisa Barry

I've started my saltwater fish tank about 4 months ago. I can honestly say this shop by far is the best shop in the entire bay area! the prices are very reasonable and you'll never leave unhappy. I also really love the selection of saltwater fish they have. The owner Ed is a very down to earth guy and is always willing to help you out and very knowledgeable about the products he has and does custom orders on tanks and other products! By far my favorite shop, this will forever be my only shop I go to as long as I live in the Bay.

  • Anuj Tripathi

Have lots of fishes but all the fishes we got died. I suspected that water was bad but when they tested it nothing unusual was found . Edit: after posting the review I got a response from them. I might not agree with the explanation as the water was running in the tank for 3 days before dishes were introduced they did recommend me recycling the water , which I will be doing soon. Having said that , I do feel they were helpful during fish selection and provided a lot of information . Changing the rating reflect that

  • Hari Meyyappan

Poor care for fish. Found some freshwater fish dead and some with ich, and still being kept with other fish. Buyers need to be very careful before adding these fish to your tanks at home. Sick fish can wipe out a whole tank. Feel sad for the fish in this shop. I hope they take take this as constructive feedback and take steps soon to prevent more deaths. Update - I went inside the shop with a mask on (Owner's comments below are funny, irrelevant and not true). I did not buy anything because I saw many sick fish.

  • Darrien Molvig

They had high end stock, but you couldn't find a single frag that wasn't covered in glass anemones or or bubble algae. They appeared to have every post imaginable. I would estimate that over 60% of their stony coral frags were just skeletons. All of their fish were sick. I wouldn't put anything from here in your tank unless you are trying to nuke it. Hopefully they can get it together and get everything healthy, because they did have nice livestock for reasonable prices, it was all just sick and dying.

  • Ken Pham

I was hoping to purchase some plants and upon walking in I was not greeted until I had to walk up to the counter and noticed the worker was just playing video games. He seemed annoyed that I was interrupting his session. I asked if they carried certain plants and he looked confused and told me to go over to the tank of leftover plants which was filthy and packed that I couldn't see any plants I needed. I just walked out annoyed that I wasted my time coming out here

  • Natalie Wilson

Went in with my mom to buy some new plants and driftwood to spruce up my elderly parents’ aquarium. Michael could not have been more sweet and helpful, my mom (who has dementia) has such a huge smile on her face and kept talking about how much fun she had. A week later she still remembers Michael and how sweet he was, which is remarkable because she hardly remembers anything. They also seem to have a great selection to go with the customer service.

  • Roberto Hatch

Was a little nervous about jumping into the saltwater tank hobby but Ed made me feel confident about starting it up and is super knowledgeable when it comes to aquariums and isn’t like your typical LFS that tells you to look things up online or don’t want to share info. A few months later and I now have a second saltwater tank ( kind of addicted now). Come check them out and if they don’t have what you want you can always ask to have something ordered!

  • Samuel Greenberg

Not the biggest store but a solid selection of corals, fish, inverts, and supplies nonetheless. Ed, the owner is very knowledgeable and friendly. Prices are better than average. Update: Unfortunately the fish in the anemone tank all appear to have some disease so I didn't buy the fish I really wanted because it had signs of infection. The last few times their selection was low and they didn't even have frag plugs or coral glue.

  • Jose

They work on their time, A few times I come im out front waiting for an hour or more. They never show up on time, The phone memory is full so you can't leave voice-mail. The few times I've been here I've never gotten in after waiting long. Very unprofessional services, Dont have the open sign on if you're not going to be open when the hours say you will. Thry put a be back in 10 minutes sign lol, What a joke.

  • Doug Bourne

Only a quick stop here so far, but helpful and knowledgeable. I was looking for very introductory supplies and they pointed me in the right direction, as well as mentioning that they would be happy to run a confirmation test on some water if I wanted to bring in a sample to make sure everything was looking good. May increase rating to five stars in the future, but hard to justify from only one experience.

  • Noe

Unfortunately the places it's all but clean and organize, fishes living in really poor conditions, tanks full of algae, stuff playing videogames instead of cleaning the store up, probably store owner is on vacation or he doesn't care about the business anymore, everything is a nasty mess, No visible prices, I would recommend to this guy's focus on the aquarium or look for another way to make money.....

  • Meagan Starr

I do love the selection of fish. They had more rare & special ones like nano fish, gorgeous guppies, sailfish mollies & dwarf rainbows! I would rate 4 stars but it was like walking in a man cave & everyone was on break & not very eager to help at all. 1 guy was playing a video game while we were looking. Not very professional. However when we did finally get help, he was very knowledgeable & helpful.

  • Jorge Ojeda

Dweeby white guy with glasses at the front desk is a creep. Came up to my girl and I and blatantly looked her up and down. Said something along the lines of "I'll give you a discount since your lady friend is so fine." This was yesterday. 4/25/2023. If that's who you have representing your store, you should reconsider your hiring process. Take care of it.

  • Michael Johns

Great staff with a plethora of species for fresh and salt water. This is not the place to go and buy all the cute stuff for aquariums like decorations or fancy lighting. It’s super focused on the species varieties they sell and your basic equipment like pumps, lights, tubing, etc. They also sell used tanks and setups if they have some available.

  • The ring man

I thought I was going to have to go to the east side of San jose after seeing the old tropical fish store closed. Last one in the area. But was happy to see a new one open up! It's small but definitely give this place a look. Prices are responsible for the fish depending on what you want and great selection on plants / driftwood pieces.

  • Christina Ng

Great selection of fresh and saltwater. They didn’t have much of the floating plant that he grows himself but he sold me a small portion (thank you so much!). Also got a cute little crayfish. My daughter and I can look at their fresh water tanks all day with the fish shrimp and plants. If we had more space we would have more tanks!!

  • Michael Workman

The owner, Ed, is a nice guy. Helpful, easy to talk to. Good selection of Freshwater fish, in pretty good shape. Good prices. My only suggestion to Ed is that he clean the place up a bit...it is a bit messy. Again, on the positive side, this is a good store with lots of potential. We need more Aquarium stores in the South Bay Area.

  • Alison White

Super friendly and helpful staff and owner, they’ve been helping me try to get a certain rare species of fish that nobody else has for weeks now which is far beyond what most stores are willing to do. Definitely a great place to check out, especially if you’re trying to get something rare or interesting.

  • Jessica Vasquez

Beautiful aquatic fish store. Owner is very pleasant and extremely knowledgeable about fresh and salt water tanks. They have a vast variety of sponges, aquatic plants and more. Highly recommend for a quick free trip to the aquarium (lol) or for professional salt/fresh water enthusiasts!

  • ellora sethi

Excellent suggestions, great insight into fishkeeping. I don't have a local fish store near by other than the commercial pet stores, and these guys know their stuff. They are very patient, supportive, listen, and provide helpful suggestions to help you figure out your fish tank needs.

  • Josh Rivera

As you walk in you can see its not like most aquarium, you might judge the cleanliness of the place, but please dont judge a book by its cover. The service makes up for it. They don't just treat you like a customer, but like someone who is a regular there. I really enjoy this place.

  • arash amini

I bought 2 fish and both of them had ich , they brought the disease to my tank , and trying to cure the fish , all my corals and shrimps died because of medication .I trusted them when they said our fish is safe, I won't trust dishonest people and I will never buy anything from them

  • Yash Saxena

Ed was very helpful and helped us find everything we needed. A wide variety of livestock available and all the tanks looked well maintained. The price is a bit higher than some other stores but it is well worth it. Great store, would highly recommend and will be coming back soon.

  • Ashley McCole

Spectacular service and products. The gentleman in the shop are exceptionally knowledgeable, patient, and kind. Eric helped me choose my fish and plant life after a truly miserable experience with PetCo and PetSmart. I can't say enough great things about them.

  • Amber G

I've popped in a three times several weeks apart because I had assumed that maybe next time it would be better. Staff isn't wearing masks and there are usually several dead fish per tank. I think I've officially given up assuming next time will be better lol.

  • Gabe Yee

While they might come off a bit short, they get to the point and offer quality service all the time. Ed is always happy to conversate and give advice regarding many fish-related things. We had a rainbow fish with gravel stuck in its mouth

  • Robin Carlson

Ed is a life saver! I am a teacher and I decided to do some sea monkeys (aka brine shrimp) with my summer school students. I got a kit, followed the instructions, and it did not work. The kids were making and recording daily about our sea

  • Linh Dang

The owner is so professional and Nice. He give us a lot of helpful guide to take care of our fishes. He also provides a lot of good supplies, I just change my old filter and get the new from him. It works so great! Thank you so much!

  • Nicholas Kawamoto

Very helpful and extremely knowledgeable staff. Awesome inventory that you will have a hard time finding anywhere else. These people are awesome and their fish and coral are healthy. Very lucky to have a store like this in the area.

  • jagat

The owner Ed, is a very friendly and knowledgeable person who is always happy to help his customers. The store is well maintained with a wide variety of saltwater and freshwater fish and corals. Also the prices are very reasonable.

  • Jennifer Christensen

Great place to get fish and supplies! I got some corydoras and a Betta here. Got some good advice on who to bring into my planted community tank. Support your lfs and be sure to check this place out. It's small but well stocked.

  • John Ma

They have a good selection of beautiful fish. Price is fair and the staff is friendly. A great neighborhood aquarium store. The only downside is that all staff are not wearing mask and have no social distancing concept in mind.

  • matt newton

Everyone here knows their stuff and are always willing to help, even when you are a noob like I am. Very friendly and clean environment - Much better than the big box stores that sell half dead fish for overinflated prices...

  • Jordan Eldridge

I have been several times. Twice I have bought Discus and both times one of them died. Discus are expensive. My water was tested the first time and there was no problem. Never gives refunds for dead fish which is messed up.

  • Elias Soto

Knowledgeable about the fish. They know which fish will go well with each other. How to cure common ailments. They have a great selection of shrimp and crabs as well. Taking the kids to this place every few weeks is a treat

  • Jeffrey Burns

This staff is friendly and patient as well as simplifying customers concerns. As a beginner in the hobby to well over a year later Clear Water Aquairum has been very helpful with my setup, fishcare and maintenance.

  • Laura K

Ed (the owner) is super knowledgeable and helpful. He always patiently answers all my questions. There's a large variety of fish and corals. I always find something new and cool when I come in. I love this place.

  • Nik

The new manager was extremely friendly, knowledgeable and helpful on my first visit. He helped me with all of my questions about my aquarium & a future aquarium I want to start in the future. Great place!!!

  • Scott

Wide selection of Products Ranging from startup Fresh water aquarium, too advanced salt water. Good selection of fish, both Fresh and salt. Reef corals are amazing. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

  • Kinky Submissive

Great Store with lots of options for various tank size. Owner was there and did not try to sell me everything he had to offer. I told him what I wanted and he found a good set up. Prices were not bad.

  • Manny v

Ed. Really knows his stuff and has great customer service. If you are thinking about getting some nice corals and fish I recommend coming here it's great for starters and the owner Ed is a great guy.

  • Christine Wojciak

Ed from Clear water was super knowledgeable about getting the best most cost efficient tank. Also was very helpful on finding and ordering rare fish for us. He will go above and beyond to help!!

  • Brandon simpson

Store is coming along nicely. Was there tonight. Lots of nice corals and getting new stuff in daily. Edward the owner very knowledgeable and friendly. You can actually call the store too!

  • Michael Williamson

One of our favorite aquarium shop to visit and grab a few new additions to our tanks. Great customer service every time and always there to help with any questions. Highly recommend!

  • otis2cody

Saltwater selection ok at best. Sps was all not in vefy good shape. Some lps was ok. Fish selection was minimal. Tankscwere slightly cloudy. I did not purchase any thi g for my tank.

  • Dan Horning

Went in today for the first time to buy saltwater fish. These are some of the nicest people I've ever met. Super friendly, they turned me into a lifelong customer. Awesome place!!

  • William Scott

This store has been getting better each time I visit. Large selection of saltwater, including a good selection of coral. Also a good selection of freshwater. Reasonable prices.

  • Michael McLean

This place is amazing. Youre immediately a friend asking for advice on a very difficult hobby. They give great advice based on experience for a solid and healthy tank setup.

  • Mark Kline

Awesome service!!! Mike and Eric are both on top of it and willing to help where they can! Always a pleasure! I wouldn’t have the tanks I have without their expert help!

  • Kevin Chen

Love coming here to purchase their amazing corals. Staff is very helpful and friendly. They have very nice display tanks, my favorite is the one in the back of the shop!

  • Roy Mcalister

Im always visiting clear water Aquarium to get fish and plants or just to look around and the staff are great to talk to and ask questions for good device. …

  • Brian Hoyland

I always get the best service and advice from the staff here. They also have more of the exotic salt water fish and live stock is always changing with new cool sea life

  • Dan Staringer

Wonderful local fish store. Ed, the owner is not only knowledgeable but very friendly and answers your questions honestly. This is now my go-to fish store.

  • flakic Jca

They explained me everything how to prepared up the fish tank for salt water good customer service I'm process grab fishes is adventure thanks for help

  • Yu-Ying Liu

The boss is kind, and is willing to answer questions! He is knowledgeable!He looks like the star Ed Sheeran ☺️ We bought two super cute clownfish!

  • Ray Sun

Pretty good store, fish quality is above average, not a lot of plants options though, got XL amamo shrimps that I couldn't find anywhere else locally.

  • Shawn B

Took our water down to be tested and they were super helpful, gave great tips on why our beta has raggedy fins. Very nice guys! Will go again.

  • Mr. Sid's Classroom

When I went in the place was totally empty. But when someone finally came to help me, I found a great fish. I'm super happy with the fish.

  • Art Trino

A pretty good selection of fresh and saltwater. There were some interesting cohabitants in the freshwater tanks not to mention some KOs

  • Deb Higgs

I bought my tank here and it’s the only place I’ll go. Everyone knows everything I’ve ever asked them and they are always very helpful

  • see lam

I like this store owner, very helpful and knowledgeable, he answered you every single question patiently. and also reasonable price.

  • Tai Huynh

Most of the salt water fish have ick and the tank look like it haven't been clean for weeks, nice selection on fresh water fish tho

  • Yilan Shi

Amazing customer service with well-priced freshwater and saltwater fish stock, equipment and decor. Will be coming back often!!

  • Nadine K

Always professional, kind and helpful. I love getting my fish from him as they are guaranteed during their acclimation period.

  • Andrew Sowden

By FAR my favorite store. Very friendly very knowledgeable people. Best prices. I drive from Santa Cruz to go, and am happyto5

  • George Kim

I met Ed and his crew. Fast and friendly service. Nothing creepy about any of them. The koi guppies seem healthy and happy.

  • John Hsu

very friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. i got few fresh water fish and they are doing very well after many months.

  • Yesenia Quiroz Mendoza

Great place to stop by and look at all the fish and corals My daughter loved seeing the saltwater fish especially "Dory"

  • Jamie Starr

Came in here on a holiday, didnt have any red tail sharks or bala sharks. Also half of the tanks in store was dirty !

  • Shad Thetford

Not the best customer service but I was able to purchase some really nice fish. I believe this is an honest rating.

  • Captain Levi

Fish tanks really dirty could barley see the fish in the fish tanks . One had a dead foxface rabbit fish :( .

  • Chris Davidson

A large variety of saltwater fish ..and great prices on there discuss fish .. I highly recommend this place

  • jane ramirez

My seven year old loves this place. Staff are great. Never lost a fish ...they have all been healthy.

  • robert mendosa

Edward is a friendly and knowledgeable guy. He knows the hobby and is happy to help his customers

  • Bret Thomsen

Small place with good service and selection. We found some great driftwood at a reasonable price

  • William Cruz

Very reasonable pricing on fish and corals. Most of my fish and some corals I purchased here.

  • Calamardo robot

I already went sometimes I like the place, I have a question do you have a bloodworms alive?

  • Tristan R

Awesome store, great prices, friendly and smart staff, incredible stock and healthy fish!

  • Jak Crow

Place looks nothing like the photos. Show tanks dont look good and need to be cleaned.

  • Chris Davidson

Good prices at this store. Good salt water fish selection and some fresh water fish .

  • Sabrina Sharp-Foxx

Excellent shop, very knowledgeable owner. Definitely the right place for fish geeks.

  • David Woodham Sr

Nice friendly neighborhood fish and aquarium store. Reasonable pricing.

  • John Lonsinger

Great prices and selection staff was knowledgeable cool and friendly

  • Frank Viloria

Good selection of both fresh water and salt water fish, coral, etc.

  • Ray Aced

Great selection with good prices. Many corals. Will special order.

  • James C

This little store is super cool. The staff is helpful & friendly.

  • Joey P

It used to be a nice store. Now the aquarium is not well cleaned

  • Tiffany Oatson

The owner Ed or Todd is a great guy! Knowledgeable and helpful!

  • LaRon Virgil

Super cool people and very knowledgeable loves their expertise

  • Chris L

Came in for some dwarf neons got hooked up for Black Friday!

  • denise costa

Nice fish ,expensive and customer service is Terrible

  • Jaymore Emmanuel

The staff is great and always friendly.

  • Dan Marshall

Great deal on mosquito fish! Functional

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