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Review content:
I've been keeping aquariums for over 40 years. My very first job was at an aquarium store, at 13, and I hope my last job will also be at an aquarium store. I managed The Aquarium, in Pleasant Hill and Concord for many years, and we were proud of our store. It was big, clean and modern. Ocean Aquarium is small, clean and low-tech.
And the fish Love it there! I'll tell you why.
Justin and his family show the love they have for this hobby from the minute you walk in the door. You see green everywhere. It's the color of the plants reflecting out from all the aquariums, glowing in a healthy kind of radiance that no big store can ever match. The attention is focused on a naturalistic type of environment that encourages health in the animals, rather than the ""get 'em in and out fast"" approach that dominates most aquarium stores. I've always been told that it is simply the only way to make a store profitable and Justin and family proved to me that it just isn't so.
The selection of fish is amazing, offering species that you will never see in other stores. I even saw a few I have only seen in books! If you are really into aquariums, you will be in awe of what you see in this store. Plain and simple, much like the store itself. The health of the fish is better than almost any store I have ever seen, and I've been to hundreds all over the country.
As for the one review I read here claiming that the owners were rude, the writer must have been talking about other people. The family I met were joyful, passionate and friendly, giving me a tour and showing me highlights. I would suggest that one merely need ask, and Justin or one of the family will be happy to accommodate you.
This review is long, and it needs to be. As a professional aquarist, a store like this is simply a rare delight. I encourage anyone looking for amazing smaller freshwater tropical fish to visit Ocean Aquarium. If you're merely curious about aquariums, even better! This store may give you just the push you need to get hooked, and reel you in to a lifetime of enjoyment from a simple, natural hobby. Fish weather recessions just fine, thank you. Fish food is cheap.
Am I glowing yet?
Bob Hartline
P.S. If they had 6 stars, these guys would get another one.
Pros: Outstanding fish, plants, knowledge and service!
Cons: I didn't see any:)
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