6th Avenue Aquarium Introduce
Welcome to 6th Avenue Aquarium, a true cornerstone of the aquatic community in San Francisco. For California residents who are passionate about the captivating world beneath the water's surface, whether they are seasoned aquarists or just beginning their journey, 6th Avenue Aquarium offers a rich and authentic experience. Unlike larger, impersonal chain stores, this established local gem has been serving the Bay Area for decades, providing a vast and unique selection of freshwater and saltwater fish, live plants, and essential equipment. Our mission is to be the go-to resource for all your aquatic needs, fostering healthy and thriving underwater environments for enthusiasts of all levels.
At 6th Avenue Aquarium, we pride ourselves on our extensive and carefully curated selection. We understand that building a vibrant aquarium requires quality livestock and reliable supplies, and our shelves are stocked with a diverse array of options to inspire and support your aquatic ventures. From exotic cichlids and fascinating bichirs to a stunning variety of live plants and essential equipment, we strive to meet the specific demands of the discerning California aquarist. We believe in providing a hands-on experience, allowing customers to explore our well-kept tanks and choose their aquatic companions directly. Our long-standing presence in the community, with some customers visiting for over 20 years, is a testament to our commitment to quality and service.
We are more than just a place to purchase fish; we are a hub where aquatic enthusiasts can find specialized knowledge and unique species often hard to come by elsewhere. For locals across California who appreciate genuine expertise and a deep passion for the aquatic hobby, 6th Avenue Aquarium stands out as a reliable and authentic choice. We invite you to visit us on Clement Street and discover why we remain a beloved staple for countless aquarists in San Francisco and beyond, dedicated to helping you create your own magnificent underwater world.
6th Avenue Aquarium is conveniently located at 425 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA. This address places the store in the heart of San Francisco's Inner Richmond district, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood known for its local businesses, delicious eateries, and strong community feel. For Californians, particularly those in the Bay Area, the Clement Street location offers a familiar and easily accessible destination for their aquatic needs.
Clement Street is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, making 6th Avenue Aquarium highly visible and easy to find. The neighborhood is well-served by several Muni bus lines, providing excellent connectivity from various parts of San Francisco, including downtown and other residential areas. While direct BART access is not immediately adjacent, connections via Muni buses from major BART stations (such as Civic Center/UN Plaza or Montgomery Street) are convenient, allowing visitors from different parts of the Bay Area to reach us efficiently.
For clients traveling by car, parking can sometimes be a "crapshoot" on Clement Street, as noted in customer reviews. It is often recommended to "come on a weekday in the afternoon" for better parking availability. If visiting on a Sunday, be aware that "there’s usually a farmers market going on down the street," which can further impact parking but also offers a vibrant local experience. Despite potential parking challenges typical of popular urban areas in California, the unique selection and expertise at 6th Avenue Aquarium make the visit worthwhile for dedicated aquarists. Our storefront is easily identifiable, and our team is always ready to assist with directions or information, ensuring a smooth visit for all our valued customers throughout California.
The Inner Richmond's lively and authentic atmosphere perfectly complements the long-standing, unpretentious nature of 6th Avenue Aquarium. It's a neighborhood that celebrates independent businesses and caters to passionate hobbies, making our location an ideal fit for our specialized offerings. We are proud to be a consistent presence in this bustling part of San Francisco, serving as a reliable resource for aquatic enthusiasts.
- Extensive Live Fish Selection: Offering a wide and "amazing selection of fish," including various freshwater species like electric catfish, five-star general cichlids, and bichirs, as well as a dedicated selection of saltwater fish. This caters to diverse aquarist preferences.
- Live Aquarium Plants: Providing a great selection of live aquatic plants, essential for creating healthy and aesthetically pleasing freshwater aquarium environments.
- Aquarium Equipment Sales: Stocking a comprehensive range of equipment necessary for setting up and maintaining aquariums, ensuring customers have access to vital components for their tanks.
- Aquarium Supplies: Offering various supplies for general aquarium care, including filters, heaters, lighting, water conditioners, and other essentials for both freshwater and saltwater setups.
- Crystals for Sale: In addition to aquatic items, the store also carries "crystals for sale," providing a unique additional offering that might appeal to a broader customer base.
- Expert Advice (Implicit through experience): While not explicitly listed as a service, the owner's long-standing presence and customer's 20-year loyalty suggest a deep well of knowledge available for informal consultation on fish care, compatibility, and aquarium maintenance.
- Community Tank Preparedness Guidance: Implicitly advises customers on best practices, such as "Quarantine your newly bought fish if you have a community tank," demonstrating a commitment to responsible fishkeeping.
- "Amazing Selection of Fish": Consistently highlighted by customers, the sheer variety and uniqueness of the fish selection, including less common species like electric catfish, five-star general cichlids, and bichirs, is a major draw. This extensive range caters to both beginners and experienced aquarists seeking specific or exotic species.
- Well-Maintained Tanks: Customers note that the "Tanks are well kept," which is crucial for demonstrating the health of the fish and the store's commitment to quality aquatic care. Clean and healthy tanks inspire confidence in the livestock.
- Quality Live Plants: The availability of "great" live aquarium plants is a significant highlight, as healthy plants are vital for freshwater aquascaping and maintaining balanced ecosystems.
- Long-Standing Local Staple: Being a "staple of Clement Street for sure" and having customers who have been coming for "20 years" underscores its deep roots in the San Francisco community and its consistent reliability over time. This longevity builds trust with local Californians.
- Extensive Equipment Selection: The "Great selection of equipment" ensures that aquarists can find not only fish but also the necessary hardware to set up and maintain their tanks effectively, making it a one-stop shop for serious hobbyists.
- Authentic and Unpretentious Atmosphere: While one customer described the owner as "crass not racist," implying a direct, no-nonsense communication style, this can be a highlight for locals who appreciate straightforward interactions over overly polished sales pitches. It suggests an authentic, genuine environment.
- Unique Non-Aquatic Offerings: The inclusion of "crystals for sale" adds a quirky and unique touch, expanding the store's appeal beyond strict aquarists and potentially attracting customers interested in other niche products.
Address: 425 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
Phone: (415) 668-7190
Mobile Phone: +1 415-668-7190
For residents of California, especially the dedicated aquarists and enthusiasts in the San Francisco Bay Area, 6th Avenue Aquarium at 425 Clement St stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly valued resource. Its decades-long presence, specialized offerings, and authentic approach make it a cornerstone of the local aquatic community, perfectly meeting the needs of those seeking high-quality fish and reliable supplies.
Firstly, the most compelling reason for 6th Avenue Aquarium’s suitability for locals is its **"amazing selection of fish."** In a state with a significant number of aquarium hobbyists, access to a diverse range of both freshwater and saltwater species, including less common varieties like electric catfish, cichlids, and bichirs, is invaluable. This extensive and unique inventory ensures that aquarists, whether they are setting up a new tank or looking to add to an existing community, can find precisely what they need. The assurance that the "Tanks are well kept" further instills confidence in the health and quality of the livestock, a critical factor for any responsible fish owner in California.
Secondly, the store's **long-standing reputation and deep roots** within the San Francisco community make it a trusted institution. Being a "staple of Clement Street for sure" and serving customers for "20 years" speaks volumes about its reliability, expertise, and consistent quality. This longevity means that local Californians have a dependable source for not just fish, but also essential equipment and live plants that are crucial for creating thriving aquatic environments. The informal, experienced advice, such as the recommendation to "Quarantine your newly bought fish," underscores a practical, real-world understanding of the hobby that chain stores often lack.
Moreover, the authentic and unpretentious atmosphere of 6th Avenue Aquarium resonates with many local Californians who appreciate genuine interactions and specialized knowledge over flashy sales tactics. While the owner's communication style might be described as "crass not racist," this often translates to a direct, honest approach that experienced hobbyists value. It fosters an environment where enthusiasts can "chop it up" and share insights, creating a sense of community around a shared passion for aquatic life.
Finally, despite potential parking challenges common in urban San Francisco, the unique offerings and proven reliability of 6th Avenue Aquarium make the visit highly worthwhile for dedicated aquarists. Its location in the vibrant Inner Richmond neighborhood also allows for a broader local experience. For any Californian passionate about creating and maintaining stunning aquatic worlds, 6th Avenue Aquarium is an indispensable and trusted local gem, providing the quality fish, equipment, and expertise needed to succeed in the fascinating hobby.
6th Avenue Aquarium Photos



6th Avenue Aquarium Location
6th Avenue Aquarium
425 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
6th Avenue Aquarium Reviews
Picked up an electric catfish, five star general cichlid and bichir. You help yourself. They also have plants and crystals for sale. Great selection of equipment and saltwater fish Chopped it up with the owner he’s just crass not racist. Too many bleeding hearts locally. Quarantine your newly bought fish if you have a community tank. I’ve been coming here for 20 years.Parking is a crapshoot best to come on a weekday in afternoon. If it’s on Sunday there’s usually a farmers market going on down the street.
Apr 02, 2025 · Vinnz ZeeAmazing selection of fish. Tanks are well kept. Plants are also great. A staple of Clement street for sure.
May 10, 2025 · E LeeReview from 2023 edited for typos. Have not returned recently.Really inhumane setup for the hermit crabs for sale. Literally a pint size plastic container with a bit of dirty water in the bottom. Truly was shocking. My guess from experience is that these crabs would be hard to bring back from these conditions after purchasing, might die soon but even if they didn't it's probably cut their lifespan by a few years. For a store setup they need minimum shallow fresh and salt water dishes, a bit of a shell selection, and a food dish with some pellets and veggies, and a substrate of some kind in the cage. Can't say anything towards other fish as that's not my area. If you're a fish only shop that doesn't have the setup for land hermit crabs, just don't sell them instead of trying to make a quick buck like this. Whether you look at it as sacrificing the quality of your pruduct or the health of the animals it's not a good look for this business.
Feb 06, 2025 · A UReview from 2023 edited for typos. Have not returned recently.Really inhumane setup for the hermit crabs for sale. Literally a pint size plastic container with a bit of dirty water in the bottom. Truly was shocking. My guess from experience is that these crabs would be hard to bring back from these conditions after purchasing, might die soon but even if they didn't it's probably cut their lifespan by a few years. For a store setup they need minimum shallow fresh and salt water dishes, a bit of a shell selection, and a food dish with some pellets and veggies, and a substrate of some kind in the cage. Can't say anything towards other fish as that's not my area. If you're a fish only shop that doesn't have the setup for land hermit crabs, just don't sell them instead of trying to make a quick buck like this. Whether you look at it as sacrificing the quality of your pruduct or the health of the animals it's not a good look for this business.
Feb 06, 2025 · A USketchy. I mean it’s an SF institution so you keep going back for certain stuff but let’s be real: this is a concentration camp for fish. They pump the water with very high oxygen and copper and who knows what else to keep the fish alive as long as possible but every animal in here is in the process of dying to some degree. I still shop here because they have a incredible selection of products and the shrimp are very affordable. Lights and tanks they have good selection and price. But again, livestock situation is sketch. I will say well more than half of the fish I’ve bought here over many years have just died immediately when I got them home (to my pristine heavily planted tank that’s been established for years) best advice on livestock is try to get fish right after they arrive. Or don’t at all lol. I’m not hating, like I said I still go here. One thing that may help customers is to test the water you get in the bag when buying fish here. I’ve done it a few times and got almost purple reading, AKA super high PH, I’m guessing due to dissolved oxygen and maybe copper or some disease treatment?? I don’t know but if your tank is 7 or below 7 the fish just die of acidity. Anyway this place will surely survive the apocalypse but the fish won’t survive a week so get ‘em while they’re hot!
Jan 19, 2025 · Christopher JewettSketchy. I mean it’s an SF institution so you keep going back for certain stuff but let’s be real: this is a concentration camp for fish. They pump the water with very high oxygen and copper and who knows what else to keep the fish alive as long as possible but every animal in here is in the process of dying to some degree. I still shop here because they have a incredible selection of products and the shrimp are very affordable. Lights and tanks they have good selection and price. But again, livestock situation is sketch. I will say well more than half of the fish I’ve bought here over many years have just died immediately when I got them home (to my pristine heavily planted tank that’s been established for years) best advice on livestock is try to get fish right after they arrive. Or don’t at all lol. I’m not hating, like I said I still go here. One thing that may help customers is to test the water you get in the bag when buying fish here. I’ve done it a few times and got almost purple reading, AKA super high PH, I’m guessing due to dissolved oxygen and maybe copper or some disease treatment?? I don’t know but if your tank is 7 or below 7 the fish just die of acidity. Anyway this place will surely survive the apocalypse but the fish won’t survive a week so get ‘em while they’re hot!
Jan 19, 2025 · Christopher JewettI don’t know why they can’t Invest theTime to quarantine new fish shipments?? I got an infected platinum albino Discus and wiped out half my tank in 3 days time! I tested my chemistry and all normal. These were healthy until add this new pair. They run a low quality operation, sell “cheap” but costs you more in the end.
Jan 11, 2024 · Vik PatelI don’t know why they can’t Invest theTime to quarantine new fish shipments?? I got an infected platinum albino Discus and wiped out half my tank in 3 days time! I tested my chemistry and all normal. These were healthy until add this new pair. They run a low quality operation, sell “cheap” but costs you more in the end.
Jan 11, 2024 · Vik Patel
More Pet Stores Near Me

342 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA

1718 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA

1188 Old Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA

2124 Union St #A, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA

2124 Union St unit d, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA

2066 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA

3600 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA

120 Cedar St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

2150 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

356 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

900 North Point St E204A, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

988 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites





