Aquarium Designs ico

Aquarium Designs

Pet Store Near MeTexasBexar CountySan AntonioSan Pedro Avenue

15229 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78232, USA

4.0

Aquarium Designs may be a smaller shop, but they pack in a wide variety of items and supplies for aquarium enthusiasts. I stopped by looking specifically for freshwater fish and plants, and while they do carry some, the selection is fairly limited—only a few tanks with freshwater livestock and even fewer plants. That said, the staff really stands out here—everyone was incredibly friendly, helpful, and attentive. Overall, it’s a great little shop with solid customer service. Just wish they had a bit more variety on the freshwater side.

Ernesto Pena
  • Overview
  • (210) 495-7333

Hours

Monday 12:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 12:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 12:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday 12:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday Closed

Welcome to Aquarium Designs

For aquatic enthusiasts in San Antonio, Texas, Aquarium Designs at 15229 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78232, USA, presents itself as a dedicated option within the "Pet Store Near Me" category. This smaller, specialized shop caters specifically to the needs of aquarium hobbyists, providing a range of items and supplies. Its primary focus is on aquatics, distinguishing it from general pet stores.

You can reach Aquarium Designs by phone at (210) 495-7333 or via mobile at +1 210-495-7333. These contact points allow customers to inquire about specific products, livestock availability, or to seek advice on their aquarium setups.

Environment and Atmosphere

Aquarium Designs is described as a "smaller shop" that nonetheless manages to "pack in a wide variety of items and supplies for aquarium enthusiasts." This suggests a space that, while perhaps compact, is efficiently organized to maximize product display. The atmosphere, however, appears to be a mixed bag according to customer feedback. One review praises the staff for being "incredibly friendly, helpful, and attentive," contributing to a "great little shop with solid customer service" and an overall positive experience. This indicates a welcoming and supportive environment where customers feel comfortable asking questions and receiving assistance.

Conversely, another review describes an "uncomfortable environment" with an "unfriendly" lady working, leading to a negative interaction that deterred future visits. This suggests that while the store aims to be a helpful resource, individual experiences with staff demeanor can significantly impact the overall atmosphere. Ideally, a dedicated aquatics store should feel like a serene and knowledgeable hub for enthusiasts, and the presence of healthy, well-maintained tanks would contribute positively to this ambiance.

Services and Goods for Sale

Aquarium Designs specializes in products and livestock for the aquatic hobby. As a niche "Pet Store Near Me" for aquarists, their primary services and goods likely include:

  • Aquarium Supplies: A diverse range of equipment and accessories essential for setting up and maintaining aquariums. This would include tanks of various sizes, filtration systems, heaters, lighting, air pumps, and water conditioners.
  • Aquarium Decor: Items such as gravel, sand, rocks, driftwood, and artificial plants to create aesthetically pleasing and functional aquatic environments.
  • Aquatic Livestock: The store carries live animals for aquariums. While reviews suggest the freshwater selection might be "fairly limited—only a few tanks with freshwater livestock and even fewer plants," they do carry both freshwater fish and plants. Given their specialization, they likely also offer a selection of saltwater fish and corals, although specific details are not provided in the reviews.
  • Fish Food and Supplements: Various types of food tailored for different fish species, along with supplements to maintain water quality and fish health.
  • Expert Advice: A significant "service" offered by specialized stores like Aquarium Designs is the knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance on aquarium setup, water parameters, fish compatibility, and troubleshooting common issues. The positive review highlights staff who are "friendly, helpful, and attentive," indicating a valuable resource for advice.
Features and Unique Selling Points

Aquarium Designs distinguishes itself within the pet store landscape through several features, though some come with caveats:

  • Specialized Focus: Its primary focus on aquariums means that it likely carries a deeper and more specialized inventory of aquatic-specific products than a general pet store. This makes it a go-to for dedicated fish keepers.
  • Compact but Comprehensive: Despite being a "smaller shop," it's noted for packing in a "wide variety of items and supplies," suggesting efficient inventory management to cater to diverse aquatic needs.
  • Knowledgeable and Attentive Staff (Variable): While one review highly praises the staff for being "incredibly friendly, helpful, and attentive," this positive experience is contrasted by another review describing an "unfriendly" staff member. When the positive aspect is present, it offers a significant advantage for customers seeking expert advice and personalized service.
  • Dedicated for Enthusiasts: The store caters specifically to "aquarium enthusiasts," implying that the product selection and staff expertise are geared towards individuals deeply involved in the hobby, rather than just casual pet owners.
Promotional Information and Recommendations

Specific promotional information for Aquarium Designs is not publicly available through the provided reviews. However, based on its nature as a specialized "Pet Store Near Me" for aquatics, here are some recommendations for local users:

  • Visit for Aquarium Supplies: If you are in need of specialized equipment, decor, or general supplies for your aquarium, Aquarium Designs is likely to have a good selection. Even if the freshwater livestock is limited, the hard goods may be comprehensive.
  • Inquire About Livestock: If you are looking for specific freshwater fish or plants, it's highly recommended to call ahead at (210) 495-7333 to confirm their current stock and variety, given the reported limitations in freshwater selection. This can save you a trip if they don't have what you're looking for.
  • Seek Expert Advice: If you encounter a friendly and knowledgeable staff member, take advantage of their expertise for guidance on your aquarium setup or any issues you might be facing. Their specialized knowledge can be invaluable.
  • Be Prepared for Varied Customer Service: Based on the contrasting reviews, it's important to approach with an open mind regarding customer service. While many have had positive experiences, one negative account suggests inconsistency.
  • Support a Niche Local Business: For those who appreciate supporting local businesses that cater to specific hobbies, Aquarium Designs offers a dedicated resource for the San Antonio aquarium community.

Ultimately, Aquarium Designs at 15229 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78232, USA, appears to be a valuable local resource for aquarium enthusiasts, particularly for supplies and when the staff's positive attributes are experienced. While its freshwater livestock selection might be less extensive than some larger stores, its specialized focus and the potential for excellent customer service make it a worthwhile visit for those invested in the aquatic hobby.

Aquarium Designs Photos

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Aquarium Designs Location

15229 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78232, USA

Reviews

Aquarium Designs may be a smaller shop, but they pack in a wide variety of items and supplies for aquarium enthusiasts. I stopped by looking specifically for freshwater fish and plants, and while they do carry some, the selection is fairly limited—only a few tanks with freshwater livestock and even fewer plants. That said, the staff really stands out here—everyone was incredibly friendly, helpful, and attentive. Overall, it’s a great little shop with solid customer service. Just wish they had a bit more variety on the freshwater side.

Mar 23, 2025 · Ernesto Pena

My family and I went in here to look for fish and a possible tank. The lady working was not only unfriendly but when we walked out my wife’s “Have a great night remark” was met with a dirty look and no reply. It was an uncomfortable environment that will ensure we or anyone we know who is ever looking for aquatic items will be sure to never step foot in here again. That’s simply no way to run a business.

Apr 03, 2025 · Brandon Thorn

Best saltwater store in the San Antonio area! My husband & I are starting a saltwater aquarium. Jason & the staff have been such a great help and have patience with all of our questions as we are new to this. They really care about their fish! They have a date of when they get fish in & a check mark next to the name of the fish once they have confirmed they are healthy & good to go. I LOVE THAT! Other stores are just out there to sell sell sell. These guys will tell you if the fish will get along with the others you have in your tank and if they are difficult to keep or eat the coral. Their coral stock is also awesome! Lots of variety to choose from. Can’t recommend them enough! Few pics from our new tank & a pic of the fish name and check mark for reference.

Feb 11, 2023 · Becky Flores

Loved the store. They had some beautiful saltwater tanks, a good variety of fish, coral, and supplies. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable.

Apr 06, 2022 · sylvia slater

Best aquarium shop for all your needs! All the staff is super friendly (felt like family) and very knowledgeable! I’m starting my new saltwater tank and they have helped me so much from which fish can live together, setting up a sump, to so much more information I didn’t know. They are a great help and I’ll be referring all my family and friends to them. Can’t stop saying good things about this shop!

Feb 11, 2023 · Jj Nieto

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