Austin Aqua-Dome

I have been going here for years now with my dad and my best friend. The staff are so friendly and they are SO smart. They are seriously like a vet for fish. I always call and ask them questions about fish and they are happy to give me guidance. The owner is the sweetest guy and has owned the shop for years. This is truly an austin staple and I don't think our city would be the same without it. The atmosphere is great and so fun to look at. Not to mention the fish I buy from them are always healthy!

This is the best fish store in Austin hands down. Hunter is great. He’s so patient, friendly, and knowledgeable. He works so hard to keep everything happy, marine life and customers included. Unlike a certain other aptasia ridden, side-swimmer heavy breathing fish store in Austin, the Aqua Dome is superior five star. Everyone looks healthy and transitions home easily. Everyone is alive and swimming beautifully when I go look through. Hunter always gets a great selection in. Pipes, anytime of invertebrate you can guess, mushrooms, macros, small fish, large fish, peaceful, aggressive...he has it all. Ask him how to pronounce something...he will tell you with a smile. Worth every penny and drive to come here.nnOh and want something cool to look at...the unique dome shaped building and outdoor pond fish are cool to visit!

I can’t say enough praise for this store. The staff cares so much about the fish they keep and make sure that they go to knowledgeable homes. You will never be hard sold at this store. Every employee is extremely knowledgeable on everything fish related. The fish themselves are clearly extremely healthy and happy, there are never dead fish floating in the tanks. They have an unmatched variety of fish and coral. Such an incredible store and definitely worth buying from.

There was a long line after a big shipment from the texas storms. Once we got in they were extremely helpful and had good prices. If you're a saltwater hobbyist, you might as well opt for the $20 membership, as it will pay for itself in spades.

I always read bad reviews first, and I’m noticing a trend- please keep in mind, that while these guys will help answer questions, it is ultimately up to you to do your own research. In the fish industry we are our own vets. Also, if you’re not quarantining and dipping your fish/coral from ANY store you should- the way the supply chain works is everyone from Petco to these guys tend to all buy from the same importers, so to say one always has ich or infections really isn’t fair. Best practice is quarantine. When you don’t (and I’m certainly guilty of this!) you risk your tank and it is on you, not the store.nnLike any store there are employees who have more knowledge in some areas than others. I’ve found the owner, Gary, to have a great well rounded staff and always happy to help. Terry is wonderful, especially with freshwater and overall stock and product knowledge, and Hunter, Nathaniel, and the rest of the crew have always been great at answering questions and pointing out new inventory or unique specimens up in saltwater, which is where I mainly go.nnIt is worth the drive for me, I try and go at least once a month - the call of a new tank or extra space for a coral is always calling me. I would check this place out, keep in mind their hours esp peak if you have questions and support this awesome local business.nnDon’t forget to grab a pastry/pretzel on your way out!nnLove the Dome!