Underwater Depot — Attraction in Los Angeles

• updated 7/2023 They now get 3 stars for the staff being friendly. However, they are also upselling expensive fish for beginners. They also are giving misinformation about breeds and the care. I have lost my confidence in this shop. They sold me Cory catfish that were sick and made all of my other fish sick. They also told me that gravel is acceptable for Cory catfish. Not at all true.. The fish I bought the last few times were sick. It is great for supplies, and their prices are good. It used to be my go to shop but not anymore. Do your own research and find a Facebook group of the fish breeds you are interested in. It will make your life easier and you won’t spend your days and your money losing fish and endless hours of cleaning and maintenance.

+++ I accidentally killed all of my fish a few years ago, I finally got over the guilt I felt and decided to give the hobby a try again. Plus, i have a kitten who would love to watch the fish swimming around.

Everyone at the shop is so helpful. I called a few days after I had water in the tank to make sure it had cycled enough to add the fish. They suggested a bacterial treatment to buy which helps grow the healthy bacteria needed in a tank, and gave me tips on what to add to the water to make it live-able for the fish and plants.

I went to pick out some fish, and the staff remembered me from several years ago.

I asked for some starter fish, and fish that were easy for care for.

I decided to start out with 2 Dalmatian Mollies, 2 candy cane tetras and 2 Glo fish.

I unfortunately lost 1 Glo fish, but they did replace it for me.

I decided to go with some aquatic plants in the aquarium as well.

Thé selection of fish and plants is amazing. I love walking into this store and seeing all of the fish and other types of reptiles And non-vertebrates.

They are much more knowledgeable than the local big box pet store, and only once in the many years in the hobby did I have issues with the fish I bought from them. They did replace those fish for free when it was discovered they were all sick.

I am looking forward to adding more fish to my tank, and looking forward to learning more from the staff about how to have a successful fish tank and being a proper...

I noticed the roots on the live plants I purchased looked disintegrated as soon as I brought them home and took them out of the casing. I immediately called and was told "it is normal, any issues call us back". Within 9 days they all died, water turned black, they were clearly diseased.

I called them a dozen times over a 3 week period - was promised a 50% refund. The owner dodged my calls for the 3 weeks, refused to call me back, and of course I never received the 50% refund.

He was willing to be a coward over $35.

I should have spoken to my buddy beforehand, he is an avid aquarium hobbyist and he told me he avoids Underwater Depot as he once received a shellfish with shell rot.

He directed me to Mark's Tropical Fish - Much cleaner, much more honest, and best of all, their living merchandise thrives longer than 10 days! It's been 5 months, and my tank is flourishing.

Unless you like playing doctor to sick and diseased plants and animals, I recommend staying clear...

I've been to every fish store worth going to in the Los Angeles area and I can confidently say as a whole Underwater Water Depot is in the top three. What really sets them apart though is their selection of freshwater fish, they consistently have fish that you will not find anywhere else. On that note I wouldn't recommend these hard to find fish for the beginner, they do however have a large selection of fish suitable for the beginner and their knowledgeable staff is great when it comes to answering questions. Saltwater enthusiasts can find a good selection of fish and coral, but the selection is not as extensive as the freshwater. Tanks are always extremely clean and the fish are always healthy and active. Easiest place to park is behind the shop. Prices tend to be on the expensive side when compared to other stores, but you definitely get what...