Tong’s Tropical Fish & Pets

Best saltwater fish and coral selection in the area! Tongs has a great selection and the prices are usually comparable to other shops in the area. I really like the selection of coral, and if you go in on a weekly basis like I do than there will always be something new to see. The freshwater plant selection is amazing, I love to buy the plants from the back right corner of the shop! The staff is always really helpful and has taught me a lot about keeping a reef tank, you can’t beat in person help from nice people.

Hugh fish store and lots of selections! Unfortunately, their customer service is horrible. Went there a few days ago mid-​day during the week looking to buy some plants. I was probably there in the store for a good 20mins + and was not helped once! I was standing in their planted aquarium section for awhile hoping to find someone that would get a plant for me, and when i finally found somebody and asked if could help me? The employee told me «i’m on my lunch», and that was it! He could have at least directed me to someone, or tell his co-​worker that i need service. Since i couldn’t get that employee to help me, i proceeded to walk around the store to find someone to help me, but seems like the only guy on a floor was an older asian gentlemen, lucky me he was busy helping someone else. Finally, i decided just to give up and proceeded to leave the store, and then suddenly the guy who i wouldn’t help me because he was on his lunch went up to me after his break and asked, «Do you still need help?», as i was walk out. Of course i said «No thanks», and then i walked out.
Finally, is it me or is this place expensive?! Of course on-​line store will typically be cheaper, but this place is even more expensive than your Big box stores. For example, went to looking for some Eco-​Complete subtrate at Tong’s and found their price to be much more expensive than Petco’s. $ 32.99 at Tongs vs. 23.99 at Petco’s (Reg advertised price). Also, chemicals and equipment seems to be 10% — 25% cheaper at the Big Box stores.
I guess the only thing i like about this place is the selection, other than that you’re better of going someone else.

Absolutly horrible customer service by owner. We came into the store to return a fish and buy a new one, but because of his arrogance and his disrespectful attitude we decided not to purchase any other fish. Complete turn off. Do not come to this store.

While the place is big and has a great selection of everything you might be looking for. There’s still much left to be desired in their quality of freshwater fish stock. The selection is great and I can see why people really enjoy this place but I didn’t have any success with their Celestial Pearl Danios (Galaxy Rasboras). Granted they warned they have zero guarantees for that species and neon tetra. Customers be warned. Meanwhile they have great selection on hardware and equipment. Not to mention whole bins of decorations. The driftwoods should be a bit cheaper since I’ve seen similar stuff go for lower prices at Reef and elsewhere. Aquatic plant selection is very nice they have a few large tanks just devoted to plants.
I noticed they sell Garibaldi, our state marine fish. I’m pretty sure they’re sourced from Mexican waters… though I wouldn’t keep one since… they’re already a diver’s nightmare sometimes.

Very upset for the final time. Put my name in the book. Come in person. Order fish. Drive far to get there and they think cause there a big fish store that they don’t need my money. Unprofessional. If I was the owner I would help who ever I could and not just let people walk out numerous times with disappointment. I will take my thousands else where. This hobby is not cheap. But talk is. Get it together. Loosing customers. Word of mouth is key.

Never bought fish here, never will. Good saltwater section but I’m not a saltwater fish keeper. Store looks great and is huge. Last time I was here, the freshwater fish didn’t appear to be in very good condition and were a little overpriced. $ 19.99 for little tiny anorexic roseline sharks (Denison barbs) when I can go to another fish store 10 minutes away with slightly larger much healthier roselines for $ 10 or $ 12

I go to Tong’s often because it is by us and also because they have a lot of supplies and livestock. At first, I was pretty impressed by how much stuff they had. After going for a while, I would say that it has gone a bit downhill. I love aquariums and fish etc so it pains me to see that every time I go, it seems the fish are not getting the proper care they need and are crowded in some tanks. I see more and more dead fish in tanks, sometimes multiples and some of the big ones too. Someone had mention the discuss tanks are like a death tank. It’s true. I saw two floating discuss in one tank the last time I went. And other dead fish in a lot of the freshwater tanks. It’s just not pleasing for customers or healthy for the dead fish to stay in the tank with other fish. I understand they have a crap load of tanks but that is their responsibility as a fish store to maintain and not just have fish to sell and let them die at the customer’s house. I see lot of workers behind the cashier just sitting and talking. Maybe do a couple rounds during the day to take out the dead fish at least? The prices here are up and down… some things are pricier than other places or online and some stuff is reasonably priced. We also get feeder fish here which is cheaper than your local pet store but they’re not as hearty. One batch we got, more than half of them died the next day.
Customer service is one of the good things here. The guys are super friendly and knowledgeable. Tong is really nice too. The females working here… sometimes they’re nice but one of the ladies has a real bad attitude.
Anyways, I would just come for mostly supplies and feeder fish but not purchase fish here anymore.

I have been coming here for about a year now, and still frequent this place often. This is one of the larger fish stores in OC. They have a good balance of fresh and salt water friends to admire and purchase. Their staff is quite knowledgeable, and «some of them» are very patient with you if you have ALOT of questions like I have had in the past. They also strongly cater to the growing addiction that is aquascaping. I will tell you that hands down, Tongs has the BEST selection in OC when it comes to plants and hard-​scape items. (Multiple species of plants, Spider-​wood, manzanita, grape-​wood, malaysian drift wood, and multiple rocks of all different shapes, sizes and variations.) When I am looking for these items, I go here and rarely have to look elsewhere. Their selection of tanks, lights, filters, and every other item you can think of is here as well, with a large variety to choose from. They also have pretty good selection of freshwater fish, and an amazing selection of saltwater fish. I find fish here for saltwater tanks, that I dont see ANYWHERE else. Their large coral and planted tanks in the back are their most impressive tanks.
Aside from these good things, there are a few complaints I have about the store. Their prices are higher than almost any other store that I go to in OC, which I do not understand why they dont adjust to better compete. Some of the prices on the lights and LED are marked up BIG time! Some over $ 100 more than what you can find cheaper online. They will also have fish priced at $ 5 when the same fish is $ 2.50 around the corner, and all their tanks have the «buy more for better deal» written on them. Some of the tanks will have one price for a fish on them, and another tank will have the same name and exact same fish, but have a different price. I have had to ask a few times if there are any differences, to which they usually offer me the better deal. Most tanks have writing all over them, and its hard to tell what is the correct price.
The biggest flaw I think this business has though, is the care of their fish. (specifically, the freshwater) As a pet lover, and consumer, I feel that if you are trying to sell live stock, you need to maintain an environment for them which can appeal to the customer, and maintain a level of quality regarding the health of the animal. I have yet to go into Tong’s and not see multiple tanks with dead fish that have been there for a while. I have been there in early afternoons and late nights before closing and have noticed this, so its as though some of the tanks are being neglected. I then go up to the counter to make my purchase, and there are at least 5 people sitting behind the counter doing nothing, who could be doing maintenance on the tanks. Simply removing the dead fish, would speak volumes to most customers. I also cant help but notice their discus tanks look like a death row window. They look very unhealthy and unhappy, and I would never purchase one of these expensive fish from them, ever. Last time I was there, all of them were gasping for air out of the tank, and there were 2 dead and 3 on their way out. This was a Saturday afternoon and peak business time. I can only imagine how difficult it is to maintain these multiple environments, but I think more attention and care needs to be made. The saltwater tanks and planted tanks in the back seem to thrive, so I just dont understand why some of the other tanks are in such poor condition.
I still come here to shop quite often, and will continue to do so. I recommend to all fish lovers and aquascapers to come check out Tongs.

Excellent customer service. Very friendly knowledge staff
Would definitely recommend

Tongs is the biggest fish store in OC with a huge selection of saltwater and freshwater fish, corals, and plants.
They also have the largest selection of tanks and equipment that I have seen. They are not the lowest prices around, but their selection is unparalleled. Most of the fish look healthy and well cared for (didn’t see any floaters!).
Knowledgeable staff, but when they get busy you might wait for awhile to get help.
No discount if you pay in cash full though.

C only dreams of having an amazing fish store like this in Phoenix. But since we don’t, we stop here every time we’re in So Cal.
They have an incredible selection of Fresh & Salt water fish, supplies, tanks, coral… Everything FISH.
The staff all seem pretty knowledgable and the prices are competitive.
We’ve visited 5+ other fish shops around Orange & Riverside Counties & Tong’s rocks.
Great selection, prices, staff. 4 Stars

Best Fish store in Orange County! I recently purchased my first tank (50 gal.) and was unsure of just about everything. I was overwhelmed trying to figure out what the best steps to take would be in achieving the «perfect tank». I found Tongs on Unilocal and decided to go down and get some help from the experts! I was helped by Dustin who is now my go to fish guy! He’s the best and is very knowledgable. Not knowing about fish, different types of substrate or anything really I found him to be very patient and helpful. I now have have an awesome healthy tank and owe it to these guys! If you aren’t sure of what your doing or just need a place that has a great selection of both fresh and salt water fish and accessories go to Tongs!

Great selection of fish. Very knowledgable staff. Prices are a tad over most lfs. But you get what you pay for
Great quality fish and great customer service

This place has a lot of variety on fish. I mean a lot. I felt like I was walking on an aquarium and they are all for sale. If you are lookin g for fish this is definetly the first stop you wanna make. It would be my only stop. The maintenance on the fish looks good too. I went here with a marine biologist who wanted to keep all the fish :/​but besides the fact I’m not a fish lover I definetly enjoy looking at a few.

So I’ve visited the store from LA. I keep coming back to the store because they have what I’m looking for… For the most part. After close inspection of one of the gorgonians, the coral was healthy but the rock it was glued onto had a aptasia and hidden bristle work. Thankfully the guy helped rid of both prior to me purchasing the item. Thankfully I did. Prices for water is AMAZING! Overall, they have what I need, but caution and study the items prior to buying!

I remember coming here as a child with my dad YEARS ago. Fast forward to the present and Tong’s is still here and going strong.
No surprise to me. I mean, they really do have a vast selection of tip-​top shape livestock, equipment and supplies to create your ideal aquarium.
Staff is extremely helpful, knowledgable and friendly. Super considerate. Always lending a helping hand with any heavy item purchases. Prices are decent, what’s left?
Oh… The parking is spacious and plentiful. Always a huge plus!
MENTION Unilocal TO RECEIVE 10% off guys! :)
Final thought…
Phenomenal Mom & Pop shop.
There’s a reason why they’ve been here so long. Give them a try if you haven’t already. You’ll be pleased.

I love this place! I’m in here at least a couple times a week. Even though I only have freshwater tanks I like to check out all the coral and salt water stock like their stingrays.
I don’t know what the low reviews are about. They have a great selection of fish supplies, decorations and livestock. The employees have been really friendly and given me some nice tips and recommendations for the care and treatment of my tanks. Some of the dry goods can be a bit pricey but if you have to have something now and don’t want to wait to order it online this is the place to find it. I’ve even been getting some nice deals lately because they recognize my wife and I as regulars. I love their selection of shubunkins they are really healthy and have nice coloring. Not to mention they also have the best selection of freshwater plants I’ve found in the OC. If you are new to the hobby check this place out and ask for Dustin he’ll get you started out right.

Best fish store ever. It’s quite a bit out of my way to get out here but I’ll tell you why I do come.
I am parent to a 60gal tank and a 40 gal goldfish tank. The customer service here is the best. They give you the best recommendations, they remember you when you come in and always ask how your fish are doing. They provide you with the best personal shopping experience, providing recommendations that will get you the best and healthiest aquarium, not to mention harmonious. They give you step by step advice for aquarium care and they always get you a great deal.
Excellent quality live stock, even better customer service, and the best deals in all of Orange County.
This store definitely is worth the trek… If you’re in, ask for Long, he’ll remember you every time you come in and provide you with a fun personal shopping experience!

Tong’s has been my go-​to tropical fish store since I started my salt water aquarium over four years ago. They have a great selection of tropical fish, particularly around the yearly Black Friday sale. Over the years I’ve had some costly casualties but have learned to examine fish in the store to make sure I don’t purchase a «bad» specimen as there are no refunds, credits or returns on dead saltwater creatures. It is best to educate yourself, make smart purchases when it comes to live salt water animals because you’ll have no one else to blame but yourself for not doing your due diligence when three days down the road you’ve got a dead animal in your tank. Make sure that all the fish species in your tank get along and do not overcrowd your tank!
Four stars for a great variety and huge stock of fish food and miscellaneous supplies. The store is a little outdated and could use a revamp; otherwise, it is fantastic tropical fish store unlike any other I’ve found in Orange County.

Potential is the best word describe Tong’s. WIth the sheer size and space available to their disposal this place could be the powerhouse in all of Orange County, but they aren’t utilizing or living up to it the way they can. This store is absolutely huge! They have a decent live plant area, but I wouldn’t trust buying any livestock from here at the moment. The quality isn’t really up to par with what I look for. They have a ton of dry good options in stock and although they are quite pricey it is cool to discover new things and read up about them to determine if they can help your set-​up in any way.
I hope they decide to revamp this place and really use all the free space to the right when you walk in. It literally could be turned into a mini aquarium. Only time will tell if they improve the space and health of the tanks.