Aquarium store staff caring for fish tanks

Our Story

Built by Fish People, for Fish People

Tropics Tankmates started as a hobby that got out of hand — and we Many Tank Syndrome (MTS).

How We Got Here

Our Story

Tropics Tankmates was born from a deep love of freshwater fish and the Filipino tradition of bringing nature's beauty into the home. As Filipino migrants, we carried that passion with us to the land of opportunity — and we quickly discovered that the aquarium hobby here was just as vibrant, just as welcoming, and just as addictive as back home.

In the Philippines, fish keeping is more than a hobby — it's a way of life. Colorful bettas in glass jars, guppies bred for competition, and community tanks teeming with life are a common sight in Filipino households. We grew up surrounded by that culture, and when we arrived here, we wanted to share it. We believe the aquarium hobby has a unique power to bring people together, spark curiosity about the natural world, and create a sense of calm in even the busiest home.

Our focus is community freshwater fish — the species that thrive together, breed readily, and reward patient hobbyists with fascinating behavior. We breed many of the fish we sell right here, which means you're getting livestock that is already adapted to local water conditions, free from the stress of long-distance shipping, and raised with care from day one. Breeding your own fish is one of the most rewarding experiences in the hobby, and we love helping our customers take that next step.

We are not just a store — we are a community. Every customer who walks through our door becomes part of the Tropics Tankmates family. We make friends here. We swap stories about spawning successes and tank disasters. We share tips on water chemistry, breeding triggers, and the best plants to pair with your fish. That exchange of knowledge is what keeps the hobby alive, and it is something we are genuinely passionate about.

Whether you are setting up your very first 10-gallon tank or expanding a dedicated fish room, we are here to help you every step of the way. Come in, ask questions, and stay a while. The fish are always worth talking about.

"We're not a big-box store. We don't carry everything. But we can help you to bring the nature to your home."

Tropics Tankmates team member helping a customer

What We Stand For

Our Values

1

Honesty First

We'll tell you if a fish isn't right for your tank, even if it means losing a sale. Your long-term success matters more than a short-term transaction.

2

Freshwater Focus

We specialize in freshwater tropicals — not a little bit of everything. That focus means deeper knowledge, better sourcing, and healthier fish.

3

Quarantine Always

Every new arrival spends time in our quarantine system before going on the floor. No exceptions. It's the single most important thing we do.

4

Community Driven

We host fish swaps, beginner workshops, and tank tours. The hobby is better when people share knowledge — and we're here to make that happen.

Come Meet the Team

Walk-ins are always welcome. Stop by, browse the tanks, and say hello — we love meeting fellow fish people.

Tropics Tankmates

Your local aquarium specialists — passionate hobbyists dedicated to bringing the beauty of the Tropical Freshwater world into your home.

Visit Us

Sacramento, CA 95824

Hours

Mon–Friday: 10am – 7pm (Porch Pickup only)

Sat-Sun: Fishroom walk-in by appointment only

[email protected]

© 2026 Tropics Tankmates LLC. All rights reserved.