Salties Introduce
For marine aquarium enthusiasts in California, finding a local pet store that specializes in saltwater fish and supplies is a key part of the hobby. Salties, a small business located in Riverside, aims to be that very place for the community. This pet shop and tropical fish store offers a variety of aquatic life, from common species to more exotic fish and inverts, catering to a wide range of hobbyists. The store’s owner, Kim, is known for his friendly demeanor and deep knowledge of marine life, often providing personal recommendations and advice to customers. The business is focused on providing a quick and convenient shopping experience for those looking to add to their home aquarium or find essential supplies. It's the kind of place where a quick visit can turn into a treasure hunt for a new, exciting aquatic addition. The store’s mission is to be a reliable and knowledgeable resource for the local saltwater aquarium community, offering a personal touch that can be hard to find in larger chain stores.
Salties positions itself as a go-to spot for those seeking unique and exotic fish. The owner's passion for the hobby is evident in the care he takes in helping customers select fish that are compatible with their existing tanks and each other. This personalized service can be a huge benefit for those who are new to the hobby or looking to build a complex ecosystem. The store's commitment to finding specific species for customers is another highlight of the personalized service model. The owner’s enthusiasm for marine life is often contagious, and he is willing to go the extra mile, sometimes staying late, to help customers find what they need and package their new pets with care. This dedication to the customer's satisfaction and the well-being of the fish is a key part of the Salties experience. While some customers have had mixed experiences, the overall service model is built on a foundation of personal connection and expert guidance, aiming to make every visit a positive and productive one for the marine hobbyist.
Salties is conveniently located at 10555 Indiana Ave # 102, Riverside, CA 92503, USA, making it an accessible destination for residents of Riverside and the surrounding areas. The store is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all community members can visit with ease. The location on Indiana Avenue is a straightforward drive for many and is situated in a way that makes it easy to find. The store's focus on a "quick visit" model means that parking and access are generally straightforward, allowing customers to get in, get what they need, and get back on their way efficiently. This convenience is a key part of the business's appeal to busy hobbyists. The store's easy-to-reach location and thoughtful accessibility features make it a practical option for anyone looking for a nearby source for saltwater supplies. The simple layout of the store is also geared towards a fast, efficient shopping experience, minimizing the time you have to spend finding the products you need. The combination of a convenient address and user-friendly accessibility makes Salties a go-to spot for many in the local marine aquarium community who are looking for a reliable, no-fuss place to shop.
As a small business specializing in saltwater aquariums, Salties focuses on providing a core set of services and products tailored to the marine hobbyist. While specific services are not listed, the reviews provide insight into what the business offers:
- Exotic Fish and Inverts: The store carries a wide and exotic array of tropical and saltwater fish, as well as invertebrates. They specialize in finding specific species for customers, including sharks and eels, showcasing their commitment to catering to the advanced hobbyist.
- Custom Shopping and Sourcing: The owner is willing to source specific fish and marine life for customers, helping them acquire species that may not be available in a typical store. This personalized shopping service is a significant benefit for serious aquarists.
- Expert Advice: The owner is known for being knowledgeable about each fish and providing advice on compatibility, tank requirements, and general care, which is crucial for the success of a marine aquarium.
- Packaging with Care: The store's team takes great care in scooping and packaging fish to ensure they are handled properly and safely for their journey home.
- Aquarium Supplies: The store provides essential supplies for marine aquariums, including products like live sand.
The services offered by Salties are centered on a high-touch, personalized experience. They are not a big-box retailer; rather, they are a niche business that provides specific expertise and a curated selection of marine life. The ability to source specific animals and the personalized advice offered are key services that set them apart. The focus on individual customer needs and the willingness to go beyond a simple transaction demonstrate a commitment to building a long-term relationship with the local hobbyist community. This kind of specialized service is invaluable for those who are dedicated to their aquariums and want to ensure their purchases are well-suited for their tanks. The store's offerings are a testament to their deep involvement in the marine aquarium hobby.
Salties is distinguished by several key features and highlights that are important to the local marine aquarium community. The first is its small business identity, which allows for a more personal and flexible approach to customer service. The owner, Kim, is a major highlight, known for being kind, helpful, and knowledgeable about the store's wide selection of exotic fish. His willingness to provide personalized advice on fish compatibility and care is a significant benefit to customers. The store's curated selection of marine life is another notable feature. They carry a variety of unique and exotic species that may not be found in larger, more general pet stores. Furthermore, the store's commitment to sourcing specific animals for customers demonstrates a high level of customer dedication and a deep network within the marine supply chain. The accessibility of the location, with a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, ensures that the store is open to a wide range of customers. The availability of multiple payment options, including credit cards and debit cards, adds a layer of convenience for shoppers. While the store has received some mixed reviews, the consistent theme of positive experiences often revolves around the owner's personal attention and knowledge. These features collectively create a shopping experience that is tailored to the passionate marine hobbyist, offering a specialized selection and a personal touch that is highly valued by many in the community. The store is designed for a quick and efficient visit, making it a practical choice for those who know what they are looking for and need a knowledgeable local guide to find it.
To get in touch with Salties or to inquire about their current stock, you can contact them directly. The store's address is 10555 Indiana Ave # 102, Riverside, CA 92503, USA. You can reach them by phone at (951) 351-8104 or their mobile number +1 951-351-8104. Calling ahead is a good idea, especially if you are looking for a specific type of fish or have questions about a particular species. Given the store's focus on a personalized service, a phone call can help you get the most up-to-date information and potentially even arrange for the owner to look for a specific item for you. This direct line of communication is a valuable asset for any hobbyist who wants to ensure they get the right advice and the right products for their tank. The transparency of the contact information makes it easy to engage with the business and get a feel for their approach before you even visit. The availability of a mobile number also suggests a high level of responsiveness and a commitment to being available for customer inquiries. This personal touch in communication is a key part of the Salties experience, helping to build a relationship of trust and expertise with their clientele.
Choosing Salties for your marine aquarium needs is a decision to prioritize a specialized, personalized experience over the general offerings of a large chain store. While some customers have had challenging experiences, the core value proposition of Salties lies in the expertise and personal attention provided by the owner. The store’s selection of exotic and unique fish can be a major draw for hobbyists who are looking for something beyond the usual stock. The willingness to source specific animals for customers is a service that is highly valued and not commonly offered, making it a significant advantage. Furthermore, the expert advice on fish compatibility and care can be invaluable, especially for those who have invested a lot of time and money into their aquariums. The store's accessibility and acceptance of various payment methods add to the overall convenience. For the serious marine hobbyist, the personal relationship and specialized knowledge that you can get from a small business like Salties can be much more valuable than a wide but generic selection. It's a place for those who are passionate about the hobby and want a knowledgeable partner to help them build and maintain a thriving marine ecosystem. The business's focus on personal service and expert guidance, despite any potential challenges, is what makes it a notable and often worthwhile choice for the local saltwater community in Riverside.
Salties Details
From the business
- Small Business
Service options
- Delivery
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Salties Photos








Salties Location
Salties
10555 Indiana Ave # 102, Riverside, CA 92503, USA
Salties Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I was skeptical going in because of the bad reviews but Kim was sooo kind and helpful! He was knowledgeable about each fish and which ones would get along with eachother or not.He had a wide and exotic array to choose from and I am thrilled to have adopted a bunch of other fish. We want eels and a shark and while there were some there either the price was out of our budget or not what we preferred, so Kim said he would do some shopping and show us new options when available.Each fish was scooped and packaged with care and he didn't mind staying late to help us get everything.Despite him saying everything wouldnbe fine, he did sell us a few fish and things that he shouldn't have, like seahorses! We returned them the next day!! Also he sold us two foxfaces which are fighting now despite the 750gal tank which he was very familiar with (We just bought a house with it built in) He also sold us 4 baby clowns one disappeared and I think it was cause of the large mp60 fans we have since one of the shrimps he sold also got sucked in. I bought fish guards online to try and save what I have. He also sold us live sand instead of just regular sand which our 8year old very established tank didn't need. So while he was nice and enthusiastic, it also seemed greed was on his side to just sell us whatever.We will be trying other aquarium shops.
July 27 · LizWent against my better judgment after reading reviews and hearing stories about this place and I regret it…Went in to buy salt water for my tank I got 25 gallons of TAP WATER with salt mix…I get times are tough but that’s just a low down thing to do to a fellow hobbyist.Wont be getting my bussiness ever again and definitely will be warning others.
February 01 · RJ RGreat place to find mature salt water fish ND corals friendly guy down to earth am coming back
March 29 · Chris FernandezThey have unique and wonderous sea life for sale. However, I found the owners to be quite unfriendly. Haven't felt that unwelcome in a mom and pop shop maybe ever. Still they have cool stuff so it's up to you if a lack of customer service is a deal breaker.
June 13 · Waly LamaThis place is great. It's a small business that's been in the community for a long time. The owner is old school , but very experienced. I think all these bad reviews are from people that were expecting a mall type store. One item I purchased was more than what I would have got it on Amazon but the other items were cheaper than other fish stores, but that is common at mom and pop shops.
January 25 · Ed Flores
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