Todd’s Tropical Fish may well be the oldest LFS in the Denver Metro if not the state at 58 years in business, 22 years in their current location, 10015 E Hampden Ave A, 4963, Denver, CO 80231. They are open Tuesday thru Saturday 10-6, Sunday 10-5, and closed on Monday’s. As a full service LFS they have everything an aquarist might need. One thing that sets them apart from other fish stores is their willingness to buy and sell used aquariums and equipment. They also participate in a fish rescue program where they will take in unwanted fish and give them a good home. Besides this they also are known to buy locally breed fish. I have bought several used aquariums from them and been very happy with my purchase, for a few bucks more they delivered it to my room, up the stairs I might add.
The older aquarium stores I have visited look their age and Todd’s especially so. It is like taking a step back in time. Nothing wrong with this, but don’t expect to be bedazzled by their presentation. The tanks are older, algae grows on many of them, and water stains adorn the glass. The fish however are healthy and vibrant. Sam, the current store owner, will happily help you find whatever you are looking for. The prices are a bit high for anything which is not a fish, though the used equipment is fairly priced. As always Caveat Emptor applies here, so be sure to know the return policy which is posted behind the front desk.
The Colorado Aquarium Society has a long standing friendship with them to order the fish for the two big auctions a year. Since the CAS has no license for this, they cannot do it themselves. CAS members have long supported this LFS. If you are in the southwest of Denver or Aurora, it is worth a stop in to see what they have to offer. Oh, and I should mention that they have some beautiful monster fish, esp. the Oscars and Plecos. The cichlid selection is hit or miss, though every so often they get some beautiful fish. The saltwater selection is average, though like most fish stores it is their bread and butter. Last but not least they carry a good selection of feeder fish and on occasion have other live foods. So, would I shop here? Yes, I have and will continue to as the need arises.
Sequoia Elisabeth
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