Our Story
Aquatica opened in August 2012 through the vision of Dave West, our shop's owner. Dave majored in Construction Management at Brigham Young University (BYU). While studying there, he maintained his own saltwater aquarium and often visited the local fish store. This is how he gained much of his knowledge about aquariums. When he moved to San Diego County, he visited the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, and the idea of opening up a shop of his own came to mind. The Birch Aquarium served as inspiration for him, but he also wanted to introduce an artistic aspect to it. Dave wanted the look of the store to be unique in design; placing a focus on the color and beauty of the livestock. This vision eventually became Aquatica Corals and Custom Aquariums, San Marcos' premiere aquarium showroom.