I live fairly close to this store and the only things I purchase here are Tubifex worms and crickets. I only shop at this store due to its convenience, period. The livestock appears to be on a centralized system. I often see both freshwater and saltwater fishes covered in ich or other yuckiness. The corals are o..k..a..y, but a bit high in prices. I wouldn't go out of your way to check this place out, unless you are also in the mood to see puppies and kittens packed into not so well ventilated cages
Got some plants for a 10G there once complements of the store! but redbugs started popping up. I knew they were from there because the tank only came into existence AFTER I picked up the plants and it was a standalone system.
What some people don't realize is that BAR does not accept sponsorships from any LFS that requests it. We have a detailed process for assessing potential LFS sponsors to ensure their practices are consistent with BAR's mission and goals. This includes good husbandry practices, selling appropriate animals, and a number of other factors.
While we are always willing to consider new sponsors there are many bay area stores that have been around for a while and are not sponsors.