You have to check out albany aquarium.
http://www.albanyaquarium.com/
This was the place to go before aquaforst was around. They usually carry hard to find plants and is just a fun store. Another one that is near aquaforest that is fun is ocean aquarium,
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ocean-aquarium-san-francisco
But if you get the chance, try albany, you'll enjoy it.