Alex's Advanced Aquatics

Tucked away in Enfield, Connecticut, Alex's Advanced Aquatics is the kind of one-man local fish store that inspires serious loyalty. Customers regularly drive 40-plus minutes each way to shop here, and it's easy to see why. Owner Alex runs the place solo — open to close, every day — and brings a depth of knowledge and genuine passion for fishkeeping that the big-box stores simply can't replicate.

The shop is compact, and Alex would be the first to admit it. But what's packed inside those walls is impressive. Freshwater hobbyists will find a strong selection of tropical fish, from Celestial pearl danios (a species rarely stocked at retail stores) to gorgeous Halfmoon bettas, alongside shrimp, snails, loaches, and well-established aquatic plants grown submerged — meaning they adapt quickly to home tanks without the frustrating melt-back that plagues emersed-grown plants from chain stores.

Goldfish keepers also sing his praises. On the saltwater side, Alex stocks a surprisingly robust coral collection that reviewers consistently describe as healthy and affordably priced. Multiple customers who've toured every fish store in northern Connecticut say his prices on both corals and livestock are unbeatable — one reviewer picked up shrimp at literally half the cost of competitors.

What truly sets this shop apart is the experience of shopping here. Alex takes time with every customer, whether it's patiently fielding questions from a seven-year-old or walking a first-time fishkeeper through plant selection and equipment choices without overwhelming them. He offers honest care advice rooted in years of hands-on experience, and if something isn't in stock, he'll order it — there's even an option to order fish online for in-store pickup.

The vibe is less polished retail showroom and more fellow hobbyist's fish room, and that's precisely the appeal. You're getting quality livestock, competitive pricing, and expert guidance from someone who genuinely cares whether your tank thrives long after you leave the store.