Tucked away in Old Lyme, Connecticut, Alpha Aquatic Arts (formerly The Purrfect Aquarium) has built a loyal following as one of the state's standout local fish stores. Owner Ernie runs a tight ship — literally. Reviewers consistently single out the shop's cleanliness, calling it possibly the cleanest local fish store they've encountered.
That attention to detail extends to the livestock: fish are kept in well-established tanks tailored to the specific needs of each species, and the bettas are housed in proper tanks rather than the sad cups you'll find at chain retailers. The store stocks a solid variety across both freshwater and saltwater sections. Freshwater enthusiasts will find nano fish, Corydoras, glo fish, and a nice selection of live plants, while the marine side offers enough to keep saltwater hobbyists browsing.
The shop also carries aquarium supplies and dry goods — one customer stopped in specifically for fish transport bags, which big-box stores mysteriously don't carry, and walked out with three bags gifted for free. Ernie's willingness to share knowledge without pressure is a recurring theme in reviews. One customer in the early research phase of setting up a new tank described how Ernie patiently answered questions about substrate choices, live versus artificial plants, and how different setups interact with fish coloration — all while encouraging independent research rather than pushing a quick sale.
That consultative approach, meeting hobbyists where they are, is what keeps people coming back. That said, one first-time fishkeeper reported being sold a school of Corydoras without proper guidance on tank cycling, resulting in losses and additional chemical costs. It's a reminder that even well-regarded shops can have off days, though the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests this was an outlier.
7 rating through genuinely healthy livestock, a spotless environment, and the kind of personalized guidance that makes supporting a small local shop worthwhile. If you're in southeastern Connecticut and tired of the big-box experience, Ernie's door is open.
Jamie Sacilowski
45 reviews
Best fish store in CT
Eliah Nolin
Absolutely a wonderful store! All the staff is extremely knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and they won’t steer you wrong. The fish are kept healthy in well established tanks with the specific needs of each specie kept in mind.
Fox
30 reviews
Owner is nice and the shop is well kept and clean, however when I went in he sold me a school of Corydoras and told me I didn't need to have my tank cycled before adding them, which is just not at all true. This is my first time setting up a tank, so I took his advice (and paid him about $50 for livestock that HE recommended). A week later I've lost three of the Corydoras and I've had to shell out another $50 for chemicals to balance the ammonia in the water to try and save the other fish in the tank.
Kathy Gifford
4 reviews
This is the place to purchase your aquarium supplies and stock. Plenty of variety both fresh and marine. Very clean shop and tanks. Owners friendly and very knowledgeable from years of experience. Time to get away from big box corporate stores and shop small and local.
April Meyers
24 reviews
I’m in the market for a new tank after not having one for the last decade. I’m still in the research phase so popped in here to obtain more information after reading other reviews. Ernie was fantastic about answering my questions and encouraged me to continue my research. At this point I’m on the fence on if I want live or artificial plants, which he explained changes the substrate and the color of glo fish I am interested in. However, he included suggestions on how those two can work together. Overall I was really impressed by the knowledge and care given to these wild life creatures. Thank you Ernie, for allowing me to me to explore at ny own pace and for sharing your knowledge with me! I’ll be back once I’ve decided which direction I want to head and look forward to any guidance you’re willing to offer as I rekindle this passion.
Mia Lachack
2 reviews
Very clean shop, probably the cleanest local fish store I've seen so far. Good variety of freshwater fish and nano fish. There was also a nice saltwater section, but I don't know much about saltwater. The Bettas were all in proper tanks just like the other stock, which was nice to see. All the fish looked very healthy and active. There was also a nice variety of live plants. Stopped in looking for fish bags since the big chain retailers don't carry fish transport items for some reason. The man at the counter was kind enough to give me three bags for free. If I wasn't moving I'd definitely come back to buy some livestock from here!
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (860) 598-9914 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Alpha Aquatic Arts (formerly The Purrfect aquarium).
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90 Halls Rd, Old Lyme, CT 06371
February 7, 2026
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