Blakes Aqua Den LLC

Blake's Aqua Den in Wallingford, Connecticut has earned its reputation as one of the best aquarium stores in the state through an uncompromising commitment to clean tanks, healthy livestock, and a staff that genuinely cares. Walk through the door and the first thing you'll notice is how immaculate the place is — multiple reviewers describe it as the cleanest fish store they've ever visited, and that's no small feat in a shop stocking both freshwater and saltwater species. The selection runs deep.

Tropical fish, marine species, puffer fish, bettas, loaches, mystery snails, shrimp, and a solid variety of live plants fill well-maintained display tanks throughout the store. Customers regularly mention finding species they've never encountered elsewhere, and if something isn't in stock, the team can typically fulfill special requests within a week. Pricing is consistently called fair to excellent, making it easy to skip the big-box pet chains.

What truly sets Blake's apart is the people behind the counter. Staff members like Lauren, Emma, and Branden come up by name again and again in reviews. Lauren has helped countless customers set up new tanks from scratch, walking them through cycling, plant selection, and livestock compatibility.

Emma earned a shoutout for her patience wrangling three loaches. The younger staff members impress with their encyclopedic knowledge of shrimp, snails, and aquatic plant care — one customer described a young employee sharing "crazy fun facts" about every creature she bagged up. The store also offers water testing, which is a lifesaver for newcomers building their first setup.

Multiple customers describe bringing in tank water samples and receiving honest, detailed feedback. Owner Blake and his team have cultivated a community feel — regulars describe weekly visits and years-long relationships built on trust and consistent quality. 8-star rating across nearly 500 reviews, Blake's Aqua Den delivers the kind of personalized, knowledgeable service that turns first-time fishkeepers into lifelong hobbyists.

If you're anywhere in Connecticut and serious about your aquarium, this Wallingford shop deserves your attention.