About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Water TestingConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Exceptionally clean tanks and healthy livestock across freshwater and saltwater
- Knowledgeable staff including Lauren, Emma, and Branden frequently praised by name
- Strong selection of live plants, shrimp, snails, and tropical species
- Free water testing for customers setting up or maintaining tanks
- Special requests fulfilled typically within a week
From keepers
Customer reviews
“The most helpful and knowledgeable people in the aquarium hobby. Always get great advice and high quality fish/plants from here!”
— Chris K.5.03 weeks ago“Great places to grab all your aquarium supplies. Staff here is friendly and knowledgeable. Prices are fair. Always buy my fish here. Beautiful fish here!”
— Kat S4.0Edited 3 weeks ago“Love this shop. Great selection, healthy fish and friendly staff.”
— Jenifer Daisomont5.0a month ago“I was blown away! Incredible selection of both fresh and salt water livestock. Meticulously clean store, unbeatable prices, and knowledgeable staff who care about the customers and fish they sell. Easily the best fish store i have been to in CT! Highly recommend”
— Antonio Gomez5.0a month ago“Very helpful, answered all my fish inquiries & gave good recommendations. I'm a frequent goer now.”
— Lea Law5.03 months ago“This is the cleanest fish store I’ve ever been in. I was shocked when we walked in! My 4 year old is the proud fish parent of a beta fish, and we needed help picking out plants to make his tank more inviting. All the staff in the store were friendly and extremely helpful. I appreciated the knowledge the staff member who helped us had in regards to the plants. We know next to notjing about keeping fish happy. We will be back with our tank water next trip to have it tested!”
— Sara Gorman5.03 months ago“Good selection of fish and plants. Super knowledgeable people”
— Theo5.03 months ago“I bought a couple of puffer fish here. The customer service from the girls was excellent; I'd give it 5 stars. But the man there (I think he's the manager) looks at you like you're a freak.”
— Ale4.03 months ago“Super clean tanks, knowledgable staff. Probably the best aquarium store in all of CT!”
— Bro Phomet5.04 months ago“What a great experience we had. The staff is VERY knowledgeable and helpful. We got some new fish, mystery snails and plants. Will def visit again.”
— Cheyenne Rhodes5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (203) 440-0217 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Blakes Aqua Den LLC.