About
House Of Tropicals in Glen Burnie, Maryland is one of those stores that swallows your afternoon whole. Walk in for one thing and you'll find yourself drifting past rows of freshwater tropicals, saltwater tanks shimmering with corals and marine fish, and a live plant selection that draws planted-tank enthusiasts from well beyond the Baltimore metro area. " The sheer scale is the first thing that hits you.
The freshwater section is enormous, stocking everything from flowerhorns and plecos to stingrays and species you rarely see outside specialty importers. Their saltwater side carries a full line of marine fish and corals, and they maintain a pond section for customers building outdoor setups. One regular watched a baby shark hatch from its egg over multiple visits.
That kind of spectacle isn't something you stumble across at a chain pet store. Axolotl keepers will find a knowledgeable crew here — one customer recounted spending an hour with a staff member named Kaylie, who helped them build a complete axolotl setup from scratch at prices that undercut competitors. The store also sells live blackworms (generally clean, per regulars), frozen and live feeder rodents for reptile owners, and a full range of dry goods including substrates, lighting, and enclosure accessories for snakes and tarantulas.
The staff's depth of knowledge is a recurring theme in reviews. Employees share what they do in their own home tanks, discuss cycling, and offer genuine guidance. That said, some visitors have reported inconsistent service — a few encounters with brusque or dismissive employees have left a mark.
With a store this busy, waits for help can stretch. House Of Tropicals runs periodic sales worth watching for, and the pricing on fish and supplies is generally considered fair for the quality. Just know: there's no public restroom, and the parking lot entrance near the back intersection demands caution.
Come ready to browse — this place rewards the unhurried visit.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Massive freshwater and saltwater fish selection including stingrays, flowerhorns, and a giant puffer fish
- Extensive live aquatic plant inventory for planted tank setups
- Full coral and marine fish section for reef hobbyists
- Axolotl sales with knowledgeable setup assistance
- Pond supplies and equipment for outdoor builds
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Zero stars if possible- the entire staff is RUDE. Customer service is beyond terrible. If you all hate your job so much, choose a different career path.”
— KelseyArin1.03 days ago“Only giving the store a 3 after my second visit, which was yesterday evening. My first visit was absolutely wonderful and the employee who helped me by was so knowledgeable and friendly. I've only owned goldfish in the past, but have recently taken interest in tropical fish. I'm still in the learning phase, and I've enjoyed visiting this store to learn about various species. Again, the 3 star review is only due to my visit last night. Had my visit last night been like my first, I would've rated higher. At any rate, I was browsing in the store last night when I came across a tank with several tropical fish and an eel. One of the fish appeared to be lodged in a tank decoration. I observed it for a bit and was concerned. When I finally managed to track down an employee, I said I'm concerned about this guy, is he okay? Before I could even get the last word out of my question, this employee cuts me off and says "Do you have a large tank?!" The way he said it was almost like he was speaking to me as if I was a child being disciplined. I responded with "no, I'm asking if this fish is okay?" He didn't even look at the fish or the tank I was pointing to and said "yeah if you have a large tank, he will act completely different. So do you have one?!" It was one of the most bizarre store encounters I've had. Really rubbed me the wrong way, as it seemed like there was no care whatsoever for the animals. Management should definitely reconsider having this employee facing customers and caring for the animals for that matter.”
— Allyson M3.06 days ago“U can buy pets, but I bought mice for my snake”
— Melissa WhitakerMiller5.06 days ago“Unfortunately I will be making the drive to another fish shop instead of this one. I had some malfunctions with my debit card at checkout and the manager was arguing with the girl trying to help me saying that declined means I don't have any money on the card and went out of his way to publicly embarrass me about it, assuming that was the only reason my card could not work. He was dismissing me and not helping anymore because he was very set on me not having money. Completely inappropriate and one of the rudest experiences I've had. The owner should definitely consider the type of people they have representing the shop.”
— Sidney Johnson1.0a week ago“Love this place! They have so many exotic pets and the staff are awesome and knowledgeable!”
— A M5.0a week ago“Best tropical fish selection within hundred miles”
— Brandon Miller5.02 weeks ago“Staff very friendly, extensive inventory. Best prices in town. Or if you just need to breath and refocus I'll go in and look at the wide array of inventory.”
— rashawn moore5.02 weeks ago“Large selection.”
— Larry Holt4.02 weeks ago“We come here to buy live rats for our snake; a Red Tail Boa Constrictor. They are a good price and we are in and out. I do recommend this place for your aquatic needs. The only thing for me is the drive but live feeder rats are hard to find; so we take the drive to feed our pet.”
— Adrian4.02 weeks ago“Huge selection of fish, plants, animals. Generally competent staff. Prices are what I would expect from quality I get from the establishment”
— steven latchaw5.0Edited 2 weeks ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (410) 761-1113 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting House Of Tropicals.