About
Tucked along a quiet stretch of Ijamsville, MD, Aquatic Creations Ltd is a compact, densely stocked aquarium store that has built a loyal following over more than a decade under owner Bill, who brings over 50 years of fishkeeping experience to every visit. Step inside the roughly 1,500-square-foot shop and you'll find serious inventory packed wall to wall: saltwater fish, reef-ready corals, freshwater species, aquatic plants, pond supplies, and a deep wall of equipment, filters, and accessories that keeps local hobbyists from defaulting to the big-box stores. Saltwater is where the store really shines, and longtime customers keep coming back for the variety and health of the marine livestock, including the eel tank that stops first-time visitors in their tracks.
On the freshwater side, recent shoppers rave about the live Blackworms, Gold Mystery snails, and beautifully kept bettas; one customer named her new Veiltail betta Sinndar, while another called this the first shop in the area to keep bettas properly. If you're hunting koi, goldfish, or pond plants for sale in Ijamsville, MD, Bill keeps healthy koi and large goldfish on hand, and a recent visitor even spotted a porcupine puffer looking for a home. The hardscape room gives aquascapers plenty of stone and driftwood to dig through.
Bill's guidance is arguably the store's greatest asset. Customers describe bringing in water samples and leaving with clear, cost-effective fixes rather than a bag of unnecessary chemicals, and pond newcomers credit him with straight, honest answers on getting started. He also repairs pond pumps and large air pumps on-site and is one of the few independent retailers still licensed to carry genuine aquarium medications, not just herbal remedies.
The tanks are clean and the fish tend to arrive home strong, with several customers reporting livestock that spawned within a day. If you've been searching for healthy saltwater fish or a freshwater aquarium store near me in the Frederick County area, Aquatic Creations rewards the hobbyists who seek it out with substance over flash.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Aquatic Creations Ltd in Ijamsville, MD
Aquatic Creations Ltd stocks corals, reef fish, koi, goldfish, betta fish, pufferfish, catfish, invertebrates, aquarium plants and freshwater, saltwater & pond fish for sale in Ijamsville, MD. As an aquarium store serving Ijamsville, MD, it also carries aquarium equipment, fish food and fish medications and offers aquarium consultations, water testing, equipment repair and pond services.
- Livestock & products
- CoralsReefKoiGoldfishLive PlantsBettasPuffersCatfishInvertebratesAquarium EquipmentFish FoodMedications
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Bill brings 50+ years of fishkeeping experience and gives clear, honest, no-upsell guidance
- Strong saltwater and reef selection with notably healthy marine livestock, plus an eel tank
- Properly kept bettas, live Blackworms, Gold Mystery snails, healthy koi, and large goldfish
- One of few independent stores still licensed to carry genuine aquarium medications
- On-site repair of pond pumps and large air pumps, plus a hardscape room for aquascapers
From keepers
Customer reviews
“The customer service might be lacking, as Bill (the owner) is not the chattiest of people, but when I needed help with starting my fish pond he gave clear, direct, and helpful answers to all of my questions, and offered other resources should I have any more. There is a large array of supplies and fish, who seemed well cared for, healthy, and alert, which you can't say for many fish stores. Will be returning again for supplies, and recommended to anyone looking for straight, honest, knowledgeable service from a trustworthy establishment.”
— Dill Pickle4.03 weeks ago“Great store. Healthy fish. First went here 5 years ago. Still going! They have the best live Blackworms, awesome beautiful plants, Gold Mystery snails and lots of healthy vibrant fish very well kept! Recently I purchased this beautiful Veiltail Betta I named Sinndar. I love him!!”
— Beth Decenzo5.0a month ago“I went because it said it was also a garden aquarium. If you are looking for large gold fish and koi, they have those. A few pond plants. If you want a selection of pond plants I suggest the Dutch Plant Farm.”
— Sheila McCartney3.0a month ago“awesome affordable place! this is the first time i’ve EVER seen a store in this area keep bettas properly!!! love their hardscape room so many choices! their koi’s are so beautiful and healthy as well 💕they had the cutest porcupine puffer too! someone take him home now!!!!!”
— pie5.0Edited a month ago“I contacted this business today to inquire about their services/products. Unfortunately, the representative lacked a helpful attitude and showed no interest in securing a sale. I decided not to visit in person based on this interaction.”
— LUDWIN G1.03 months ago“This place sucks - terrible selection, rude staff. Petsmart has better options”
— Ben1.03 months ago“There is mold everywhere-walls, ceilings, door frames. Had a beautiful array of fish, but the building felt like it should be condemned. Employee was very condescending, for no other reason than I was new to the hobby.”
— Kourtney DeBoer1.04 months ago“Nice owner and great little place to buy supplies. Fish all looked healthy and the Koi pond is cool.”
— Billy5.04 months ago“He teach me how to have aquarium, He’s a very professional. I can keep my aquarium healthy because of him.”
— Alireza Soleimanpour5.02 months ago“Very knowledgeable owner, has lots of saltwater fish including some fresh water fish.”
— Joesph Maguire5.04 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (301) 831-8200 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquatic Creations Ltd.