About
Uncle Ned's Fish Factory is a family-owned, brothers-run freshwater fish store in Millis, MA, and it remains one of the most talked-about aquarium destinations in eastern Massachusetts. Step inside on a cold New England day and the warm, humid air and rows of clean tanks feel like an escape — a no-nonsense, no-frills shop where, as one recent visitor put it, you can spend a few hours browsing because the selection changes frequently. Regulars like Dimitrios call it their favorite freshwater aquarium store, and the staff's willingness to trade fishkeeping knowledge across the counter comes up in review after review.
The freshwater range is the main draw and arguably the deepest in the state. Cichlid keepers will find everything from large peacocks to small apistos, making this a go-to for African cichlids for sale in Millis, MA. Community and nano-tank hobbyists can stock cardinal tetras, strawberry rasboras, guppies, and a wide run of corydoras — pygmy corys, skunk corys, and more — in a single visit.
Catfish fans turn up plecos, pictus, and petricola, and shoppers regularly praise the uncommonly available fish you won't see at a chain store. There's a strong live-plant and aquascaping section too, with the rocks, substrate, and greenery to build living art at home, plus the occasional eel and oddball that reward repeat trips. For pond keepers, Uncle Ned's also stocks koi, goldfish, and pond plants.
A standout perk is free in-store water testing: bring a sample and the staff will diagnose tank trouble on the spot, advice longtime customers credit with saving their fish. 7-star rating is reasonable prices, clean tanks, and knowledgeable owners worth the drive to Millis, MA.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Uncle Ned's Fish Factory in Millis, MA
Uncle Ned's Fish Factory stocks cichlids, African cichlids, koi, goldfish, catfish, plecos, livebearers, invertebrates, aquarium plants and freshwater & pond fish for sale in Millis, MA. As a fish store serving Millis, MA, it also offers water testing and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- CichlidsAfrican CichlidsLive PlantsKoiGoldfishCatfishPlecosLivebearersPlanted TanksInvertebratesTetrasRare Species
- Services
- Specializes in
- FreshwaterPond
Highlights
What makes them special
- Free in-store water testing with on-the-spot diagnostic advice
- One of the deepest freshwater selections in Massachusetts, from peacock cichlids to tiny apistos
- Wide corydoras and nano-fish range — pygmy corys, skunk corys, cardinal tetras, strawberry rasboras
- Family-owned and brothers-run, with old-school fishkeeping expertise
- Uncommonly available species and a rotating stock that changes frequently
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Although I did purchase fish tanks didn't have anything exotic. All the tanks were absolutely disgusting couldn't even see in the tanks pricing was crazy not what I expected at all drove 2 hours definitely not worth it”
— James Rivs2.03 days ago“This place is the exact kind of no-nonsense, no-frills aquarium store that makes it easy to spend a few hours browsing. There is truly so much to see and the selection changes frequently. I've had many super enlightening conversations on fishkeeping with the staff here and I look forward to stopping by when I'm in the area.”
— Kali Tindell-Griffin5.03 days ago“First Ned the owner and staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. Me and my son bought about 800.00 Dollars worth of fish. 90% of them have died. This is over a months time. Some were fancy armored cat fish plecos at about 100.00 Dollars each other's were pictus catfish and petricola catfish all have died in a months time. First we thought it was our town's water but we had it tested and it was fine. We tested it and it was fine in our tanks. We took the water to our local Petco and they tested the water and it was fine. They could tell me what was killing the fish. Then I realized every time we went in the store. There were a number of fish tanks listed as quarantine or not for sale due to ick. Then I noticed my tank was covered in whites spots as well as the fish we bought. I don't believe there fish are healthy and they have no return policy on live stock. So me and my son lost about $800.00 Dollars over the last month and we can't get our money back or new fish not that I want new fish. I have a pictus catfish that's covered in white spots and is probably going to die. Sorry for the negative review but it has to do with the health of the fish and not the owner or staff. This is what I found on Google to get rid of ich. Which 3 of my fish have know and will probably die. It is a long process. To get rid of ich (white spot disease) in a fish tank, use a dedicated aquarium medication. Combine this with gradually raising the water temperature to 86°F and removing any activated carbon from your filter. Continue treatment for at least one week after all white spots disappear.Step-by-Step Treatment Plan1. Prepare the TankRemove Carbon: Take any activated carbon or chemical filtration media out of your filter. Carbon will neutralize the medication and render it ineffective.Increase Oxygen: Warm water holds less oxygen, and ich parasites physically attack fish gills, making it harder for them to breathe. Add an air stone or position your filter output to agitate the surface.2. Add MedicationChoose a high-quality, over-the-counter ich medication. Trusted options include Aquarium Solutions Ich-X or API Super Ick Cure.Note: If you have sensitive invertebrates (like shrimp or snails) or certain scaleless fish, read the product label carefully, as some medications contain copper and can be toxic to them.Dose the tank according to the exact instructions on the bottle, usually based on your tank's volume.3. Apply Heat and Salt (Optional but Highly Recommended)Heat: Slowly raise your tank's temperature to 85 - 86°F (do this over a 24 to 48-hour period to avoid shocking the fish). This speeds up the parasite's life cycle, forcing them off the fish and into the vulnerable free-swimming stage where medication can kill them.Salt: You can add aquarium salt at a concentration of 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water. Salt helps fish produce a slime coat and makes it physically harder for the parasites to burrow. Caution: Be careful with scaleless fish, as they can be sensitive to salt.4. Maintain Daily UpkeepPerform a 25% to 30% water change before re-dosing the tank. Vacuuming the gravel during water changes is highly recommended to remove the cysts resting at the bottom of the tank.Add a fresh dose of medication for the newly changed volume of water.5. Follow ThroughThe medication only kills the parasite when it is swimming freely in the water.Continue the heat and medication cycle for at least 7 to 14 days, and keep treating for 3 full days after the very last white spot disappears to catch any late-hatching parasites.”
— Richard Ferrara1.04 days ago“Outstanding customer service”
— Steve Datish5.0a month ago“Nice people with good knowledge”
— Jay Bombardier5.0a month ago“I've shopped at Uncle Neds several times over the last few months. Each time I've visited, the staff have been incredibly helpful, and willing to offer their expertise. I shop at other aquarium stores in the area as well and have found Uncle Neds pricing to be considerably less expensive than others in Mass/RI. Lastly, the quality of their fish is outstanding. I've purchased a couple of dozen fish and plants, and all have worked out great. I strongly believe that supporting local privately owned businesses is important. When it comes to my aquariums, I trust Neds and other local small shops far more than the big box stores. If you have aquarium, you should make a trip to visit Uncle Neds Fish Factory!”
— Jim Scollins5.0a month ago“I went in there for my son to get an eel the place has always been great but this time Dan was busy with multiple things took the 90 I handed him I was only paying 80 towards my sons fish he had another customer start talking to him and he said sorry and had them go to tractor supply I reminded him about the 10 he said you only handed me 50 now I counted the money 3 times before handing it to him and he would not even say anything about it I called to talk with Ned and he gave me Dan again and he hung up after saying I only gave him 50 so with the 5 fish tanks we have gotten our stuff all from Ned but I can’t continue to go through this I was ripped off 40 and because I told my son he could get it I said he could but the last thing we ever get there”
— JOSEPH CUSCHERA1.0a month ago“Great selection of uncommonly available fish. Always to appear in good health. Have purchased from "Uncle Ned's" many times.”
— David Hemingway5.02 months ago“Love this place very helpful & knowledgeable about everything!”
— Frances Brown5.02 months ago“Such a great crew! And huge selection of fish!”
— Ashli “JustaGirl inaMakeupWorld” Rhoades5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (508) 533-5969 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Uncle Ned's Fish Factory.