PicKFish Pets in Kenilworth, New Jersey has built the kind of reputation that draws customers from as far as Brooklyn and Staten Island — people who willingly drive an hour past dozens of other options just to shop here. Owner Mike and his team have created a local fish store that feels like a genuine community hub for aquarium enthusiasts across the region.
The store stocks both freshwater and saltwater species, with reviewers praising the health and variety of their fish. Puffer fish arrive with round bellies — a telltale sign of proper quarantine and feeding protocols that many stores skip. Their betta fish are kept in actual tanks rather than the cramped cups you'd find at chain retailers, a detail that speaks volumes about how this shop operates. Beyond fish, PicKFish carries neocaridina shrimp, snails, live corals, and an impressive selection of aquatic plants that keeps planted-tank hobbyists coming back.
One standout feature is their hardscape selection, complete with a dedicated table where customers can mock up their aquascape before purchasing — ensuring you don't overbuy or underbuy materials. It's a thoughtful, practical touch that reflects how deeply Mike and his staff understand the hobby. The curated product lineup extends to dry goods, equipment, and medications, with staff ready to diagnose fish health issues and recommend treatments on the spot.
PicKFish also ships fish, and reviewers report that even orders delayed by shipping mishaps arrived with every fish alive and swimming within minutes of acclimation — a testament to their careful packing. If a specific species isn't in stock, Mike will source it and call when it arrives.
What truly sets this Kenilworth shop apart is the staff's patience and willingness to teach. First-time fishkeepers walk out feeling confident about their new community tank, while experienced hobbyists find themselves chatting for an hour about geophagus sveni or octopuses. The tanks throughout the store are immaculately maintained, serving as living proof that these folks practice what they preach.
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Fitz's Fish Ponds in Colts Neck, New Jersey has built a national reputation as one of the premier koi pond builders and maintenance providers in the country — and the reviews make a convincing case. Founded by Brian Fitz, this isn't your typical fish store. It's a full-service operation that designs, constructs, and maintains koi ponds of every scale, from backyard water features to sprawling multi-system builds that run under bridges and alongside home foundations.
The construction stories alone are remarkable. One Virginia homeowner recounts how Brian drove down from New Jersey with a crew to tackle a complex koi pond that local builders were afraid to touch — a system running alongside the house foundation, under two bridges, and feeding into natural streams behind the property. The crew, led by Jimmy and Mike, coordinated repeated trips to sync pond construction with the home build itself. That level of commitment defines Fitz's approach.
On the maintenance side, the names Brett, Abraham, and Eric appear again and again in glowing reviews. These teams handle seasonal pond cleanouts, string algae removal, netting installation, filter diagnostics, and emergency repairs. One customer describes how, after an electrical fire destroyed their filter system, Fitz's dispatched Travis immediately to set up a temporary solution to protect the fish before sending a full construction crew to rebuild. That kind of rapid, compassionate response earns fierce loyalty.
Fitz's also operates a thriving online store shipping exotic koi nationwide. Kyle, the staff member most frequently mentioned in fish-buying reviews, personally assists customers from Tennessee, Virginia, and San Diego in selecting individual koi via phone or video, patiently showing options until each buyer finds the right fish. Jan is another standout for in-person guidance.
The selection of exotic koi and pond plants anchors the retail side, but the real draw is the expertise. Whether it's a 500-gallon cleanout, a leaking filter connection, or an ambitious multi-stream build from scratch, Fitz's Fish Ponds delivers with professionalism that customers describe as unmatched.
Aqua Creations in Lakewood, New Jersey, is a full-service custom aquarium company that designs, builds, installs, and maintains saltwater and freshwater tanks — and they do it with a level of craftsmanship that clients describe as transformative. One customer had Jay and the team extend a wall in their condo to accommodate a salt water tank, then match the cabinetry exactly to the kitchen. Another describes the feeling of looking at the finished product as being "transported under the ocean." These aren't off-the-shelf setups — they're bespoke installations built to fit a client's space, taste, and lifestyle.
Led by Jay, Aaron (affectionately called "the Fish Doctor" by at least one reviewer), and Sol, the Aqua Creations team handles everything from concept through ongoing monthly maintenance. Multiple clients report five-plus years of consistent, reliable service visits, with technicians described as neat, punctual, and deeply knowledgeable. They service koi ponds as well, extending their reach beyond interior aquariums. For those eyeing a reef aquarium, one customer who met with several companies said no one matched Aqua Creations in any category — technology, design, aquaculture, or pricing.
What stands out most across the reviews is the team's patience and attention to detail. One client recounts the crew spending hours positioning every stone in their tank until it was perfect. Another highlights Aaron's responsiveness — always answering the phone, always available with an answer. The company draws clients from well beyond Lakewood, with one reviewer traveling from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, calling it the best professional home aquarium service near Philadelphia and South Jersey.
Aqua Creations isn't a retail fish shop — it's a design and maintenance operation that delivers custom saltwater and freshwater aquariums as living installations. If you're planning a reef tank, a planted freshwater display, or koi pond service in the greater New Jersey area, they bring the rare combination of creative design, technical precision, and long-term reliability that this hobby demands.
Walking into The Fish Hut of New Jersey in Saddle Brook is, as one customer put it, like being a kid in a candy store — regardless of your age. With nearly 3,650 reviews and a 4.9 rating, this tropical fish shop has built a fiercely loyal following across the region, drawing hobbyists who drive over an hour and a half just to browse the aisles.
The store's African cichlid selection is the headliner. Multiple reviewers call it the best they've ever seen under one roof, and longtime fishkeepers who outgrew chain pet stores have found their permanent home here. One customer converted a 125-gallon community tank into an African cichlid setup and relied entirely on The Fish Hut's staff — particularly Jon Jr. — to guide stocking decisions for compatibility and harmony. Beyond cichlids, the shop carries a wide range of freshwater species including bettas, corydoras, and colorful community fish, plus live plants, shrimp (some hand-selected with eggs for breeding), and everything needed for aquascaping.
What sets The Fish Hut apart is its team. Names like Pete, Eddie, Konner, Kyle, Nico, and Jon Jr. come up again and again in reviews — each praised for patience, genuine expertise, and a knack for making newcomers feel comfortable. Staff will test your water, help you gender fish, suggest compatible tankmates, and even follow up on the phone after you've left. One family purchased a full setup for their autistic son and raved about the personalized guidance. Another credited Konner with making a six-year-old's first fish tank experience effortless and exciting.
The store itself is clean and well-organized, with clearly labeled tanks and healthy, vibrant fish. Tanks, substrate, décor, food, and supplies round out the inventory, and delivery and installation services are available for larger setups like 90-gallon tanks. The atmosphere is genuinely welcoming — regulars mingle with first-timers, and the staff clearly enjoys what they do. For freshwater fishkeeping in northern New Jersey, The Fish Hut has earned its reputation tank by tank.
Fitz's Fish Ponds in Green Brook Township sits at a fascinating crossroads: part pond supply house, part aquascaping destination, and entirely one of New Jersey's most compelling aquatic shops. The Route 22 location draws pond owners looking for koi, seasonal maintenance, and winterization supplies, but it has quietly become a magnet for planted tank enthusiasts across the tri-state area.
The plant selection alone justifies the visit. Tropica pots and tissue cultures line the shelves, while crypts and Anubias are kept in high-humidity tanks to ease the transition to submerged growth — a detail that speaks to genuine horticultural care. Four or five display tanks showcase submerged-grown plants available for purchase, and the hardscape inventory of driftwood and rocks gives aquascapers serious material to work with. The shrimp and nano fish varieties round out a lineup clearly curated for the planted tank crowd.
On the pond side, Fitz's is a full-service operation. Their crew — Abraham, Marshall, Felix, and others — handles seasonal pond openings, closings, cleaning, and restoration. Customers rave about receiving koi shipped overnight in perfect health, and the staff walks pond owners through water chemistry and treatment protocols with real depth.
Then there's Howard. His name appears in review after review, and for good reason. He designs custom aquascapes for home aquariums, walks first-time hobbyists through every stage from substrate to cleanup crew, and fields questions about koi nutrition and waterfall leaks with equal ease. Jenn earns similar praise for guiding newcomers through their first tank setups and plant selections. Both reflect a staff culture that prioritizes education over upselling.
Notably, all fish are quarantined before being made available for purchase — a practice that builds trust and protects customers' existing livestock. With an online store that ships koi and an in-store experience built on patience and expertise, Fitz's Fish Ponds has earned its 4.9-star reputation across more than 500 reviews. It's a store that respects the hobby.
Tucked into Stewartsville, New Jersey, That Pond Place is the kind of specialty store that pond owners drive an hour to reach — and then can't leave for two. Owned and operated by Mike and Christina, this dedicated pond supply shop goes far beyond what you'd find in a garden center's water feature aisle. The outdoor grounds alone feel like a destination, with display ponds, lush aquatic plants, and koi swimming through crystal-clear water. Visitors regularly describe the experience as walking into an oasis.
The plant selection is genuinely impressive. Water lilies, hyacinths, lotus, hardy marginals — the variety and health of the stock keeps customers coming back season after season. One reviewer reported their lotus "exploding" in the pond within weeks of purchase, with healthy growth and blooms on the way. Beyond plants, the shop stocks koi, goldfish, tadpoles, driftwood by the ton, rocks, filtration systems, aerators, and bacteria treatments for water clarity. If it's pond-related, it's likely on the shelves or in the outdoor displays.
What truly sets That Pond Place apart is the full-service pond work. Mike and his crew handle everything from complete pond rebuilds to algae-choked 1/3-acre property pond restorations. One customer had a 33-year-old pond completely redone in four days — fish and frogs safely held, liner replaced, natural stone placed, waterfall rebuilt. Another had their muck-filled pond cleaned, fitted with a larger aerator, and put on a healthy bacteria regimen that cleared years of algae problems. The follow-up care after installation is consistently praised.
The consultation alone is worth the trip. Mike and Christina genuinely listen, troubleshoot water chemistry issues, and offer actionable advice — something multiple reviewers say they couldn't get anywhere else. The interior shop is described as eclectic and artistic, stocked with pond décor, accessories, and even koi windsocks. For anyone maintaining a backyard pond or dreaming of building one, this Stewartsville shop is the real deal.
Tucked into the woods near Mays Landing in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, Swimming Flowers Fishery is a working farm and fishery that has become a destination for pond enthusiasts across the region — some driving two hours just to visit. Run by Dave Albett Sr. and Dave Albett Jr., this family business specializes in koi, shubunkins, comets, and butterfly koi, ranging from one-inch juveniles to show-stopping three-foot specimens. Reviewers consistently praise the health and beauty of the fish, with multiple customers reporting their koi thriving through harsh New Jersey winters.
Beyond fish, Swimming Flowers carries a robust selection of aquatic plants, pond pumps, hoses, food, and accessories. Catfish and snails are also available for pond ecosystems, and their live plant inventory draws customers who come specifically for healthy, well-maintained specimens. The operation functions as nursery, fishery, and pond service provider all in one — they design, install, demolish, and rebuild ponds, as one Northfield customer described after having their old stream completely reconstructed by the crew.
Seasonal pond services include fall closings, spring openings, and ongoing maintenance. Dave Sr.'s hands-on consultation approach stands out: longtime pond owners say they leave every visit having learned something new, even after decades of experience. The team is known for standing behind their work, and one reviewer noted the owner personally replaced shubunkins that didn't survive the first week.
The property itself adds to the experience. Peacocks, emus, alpacas, goats, parrots, and various rescue animals roam the farm, making it genuinely enjoyable for families with kids. It's part agricultural attraction, part pond supply shop, and entirely dedicated to the craft of outdoor water gardening. For anyone maintaining or building a pond in South Jersey, Swimming Flowers Fishery is the real deal — a place where expertise, inventory, and genuine care converge on a beautiful working farm.
Tucked away in Forked River, New Jersey, Lacey Pet Supply with Next Level Exotics has quietly built a devoted following among Ocean County's aquarium hobbyists and pet owners alike. Owned and operated by Dan and Colleen and their family, this shop punches well above its weight — a compact space packed with an impressive selection of both saltwater and freshwater fish, corals, live plants, and a full reptile section that includes everything from red tail boas to tegus to red eye tree frogs.
The saltwater side is a particular draw. Multiple reviewers cite it as their go-to marine aquarium source on the Jersey Shore, with healthy clownfish (including orange storm pairs), live rock, and the supplies needed to maintain a reef system. Dan's deep knowledge of water chemistry and tank cycling has guided many first-time saltwater keepers through setup and stocking. On the freshwater side, customers report strong tropical fish variety alongside koi and snails, with plants available for planted tank enthusiasts.
What sets Lacey Pet apart is the hands-on, genuinely personal service. Dan and his staff have been known to physically help a customer fit a replacement glass top on their tank, special-order a chinchilla and care for it until pickup day, or spend extended time walking a new fish keeper through every stage of their first family aquarium. Staff members like Landon are consistently called out by name for their attentiveness and product knowledge.
The store extends well beyond fish — reptiles, birds, small mammals like chinchillas and bunnies, feeders, dog treats, and supplies for chickens and cockatiels all share shelf space. Prices are consistently described as fair, and the shop is notably clean with healthy, well-maintained animals throughout.
For anyone in the Forked River or greater Ocean County area looking for a real aquarium and exotic pet shop with substance behind the counter, Lacey Pet Supply delivers the kind of care and expertise that chain stores simply cannot replicate.
Walking into Discus Madness in Union, New Jersey feels less like visiting a fish store and more like stepping into a curated gallery of living color. Row after row of immaculately clean tanks house what many customers consider the finest discus collection within hundreds of miles — deep red turquoise, smokey white butterflies, and an ever-rotating selection of strains and varieties that even seasoned collectors find hard to resist. One reviewer, who has visited specialty discus shops around the world, says Discus Madness definitively stands out.
The showroom lives up to its name in scale and ambition. Visitors consistently note the absence of sick or deceased fish in any tank — a rarity in the aquatic retail world — and the spotless condition of both the facility and the water. Lighting is clearly chosen to showcase the fish at their best, but the vibrancy speaks to genuine animal husbandry, not just presentation. Beyond discus, the store carries a solid assortment of other freshwater species including tetras, angelfish, and rare finds like Zebra plecos (L046), along with tropical plants and a full range of tank equipment and accessories.
Staff members like Danny and Rebecca earn repeated praise for their patience, expertise, and genuine willingness to field every question, no matter how basic. They handle both in-store interactions and phone orders with equal professionalism — one customer noted their call was answered on the first ring, with fish shipped out promptly and arriving healthy.
Speaking of shipping: Discus Madness runs a serious online operation. Their packing is borderline legendary — one Zebra pleco buyer joked that the box could survive a Super Bowl field goal kick. Fish arrive well-insulated, secure, and in excellent condition, drawing repeat customers from as far as central Pennsylvania and Queens, New York.
Pricing is frequently described as fair and competitive for the quality offered, though be warned — multiple reviewers caution that once you start browsing, each tank looks better than the last and your wallet may not survive the visit.
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Tucked away from the big shopping centers in Williamstown, New Jersey, J B Tropical Fish is a throwback to the classic neighborhood pet shop — the kind of place where the owner knows your name and the tanks are spotless. Walking through the door, you're greeted by warm, humid air (reviewers warn to dress for 81°F) and rows of well-maintained freshwater tanks stocked with healthy tropical fish, including some impressive tank busters and unique species you won't find at chain stores.
The store carries live plants alongside its fish selection, and the tanks themselves serve as proof of concept — planted, uncrowded, and carefully maintained. Beyond fish, J B stocks reptiles, arachnids, and a robust feeder section with crickets, dubia roaches, and rats at prices that draw customers from well outside the local area. One reviewer drives from Philadelphia specifically for their feeders.
Owner Dave and staffer Keith are consistently praised for their depth of knowledge across both aquatic and reptilian care. Multiple reviewers note their patience in answering questions, offering tank tips, and helping newcomers make smart choices. One parent described how the staff spent genuine time with their son, walking him through different fish in the tank and explaining what made each one special. The store also handles custom builds for terrariums and captivities on display.
Pricing is a strong draw — reviewers repeatedly note that J B undercuts franchise pet stores while delivering healthier animals and better advice. The shop will even order specific animals on request; one customer had snails ordered on Saturday and picked them up by Tuesday. Used tanks are occasionally available for those building setups on a budget.
J B Tropical Fish carries the spirit of a 1990s local pet shop with real expertise behind the counter. For South Jersey fish and reptile keepers, it's a reliable destination with personality, fair prices, and animals that arrive home healthy and stay that way.
