About
Walk into Aquarium Center in Clementon, New Jersey, and you'll quickly realize the storefront doesn't tell the whole story. The inside opens up into a sprawling space packed with easily over 100 species of fish, rows of pristine tanks, and one of the best selections of aquatic plants in the South Jersey area. Situated in the same plaza as ShopRite, this family-run shop has built a loyal following that draws hobbyists from across central New Jersey and the Philadelphia suburbs — some driving 45 minutes or more and coming back for years.
The inventory spans freshwater, saltwater, and brackish setups. On the saltwater side, you'll find healthy corals and statement fish like gem tangs. Freshwater enthusiasts will discover a deep roster of species alongside gorgeous planted display tanks that stop even non-hobbyists in their tracks.
The live plant selection consistently gets singled out as among the best around, and they even carry houseplants alongside their aquatic offerings. Hardscape materials, tanks (including 150-gallon setups), stands, and a full range of equipment and supplies round out the dry goods side. What elevates Aquarium Center above a typical local fish store is the consultation-level knowledge the staff provides.
Staff members like Arman take the time to walk customers through tank setup, stocking choices, and compatibility — sometimes even steering people away from purchases that won't work for their setup or suggesting cheaper online alternatives. One regular compared the experience to earning college credits. That kind of integrity and patience, extended equally to families with kids and seasoned hobbyists, is rare.
The tanks are consistently described as clean and well-maintained, and prices are fair for a specialty shop focused on healthy livestock. One devoted customer ranked Aquarium Center alongside nationally recognized stores like The Wet Spot and Aquarium Co-Op's brick-and-mortar location. Parking in the shared lot can get tight during peak hours, but the selection and service inside more than justify the visit.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Massive selection of over 100 fish species across freshwater, saltwater, and brackish setups
- Outstanding live aquatic plant selection praised as among the best in the region
- Staff provides in-depth consultation — including honest advice to avoid unnecessary purchases
- Carries premium saltwater livestock like gem tangs alongside healthy corals
- Deceptively large interior with tanks, stands, hardscape, and full equipment inventory
From keepers
Customer reviews
“The staff is very knowledgeable and always helpful. The store has just about everything you will ever need, and a great selection of fish”
— Kip J. Quinton5.06 days ago“Great selection!”
— Sal M.5.0a week ago“When I first got into the hobby, this was the closest place in my area for fish over the years. I noticed that the customer service and staff aren’t very helpful. I’ll stop by at least twice a month and I noticed that certain staff would not ask if I need any help at times. I will ask for assistance and I will just wait and wait and wait until I decided to spend my money elsewhere, I don’t recommend this place. I recommend Monster Pets in South Philadelphia. They have excellent staff. I would not return to The aquarium center.”
— Steven Garland1.0a week ago“Great selection of fish. Friendly staff.”
— Christopher and Amy Pinkas5.02 weeks ago“Nice store”
— Vishwas Kiran5.02 weeks ago“This is THE place to go if you have an aquarium. The staff is so friendly and so knowledgeable, you can tell they love their job. The fish/creatures here are healthy and well taken care of. We’ve bought tons of plants here (aquarium plants and houseplants) and they are all beautiful. I’m addicted to this store!!!!”
— mia v5.02 weeks ago“Great staff, very helpful!”
— George Gianaris5.0a month ago“It's ALOT BIGGER INSIDE than you would think looking at the storefront! Staff seems to really know their stuff. Large selection of tanks and stands. VERY large selection of fish; easily over 100 species.”
— Dosmastr5.0Edited a month ago“I’ve been to every freshwater fish store in central nj/philly suburbs and this is by far the best. I have driven 45 minutes to come here for years and will continue to do so indefinitely. Excellent selection and stock. I even prefer aquarium center to the more “famous” fish stores outside nyc. I’ve been to dozens of LFS all over the east coast and this remains my favorite. I’d put them on the same tier as The Wet Spot and Aquarium Co-Ops brick and mortar locations in the PNW.”
— Ashley5.0a month ago“Wide selection of fish and supplies”
— Lynn Ingham5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (856) 627-6262 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquarium Center.