About
Tucked into Pine Brook, New Jersey, Sea Level Aquarium has built a loyal following among saltwater hobbyists across the region. The store's focus is clear from the moment you walk in: this is a reef destination. Customers consistently praise the coral selection, describing it as "amazing" and varied enough to fit a range of budgets — from entry-level frags to showpiece colonies.
Alongside the corals, the shop stocks a wide variety of saltwater fish and the gear needed to support a thriving marine setup from scratch. The staff is a major draw. Multiple reviewers single out one younger employee as a walking fish encyclopedia — the kind of person who can rattle off compatibility charts, care requirements, and feeding schedules without hesitation.
The owner is described as deeply knowledgeable and willing to go above and beyond, whether that means tracking down a specific species or helping a newcomer plan their first saltwater aquarium. If something isn't on the sales floor, customers are encouraged to ask — the team has a reputation for sourcing hard-to-find livestock. Pricing opinions vary.
Most reviewers call the prices reasonable to great, especially for coral and fish, though at least one customer felt the store ran on the expensive side. That said, the overall value proposition — knowledgeable guidance paired with healthy livestock and a focused saltwater inventory — keeps the majority of shoppers coming back. Sea Level Aquarium isn't trying to be everything to everyone.
It's a saltwater-first shop that leans hard into reef keeping, and that specialization shows in the quality and depth of its coral offerings. For marine aquarists in northern New Jersey looking for a dedicated reef store with staff who genuinely know their stuff, it's well worth the visit to Pine Brook.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- CoralsReef
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Extensive coral selection at multiple price points
- Saltwater-focused inventory including fish and startup equipment
- Staff praised as exceptionally knowledgeable about marine species
- Ability to special-order hard-to-find livestock on request
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Hope to see this place close down. Very overpriced and owner seems to care less about customers. Been there multiple times and the older guys always have the same nasty attitude. The younger kid in there is nice and helpful. Definitely will not be back.”
— Gabriel DiRocco1.0a month ago“Staff is VERY knowledgeable about the fish (especially one kid who’s a fish encyclopedia!!) and they have a very wide variety of fish and reasonable prices. They also have everything you need for your very first tank if you’re interested in investing in a saltwater aquarium. Overall spectacular!!!”
— Emma Sullivan5.05 months ago“Excellent place for all your saltwater needs. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They offer a great selection of fish and an amazing selection of coral that can fit everyone's budget. If there is something special you're looking for that they don't have, don't be afraid to ask, they may be able to get it for you. Highly recommend Sea Level Aquarium!”
— Scott Lauler5.07 months ago“Awesome store guy are super friendly and knowledgeable”
— William (will40th)5.08 months ago“Awesome experience. Great prices for fish, coral, & product. Owner is very knowledgeable and went above and beyond my expectations.”
— Kevin Ayoso5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (973) 227-0200 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Sea Level Aquarium.