Tucked away in Bardonia, New York, Rockland Aquarium has built a loyal following among freshwater enthusiasts across the Tri-State Area and beyond, largely thanks to owner Marlon's deep expertise and genuine passion for fishkeeping. The store's reputation rests heavily on its impressive selection of South American and Central American cichlids, African cichlids, and harder-to-find species like Red Head Tapajos and Albino Hecklii Geophagus — the kind of fish you simply won't encounter at big box pet stores. Walk in and you'll notice clean, well-maintained tanks housing healthy, vibrant fish.
Marlon takes a consultative approach, helping customers understand compatibility, maintenance costs, and proper care before they leave with a single fish. Longtime customers praise his patience and willingness to answer questions, and many credit his guidance with keeping their tanks thriving for years. Beyond fish, the store stocks a solid range of dry goods including fish food, medications, aquarium chemicals, and accessories — often priced below what you'd pay at chain retailers.
Rockland Aquarium also offers full aquarium setups ranging from 10-gallon starter tanks to showpiece 210-gallon systems, with delivery and installation handled by Marlon and his team. Several reviewers describe the process from consultation through setup as smooth, with ongoing maintenance advice that makes keeping a beautiful tank manageable at home. The store ships fish nationally, with customers as far as South Carolina reporting healthy arrivals via next-day air.
Fish are carefully packaged, and many buyers note their livestock arrived showing vibrant color and eating immediately. That said, the online ordering experience has been inconsistent — a handful of customers report slow communication, delayed shipments, and difficulty reaching anyone when issues arise. It's a real blemish on an otherwise strong operation.
For in-person visits, though, Rockland Aquarium delivers an experience that keeps customers coming back for years. Marlon's encyclopedic knowledge of freshwater cichlids, competitive pricing, and personal touch make this Bardonia shop a destination worth the drive for serious hobbyists in the greater New York area.
nat modugno
Rockland Aquarium is a Great Aquarium/Fish Store. Marlon the owner is a gentleman with great patience and care. His fish ranging from South and Central American, African Cichlids are some of the best in the Tri-State Area. His PRICES on Fish, Dry Goods (food) and Full Setup of Aquariums from 10 gallons to 210 gallon tanks are UNMATCHED. You would be really missing out if you don't pay the Store and Marlon a visit...
Bryce Bousquet
3 reviews
Ordered fish, they never shipped and company refused to respond to my messages. Now I have to call my bank to get my $200 back because rockland decided they did not need to refund me but it was ok to never ship my order. Buyer beware, they will steal your money and refuse to talk to you
Dean61
17 reviews
Marlon is very knowledgeable and helpful. His experience of what fish can go together is very useful. Ways to save on maintenance cost and other ideas to keep your fish healthy has been a great help. Prices are competitive. I've never gotten an unhealthy fish from him. 12/31/25 went to Rockland Aquarium for a second time today Marlon and John were very helpful again. Answered all my questions. They have all kinds of freshwater fish, most that you wouldn't find at the box stores at great prices. I was looking at accessories and realized he was cheaper than the box stores on a lot of them. This is definitely the place to go for fish enthusiasts. I would highly recommend them .you have to check them out! I won't go anywhere else.
David Zicch
14 reviews
Having been in the fish keeping hobby for some time now. I have had the opportunity to visit many local and big box fish stores. Rockland Aquarium and Marlon the owner are one of the best and a fantastic example. Great selection, great prices, knowledgeable and always willing to help in any way possible. An all around great fish store and owner. I visit often and have purchased many fish and supplies through the years. Always a great positive experience. Have sent many others and they all feel the same way. Highly recommend. I will continue to visit for all of my fish keeping needs.
Brian Rendine
10 reviews
A lot of variety and very personable! Go with questions and leave with the correct fish for your tanks.
John Mazur
15 reviews
Super clean tanks!
Terence Whitaker
2 reviews
Ordered almost $200 worth of fish with shipping they all arrived dead contacted Rockland no one answered the phone sent a text message and got a reply back after a few hours that I would get a reshipment the following Tuesday here it is a week later going on 2 haven’t had a text back nor tracking number for my fish…. Communication is absolutely horrible I had looked forward to ordering more fish but that will not happen never again
Royalty Rios
3 reviews
Rockland Aquarium exceeded my expectations. Marlon’s friendly and knowledgeable approach made the entire experience wonderful.
Memphis Salinas
3 reviews
The experience with Rockland Aquarium was top-notch. Marlon’s helpfulness and expertise made it easy and enjoyable from beginning to end.
Murphy Delacruz
4 reviews
Exceptional service from Rockland Aquarium! Marlon’s professionalism and supportive nature made everything stress-free and pleasant.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (845) 269-1530 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Rockland Aquarium.
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132 NY-304, Bardonia, NY 10954
February 7, 2026
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