About
Tucked in Wappingers Falls in the Hudson Valley, Aquarium Solutions 101 has quietly built a reputation as one of the region's most respected aquarium shops. Owner Emiliano runs a clean, modern storefront stocked with both freshwater and saltwater fish, live corals, aquatic plants, and a curated selection of premium foods and water chemistry products. The rotating import inventory keeps things fresh for regulars, and the tanks themselves are well-maintained — customers consistently note how healthy and vibrant the fish look compared to big-box alternatives.
The saltwater and reef side of the shop has earned particular loyalty. Multiple hobbyists credit Emiliano with guiding them through the patience-testing process of building a mixed coral reef tank, sometimes even talking customers out of premature purchases to protect their livestock. He stocks RODI water for those still building out their home setups, and one reviewer recounted how Emiliano stayed open well past closing to prepare a custom saltwater bucket during a salinity emergency — then walked them through the recovery process without rushing.
Freshwater gets equal attention. Tetras, exotic species like harlequin tusks and groupers, and a strong selection of aquatic plants draw hobbyists who've grown tired of chain store quality. Customers regularly mention driving 30 to 40 minutes or more to shop here, bypassing closer alternatives.
The store also offers tank maintenance services — Emiliano makes house calls for monthly cleanings and follow-up check-ins, a service that's won over saltwater keepers who want professional eyes on their systems. The shop does have its quirks: posted hours aren't always honored, and phone responsiveness has been a sore spot for out-of-town customers who want to check stock before making the drive. But for those who show up, the depth of knowledge, quality of livestock, and genuine care for the hobby make Aquarium Solutions 101 a standout destination in the Hudson Valley aquarium scene.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Rotating import inventory with exotic species not found at chain stores
- Owner Emiliano provides hands-on guidance for reef and coral tank builds
- RODI water available for purchase on-site
- Monthly tank maintenance service with follow-up calls
- Clean, modern shop with thriving freshwater and saltwater tanks
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Was going down the rabbit hole online of eBay breeders and out of state shops that were recommended to me from fellow aquarium enthusiast. Decided to search my local area and came across this store. Was behind pleasantly surprised. Took a shot stopping here instead of going to a big chain store. Nice clean shop with a wide variety of fish and plants. Top of the line food and chemical choices. These guys know their stuff. Thriving tanks filled with fish . Rotating import inventory . Extremely helpful staff. Picked up some tetras and weeks later they are all healthy and thriving . Can’t wait to increase the size of my tank and get some more fish from here.”
— Antonios G. Kousoulos Jr.5.02 months ago“Very knowledgeable,”
— Dean615.03 months ago“Aquarium Solutions is the place for all your fish and coral needs. I have been coming here for 7 years and the owner has always been more then helpful.”
— Michael Maiorano5.03 months ago“professional and knowledgeable about the hobby. great selection. one of the best in the business.”
— Selca Tanks (Into the Aquarium)5.06 months ago“Great selection of fish and aquatic plants”
— Chrisfelina Schwab5.08 months ago“Emiliano and crew are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. The place has a wide variety of healthy fish and everything else you may need to create a successful aquascape. Easily the best fish store in the area.”
— Adam Repose5.09 months ago“I only entered the salt water fish and coral hobby just over a year and a half ago and I'm grateful to have found Aquarium Solutions 101. The owner has been a ton of help, full of knowledge and patience. More than a few times actually talking me out of a purchase, convincing me of the patience needed to create a beautiful mixed coral reef and fish tank. I've since made, and continue to make many purchases of both fish and coral there and my reef tank is growing into a thing of beauty. Not having my RODI set up yet, it's also great to be able to purchase my water here too. I recently had an incident with my salinity, and although I called 5 minutes before he closed and I told him I was 20 minutes away, he told me to come over and he'll set me up. And he did it without making me feel rushed. He took the time to make a custom salt water bucket and explained the process to gradually get my water back in balance. I don't know of another shop that would have done the same. If youre into fresh water, salt water, coral or need supplies, they have a nice selection of all of the above. If you haven't been here and you're into the hobby, youre missing out on a local gem.”
— dennis clynes5.09 months ago“Arrived in the parking lot just before store was about to open at 1:00 and waited for the store to open for 15 minutes before calling. Owner answered and said he would be at the store in 20 minutes so decided to wait but didn't show up until 35 minutes. Bought a fish just because we needed a friend to a fish that just passed and were over committed at that point but just "bad business"!”
— J P1.09 months ago“Best aquarium around here”
— Namal Palamakumbura5.010 months ago“Had a great experience and staff was incredibly friendly. I explained my situation and they were so nice and helpful in offering a solution which seems to already be working for our tank.”
— Briana DelDuca5.010 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (845) 518-4779 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquarium Solutions 101.