








Tucked into a block of buildings on Engle Road in Middleburg Heights, just outside Cleveland, Rift Lake Aquatics is owner Jim's one-man operation — a compact, densely packed aquarium supply shop that punches well above its weight class. The store's name tips its hand: African cichlids are the star attraction, with peacocks and other varieties ranging from 2-inch juveniles to full-grown adult males on display in the back fish room. Jim also stocks plecos — including gold nugget plecos — catfish, and severums, though the livestock selection has apparently scaled back at times, with the store leaning more heavily into dry goods in recent years.
And what a dry goods selection it is. Nearly every review mentions the pricing, and for good reason: customers routinely find equipment, food, and medications cheaper here than at chain pet stores or even Amazon. One reviewer picked up a Tetra air pump for under $15 when it was listed at over $20 online.
Nano cubes, tank décor, fish food, and accessories fill every available surface. The store is small and admittedly cluttered — Jim himself would probably agree — but regular customers treat the density as a feature, not a bug, describing the experience of discovering new products around every corner. Jim's knowledge is the store's real engine.
He walks customers through cichlid tank hierarchy, advises on compatible tankmates, and recommends strategies like adding new fish in the evening when lights are low. If something isn't in stock, he'll order it. He also ships orders and handles online pickup, extending his reach beyond the Cleveland area to hobbyists across Northeast Ohio.
The hours can be unpredictable — multiple reviewers have arrived to find the door locked during posted business hours — so calling ahead is strongly recommended. But for freshwater enthusiasts in the Cleveland area, especially those keeping African cichlids, Rift Lake Aquatics delivers expertise and value that big-box retailers simply can't match. Just watch your step navigating the aisles.
Patrick Licht
192 reviews
Better prices on equipment than Amazon. Bought an Tetra air pump for less than $15, price on Amazon was over $20. Will def stop back in for future equipment purchases. Had reasonable prices and a wide selection of gear.
Jason Cockrell
6 reviews
Love this place the last place
Shawnda McCollum
52 reviews
No longer sells fish. It's a rather cluttered array of quality foods, equipment and accessories for fishkeeping
Daniel S
115 reviews
Small store with no livestock but Jim has a lot of things for sale! And it’s cheaper than RMS down the street. I would go back.
Andrew Wheeler
30 reviews
Jim was very nice and knowledgeable and you can't beat his prices. Highly recommend
Craig Hartman
47 reviews
Great selection of products!
Melissa Aholt
5 reviews
Jim is amazing and I will definitely be going to him for all of my aquarium supplies from now on!!! Thanks Jim!
Adam Umek
92 reviews
Very knowledgeable owner with everything you could want for a fish tank salt or fresh... Amazing prices on both food And supplies.. will definitely go back.
Seven Legrone
34 reviews
Smallset Store to Sell Just Fishy Pet Pals and I Have No Wild Caught Cichlids At The Mi Casa. Entering your Surroundings are All Fish Predatory Warm Water Fish (Salt/FreshWater) and A Goldfish Selection to your Right I Love the Comparability of This Fish Shop.
Ted DeSalvo
130 reviews
Very nice for a supply store. Hating not seeing the fish they once had available .
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (216) 215-1639 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Rift Lake Aquatics.
Take control of your listing to update info and respond to reviews.
Claim This ListingFind on Map
6777 Engle Rd J, Cleveland, OH 44130
February 7, 2026
Verified Data
Information verified through Google Places API and community contributions.
Other aquarium shops nearby worth checking out