About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Specializes in African cichlids with peacocks and other varieties from 2" to 5"
- Dry goods priced below Amazon and chain pet stores
- Owner Jim provides detailed cichlid care guidance including tank hierarchy and acclimation tips
- Stocks plecos including gold nugget plecos, catfish, and a wide range of fish foods and medications
- Ships orders and offers online pickup for customers outside the Cleveland area
From keepers
Customer 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.”
— Patrick Licht5.03 months ago“Love this place the last place”
— Jason Cockrell5.03 months ago“No longer sells fish. It's a rather cluttered array of quality foods, equipment and accessories for fishkeeping”
— Shawnda McCollum4.0a year ago“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.”
— Daniel S4.0a year ago“Jim was very nice and knowledgeable and you can't beat his prices. Highly recommend”
— Andrew Wheeler5.0a year ago“Great selection of products!”
— Craig Hartman5.02 years ago“Jim is amazing and I will definitely be going to him for all of my aquarium supplies from now on!!! Thanks Jim!”
— Melissa Aholt5.02 years ago“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.”
— Adam Umek5.02 years ago“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.”
— Seven Legrone3.02 years ago“Very nice for a supply store. Hating not seeing the fish they once had available .”
— Ted DeSalvo4.02 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (216) 215-1639 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Rift Lake Aquatics.