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
Fish & livestock for sale at Rift Lake Aquatics in Cleveland, OH
Rift Lake Aquatics stocks cichlids, African cichlids, plecos, catfish and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Cleveland, OH. As an aquarium store serving Cleveland, OH, it also carries dry goods, aquarium equipment, fish food and fish medications and offers aquarium consultations.
- 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
“You can get the same amount as a”
— Zachary5.02 weeks ago“Lots of stuff great prices”
— Lauren Slys5.04 months ago“NO FISH OR ANYTHING LIVE ONLY SUPPLIES. GUY LOOKED AT US LIKE WE BOTHERED HIM WHEN WE WALKED IN THE DOOR AND ASKED FOR FISH OR PLANTs. HE SAID DOES IT LOOK LIKE IT? WE LOOKED AROUND US AND HE LAUGHED AND SAID I DONT CARRY ANYTHING BUT SUPPLIES. SO IF YOUR LOOKING FOR FISH OR ROCK OR PLANTS DONT GO THERE. GUY WAS RUDE TOO. I MEAN WHY ADVERTISE GREAT SELECTION OF FISH AND THERE IS NOTHING NOT EVEN TANKS LIKE THEY SOLD OUT OR WAITING SHIPMENT NOTHING...BUT WE GOT THE ATTITUDE LIKE WE INTERRUPTED HIS DAY WALKING IN THE DOOR. Don't waste your time unless you need tank supplies.”
— Helicea Joy Kazymyriw1.04 months ago“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
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.