About
RMS Aquaculture in Middleburg Heights has been a fixture on Cleveland's west side for decades, and the loyalty of its customer base speaks volumes — many reviewers mention 10, 20, even 30-year relationships with the store. Walking in, you're greeted by a massive retail space packed with freshwater and saltwater livestock, a wide range of tank sizes and styles (including some unconventional shapes you won't find at chain stores), and an impressive wall of supplies from filters to substrate to decorative pieces as creative as a miniature Starship Enterprise. The freshwater selection is the store's bread and butter.
Customers regularly pick up angelfish, clown loaches, yoyo loaches, and feeder goldfish, with many reporting healthy fish that thrive for years. Live aquatic plants are available, though some shoppers note the plant section can look a bit sparse at times. The saltwater side carries marine fish, invertebrates like hermit crabs, and coral, though several reviewers feel the saltwater livestock selection is more limited compared to the freshwater offerings.
Beyond fish, RMS doubles as a small-animal and reptile shop, housing snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and ferrets — making it a genuine destination for families looking to browse and explore. Kids especially enjoy the variety of species on display. Staff members like Adam earn repeated praise for their willingness to answer questions, offer setup advice, and even assemble equipment on the spot.
The store clearly operates with an educational mindset; employees ask questions before selling livestock and share care guidance freely. A few reviewers have encountered inconsistent advice or slow service during busy periods, and opinions on pricing range from "very fair" to "a bit steep," but the consensus leans toward reasonable for the quality and selection offered. The beautifully aquascaped display tanks throughout the store provide real inspiration, and monthly specials on livestock keep regulars coming back.
For aquarium hobbyists in the greater Cleveland area, RMS Aquaculture remains a well-stocked, independently owned destination worth the drive.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Massive freshwater and saltwater fish selection considered the best on Cleveland's west side
- Huge variety of tank sizes and unique styles beyond standard square designs
- Beautifully aquascaped display tanks throughout the store for inspiration
- Knowledgeable staff who offer hands-on help including in-store equipment assembly
- Also carries reptiles, birds, rabbits, and other small animals
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Great Fish Selection...Best in the Cleveland Area, Great Place to bring the kids to see just not fish, but reptiles, mammals, and many unusual animal species as well”
— Stephen Skufza5.0Edited 6 days ago“Been going to these experts for years learning and they are so gracious answering my many probably dumb questions. Their knowledge is unquestionably one of the best I have dealt with in the fish hobby industry well worth the hour trip to browse the many fish assortment and see their aquascaped display tanks. And my new yoyo loaches!”
— CptBriggs5.0a week ago“I just drove 15 miles to come and you guys are closed on a day you're suppose to be open, maybe post something to let people know you're not opening on a day you're suppose to be”
— Anthony A3.0a week ago“Always A pleasant experience”
— ben lovejoy5.0Edited 2 weeks ago“Went in with the intention of buying fish this week, ended up getting a lot of conflicting information from staff including a red head guy cannot remember his name. Had to go to pet smart, so much for supporting small business”
— John Dehli1.02 weeks ago“Huge location. Great selection in Salt water and fresh water fish, plus aquatic plants as well. The selection of tanks was also huge! And It was nice to see some things that were unique and different, usually it seems like aquarium stores all have the same square tanks. So it was great to see the selection here. Tank decor also didn't disappoint, there was tons ranging from small fake plants to large items like the starship enterprise! They did also offer a few other types of animals like some snakes and reptiles, rabbits and i believe I saw a gerbil as well. Staff was very friendly and helpful as well to sort of ice the cake. I wasn't in the market for anything in particular while I was here, but will definitely be visiting again when I'm upgrading in the future.”
— Megan Jeffries (MegannDawnn)5.03 weeks ago“So when coming here, if you're looking for supplies, tanks, fish food, sand, basically everything to either set up a new tank or replacements, this place has a large variety and selection to get you started. Freshwater fish seem to be clean and good but their saltwater section is majorly lacking in quality. Also one of the staff in the back lacks any sense of animal handling. I purchasing some crabs and other things and he basically shakes the bag when packing them up”
— Kevin Solis3.03 weeks ago“This is such a great place for all of your fish/reptile/ small pet needs! It is soooo clean and organized! I was so impressed”
— Jessie S5.0a month ago“Best place in the area to get quality fish and fish supplies!”
— Natasha Miller5.0a month ago“I enjoy looking at fish”
— Dirty Dan5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (216) 433-1340 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting RMS Aquaculture.