Amazonia Tropical Fish in Philadelphia has built a national reputation on one thing above all else: stunning, healthy angelfish. Run by owner Arek, this breeding operation specializes in varieties like Red Devil Koi, Blue Marble, Philippine Blue, Black Smash, and wild-type Manacaparu angels — fish that regularly leave buyers speechless when they open the box. Reviewers with 40 and even 50 years in the hobby call these some of the finest angelfish they've ever purchased, and that kind of praise doesn't come lightly.
The shipping operation is meticulous and clearly refined through experience. Orders arrive in insulated Styrofoam-lined boxes with heat packs (often two), bags treated with methylene blue or antibiotics to reduce stress, and a black cover to keep fish calm in transit. Extras are a hallmark — nearly every reviewer mentions receiving a bonus fish, along with specialty food samples and a branded microfiber towel. Orders ship year-round, even during brutal Northeast cold fronts, and Arek personally follows up with tracking numbers and delivery confirmation texts.
While angelfish dominate the catalog, Amazonia also carries discus and koi, and the Philadelphia-based facility houses an impressive array of setups that visitors can tour in person. Walk-in customers describe a knowledgeable, patient owner who takes time to help with fish selection and answer questions.
Communication is a consistent theme across hundreds of reviews — email responses within minutes, proactive shipping updates, and genuine concern that fish arrive alive and thriving. Pricing is described as fair and reasonable for the quality, which multiple buyers note far exceeds what photos can convey. The colors on these fish apparently need to be seen to be believed.
For anyone serious about freshwater angelfish, Amazonia Tropical Fish delivers — literally. The combination of breeder-direct quality, obsessive packaging standards, and Arek's personal touch has created a loyal customer base that spans the East Coast and beyond.
FreshwaterAngelfishDiscusRare SpeciesShips FishOnline Store
Tucked away in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, Aquarium Xpress is a small operation with a big reputation, built largely on the expertise and genuine passion of owner Dave (David). This isn't a sprawling big-box pet department — it's a hands-on, livestock-focused shop where every tank is meticulously maintained, pest-free, and stocked with vibrant, healthy animals.
Saltwater enthusiasts will find the coral selection particularly impressive. Customers consistently rave about the color and health of the coral, with one reviewer noting that their new pieces made existing coral in their home tank look dull by comparison. After proper acclimation, corals reportedly open and color up within minutes — a testament to how well the livestock is cared for before it ever leaves the shop. Anemones, reef fish, and shrimp are also part of the inventory, and Dave's knowledge of saltwater and reef systems has made Aquarium Xpress an invaluable resource for newcomers to the hobby.
But it's not just saltwater. Dave also supports freshwater setups and even outdoor pond owners. One customer who inherited a house with both a large fish tank and a pond found Dave instrumental in getting everything running smoothly. That kind of personalized, responsive service defines the Aquarium Xpress experience.
Beyond livestock sales, Dave offers tank maintenance and cleaning services — and customers are thrilled about it. From emergency cleanups (like an entire container of fish food dumped by a curious child) to ongoing scheduled maintenance, he handles it all with professionalism and good humor. Tank setup guidance is another strong suit; Dave walks customers through cycling, bacteria buildup, and stocking timelines with real expertise.
Pricing is consistently praised as fair, and the level of care and knowledge Dave brings to every interaction keeps customers coming back. For aquarists in the Lewisberry area looking for quality coral, healthy fish, and a shopkeeper who treats your tank like his own, Aquarium Xpress delivers.
Felicity's Pet Supplies in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, is a woman-owned pet supply store that has earned a devoted following thanks to owner Sheena's remarkable dedication to quality and personalized service. Named after the store's canine mascot — a friendly pup who greets visitors alongside the staff — this shop has become a cornerstone of the local pet community.
What sets Felicity's apart is Sheena's meticulous approach to product curation. Every item on the shelves has been researched for quality ingredients and nutritional value, with a focus on limited and single-ingredient treats, premium chews, and high-quality food for dogs and cats. Customers dealing with pet allergies, ear infections, or prescription diet requirements have found a trusted ally in Sheena, who takes the time to understand each animal's specific needs and breed characteristics. If she doesn't carry a particular food, she'll order it. If she doesn't know the answer to a question, she'll research it and follow up.
The personal touches are what customers talk about most. Sheena remembers pets by name, recalls their favorite products, and even knew which frozen bones to pull when a family member stopped in on a customer's behalf. The store runs a rewards program for food bag purchases, a birthday club that sends cards to pets on their special day, and a program offering free goodies to customers who've recently adopted a pet. Throughout the year, Felicity's hosts community events and collection drives for local animal rescues.
The store also ships nationally — a customer in New York raves about fast, well-packed regular shipments — extending Sheena's careful product selection beyond central Pennsylvania. Dogs visiting the shop are greeted with affection and treats (and occasionally fresh pancakes with toppings during special events), making every trip feel like a celebration. For pet owners in the Bellefonte area who care deeply about what they feed their animals, Felicity's has become the only stop they need.
Main Line Coral Gardens has quickly established itself as the go-to saltwater destination in Malvern, Pennsylvania, filling a void left by closures of nearby shops in Phoenixville, Coventry, and Exton. Owner Justin has built a clean, modern storefront packed with an impressive coral selection spanning soft corals, LPS, and SPS varieties — from affordable frags to high-end collector pieces. The emphasis on aquacultured corals and captive-bred fish, including clownfish pairs, sets this shop apart for reef hobbyists who value sustainability and tank-raised hardiness.
What comes through in nearly every customer interaction is Justin's genuine willingness to educate without upselling. Multiple reviewers credit him with helping them set up their first saltwater tanks, offering practical tips and honest recommendations rather than pushing unnecessary equipment. Customers report that corals purchased here — often generous-sized pieces with multiple polyps or heads — are thriving in their systems months after purchase. That kind of track record speaks to the health of the livestock and the quality of advice backing each sale.
The shop may be compact, but it's thoughtfully stocked. Beyond the coral displays, Main Line Coral Gardens carries frozen foods, RO-DI supplies, and essential reef-keeping dry goods. Justin recently became a Waterbox distributor, adding another solid equipment option for customers looking to upgrade or start fresh. The store functions as a genuine one-stop shop for reef tank maintenance without the hassle of ordering online and dealing with shipping — a point several local hobbyists specifically appreciate.
The atmosphere is welcoming and unhurried. Justin takes the time to talk through setups, discuss coral placement, and share his own experiences in the hobby. For the Main Line and greater Chester County saltwater community, this is the kind of local fish store that deserves to stick around — knowledgeable ownership, healthy livestock, fair pricing, and a real passion for reef keeping that's evident the moment you walk in.
Abrams & Weakley General Store for Animals in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania isn't an aquarium shop — it's a beloved neighborhood pet supply store that has been serving the central PA community for over two decades, with some customers loyal since 2000. Owned and operated by Kristen, Brenda, and their dedicated team, this small business has carved out a devoted following by curating only high-quality, health-focused foods, treats, and supplements for dogs, cats, and small animals.
What sets Abrams & Weakley apart is the depth of care behind every interaction. Staff members remember customers by name and track purchase histories so you never accidentally grab the wrong bag of kibble — and if you do, they'll not only exchange it but deliver the replacement to your door if you're recovering from surgery. That's not a hypothetical; it actually happened. They stock a impressive range of frozen raw foods, premium dry kibbles, turkey twizzlers, yak cheese chews, and an ever-rotating selection of fun toys and nutritional supplements. If something isn't on the shelf, they'll place a special order without hesitation.
The store also features a fenced-in doggy play area — a mini dog park where pups can stretch their legs and go potty while their humans browse inside. Grooming services are available in what customers describe as a calm, stress-free environment. The shop regularly hosts adoption events in partnership with local rescue organizations, reflecting the owners' genuine commitment to animal welfare that extends well beyond the cash register.
The Harrisburg location is compact with limited parking, but regulars consider the stop well worth it. Prices are kept competitive despite the premium product selection, and the staff's nutritional knowledge has helped countless pet owners navigate allergies, dietary transitions, and overall wellness. For anyone in the Harrisburg area looking for thoughtfully selected pet supplies backed by people who truly know and love animals, Abrams & Weakley delivers — sometimes literally.
Tucked into rural Pipersville, Pennsylvania, Cuboid Nature Aquarium has become a pilgrimage destination for freshwater planted tank enthusiasts across the mid-Atlantic. People regularly drive two hours from New Jersey and beyond to visit this Euro-style aquascaping store, and the consensus is clear: it's worth the trip.
The store's focus is unmistakable the moment you walk in. Stunning fully aquascaped display tanks line the space, offering immediate inspiration for anyone building a planted setup. The live plant selection is extensive — from beginner-friendly bundles to harder-to-find species — and the quality is consistently praised as far superior to what's available through online marketplaces. Driftwood, stones, and hardscape materials are abundant and competitively priced, often cheaper than what customers find elsewhere. Nano fish, bettas, shrimp, and rare freshwater species round out the livestock offerings, all kept in immaculate tanks with a reported two-week-plus acclimation and quarantine process.
What truly sets Cuboid apart is the staff. Employees like Madelyn, Taryn, Harvey, and others are repeatedly singled out for their patience with newcomers and deep knowledge of aquascaping and planted tank care. Harvey has been known to make house calls to help customers set up CO2 injection systems. Staff members can point you to the exact location of any plant in the store and suggest appropriate alternatives when something's out of stock. Multiple reviewers describe spending 30 minutes or more in guided conversations without a hint of pressure.
Cuboid also runs a well-regarded online store, shipping plants year-round and fish during warmer months. Their packaging has earned effusive praise from customers who've been burned by sloppy Amazon and eBay sellers — plants arrive healthy, well-protected, and often more generous than described.
For anyone in the freshwater aquascaping world within driving distance of Bucks County, this store has filled a void that's existed since the pandemic shuttered so many independent fish shops. The combination of pristine livestock, serious hardscape inventory, and genuinely passionate staff makes Cuboid a destination, not just a store.
FreshwaterPlanted TanksLive PlantsAquarium EquipmentOnline StoreShips Fish
Tucked away in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, Scotty's North Hills Water Gardens is the kind of place pond enthusiasts drive over an hour to reach — and leave saying it was worth every mile. This isn't an aquarium shop that happens to sell a few lily pads. It's a dedicated water gardening destination, built around owner Scotty's deep expertise and genuine desire to help customers get their ponds right.
The store's display ponds are a draw in themselves — beautiful, inspiring setups that showcase what's possible with the right combination of plants, fish, and hardscaping. Inside, the selection of aquatic plants is exceptional: dwarf papyrus, water lettuce, water hyacinth, and far more, all reportedly healthy and reasonably priced. Customers rave about the variety, with one noting the selection "just makes me want a bigger pond."
For koi keepers, Scotty's carries a solid selection of pond fish at competitive prices, along with food, filtration systems, UV lights, pumps, and water treatments. Fountains — including porch fountains — are well represented, and the hardscaping materials and garden art round out the inventory for anyone building or upgrading a water feature.
What truly sets this shop apart is the consultation experience. Scotty personally walks customers through pond design, liner measurement, filtration setup, and plant selection with patience and honesty. Multiple reviewers describe him guiding them away from unnecessary purchases, offering several options rather than pushing the most expensive route. First-time pond builders consistently say they came in overwhelmed and left confident.
The staff mirrors Scotty's approach — friendly, knowledgeable, and unhurried. They'll carry a spitter to your car and answer every question you can think of. For anyone in western Pennsylvania building a new pond, rehabbing a neglected one, or simply looking for quality aquatic plants and pond supplies, Scotty's has earned its near-perfect rating through years of doing right by its customers.
Fish & Friends in Hanover, Pennsylvania has become a destination freshwater fish store that routinely draws hobbyists from over an hour away — and they keep coming back. Owned and operated by Blake and his family, this shop radiates the passion of people who genuinely love fishkeeping. The tanks are meticulously maintained, the fish are visibly healthy, and the atmosphere inside is calm and inviting, more like walking through someone's prized collection than browsing a retail floor.
The freshwater selection is the main draw. Customers rave about the variety, which includes rare and exotic species imported from unconventional sources alongside community tank staples like rasboras and loaches. Shrimp keepers will find solid stock here too — one reviewer reported their original five shrimp from Fish & Friends thriving a full year later. Live and frozen foods are well-stocked, and the aquatic plant selection supports the store's growing reputation as a go-to for aquascaping supplies in the region.
Beyond livestock, Fish & Friends carries a substantial inventory of tanks, filters, heaters, decorations, and dry goods that continues to expand. Blake actively takes customer requests and can add items to his next order if something isn't on the shelf. Prices are consistently described as fair and often cheaper than big box competitors, which makes the drive even easier to justify.
What truly sets this shop apart is the personal attention. Blake and his staff take the time to answer every question honestly, whether someone is setting up their first tank or adding to their sixth. Multiple reviewers credit the team with turning around frustrating fishkeeping experiences and helping them build thriving aquariums. The store maintains an active Facebook page where weekly shipment updates keep regulars informed about incoming stock.
For freshwater enthusiasts in York County and beyond, Fish & Friends delivers healthy fish, honest guidance, and the kind of curated selection that only a owner-operated shop fueled by genuine passion can provide.
Brandt's Mill Specialty Pet Store in Lebanon, Pennsylvania is a beloved family-owned shop that has built a fiercely loyal following among local pet owners — though it's worth noting upfront that this is primarily a dog, cat, bird, and horse supply store rather than an aquarium destination. Across dozens of glowing reviews, not a single customer mentions fish, aquariums, tanks, or aquatic life of any kind. What Brandt's Mill does, it does exceptionally well: the store stocks a wide selection of high-quality, USA-made pet foods and treats available in bulk, along with toys, apparel, collars, crates, and even horse and pony supplies. Customers rave about the bird seed selection, particularly for cockatiels and parakeets, and the store carries specialty items like ear mite medications and cat towers that you might not expect from a smaller independent retailer. The shopping experience is a major draw — staff members are consistently described as warm, patient, and knowledgeable, often greeting visiting dogs with treats and affection. Resident cats and dogs that 'own the place' add to the charm. Several reviewers who recently moved to the Lebanon area describe Brandt's Mill as exactly the kind of local business they were hoping to find, praising the personalized service that big-box pet retailers simply can't match. The store itself is clean, well-organized, and has an open, welcoming feel. Prices are described as fair and competitive, especially given the quality of the products. For Lebanon-area pet owners looking for premium dog food, unique treats, bird supplies, or horse essentials from a shop that genuinely cares, Brandt's Mill delivers. Just don't expect to find an aquatics section — this is a terrestrial pet paradise through and through.
Tucked away in Baden, Pennsylvania, Nature's Aquatics is the kind of specialty pond shop that inspires people to drive well out of their way — and come back year after year. Run by Jocelyn and her family, this Beaver County destination has earned a devoted following among pond owners across the tri-state area, and it's easy to see why.
The shop revolves entirely around pond life. Healthy koi in gorgeous variety are the main draw, and reviewers consistently note that fish purchased here acclimate and thrive better than stock from other sources. The aquatic plant selection is extensive — hardy water lilies, marginals, and floating plants fill the space — and Jocelyn will walk you through care, potting techniques, and even offer re-potting services down the road. Pond equipment, water treatments, fish food, and nutrients round out the inventory, making it a true one-stop shop for pond construction and maintenance.
What sets Nature's Aquatics apart is Jocelyn herself. Multiple reviewers describe her diagnostic ability with sick fish, her willingness to field questions via Facebook, and her patient, unhurried approach with every customer. One water feature professional admitted he could spend eight-hour days talking shop with her and still learn something new. New pond owners praise her for walking them through entire setups from scratch, while seasoned koi keepers rely on her product recommendations and water quality expertise.
The property itself is part of the experience. A stunning on-site koi pond with large waterfalls serves as both a showpiece and a living demonstration of what's possible. Visitors describe the atmosphere as relaxing and personal — more like visiting a friend's house than shopping at a retail store.
And then there's the honey. Nature's Aquatics maintains bee hives on-site, producing their own honey that customers love picking up alongside pond supplies. It's a charming, unexpected touch that speaks to the family's connection to the natural world. Prices are competitive with online retailers, and the personalized guidance you receive is something no website can replicate.
