About
Elmer's Aquarium in Monroeville, Pennsylvania has been a Pittsburgh-area institution for over 50 years, and the loyalty it inspires is remarkable — customers routinely drive an hour or more to shop here, passing dozens of competitors along the way. The family-owned store stocks an impressive range of both freshwater and saltwater fish across immaculately maintained tanks, along with corals, shrimp, snails, and live plants. Reviewers consistently note the health of the livestock; one customer reported purchasing hundreds of fish over the years with only a single issue, which the store promptly resolved with account credit.
The selection extends well beyond fish. Elmer's carries a full spread of aquarium equipment — tanks, filters, pumps, food, decorations, and stands — at prices that customers say beat the big-box chains. One reviewer picked up a 55-gallon tank with a stand as a Christmas gift, guided through the entire process by patient staff member Emmanuel.
The store also carries reptile supplies, dog treats, and insects, broadening its appeal beyond the aquarium hobby. What sets Elmer's apart is the depth of staff knowledge and their willingness to spend real time with customers. Associates walk shoppers through tank setup, stocking choices, and troubleshooting, often handing out informational pamphlets to take home.
Multiple reviewers describe employees staying with them for their entire visit, answering question after question. Trevor earned a shoutout for helping a first-timer stock a 25-gallon tank. The store also upgraded its betta housing to individual tanks — a detail that earned praise from fishkeepers who appreciate proper animal care.
The store's website features a real-time in-stock tracker, which one customer in Philadelphia used to confirm angelfish availability before making the long drive. Livebearers, white cloud minnows, and rare species round out a freshwater inventory that's tough to match in western PA. The space can feel crowded during peak hours, but the sheer density of healthy livestock and helpful staff makes the bustle worthwhile.
Elmer's has earned its decades-long reputation one fish bag at a time.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationTank SetupOnline Store
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned Pittsburgh-area institution operating for over 50 years
- Immaculately clean tanks with healthy freshwater and saltwater fish
- Bettas housed in individual tanks rather than cups
- Website with real-time stock availability for fish
- Competitive pricing that beats big-box pet chains
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Staff are friendly and extremely knowledgeable about fish keeping. Best fish store in the Pittsburgh area, hands down.”
— Zac, T.5.04 days ago“Staff knows their stuff, gives out good information and pamphlets to take home. And the prices are better than Petco”
— Joel gooble5.04 days ago“Knowledgeable associates with a variety of fish and equipment. MY one stop shop for my fish!”
— Danielle Kutchell5.0Edited 6 days ago“This was my first time at Elmer's. It's by far the best aquarium store in the area. They have a fantastic selection of supplies..food,decorations,pumps,filters,etc. beautiful tanks set up for display. An amazing variety of salt and freshwater fish. The best part to me was the owner and all the employees! The store was hopping when I was there and everyone had an employee with them answering all sorts of questions and giving advice. I had the pleasure of meeting Karen and she was wonderful! This store is around 40 miles from my house but I won't be shopping any where else!”
— amy thomas5.0a week ago“Amet all me aquarium needs”
— Robert Poindexter5.0a week ago“I give it a five because it’s incredibly clean, especially for a fish/pet store, and they have a large selection on hand. I love coming here after work. The staff are amazing, and they have not steered me wrong with anything I ask about my saltwater aquarium. One thing I do have is that, the, 3 times I’ve come after work, I get my stuff, chit-chat with the guy helping me, and 2 out of those 3 times, I get the checkout guy with the short flat hair, and he’s just always pissed off for no reason. Idk if it’s me or if he’s just having a bad month, but overall, it’s an amazing place. 🙏”
— Michael Brock5.02 weeks ago“So...the place is better than ok, but for the space, it's very busy and over crowded. The employees seem pretty knowledgeable, which is great. They have a great selection of fish, shrimp, and snails, but they are lacking a nice plant selection. Overall it's a cool place.”
— Bretton Madden5.02 weeks ago“great prices and selection of hardy species, especially livebearers, recently purchased 10 white clouds all in excellent health. will be shopping here for the foreseeable future!”
— isaac jones5.02 weeks ago“My go-to fish store. Has species that are hard to find elsewhere, tanks are immaculate, and knowledgeable staff. Ive purchased hundreds of fish here and only ever had one problem. Called the store and they added a credit to my account for the 2 fish I lost.”
— Tony Kuhn5.02 weeks ago“Best fresh and saltwater aquarium store in Pittsburgh. Knowledgeable staff fair prices.”
— Ron Stegall5.02 weeks ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (412) 372-6535 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Elmer's Aquarium.