Aquatic Wildlife Co

Not the One

2023-07

Great experience. Warm and knowledgeable staff. A WIDE variety of fish and crustaceans, all of which were very healthy and vibrant. It’s pricey but you’ll definitely get quality for your money for sure. 10/10 would recommend. I’ll definitely be going back.

Megan “Red” Bein

2023-12

Awesome place, great staff. Literally has all your aquatic needs. An loads of beautiful fish. Pics of my guy I picked up today. Will definitely be going back, for more stuff.

Allen B

2023-08

I was at Verizon came out to a flat tire. I walked down to Aquatic Wildlife and spoke to Derek and asked if I could plug my air compressor in and he said sure a guy that was in Verizon carried my air compressor into the store I want to thank Derek for allowing me to use the power eventhough they were busy and short staffed. He really knows how to treat customers. There are still some nice people out there since covid. I hope upper management sees this review regarding Derek.

Haohua Chen

2023-06

I bought a columbia pike cichlid last week and when I got home he hid in a rock and didn't move, then the next day he had white spots all over his body. On the third day he finally came out and kept rubbing against rocks like crazy. On the fourth day, he died in the fish tank without any reason. Now my fish are all starting to have white spots and keep rubbing against rocks. I hope you guys can give me an explanation. I won't delete this comment until then.

River Jewett

2024-01

The owners are super nice and the staff is very helpful and knowledgeable! I'm never at a loss for what I need for my aquariums here. They take super great care of their fish and plant life as well. all the tanks always look very healthy and well maintained. They have an amazing selection of every kind of product you'd need weather you're a beginner to the aquarium hobby or a seasoned pro, you'll only find quality products here that will last you a long time and are worth the money. If you're thinking about getting into the hobby or are just looking for a quality specialty aquatics store, this place is worth the drive. I cannot overstate how wonderful this store and its staff really are.

Emily Lawler

2023-05

I can't say enough good things! This is a beautiful store with a wide variety of healthy fish. I've gone here twice and was astounded at how healthy all of the fish are, and every fish on my list was in stock! The employees and owner know their stuff and are awesome at helping me pick out what fish would fit my tank. This store is an hour away from home and I will make the trip every time.... It's that good!

Jonathan Rivera

2023-07

I'm not gonna lie I had a bad experience like 3 years ago but that said I went back about 6 months ago and they became my number 1 spot to get my cichlid..and I also donated my 2 Oscar and the found great home for them... they have alot of different fish salt or fresh water..nothing but good stuff to say about this place.....much thank to Derek Marder....

Gary Post

2023-12

Chose this store to restock my tank. Satisfied in past . Three days later one fish died. Decided to test so called product warranty. Their product warranty is a win win victory for the store. Almost impossible to gain satisfaction. Buyer be ware. Bring water sample in BEFORE buying fish as the store will not make good if water sample differs from store water. Or better yet, go elsewhere!

Rottweiller Love

2023-11

Great people working here. Very friendly, and knowledgeable. They’ve a wide variety of wet pets 😊

N N

2024-01

Better variety of fish than petco or other big chains. Pricing a little higher than other aquarium stores in the area. Overall, most tanks looked healthy though a couple tanks did have sicknesses.

Nicole Struth

2024-01

Best aquatics store, by far, in central, CT. The tanks are always in good shape, there’s a huge variety of freshwater and saltwater, lots of aqua-scaping options, great selection of plants, and the staff is super helpful!

Lisa Michele Smith

2022-05

I visited this store for the first time to buy some corydoras (corys), snails, and ghost shrimp for my new tank since I couldn't find these items at the chain pet stores in my area. The clerk who helped me was extremely knowledgeable and courteous. The store itself is well stocked, and the fish selection for salt and freshwater is amazing. Though my wallet was somewhat lighter once I left the store, it was totally worth it. The corys are healthy and happy in my tank and have been taking care of business.UPDATE: Determined to add gourami to my tank, I returned a month later to buy supplies and four dwarf gourami. They are beautiful!

Rion Neil

2024-01

Great place to shop than your local pet store. They have a great selection even if you didn’t find the one that you intended to get you will definitely leave with something even supplies and accessories for your pets need

Alex Mulvey

2024-01

Amazing aquatic store, big variety of many kinds of fish fresh and salt. Me and my girlfriend have tried many other places but always find ourselves back at aquatic wildlife co!!

Makrina Nolan

2022-05

I have been here twice now and both times I’ve had an amazing experience. The staff is super helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. When I went today all three employees asked us if we needed help with anything on different occasions even considering how busy they were. I have gone to a different fish store and stood looking for about 30 minutes waiting for a sales person to be free to help me get fish. I also haven’t had any fish or plants die from here

Kristina Feldman

2022-05

The Owner and all the employees at Aquatic Wildlife are Extremely knowledgeable, Friendly, and *always* willing to help, whether you know nothing about fish or you have been keeping fish for years and years.We recently purchased a 125 gallon Aqueon Aquarium & stand from Aquatic Wildlife as well as Canister Filter, gravel, Lights, & Glass tops.Today we went back to get medication for fish I had before finding Aquatic Wildlife, more gravel, a UV Filter, Carbon media for the filter, plant nutrients so we can plant our tank, and breeding baskets because we have 4 pregnant fish! We also were told about Fish Fry Food that I had no idea existed!!This is honestly the best Aquarium store I have found in CT. They literally have everything you need for aquarium and if for some reason they don't have a specific product that you are looking for they will order it for you.They even carry Java Moss!!!You will not be disappointed if you visit this store. We drive an hour to come here and I will do it again and again. It's 100% worth the drive.Thank you Aquatic Wildlife for all the help you have given us over the past few weeks!!

Sean Main

2023-10

Positively incredible store! The selection and quality of the livestock is mirrored by the expertise and professionalism of the staff inside. I only happened on this place as I was walking through the parking lot, and I will undoubtedly be back again to bring some new tank mates home. This place should be on the bucket-list of any aquarist within 100mi.

L. Dewrance

2023-05

I love shopping for my saltwater pets, etc. at AW' And, my tank stays clean, thanks to Amanda!!!

Jason R

2023-05

If your serious about a saltwater/freshwater/reef tank. You live central/northern CT. THIS is the place to go.They have most of the top rated components in stock.Anyone who knows about these tanks. There are 2 ways basically to approach it.Do it right. Buy the top end reliable components.Take precaution to avoid nuisance critters etc.Or do it on a budget. And watch the water turn yellow. Smell. N wildlife die.Derrick. The owner is a great guy and knows his stuff.Jason R.15-29 years. Reefs.

Ryan Crowe

2024-01

Very knowledgeable staff. They test your tank water every time you go in for free which makes a huge difference for me.

MiggyMigs !!

2024-02

I went to Aquatic Wildlife and the people working were very kind and honest about their fish! Good place to go

Holly Malinowsky

2023-05

Very helpful staff and beautiful selection of fish.

Chief Kibitzer

2019-05

I purchased a 70 gallon corner tank from Derek at Aquatic Wildlife back in 2009 and was so pleased with the quality and service I received that I've been shopping almost exclusively at this store for over a decade now. Aquatic Wildlife always carries top of the line aquatics products and the knowledgeable staff always takes the time to answer my questions in depth. For these reasons alone I was and will continue to be a loyal customer—but, this past winter Derek went above and beyond what I could have imagined an owner of a store doing for a customer. My 10 year old tank started to develop a leak and I was faced with having to either rehome all my fish or invest in a new tank, the latter of which I could not afford. When I reached out to Derek to get his advice on the situation he reminded me that my tank had a lifetime warranty. Right away he proceeded to do all the legwork of reaching out to the manufacturer and quickly secured me full compensation for the original purchase price of my old tank. Simultaneously Derek also worked expeditiously to acquire me a beautiful new aquarium which was both an upgrade in quality and size. For this I am forever grateful to Derek and the staff at Aquatic Wildlife. Derek is truly a man of his word and delivered on everything he said he would. Thanks for everything!!

David Seng

2024-01

Nice selection. Prices are ok. Felt like sales people work on commission.

Travis M

2024-02

Derek's staff are excellent, Derek is an incredible owner. Freshwater and saltwater fish better than any other lfs. All the knowledge you could wish for is all within the doors of Aquatic Wildlife

Mark Cross

2023-10

Fantastic place to get all your fish supplies and fish!Derick the owner is very knowledgeable and can get any fish you want is a reasonable time and price

Lou Torres

2023-05

This is my favorite place for anything regarding my fish tanks. From the selection of fish and all of the different species to the most beautiful plants. I’ll never go anywhere else. The customer service is outstanding.

Eliana Burke

2023-05

I've been keeping fish for years, and I just moved to Connecticut. I was really worried about finding another local fish store like I had access to before, but I'm not worried anymore! This is an adorable store, they have anything and everything you need to keep fish, and they were SO helpful and knowledgeable about fish. I highly recommend you check this place out for all your fish needs!

Youngspy Two

2023-05

I decided to take a drive down to this fish shop yesterday and am so happy I did. I've never written a Google review before, but this is the first scenario where I feel like I have to. I started getting into the fish tank hobby towards the start of 2023, and want to write this review to encourage anyone looking for a great fish store to check this one out. I will go over everything about this place in different sections and will try my best to cover everything.Tanks: They have A LOT of tanks, and I mean A LOT. I was also very surprised to see they have rimless tanks that aren't available in other stores. They provide a much cleaner look and I personally wish I had one. The only other place I've seen the rimless tanks is on Amazon or at Petco, but Petco only has the Aqueon versions which aren't my personal favorite. They have a variety of different sizes that will help you with whatever you're looking for.Food: I didn't look around too much in the fish food section because that's not what I visited to get, but from the parts I did see, they have a lot to choose from! They had a shelf dedicated to food and I like how they had a lot of products from the brand "Bug Bites."Care Products: By care products, I mean the chemicals and stuff you put in your fish tank for a variety of different reasons. (Examples: Stabilizer, Stress coat, etc...) Once again, they have A LOT. There's a picture in one of the other reviews that showcases their huge shelves dedicated to care products. I was very happy to see their wide variety (and they were also very organized).Decorations: You don't even know how happy I was to see their tank decorations. When I say this I'm not talking about fake plants or pirate ships (which they do have, but those don't interest me), I'm talking about their hardscape supply including tons of different rocks and wood. They also have these cool quartz rocks, which I've never seen at any other fish shop. I bought 3 of their rocks immediately once I saw them. They have TONS! They also have pebbles in bags if you are looking for them, which can be good for certain tank designs.Fish: It is a fish store and all, so yes they have fish, but they have a WAY greater variety than other stores I've been to. The fish are very well taken care of and the staff was caring for them from the moment we walked in to the moment we left. There's also a cool fish that'll greet you on your left upon walking in. They have shrimp, snails, and many others as well. If you are looking for a fish, they most likely have it. I was also told they get 3 shipments of them per week!Plants: From someone looking to start a planted tank, you have no idea how happy I was to see 2 huge fish tanks dedicated entirely to plants. They also looked healthy and included floating plants and moss (I've been looking for somewhere to buy those for ages!) Petco had 99% dead plants when I visited, so seeing the plants they have here was refreshing. I will be back very soon to pick up some plants myself.Saltwater: I personally don't know a lot about keeping saltwater fish, but I DO KNOW they have a wide variety of corals to choose from. They also have a ton of saltwater fish that were very happy to see people walking by. As for sand, they have a lot available toward the front of the store (for saltwater and freshwater tanks). Their corals were healthy and well-cared for, and it had me wishing I knew about saltwater tanks.Staff: Staff can make or break a business, and in this case, I am very happy with my experience. I specifically talked with a gentleman who was more than willing to help me with any questions I had, and he also educated me on a certain species of shrimp that I was unfamiliar with. However, before even talking with him I could tell the staff was friendly. They have great communication with one another which is probably why the place is so clean. It was a very relaxed visit and I didn't feel pressured to buy anything, they were all just caring for the fish but reassured me that they were available for anything I needed.Amazing store!!

Free Speech

2023-05

Ive visited almost every fish store in CT/NYC area and this one hangs with the best of them. Easily the best store in the hartford area. Massive selection, awesome employees, decent prices.