The best and only aquarium / salt water fish store I go to for my reef tank. Staff is knowledgeable and helpful with all questions and assistance needed. A+++ service and extra shout out to Joshua for assistance with carrying out water jugs to the car read more

Always very knowledgeable and never try to "sell you" the most expensive fish. Quite frankly, twice now, they have told me to get a smaller size to e sure safety. This is a class act establishment. Most recent visit I want to give props tho Brishon read more

update: now three stars instead of five because bought fish from them again and they had gill flukes. A lot of their fish seem to be sick..... Awesome clean and healthy fish. People have problems about how the employees don't come up to you but if you jsut ask for help they will come. Mostly packed during the weekends so I usually go Mondays because not many people go. Only problem I've ever had is buying a fish that got ich but they gave me a discount on the medicine and a free water test read more

Great store. After visiting this store, we will stop going to strip mall pet shops for our goldfish needs. The staff were friendly and professional and took their time answering our questions from fish breeds, tank size, to algae problems. Will sure to go back there again. Thanks for your help. read more

This store has just about everything. Clean tanks, quality fish, good products, and fairly helpful/knowledgeable staff. I knock one star off due to their prices. WOW are they overpriced! If you have not been to this store before, I highly recommend it but expect to pay top dollar. For example, I bought a grade A young male peacock cichlid for $64. Most likely would have been $35 - $45 at a different reputable cichlid shop somewhere else... I have only lost one fish from this store before and it happened within 24 hours. When I returned the next day I was given a full refund no questions asked. read more

I'm writing this review as a very frustrated, disgruntled customer. My wife bought our first fish tank here 18 years ago when I lived in Passaic County. I had only been back several times, but the few times I was there, I received poor customer service. Due to the fact that I had fish that had babies last night, I needed to find something to protect them. The store I usually go to is closed today, so I figured I would take chance and stop in. As I walked in, I saw about 8-10 staffers as they were recognized by there T-shirts. Since this is a weekday, the store was not filled with customers, yet I received no acknowledgement from anyone. The only way someone knew I was there was by the fact that I almost got hit with a ladder. I know I am a short black man, but I not that short. I WILL NEVER SET FOOT IN YOUR STORE AGAIN. read more

Nice selection of healthy fish. At least 6 associates there, and no approached me to see if I needed assistance. Workers milling about socializing more than being helpful. Manager is way too relaxed. Customers shouldn't have to be looking for help when there are 5 people chatting and not working. read more

I have come to this store a few times in the past month looking to see their tropical fish selection to add into a new tank. Their supplies and fish are overpriced. People are paying extra for a store that has more employees than customers standing around. There were a few employees who were actually taking care of the tanks but the rest of them were pretty much huddled together behind the register. Not once in any of the times that i've been in has any of the employees approached me to ask if needed help or had any questions. When i finally asked for help, I felt like i kept getting passed along to someone who would finally answer my questions. I will say though, whoever helped me out, was extremely knowledgeable. He was able to answer all my questions about which fish to house together and how many I should have of each so my tank would not become over crowded. He gave me a few tips on taking care my aquarium properly. I also noticed there was a tank of painted tetras. I will never buy fish from this store because of this. I don't buy any fish from any retailer that sells painted fish. read more

it has been a good long while since i walked into a business of any kind and found every single member of the staff to be knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. This is a great store with an excellent selection of fish and supplies and a very knowledgeable staff. very highly recommended read more

I like this fish store alot, since their variety are mostly saltwater. It is a beautiful store, and they have a huge selection. I took down a star, because they were pricey to begin with, and now recently they put their prices up again.The second star I took away was because they are always trying to sell me their products, which I understand is there job, but if I ask about a different product, they walk away??? Also the service is good, and the staff are knowledgeable, however they can come forth as cocky sometime. I would recommend checking out the place, again in is a beautiful store, with great selection, just be prepared to pay $$$$$ Just adding this from a review I just read on the sideline about a frequent buyer card, I have been there several times and has never been offered one. ... . read more

This store does stock some hard to find fishes, but I only write this review so the owner can take notice. This is not the first review to stress about the staff, there are a "LOT OF" employees in the store. I have no idea what they are doing, some sit behind the counter, some are running around moving fish or something else, counting inventory., but all of the several times I went to buy something there - I HAD TO ASK FOR HELP behind the counter, and then I get passed around. I can understand an understaff store, but when you have that many employees, shouldnt someone take notice of customers in the store, answer questions and ASK THEM if they need help? I've been to every other LFS in the area, and every other fish store in the areas have 1/5 th the people on staff and I get asked at LEAST TWICE if I need help once I walk in, start looking at fish or otherwise. The only reasoning I can see to this is the people there are interns from some biology college, underpaid or not well trained. It would be more forgivable if there were less people in the store, you just feel un-welcomed. However, I did make 2 purchases AFTER I had to ask for help twice (and I was in the store more than 10 mins on both occasions). read more

I showed up on black friday and I knew it was going to be busy. I was going around and finally saw a fish I wanted. When I asked for help, one staff member (chubby guy) kept on walking and ignored me. He then came back and approached me and said if I needed help to go to the front of the store. I understood how busy they were but the customer service skills has to improve. I'm not bashing on the intellect of the staff members when it comes to aquariums. But these people need improvement with customer service. I suggest having signs up notifying customers to go to the front desk for help! I don't recommend this store. There are other shops around NJ which are better and have better prices. read more

The best pet store for fish around. They're totally dedicated to fish care and it shows. Their staff is highly trained, either possessing or working on degrees related to fish care and they store has an amazing selection of fish from starters to the extremely rare and cool. Just go there and walk around sometime if you don't want to own fish. It's like going to an aquarium for free. Also notable that they will test your water for free if you bring it in. We had some fish die after starting a new tank. They tested the water, found it acceptable and let us pick out fish to replace them for free. read more

This store is absolutely incredible! Probably the best/ cleanest fish store I've been to in New Jersey. Every single tank was crystal clear and the fish were extremely healthy. Their selection was endless from freshwater to saltwater and even some brackish water fish. I purchased 3 fancy goldfish and 2 betta fish with the help of the extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff member, Henry. The prices were affordable and reasonable given their top quality. There is literally nothing you can't find in this store. I would highly recommend this place to any fish hobbyist. I will be returning! read more

After reading the response from the store, I decided to head back up to Absolutely Fish and I was not disappointed. As to be expected, I was greeted & helped immediately. The fish expert was knowledgeable and extremely helpful. The manager went out of his way to make sure I was satisfied and in the matter of 1 transaction? They won back a lifelong customer. Awesome store. Friendly & knowledgeable staff. And a manager that goes above and beyond to make sure your experience is a positive one. read more

This place is The best. The Staff is always pleasant, and extremely helpful. The tanks are always clean and full of beautifully colored fish. An extensive supply of dry goods as well and even a nice variety of live plants. I love this place and will only shop here for my aquatic products. Thank you guys your all absolutely amazing at Absolutely Fish. read more

Good selection. Super high prices. Average customer service. I visited absolutely fish a few times since I live relatively close to it. It's known to get fish and corals that are rare and can be tricky to find elsewhere. It offers a huge selection of saltwater, freshwater and corals to accommodate anyone's needs in the hobby. Equipment sold here are also very good and there is a large selection of pumps, skimmers, lights that you cannot find in the standard pet stores such as Petco. Aquariums are clean and I have rarely seen any dead fish or coral in their tanks. Beyond the selection I noticed that this store has SUPER high prices for everything that it sells. I don't know if this is because of its reputation or because it's so close to the city. Fish and equipment can be +30-50% more than at other fish stores and can even be 50%+ more than if you buy online. I love supporting local businesses versus online retailers but that's just too much. Service is Ok. The employees do not really ask if you need any help and often look or pretend to look busy making it difficult to ask for help. This can be frustrating because there are so many employees but nobody to help out! I think if you haven't been here, go there. It is worth going just to see the selection of livestock they have in person but be careful when spending money because you can get the same product elsewhere for much cheaper. read more

I'm here to set the record straight, people. Absolutely fish hands down, in my opinion, is the best retailer in the area. As someone who has dabbled in the fresh water hobby and now has moved into salt water (I'm still a noob). Absolutely Fish has been there every step of the way for me, and let me explain why you should come here if you want the cleanest, best tank possible. (I didn't say cheapest) Pros: Selection - Compared to other local retailers Absolutely Fish has a vast variety of both fresh water and salt water fish. They have tons and tons tanks with varieties that other stores wish they could or would never offer. Whether you are looking for a rare $3500 salt water fish, or a small Beta, they have it all and everything in between. AF carries huge selections of fish, corals, invertebrates, plants, rocks, tanks, lighting, skimmers, and about every accessory you can ever think of. I personally looked all over for "Real Reef Rock" when starting my new saltwater tank, no one in the area is a supplier.... except for. yep, you guessed it...Absolutely Fish. Cleanliness - I come here and pay a premium for all my fish and corals now because I KNOW they will be clean and not be a detriment to my system. If you have a quarantine system to keep fish and corals in, then by all means go buy the cheapest crap around somewhere else. If you care about your system though and want an easy aquarium experience you need to come here. No other retailer would ever guarantee pest free corals. No one. But AF will! Not only that but i have NEVER, not even 1 time, seen a dead fish in any tank. They maintain their systems properly to ensure long-living, top quality fish, corals, and invertebrates. Customer Service - The first time i ever came here was on their big sale day, held once a year where prices are slashed by up to 40% or more! I came in here with no knowledge at all besides what i read online and wanted to buy a tank. With people piling in the door at 10am and every employee on staff swamped we met Ryan and he had the time to sit down with my girlfriend and I and pick out and help us with everything we wanted. We special ordered ordered the tank and left with a smile. A few weeks later we got a call to pick it up, a few weeks after that i received another unannounced call from Ryan asking how the setup went and if we wanted to stop in to start looking at fish. Since the setup I have been back over and over and get a schooling every time i walk in here. Most, if not all employees are experienced and have huge reefs of their own and know exactly what they are talking about. There's never any question that cannot be answered. When i ask about putting something in my tank its either yes or no. They know what will work and what wont, but still allow you the freedom and creativity to build your tank however you want. They are never pushy to buy anything which i love, they just drop knowledge on me like its their job (which it is). Josh helped me get my live rock, sand, and now fish and corals and i cannot say enough good things about him as well. This guy knows his stuff! Cons: Price. You can find everything cheaper elsewhere, no doubt about it. Don't like it? Well you're in the wrong hobby if you're not looking to spend money, sorry to burst your bubble. Overall, this is the only place i would ever shop for my new tank. They took me from start to finish. I now have a complete setup with 3 fish and 4 corals and that will only grow in the next upcoming months! My system is perfectly clean, maintenance is a breeze and barely a chore. Prices here will be higher than most but i can assure you, it is worth it in most instances. Having a clean system from the start is critical to a great fish tank. Absolutely Fish will always be my go-to store for anything related to the hobby because its clean, well maintained, the customer service has been unreal (ask for Josh or Ryan), the selection is unmatched, and most importantly they remember you. I love walking in the door and having an associate recognize me and be real with me, not to just sell me something and get me out the door. The manager has thanked me now on multiple occasions for coming in and is always excited to tell me about new things and how the place is growing. Well done, Absolutely Fish, well done. read more

I love this place. Amazing selection of fresh, saltwater, inverts, and corals. Prices can be a bit high at times but the new deals and frequent buyer cards help out a lot. The staff is friendly and the owner makes sure they are knowledgable.. They answer every question and if they don't know they will find it out. It can be difficult to get hold of an employee at times especially when they are busy but they are attentive when you get them. Better yet, they buy back corals when you need to get rid of some. I have sold back numerous corals over the years and one of the managers, Glen, has always given me a fair deal.. To wrap it up, if you have an aquarium filled with water and wanna put living stuff in, then go to Absolutely Fish. If they don't have it, evolution hasn't made it.... Have Fun read more

At typical stores, the staff is friendly and they throw around some jargon and they act like they know what they're talking about. You buy some stuff and leave happy. At Absolutely Fish, they are friendly and they throw around some jargon, but they ACTUALLY DO know what they are talking about. And they have the integrity to NOT sell you something if it isn't going to work. Maybe you leave there unhappy with the answer. But you know it is the RIGHT answer. If you want somebody to butter you up and sell you a bunch of cheap garbage, yeah, maybe there are other places that might be okay. Otherwise, go to Absolutely Fish. They have a bazillion tanks full of fish, all in meticulous condition. The place just oozes professionalism. If you don't have a fish tank, you should get one just so you have an excuse to shop here. read more

Wanted to say I was so impressed with the service and help I got when I called to inquire about a puffer fish. Glen gave me some great advice and suggestions. I wish I was closer I would be definitely visiting this store! Thanks again Glen for all your help! read more

Three stars because no matter how many times I come here it's seems like I m always asking for help. Seems like they have enough staff but never engage unless I go up to them. Having said that, once I can get help the employees are helpful and do know their stuff! This place has everything you want and I have been coming here since 2010. Beautiful fish! Fair prices read more

These guys are very knowledgeable. They know what they're doing......bigtime. We are rookie, first time large tank owners, and they helped us out a lot when we went in there yesterday. They told us which fish to get and not to get so they don't fight. I felt comfortable dealing with these guys. When we're done with this tank, I want to start a saltwater, and these guys are the one that I'm going to go to for that. Thank you guys. read more

Absolutely Fish - Aquarium Services Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

One of the best stores in the area. They know what they're talking about and will have the unique species you can't find at Petco/Petsmart. Everyone here is extremely friendly and helpful. They're happy to give you tips and point you in the right direction. The fish are always in good condition and the stock rotates weekly. They get a few rare species and the prices are pretty decent. If you're into fish, this is definitely one of the stops you need to make. read more

This place is cool. A bit far from where I live but still cool. They have a huge amount of fish both fresh and saltwater. The most I've ever seen in one store. These tanks all have different "themed" looks to them some cheesy, gaudy, and some tasteful. They have a decent collection of aquatic plants. I went during one of their events, I believe they have them yearly - midnight madness and it was crazy. I did not know there were that many fish people. It took us an hour to get in. madness indeed. Will need to go during normal hours to get a better feel for the place and let you all know. read more

Very good place for fish as always to compete with Petco and PetSmart is hard so there prices are much higher but if u got money to spend and looking for unique fish give it a try. I would probably check out fish hut in saddle river if I'm in the area again. Absolutely fish is sometimes harder to get help. Even if ur not buying anything u can still spend a long time checking everything out read more

Purchased 10 Tiger Barbs from Absolutely Fish for a 200 gallon fresh water aquarium. This was a fresh tank with no other fish. Two days later I purchased 15 Neon Tetras from a different retailer. Every single Tiger Barb went belly up within one week. The Tetras, all 15 of them are alive and well 1 month later. Tank is 76 degrees F, water was treated and ran for three weeks before adding any fish. Can't say for certain that I bought sick fish from Absolutely Fish, but I can say for certain that I won't be going back. read more

Looking for an exotic fish specialty store? Look no more! Absolutely fish has everything you are looking for and even more! I want to start by saying how wonderful all the employees are! They are very knowledgeable and have to go through a lot of training prior to helping costumers. They can answer every question or concern you might have and give you great guidelines for a healthy aquarium. Many people mentioned the price tag! This is a boutique store and not a big chain store. Big box stores are able to get different prices from vendors and sell them for less money in difference with locally owned boutique stores. Also you get what you paid for! Costumer service is excellent! They spend a lot of time per individual and they do not rush anyone even if they end up not purchasing anything! They are more than happy to answer all your questions! Weekends tend to be very very busy so if you do not want to wait for a bit I would suggest coming on a week day when there are not as many people around! Another amazing factor about this store is all the donations and raising awareness events that they have! Every year they will contribute to a network of their choice and donate money to support them! For example this year they made a donation to 4ocean which is a global movement actively removing trash from the ocean and coastlines!! Absolutely fish is the best fish specialty store on the east coast! read more

I started my Sat water hobby right from this store. Each and every employee in this store is a true professional and very knowledgeable . They get it from the owner. I have been going to this store for 3 years and yes I am very late in reviewing them but it's always great things to say. Store : Has a great collection of fresh water and salt water fish. Large variety of marine life. They have a good collection reef tanks and corals. Yes they are a little pricey but it's worth every penny. Store is clean and at a prime location. Employees: I feel this is the highlight of this store. Lots of support staff and each equally knowledgeable. They have to go through intense testing because seldom has a question left unanswered . Their managers are always on the floor more than one . Willing to help you in every way possible . I will recommend this store to every salt water hobbyist . Check it out and you will not be disappointed . read more

I'll start with the bright side. Several of the employees are nice, helpful and knowledgeable. The bad? The managers, through which every decision must be run. We spent several hundred dollars buying a pre-setup tank, which had a list of included species. When we got home, we discovered several of them were not present. We called the store, and were assured we could come back and get they would be provided. We went back, spent another couple hundred on supplies, but at check-out, the manager said we had to pay for the species. Theft #1. We went back recently, paid for several things, but forgot one item. When we got home, my wife called and told them, and we were assured it would be held for us. But when we went back a week later, they demanded a sales slip, that we didn't have, and the same manager who had said he would hold it for us made us pay for another one. THAT IS STEALING! Theft #2. Once, I can forgive. Twice is a pattern of indifference to customers and deception. I will not be returning. read more

Great selection, great prices and the help is even better. I had many questions over the years and all have been completely answered Just love to go there just to browse around at times read more

I'm like a kid in a candy store here. Great selection and the fish seem very happy. Prices were fair as far as I could see (I got some generally inexpensive fish and their prices were the same from where else I go). I only give four stars because the customer service was a bit slow-- it seemed like some of the employees were just hanging out. It wasn't even that busy. However, when I could get someone, they were very helpful and kind. This is a great store and I plan to make a trip here again :) read more

Absolutely Fish - Aquarium Services Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

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The setup is amazing here, some of the junior staff are great, but it seems that the management (assistant managers) do not practice what they preach. I have spent few thousands with them, and yet these assistant managers doe not even have the courtesy to greet as you walk in! Bought some corals from them and the junior staff that were helping always greet me. I noticed that with the managers it seems that certain types of people get greeted and the service I would want (race), but that's just my observation. It's a pity as I was so fond of this store! So now decided that I will only buy the essentials that I cannot get from the fish hut. Note not all the managers are like this! The owner for example is great! So I am torn in giving this review as I like the place, just not a lot of the management read more

If you've tried the rest, now try the best! This is the only place in NJ that I buy fish. They have a big selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish. I have never purchased that fish from them and I've been in the hobby for over 20 years. Furthermore, The staff is very knowledgeable. Especially, Cam who helped me with my cichlids and lung fish. I'm pretty sure that they all have to go through training prior to being an associate. Today I got there 10 minutes before closing and never felt rushed by any of the employees. In fact turned out I was there half hour past closing and nobody said anything nor gave me any dirty looks as they did in other pet stores. The only reason I don't give them five stars id because they are very pricey as to livestock and supplies. read more

I was not very happy with the customer service. I only came into show my kids the fish and purchase a couple of goldfish. The guy treated me like a knew nothing at all about keeping pets. Yeah I have a cat, I had hermit crab and fish before. Its not like I was asking for a fancy tank with coral and saltwater fish. He basically would only sell me one fish, and his choice of products. I didn't want the expensive filter, I was going to look them up on amazon. He just said good luck in a condescending tone. I left not real happy. I did actually purchase a filter on amazon for 30 bucks less than his. Despite all this the fish are nice to look at and there seems a fair range. Just too many unhelpful staff around. read more

I must have paid a visit to at least three other aquarium supply stores. I would have to say that Absolutely Fish was definitely the most helpful and surpassed all expectations. The staff is super friendly and more than that very knowledgable. I couldn't be happier with the setup I purchased from them. The store is about 45 minutes from my house. I know taking the trip will always be worth it! Big thanks to the staff at Absolutely Fish!! read more

Absolutely Fish - 30 Gallon Planted Tank from Absolutely Fish in Clifton NJ - Aquarium Services Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

The employees at this store are superbly nice. I really have had great experiences. My issues is with the diseases that many of the fish I bring home from this store seem to have. I have bought upwards of fifteen fish from this store and, currently, four are alive in my tank. These fish have ALL succumbed to ICH (white spot disease). I went through a whole cycle of medication once (during which many fish died), only to have everything be nifty, go back to this store, buy new fish, and notice that those new fish had once again infected my other healthy fish with ich. Never again... Keep a close eye on all fish in this store with white spots (though, as ich professionals well know, ich is invisible in certain stages of its life cycle so you can bring it home without even seeing it!). read more

This place should be closed down.. I purchased a $75 leopard pleco and it died the next day not even 24 hours my tank has 15 discus and about 30 smaller fish I've had my tank for years and no deaths.. I went there recently and they had two discus in the front one had hole in the head and looked like it hadent eaten in days... Clearly suffering the other will probably suffer the same fate, Even a idiot knows they should separate them and add medicine to try to cure them, I guess taking care of there animals is not in the business plan, also there assesories are about 300 percent over priced try petsulutions.com you will save a bundle avoid this place you might infect the fish you already have. read more

I've been going to the store past five years have nothing but praise the staff is super friendly and there's more than enoigh helped going around so you don't have to wander the aisles looking for assistance the selection is good although the tropical fish are a little small the plant selection is fantastic read more

I'll cut right to the chase. The fish on display are impressive looking however they are grossly overpriced and worse they are not healthy specimens. Every adult fish that I have ever purchased from them has died within 6 months for no apparent reason and I maintain a pristine tank environment. I have been told that they could be adding growth hormones and other chemicals to enhance their colors which could be the cause of the fishes short lifespans. I don't know why they always die but they do and to me something smells fishy. Also most but not all of their staff are less than friendly and don't like being asked a lot of technical questions especially the guy with thick black glasses. read more