The best aquatic store in NJ! If you are there to just look at beautiful aquariums, coral, fish and aquatic creatures there is no pressure from any pushy sales people at this place. However if you do ask for help you will find that all of the staff are very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. They have a very nice variety of tanks to fit all budgets and they usually have an amazing selection of saltwater and fresh water fish and sea creatures. They have continuous education requirements for their staff and each staff member wears a badge with their level of expertise on it. If you ask a sales member a question and they do not know they will ask an upper level member to make sure you get the correct answer. I've been going to this store for many years and highly recommend it! 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

I really wanted to give this place 3 stars, but the variety and selection pushes that 4th star. Whether you're looking for saltwater or freshwater they have a lot to choose from. However many things were overpriced in this store beyond belief. Whether it be livestock or accessories. I went by one evening and I was the only customer when I walked in the store. I wasn't greeted the entire time I was there or ever asked if I needed help. I had some questions for them too, but they just didn't really care to help me. By the time I left the store was packed and I really didn't expect anything then. read more

Selection and advice are both top tier, they give honest opinions, and have great prices on both livestock and dry goods. Stocked up store with lots of high end fish, tanks, and lights, as well as budget friendly tank setups. Staff is a pleasure to deal with as well read more

THE BEST. No other fish place can come close (I've been to them all). They truly take care of their tanks and fish-look at the tanks at Petco or wherever else and compare for yourself. You'll also never find a fish store where the employees are extremely knowledgable and excited about what they do- you need to pass a knowledge test to work here. I have never been steered wrong here-they CARE. Sure, I've taken a fish home here and there that died shortly after-that's what fish DO. IT HAPPENS. If you're a fish person you would know that it's part of the hobby-they're sensitive creatures that easily get stressed. I can say I've never purchased a sick fish from here- they quarantine any stressed or sick fish and make it known. I'll never go anywhere else. Period. read more

Absolutely Fish has many types of freshwater fish for your needs. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful with letting you know which community of fish to choose from. The prices for fish, supplies and food are reasonable too! I will definitely frequent Absolutely Fish for my tank needs! read more

I can't deny this store has a great selection or that the employees know their stuff, the trouble is nabbing a wandering employee to help you. I can't even count how many times I went in there and would stand in an aisle or out in the open and I felt like I was in a game of hide and seek, I know they'd see me but they'd do the old "ohh I'm going to pretend I didn't see you and walk faster by". If I did get helped, then I'd usually come by 2 or 3 people before I got blessed with someone who could actually help. All in all it's a nice store, it's always fun to look around but their customer service could be a bit better, creation knows there's always a swarm of people working there, it just shouldn't be like a hunt to get some help. read more

I love this place! Everyone here is so knowledgeable and helpful. They have a crazy amount of salt water fish and a pretty good amount of freshwater fish. Great assortment of canister filters and everything that you could need for setting up your tank. This is hands-down my favorite fish store that I have been to! I will be a steady customer as long as I stay living in the area :-) read more

This is my go to place for buying high quality fresh or salt water pets. Their selection is amazing, especially the hard to find ones you only see on the internet. Looking forward to visiting them again and again and again.... read more

Amazing selection! Super friendly and educated staff. One of my favorite stores to shop for corals, inverts, and fish for my reef tank. They only lost a star from me for their tendency to get a little too pricey on certain types of livestock. read more

The best fish store I have been so far. very big selection of fish. Most importantly every staff is amazingly knowledgeable. My husband and I had a algae problem with a plant, showed up with the plant, one staff recommended a algae eater shrimp. You can get much fish care related information from the staff as well. They know everything. Amazing!!! read more

Great place. A wide selection of fresh and saltwater fish. The staff was very helpful even though the store was packed with customers.

Amazing selection, very educated staff, and competitive prices. I'll be heading there today to get some supplies for a new 130 gallon tank, and I know they'll have everything I'm looking for. read more

Great knowledgeable staff huge selection of fish, saltwater, fresh. Cichlids, discus, plants. Huge inventory of supplies clean organized. Spoke to Patrick, the owner, his knowledge and concern for your Fish know matter how big or small is outstanding. Don't always believe what you read on the internet or in Fish blogs. Patrick knows more!! Also spoke to a young man named Matthew same name, exchanged fish tank stories. Knew what he was talking about. He is an asset to the store. Yes Fish prices are high, but you get what you pay for. Thanks guys. read more

It's been a while since I felt childlike wonder. This place has an impeccable display of fish and very informational. Friendly staff. And indeed, it is absolutely about fish. read more

Very nice shop workers are very. Attentive to the customer. Great selection of salt water fish today they had a very big sale first time visiting the store they had retailers outside the building I want to go back when it's not so busy So I can take my time and shop . Not much of African cichlids selection Very clean store read more

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The best marine/aquarium store I've ever been to. Every employee is very knowledgeable which saves me money. The only thing is that they are a bit pricey for fish, coral and equipment. read more

New to this area and store but I have had nothing but an extremely positive experience each and every time. The wait for help can be long when busy but the wait is worth it. The staff does not rush you when they are helping you. I have been helped by at least 5 different employees at this point and have received the same attention whether I am spending 1 dollar or 100 dollars. Have never felt rushed or experienced (or overheard) condescending tones as in many other stores. Very knowledgeable staff who are not afraid to say "let me look that up" or find someone that is more of an expert in that area. I find this so much more respectable than someone giving you a half as*ed or BS answer. Prices are reasonable and I have no problem supporting one of the best LFS I have ever been to. Edit: Lowered review due to frustrating recent experience. I call to ask if a fish is in ( I planned to buy 6+). The answer is "yes". When I arrive they are all quarantined. I decide on a difference fish but notice they too, are sick. I am leaving empty handed but I notice the "as is" Fluval tank on the front counter has the exact fish I was willing to buy. This is a set up with no actual buyer but because the fish in the tank were part of what they hoped to sell, the fish were "not for sale". They could have easily sold me the fish (I was willing to buy all of them) and replaced them with a different nano school but they could not be bothered. Employee tried to help and asked manager but even still, selling me the fish I drove in for was a no-go. That's no way to treat any customer let alone a repeat customer (I've been there weekly for the past few months as I maintain 8 tanks and need live food). A week later I returned to try again. the quarantined fish were gone. The label was off the tank. As for the healthy fish that were "bundled" with the tank at the front counter? They were sold too (but the "as is" setup was still there). I guess I did not know the right people. read more

This was the most helpful fish store that I've ever been to, Joshua helped me and gave me a lot of needed information to start my first tank. He even showed me how to clean the tank. They have a large variety of both fresh and saltwater fish. I highly recommend this store for anyone who has a tank or is interested in starting one. read more

Good selection of freshwater and marine fishs. Their discus selection and care is not the best (I am one of these "fish geek") but the staff is very nice and educative, price is good and fishs healthy. read more

I was doing some research for my managers to get a fish maintenance company and luckily I found Absolutely Fish! Very honest people and great customer service. My managers love the great job Nelson did when he first came to clean up their fish tank after so long! See you soon guys and again, thanks a lot! :) read more

This place is awesome. I shop no where else for fish. They have pretty much everything. The only problem I have with this place is that if it's packed, it's hard to get good service. But other than that, will not go anywhere else to buy my livestock. read more

Been to this store at least half dozen times. Mostly to look around and purchase plants and food. Have made a couple fish purchases. Made one last weekend - large and expensive spotted royal pleco. have not seen one before, i was sure it more expensive than could be had elsewhere, AF is almost always more expensive. But, since it would otherwise mean an online purchase I bought it. It was carefully transported home. floated in my tank bagged and water was gradually introduced. My temp and ph are appropriate and the fish was fine until today, friday. Saw him eating and have two large pieces of wood in the tank as well. Dont know why, but my daughter contacted me at work to say he was dead this morning. That happens, but no guarantee what so ever!!! That's harsh on an expensive purchase. My advice is look elsewhere, you can definitely find a better price. Why pay a premium if there is no type of guarantee.I will stick with another shop down the road - prices are more reasonable and you stand to lose less. No editorial just facts. read more

Great fish, Tanks, Plants, accessories, and Aquatic Necessities. Friendly AndKnowledgeable Staff. Prices Are Just A Little Higher, but it's Totally Worth It. read more

Extremly helpful!! Love this place! Staff knows everything and gives good tips if theres any trouble. The manager worked out a good price for the tank and live rock included. Their live rock is always good! I live an hour away and take a trip to them often because they are the best!! They sell everything and anything you would need for your tank and set up. Wide range of exotic salt water fish. Prices are a little expensive but well worth it knowing every live stock you bought was in good conditions. read more

This place is the Greatest Glen and his crew know there stuff I'm there every week maintaining my 2 reefs A 6 Star Rating Vince Tagliaferri read more

Here Goes....I've caefully read many reviews below....This is a need to know...If it's packed..hard to get good service..WAIT....They care about their customer's give them undivided attention....Why do you think the place is packed? -Because it's the shit.....that's why....knowledgeble staff...if your assistant is unsure about a question..he inquires from someone who does..I'm reading crap about hole in the head disease..it is inherent in most cichlids..and can be cured....I searched for dead or sick fish with a fine tooth comb..nothing....believe what you wish...If you are a true hobbyist..this is your store...I purchased a Gold nugget Pleco...which came from "cares" -don'y know what that means..tank bred/raised endangered list....Patrick the manager/owner? knows his shit...and that's that.We were welcomed and thanked for coming such a long way.....persons that have had fish perish? what's your water levels? Is your tank cycled? Did you drip acclimate your FRESHWATER FISH??? Also...Fish are delicate creatures-treat them as such. Expensive???? Go to Pmart or Psmart....$1 Cardinal tetras?? go for it...all their fish are brought in from bulk fisheries in florida....they could give a crap.Abso's Fish...impeccable neatness/shelves/medication/decorations..quality costs money....It is worth the trip....for the true hobbyist that knows quality....this is your store....My gold nugget? i'll post a pic..THRIVING...bought 4 plants...Thriving.....Super high prices? Find another hobby or keep a carnival goldfish in a bowl....Way to go guys...I shall take that trip again soon...worth every penny...there are no more stores like this...I thought they were all gone...Kudos to all at Absolutely fish...my recommendation? Should you go there? ABSOLUTELY!!!!!! Tell them Elvis sent you..... PS...Me and my Fish bud were asked NUMEROUS times if we were being helped...they didn't push any unnecessary sales and said..let us know when you're ready..and that's that. read more

Absolutely Fish - Gold Nugget Pleco -Thriving... 90 gallon schooling tetra planted tank - Aquarium Services Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

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Great store for reef, saltwater and freshwater enthusiast. Very knowledgeable and experienced staff. Great selection. Prices are on the high side but there are sales and coupons from time to time so if you shop around that you can get a decent price. I never had any problems with sick fish or dying corals. I've been buying from them for 20 plus years now. I noticed some bad reviews based on the fact that employees did not ask if the customer needed help. This is actually great. I sometimes spend 20 - 30 minutes just looking at corals or fish before deciding if I want to buy something. I don't want to be bothered at that time. When you are ready to buy just go to the front desk and you will be asked in no time if you need help. read more

Friendliest and most helpful staff I've ever encountered. Took time with my son to explain everything clearly. Made it a very pleasant experience. read more

Great selections but horrendous customer service. You practically have to beg a worker thats doing nothing to take your money.

I was anxious to visit after reading the reviews, even after I received a negative message after I emailed 2 questions about cycling a new aquarium stating that I was asking too many questions for an email and I should come in for a water testing and ask questions then. Two questions is too much, okay. I went on a Saturday and yes it was busy. Unfortunately, many working folks can only shop on a weekend. I was left waiting on line with people jumping ahead of me and when I finally got a salesperson's attention he told me it was too busy for him to test my water but he would do a quick tab test that is not as accurate. I agreed to it and when he spoke to, I guess, a manager he was told not to do it. So I waited for 20 or more minutes and the guy just said sorry and walked off. I went to Petco just a little over a mile away and they tested the water although they were also busy. They also have a large tropical fish area. They're not as knowledgeable I'm sure but they sure are more hospitable. I can get information from the fish forums. I'll buy my fish from the Petco on Rt. 46. read more

Very disappointed. We were so excited to finally get to this store. We bought 8 beautiful fancy tail guppies. Two days later 1 died and 3 have ick. My husband is now separating them and treating them. Hopefully the whole tank hasn't become infected. read more

Best place to buy saltwater fish in NJ. Healthy saltwater fish are number one importance to me and there's a reason that they're still in business. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, especially when it comes to fish compatibility. Can't beat the selection of fish. read more

This store was incredible! Even if you're not interested in starting an aquarium, just drop by to check out their enormous selection of exotic fish. I dropped in yesterday after being recommended to from a friend who is a loyal customer of Absolutely Fish. This is not your average pet store folks, you will only find aquatic life and nothing else. They take their specialty seriously and manage to have a really tight operation. All of the tanks looked pristine and well maintained, as well as the fish who all looked very well taken care of. The staff was great and got us set up with everything we needed. One service which I really appreciated as a beginner was a demonstration that one of the guys did, to show us how to vacuum the bottom of the tank. Most pet stores are not ready to perform demonstrations for you, but this place really does want you to be successful with your aquarium. They advised us not to purchase fish immediately, and to only get the starter fish for the first month or so until the water levels adjust. Their advice is very thorough and they will always do free water tests for you. Luckily this store is local and I will be able to visit frequently. read more

Best place for Aquarium lovers. Absolutely Fish has the most knowledgeable staff and the best collection of fish and corals and not to forget their expert tank maintenance tips. The livestock and products are well worth the price. I highly recommend this place to all the aquarium lovers. read more

This place is absolutely amazing. Very attentive, friendly, and help staff! They are super knowledgeable on all their products and more importantly the fish. The reason this place is #1 in my book is because they actually care about the health and well being of the fish. Ive been here dozens of times and dont recall ever seeing dead or sick fish. read more

Love this store. Got into the fish hobby 2 years ago, and I've been making monthly (if not more frequent) trips since. The staff is top notch, and the fish are the healthiest you'll find anywhere. Just wish they'd do internet sales! read more

Absolutely FIsh is the best store around. I drive 45 minutes just to be able to buy my fish from them. I'm amazed at how knowledgeable and friendly the staff is. They have a huge variety for fresh and salt water fish, plants and supplies. I feel like I'm in an island when I walk through the tropical fish section! read more

Ok may I start off by saying that I love this place!! A couple weeks ago we got our first tank and the customer service we received here was impeccable. They are very nice and I do not feel like they are there to sell you things but to teach you. As soon as they find out that you are a new tank owner they show you the chart of ammonia and nitrate chemicals and explain that the levels have to be correct to begin to introduce fish into the tank. They test your tank water free of charge and they tell you the correct steps to have a successful tank. When we went in they told us to get starter fish to help with the chemical processes, we brought our tank water got it tester and found that the levels were still low after a week. So they informed us there was a liquid that can speed up the process of allege growth. Did we buy it yes; was it because they told us to no, we just wanted to get our new fish. The location is clean and does not smell I have read on here that people think they are pricy; well everyone have their own prices for things and that's not their fault. For example there are things I know I wont buy from Petco or Pet Smart because it is more expensive then anywhere else but that's just a preference. For example we were actually willing to buy our own water testers and the gentlemen helping us explained we save money by buying the ammonia allege and nitrate testers separately rather then the kit. I believe all you have to do is ask for help and many will be satisfies. Everyone knows what they are doing and they are all very hands on. They will NOT sell you a fish if they know that your tank isn't ready for one; which I think is great because again they are saving you money and saving themselves a hard time from having customers come back wondering why their fish died. They have been in business for many years so they have to be doing something right. And don't worry if you do not live in the area they ship anywhere in the country from their store to your home so anyone can get the Absolutely Fish experience. read more

I LOVE absolutely fish. I wouldn't go anywhere else to get livestock for any of my tanks. Everyone is saying they're OVERSTAFFED. All of the people on staff have to pass a test to be able to help customers. They're literally not allowed. They help maintenain the tanks. I've never been in and had someone not ask me if I needed help with something. All of the staff are very knowledgable and they all love what they're doing! It's more than just a job or these guys, and I love that. read more