Been shopping here on and off for 15 years (moved out of the area and back). This place is the real deal for any serious aquarium keeper. Tons of freshwater stock variety - very healthy fish and plants. If something looks off, they won't sell it. Good selection of equipment and supplies at very reasonable prices. If there's a specific plant or fish you're looking for and don't see, just ask. They will order it. Steve is the best! I won't go anywhere else. read more

I've been going to Ely's for over 20 years. It's a family business and the owner is knowledgeable and dedicated. I love seeing the Koi outside the store. Their fish are healthy and they always get me the specific fish I point out in the tank. I love that they use bubble filters and the sound of them all going when you walk around. read more

I come here often with my 2 boys because they have a huge variety of fishes. It's like a mini aquarium! The owner is friendly and informative. And of course, we found Nemo! read more

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I am a newbie at fish keeping and tbey have been super helpful. Steve has helped guide me in setting up my tank and showing me which fish I should get. They have really nice stuff and it's a cool place to walk around and browse at all the cool fish and plants. Highly recommend going here!!! read more

Been a customer for tropical aquaria, and now for my pond since the 60's or 70's. Best selection, highest quality and great service!

Good to know there is a tropical fish store that has high quality fish. The owner is so knowledgeable with the best guidance. read more

Located in a non-descript (one could even say dilapidated) building on Columbia Turnpike in Florham Park, Ely's Tropical Fish is a terrific source for all of the supplies and all of the advice you could ever need for setting up or maintaining your aquarium -- whether your setup is a solitary goldfish in a small fishbowl or 200+ gallon saltwater tank. A friend of mine has been going to Ely's for years and I enjoy tagging along with him for the trip, even though I don't have any fish of my own. The space is much bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside and the design and decor are not going to win any awards from "Better Aquarium Stores & Gardens" with dozens of fish tanks supported by nothing more than cinderblocks and plywood and the constant gurgle of air pumping into the tanks through a homemade distribution network of PVC piping and plastic tubing that could win a Rube Goldberg Award. The owner, Steve, may come across as a little grumpy at first, but, engaging him in conversation, you'll find he quickly warms up to old and new customers alike. While the prices at Ely's may be somewhat higher than you'd find in one of those big-box pet stores, the advice and support you'll receive from Steve and his employees based on their years of experience and genuine interest in the products they sell is priceless and they carry just about everything aquarium related in stock (or can get it for you within a few days). You're simply not going to get that kind of service from ***co or *** Supplies Plus. read more

I've been buying fish here for decades, from the original owner Ely before he retired and his son Steve took over the business. I've always considered Ely's a top-notch source, but after my recent experience, I'm done. The place has deteriorated, and Steve has become unpleasant to deal with. I've kept aquariums since I was 8 years old, first freshwater and later saltwater. My most recent tank was a 125 gal reef aquarium that I had for 20 years before I sold it because I was selling my house and downsizing. All this to say that I'm not a novice fish keeper. A few months ago, I set up a nano freshwater planted tank in my new home. It's doing very well; the plants, fish, snails, and shrimp are thriving. I recently bought some new fish from Ely's that I had been wanting for this tank. But I got home and discovered the fish I was sold were not the species I wanted. So I called Steve and he told me to return them, but that I should put them in my tank in the meantime. I tried to explain why I couldn't do that, but he wouldn't hear it. (Every inch of my substrate is planted, around a central piece of driftwood. Putting a net in my tank would uproot my plants, plus I'd have to remove the driftwood to re-capture the fish.) I opened the bag that the fish came in and put in an airstone in it to maintain the fish overnight. I returned them the next day and they were fine. When Steve took them, he scolded me: "They wouldn't be as stressed out as they are now if you'd done as I told you and put them in your tank, but you wouldn't listen!" I showed him a picture of my tank, but he didn't want to look at it. He was not apologetic about selling me the wrong fish either. It was insulting. He didn't have any of the fish I wanted, so I asked him to let me know when he had some. He did so two weeks later, and I went back for them. None of these fish looked vigorous when I got them in my tank, and they had little appetite. One by one they all died over the course of the next week or so. I sent him an email including pictures of the corpses and detailed water parameters of my tank. I explained that all the rest of the tank occupants were fine. He never responded to my email, so I called him. He said he never got my email, that no one else had complained about these fish, and that I should bring in a water sample and if it checked out he would see if he had a few of these fish left for me. I never went back. I was too disgusted with the whole experience. The entire place is looking shabby now too, inside and out. It hasn't been updated since my first visit decades ago. read more

I bought 6 koi fishes within 24 hours 2 died (paid $200 about 3 inches each), the other 4 are doing fine along with my other koi fishes in the pond, the owner requested water test, he claimed the PH was a little low, therefore he would not replace the 2 fishes. The most dishonest and manipulating over priced business I have deadlt with. read more

The place doesn't look like very much from the outside. Boy, you'd be wrong. The variety of fish is nothing like I'd ever seen. However they're double sometimes triple the price that petco would offer for non-specialty fish. Additionally, the fish are very sensitive and seem to die more frequently than petco and other specialty store fish. Warning: owner is a massive Trump supporter. Beware! read more

Great old school aquarium shop. If you want to support a local guy who runs a great business, shop here! Huge selection of fish and super knowledgeable about setting up an aquarium. read more

It's been some years since I've visited Ely's. There are other pet stores nearby me that have your basic fish and supplies. But when you're looking for something a little more exotic or rare then look no more. This place offers a large variety of fish and supplies. If he doesn't have it he may be able to get what you're looking for. I suggest calling them if you're looking for something off the beaten path. They're very knowledgeable and will answer your questions. They can also test your aquarium water if you bring a sample. If you're looking for your average no frills aquarium fish go to Petco. If you're looking for that fish that's going to get people's attention when they look in your tank then come here. Expect to pay a little more, but well worth it. read more

Ely's Tropical Fish - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Florham Park, New Jersey

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I would normally go to petsmart for my aquarium equipment and supplies but decided to support a local business. I was more than impressed with my visit. Huge variety of freshwater fish and all the equipment you could need. Steve was super friendly and really knows his way around the hobby. Will be coming here regularly. read more

Ely's is an excellent source for fish, and advice. The staff are friendly and helpful.

I hate to disparage a small business, but I was just in Ely's this morning (my first time there) and I was disappointed. I won't claim to know a lot about fish & aquariums, so I will only speak on the one thing I do know: puffer fish. When puffers are sick or in sub-par water conditions, their white belly will get a grey line. I had only read about this line, and had never actually seen this phenomenon. Until today. There were 4 in the tank and one had that tell tale grey line. The other three had BLACK tummies. Healthy, well cared for puffers usually have bright pearlescent white tummies I left without buying anything. read more

I've always had good luck finding nice fish here. Never had any come with ich or any other diseases. My father and I bought two very cheap but cute $32 discus there a few months ago and I am pleasantly surprised by how well they are doing without having received any special treatment. The gold opaline gouramis they have are also the prettiest I've seen. Photos are of some of the fish we've bought from there. read more

Ely's Tropical Fish - Local Fish Stores Near Me - Florham Park, New Jersey

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A great selection and a knowledgeable proprietor. He is friendly and very, very helpful when addressed respectfully. I've learned a great deal from him over the years, and he always stands by his products and his fish. read more

Been here a few times now, I always feel like it's an inconvenience to the owner to ask a question or just be around him. I don't get it. Fish selection is ok. It's a dark, dreary basement feel... Prices are high. I would prefer to shop at more customer friendly places. read more

I've purchased a couple Betta fish from Ely's within the last year or so because his selection is much better than any pet store I've been to. The place is much bigger than it looks from the outside with a wide selection of fish, including koi, supplies and medications. I've talked to the owner both times about fish care which he knows a lot about and was always friendly to me. He offered some good suggestions which I have since followed. My only concern is that you can tell some fish/tanks have been neglected for a while. Several Bettas were floating at the top sickly and one had been decomposing for a few days. However, his fish are in better shape than stores like Petco and Petsmart which is why I still buy from Ely's. read more

We love Ely's. They can help you with starting your first aqaurium or designing an exotic and varied tank. The owners are patient and informative and great speaking to people of all fish knowledge levels. I love looking at all the fish they have and the wide variety of fish tank set-ups. The best place to go for fish knowledge, purchases, and supplies. read more

The owner is very knowledgeable. And the selection is the best in New Jersey! If you stop by during the week, Steve is able to give you his full and undivided attention. If you're looking for a special item or fish, give Steve a week or two and he'll find it. I love supporting local family run businesses. read more

Wide variety of fish and knowledgeable staff. Sometimes not the easiest place to get help. Wide variety of fish but some of the prices could scare u away. I'll definitely be buying fish from here again but stay away from most products simply priced to high. Damn PetSmart and Petco ruin it for all small fish stores read more

This is great fish store. The proprietor is very knowledgeable and helpful. There is a great selection of healthy fish. And they have everything you might to keep a Grade A tank. read more

Excellent place to go for all your fish needs. This business has been around for decades, the staff is knowledgable and friendly. The selection of fish is amazing. The fish are all very healthy and the one thing i really like is you can ask the store owner to order a particular fish your looking for and he tries his best to get it for you. This is the only Elys store, so dont expect petsmart prices. For an independent fish store, he has great prices. Also dont forget, you are getting quality fish over petsmart. read more

I'm posting on here because there have been rumors going around that Ely's is closing down and that couldn't be more false. It's hard enough for a small business to stay open without lies like this spreading to its's customers. Not cool. Please support small family owned businesses like Ely's!! read more

Ely's fish has to be the best fish store I've ever been to. I've been into having aquariums for years now, and have traveled great distances to find an awesome freshwater fish store. I have been to most, in northern New Jersey. Ely's fish beats the competition in the amount of species available, and pricing! I went in and saw freshwater fish I have never even heard of! The tanks go on forever, and the staff is super knowledgeable. I would recommend them to anyone looking to start up a fish tank, or restock their current one. Their fish are all super healthy and vibrant! Definitely a must for any fish enthusiast like myself! read more

Awesome place to go for fish. Seems messy but fish are awesome and after you've come for a while you forget about the messy stuff. If you come on a weekday or really any day but especially a weekday, the owner, Steve, can really give you his full attention. He's pretty friendly after you've talked to him for a while and he always answers questions. They also have a pond area in the back that not as many people know and an extra room within the extra room behind the tanks in the back. read more

Went here today to buy some cichlids for my tanks. The young man whose name I can't remember was very helpful and informing. And the guy who was working I believe his name was Steve was also very helpful and informing. Small place that you'd miss if you're not familiar with the area but definitely a large selection of fish. I will definitely be going back here and will recommend this place to anyone. read more

My dad told me about this place, I was having no luck with pet smarts goldfish. So we took a trip there , brought some water and he was able to tell me what I had to do & add to the tank. Took about 2 weeks & now everything is perfect! He was absolutely super helpful & caring! I highly suggest going to him over anybody else ! He knows his stuff and has plenty of fish! I can't thank him enough for all the help! read more

I have now spent over $1,000 fixing the problems this place has caused me. I have a 40 gallon breeder tank and not only did they sell me African cichlids with South American Cichlids, but also he let me way way way overstock my tank. The guy that works here let me buy, 3 blood red parrots, 2 jewel cichlids, 3 yellow labs, 3 red zebras, 3 clown loaches, 2 mainganos, 2 kenyis, 2 firemouth cichlids and 1 blue cobalt and told me I had more room in a 40 GALLON BREEDER for more. I know he knew what he was doing when he sold me the fish and he saw I had no experience with cichlids. I went back to the original store I used to go to and the guy that worked there literally looked disgusted when I told him what Ely's sold me. I hadn't planned on getting a new tank for a year, but I had to take all 10 Africans out before they killed more of the S Americans and put them into my new 75 gallon tank that I had to dip into my savings to buy because this asshole sucks. While they deserve credit, I will not be mentioning the store I trust, because I don't want it to look like I am working for them. I just want people to know how much of a greedy bastard this guy was to me. If you want to know the name of the other place, send me a message. Screw you Ely's. read more

Great selection, knowledgeable staff, healthy fish, and best of all the thing that is missing from most other stores..... experience and expertise. If you go to Petsmart you will get the lowest prices and virtually no expertise. If you go to Ely's, you benefit from decades of experience and help to keep one of the few stores of its kind in business. It's a tough, tough living selling fish today, profit margins are very low and there aren't that many serious aquarists, so please support this store if you're into the hobby, even if it means paying a bit more. I'll say again that the selection here is excellent, and anything that you don't see the owner can usually find for you. I've bought some really fantastic rainbowfish here that I'd never be able to find anywhere else, for example. The owner can be a bit gruff, yes, but I choose to give him a pass for that. It's just his personality, but he is helpful if you ask questions (fish compatibility, water parameters, suggested tank mates, treating sick fish, breeding fish, etc) I support Ely's. read more

Good local business. I just go here to buy worms for my turtles. The prices are not unreasonable and my turtles enjoy eating the worms.

great "mom and pop" tropical fish store. i even buy some equipment there instead of online to help keep them in business.

Very knowledgeable. For ANY fish , aquarium or pond related question or products I suggest going here. I screwed up my pond and was on my way to petco to buy al sorts of stuff to fix the water and try and save my sick fish. I saw Ely's by chance and stopped. He took my water sample immediately tested it, told me water was fine asked a few questions about what was going on with the fish then pulled two products wrote me directions and sent me home. I now call him the fish nerd and my wife calls him the fish doctor. read more

I'm not one to ever leave a negative review, but in this case this is long over due. If you're a legitimate hobbyist you would understand when I say this place should be ashamed and shut down. Ely's is a family business and is currently run by (I believe it is the son or grandson of Ely). Bottom line is that there are an incredibly excessive amount of tanks and he has not been able to take care of them all. Every time I've gone I always see that he's the only working the entire store. The tanks are not well kept and it's pretty obvious that the guy needs some help in the store. I remember coming in once and seeing a pufferfish in the back room living in a dirty tank. I actually came back the next week to see the pufferfish dead and clearly was left there for several days. Once I alerted him, he said he something along the lines of "He must've gotten sick" and proceeded to pick up the fish and throw it out the back door (I couldn't make this up if I tried). The guy means well, but he doesn't have sufficient help and that's just the reality. I will never shop here again and if you're someone that cares about the treatment of animals I would suggest you stay away too. read more

This place has been here forever! I remember going here as a kid thirty years ago and the fish are still great. Great service and an excellent source of info. The big box stores don't have the same selection of freshwater fish and these fish are healthy! Anything I've ever bought froma big box store had a disease and died. Prices are pretty competitive too. If you really want good fish, check this place out! read more

Although I was never in the shop, I always found the staff to be extremely helpful when I called with a problem with my fish. They even brought me medicine for my sick fish when I was unable to get to the shop. read more