This is in reference to the freshwater section. It's hit or miss. They sometimes have great, healthy stock, sometimes very much not. Same with the service, a few of them are very friendly / helpful, some of them are very much not. Sometimes they have some hard-to-find species, other times it's basically just Petsmart. When I was there this week the freshwater stock looked pretty beat-up, lots of fin rot, ich etc. The plants looked ok, nothing special. Like others have mentioned, it's expensive. They seem to be more focused on saltwater / reef. read more

Freshwater fish selection is sad. They have nice cichlids and others , but oh, those aren't for sale, just for display. The only fish they had for sale where small and overpriced. I definitely waisted my time going there. I had to make myself choose a fish became I really didn't want anything. Again, all the nice freshwater fish were NOT FOR SALE. Very confusing and extremely dissatisfied, as well as disappointed. If you want done nice sized freshwater fish, DO NOT WAIST YOUR TIME COMING HERE. read more

I've been coming to Manhattan Aquariums for the past 2 years, and I keep coming back mainly because of two things one the service and secondly the quality and range of their salt water fish and corals. Over the past 2 years I have been very impressed with the service from Morris (I will now only go to the shop on days hes working) . He not only remembers me and my tank and but has also has given great advice on what i should be working towards and great advice on any issues that i may have. I'm loyal to two aquarium stores in Manhattan, but for saltwater fish and corals this is one my favorites, Daniel read more

This place is rad. Wonderful looking coral and cool specialized clown fish. As an expert aquarium connoisseur myself; I would only recommend a shop vac for the flooded shop. read more

If you looking to get live rock and corals this is the place. The fish selection is limited the prices are reasonable for it being a Manhattan reef store. They selection of pumps, dosing and fish & coral food is plenty for you emergency needs. I was expecting exotic fish. Over all nice clean and pleasantly surprised by the selection of coral. read more

I do not keep any saltwater fish, so this review only concerns the freshwater section of the store. A lot of the livestock was very common fish that can be found almost any where else with a few gems here and there. The pricing was more on the expensive side as you can expect from an independently owned store in Manhattan. Cherry barbs were $5, Red Cherry Shrimp were $5, Otos were $5, Amano Shrimp were $5. There were some decent prices though. A lot of the freshwater plants were very common and can be found elsewhere. Overall not a terrible store, but more suited for reef keepers than freshwater enthusiasts such as myself. read more

My husband's obsession with establishing an aquatic ecosystem in our tiny Queens apartment has gone above and beyond what I'd anticipated. Let's just say we started off with a fish bowl a year ago and today, it is a 50 gallon tank. We initially had some fancy gold fish (the ones with the longer and flowy tails) but they all succumbed to an unexplainable illness. I called it fish Ebola, while my husband was (and still) pointing fingers at me for not looking after them. (Oh I love marriage life!) But that didn't stop him from revisiting his grand plan and we have now officially decided to eradicate the fresh water aquarium and adopt salt water instead. To be honest, I was a tad more excited because I always wanted a Dory (if you watched Finding Nemo, you know who this infamous character is). But my husband quickly disappointed me by saying how big Dorys get and they eventually won't fit a 50 gallon tank and we will need to upgrade to a 150 gallon tank instead. Without encouraging my husband to upgrade our tank any further (as we have no more real estate within our tiny 1 BR apt), I told him I was absolutely fine not having a Dory and instead, we'll just some have some clown fish. It was a two and half week process to recycle the water to prepare for the salt water creatures. There were buckets, tubes, and filter mechanisms deployed to get this bad boy started. In other words, my apartment became a (insert profanity) aquatic laboratory. When the tank was ready, we decided to do more research on the best places to pick up saltwater fish in the city. We had enough with Petco as they have a track record of low survival rates. Yelp eventually gave us Manhattan Aquarium. Quite a ho-hum name but straight to the point. It was a surprise hole-a-wall type of place but very well kept. It's not an obvious storefront and from the outside, it looks quite shady. But once you walk in, you're in a completely different world. It's like finding a speakeasy club in a basement. But for fish enthusiasts like my husband, this place is better than sipping on a Barcardi cocktail. It was visually entertaining for me, especially those giant Dorys they were selling for $200-$300 a pop. Unfortunately, for a beginner's tank, we had to start small and we found our itty bitty Nemos ( clown fish) for about $20 each. Still pricier than our former freshwater companions but prettier. We also picked up some snails to help with filtration. If you thought snails are super slow, you are wrong. We bought one particular one that always seems to be on a mission to go somewhere and almost tried to slime its way out of the tank. Definitely on steroids. I am by no means a fish expert like my husband but from my brief visit at Manhattan Aquarium, this place is professional and definitely specializes more in saltwater fish than any other kind. We also went to Pacific Aquarium on the east side and even that place doesn't have as many saltwater varieties as Manhattan Aquarium. I only wish there was a closer subway station. read more

The shop was recommended to me, so I went and was impressed by the display tank. The tanks were set up for frags and they grow their own pieces; therefore I thought that everything would be healthy. I purchased a blue maxima clam that looked very healthy. The price was $65 for a 2-3 inch clam. Not cheap but fair. It died the next day. I have a 180 gallon reef tank for 30 years that is very well established with a wide variety of corals. I was very disappointed and wouldn't return to the store. read more

I live across the street and hired them to service and feed my turtle while I was on a business trip. They did a fantastic job for a great price. Really treated me well and my turtle too! I will be calling again read more

Walking into this place is like walking into an exhibit at the Coney Island aquarium. Amazing displays of aquatic life. The shop focuses mostly on saltwater habitats, but they also stock some freshwater animals and supplies, and of course, you can order anything. I met a worker there named Morris today who patiently answered my newbie questions about my freshwater tank and also offered great advice. Bye-bye Petco! This is my must go-to for aquarium supplies. Go for the advice, go for the supplies and go for the meditiative zen of the underwater world. read more

The place looks ok. It's in the middle of no where by the javits. The prices are at least 30% more than any retailers or online. A cleaner shrimp costs $35? A turbo snails $4? A small naso tang $60? read more

Amazing store, always super helpful. Great quality and healthy coral. About 90% of my coral are from here and thriving. Another plus is you can order from uniquecorals.com and have it shipped to them for free. Go here about once a week just to pick up a frag or 2. Just wish they would get some of the more pricier chalice, but can deal with that. When looking for a new led setup they spent multiple visits with me going over the pluses and cons. What a aqurium/coral store should be. Great prices even for Manhattan. read more

They have a wide selection of corals and fish. This is my go to LFS in the city. The staff is great and very helpful! Would recommend to others for anyone beginning the hobby. . read more

I was in the store recently, and everything was spotless. After the renovations, they really took it up a notch. It's really the best reef store in Manhattan. The prices are fair and there were lots of awesome frags for $10, $20, $30. SPS for $10! Their fresh water selection is solid too. I always enjoy looking at the tanks and talking with the staff. I'll definitely come back again soon. read more

This place is a DREAM, an aquarium wonderland. Service is good, and the staff really know their fish and coral. It's a bit out of the way for me, but always well worth the trip because there is nothing else like it in Manhattan. I hope to build and grow my aquarium so it will one day look like the one in their store! read more

I finally came here a few days ago after knowing about this place for about 2 years... The have a really nice store! I absolutely love their coral collection! They have a nice freshwater selection as well. I purchased members of a clean up crew and an Acan. Will return soon probably for a blasto. read more

Best in manhattan, by far. Huge selection of corals, with a friendly and helpful staff who won't try and sell you what you don't need.

Where do I begin? Manhattan Aquariums has it all! I know it's a bit out of the way but in a city so cramped for space where else can you fit a store that has everything stocked for your hobby needs. This place is almost as good as visiting a real Aquarium. From the Ginormous custom tank in the front to all the varieties and species of fish available for purchase to improve your own tank. They have the largest selection of live corals I have seen anywhere! This place is your one stop shop for anything you might need. Their staff is very friendly and knowledable. Next to scuba diving this place is also a great place to check out all the ocean life. Manhattan Aquarium brings the ocean to you. I highly reccomend them for all your hobby enthusiast needs. read more

The display tanks are beautiful. Customer service was spot on! I was given a period of time to look around and then asked if I needed any help. The young lady helping me was both cordial and helpful. I purchased 3 Roseline sharks and although they were a bit pricy, I have no complaints because the fish are healthy,beautiful and they look much better than the sharks that I bought at a local pet shop. I plan to return and purchase the led aquarium light that I fell in love with. read more

I stumbled upon this store a cpl of weeks ago. The store is beautiful and the staff is extremely nice and helpful. I have a freshwater planted tank and even tho this store is defiantly geared more toward salt water they have freshwater fish and plants as well. I dealt with Morris all around great guy. He took his time explained the different plants and fish he had. He even went out of his way to help me figure out ways to cycle my tanks. They also have beautiful set ups for sell. The only thing I would change is from the outside its a little hard to distinguish what store to walk into. Thanks Morris my tank cycled the very next day after buying the java fern! read more

They are very kind and knowledgeable. But the place lacks the personable touch. I spoke with some sales associates, very knowledgeable, but felt like some of them would rather be doing something else. That's ok, I understand that some days might be busy, but that day there were only a few customers other than myself. And yet, I didn't feel like I could ask all the questions I wanted to ask. On the other hand, when I called and asked questions, some of their sales associates went out of their to help me, for which I am very grateful. I am removing one star because I did not feel the personable contact and consistency of some other stores, as after all, the hobby does necessitate questions to be answered... which, I always felt was patiently addressed in the Pacific Aquarium. Hence the 4 stars. read more

NYAS provides exceptional customer service!!!!!! For Valentines Day I was lookin to do somethin different and these folks took great care of me. I called from the west coast and they delivered a betta fish for me to a princess in Times SQ!.. Bowl and all!!! And they even picked up a card along the way. Talk about a Can-Do-Attitude!!! SHiiiit! Tip Top! Right on Jackie (Jacky) and Joe!!! read more

I was recommended to this store by a good friend of mine and was extremely amazed of there products. The first time i went was more of a learning experience and help buy the men working there. The other days i visited to buy corals it was lady with bad vibes, didn't seem to answer any thing i asked them all they said was ill have "someone help you" but i was completly ignored . And when i asked again they would say there busy and if i wanted it or not . i think that was just rude . well if your looking for amazing fish and corals this is the place. just service there is rude . I rarely go there only to pick up now. read more

Small place. Nothing great. Read other reviews and was expecting this amazing store stuffed with exotic fish and items. Fish selection was a 4 out of 5. Definitely had some great fresh and salt water fish. Fresh water plant selection and products for aquariums were subpar and not even worth the trip if that's the only thing you're looking to buy. read more

Freshwater starter Tank My 8 year old son became obsessed with tropical fish after him researching for weeks we decided to find a store to get an idea of whats involved in keeping healthy fish as I had never done this we found Manhattan Aquariums online and went to visit the store on 37th St on visiting the store we met Melissa & Hellie and my son grilled them on all the info he had found and we asked there recommendations on starting a tank Melissa gave us great advice and talked to my son on how to get his tank started, how long it would take to create a good environment before adding fish etc and the importance of not rushing the process also which fish are good starter fish and how they all have to live together happily we followed all their advice and they even tested his water for free in the store to make sure it was ready to go we then started with an algae eater and decided to get glowfish to add a week or two later the glowfish were ordered and by now my son was counting down the days of there arrival at the store... then they arrived and the blizzard hit I reached out to Hellie to see if they would be open and she said no but someone would have to go to feed the fish so to just try calling and see if anyone was around we called and caught Melissa there feeding fish and shoveling snow knowing how patient my son had been and his enthusiasm she opened the store and we went over and got his fish! this was going above and beyond in my opinion I sense Manhattan Aquariums usual customers are most likely making bigger purchase's than buying 3 glowfish but the service they gave us especially Melissa was top line and personal I know some of the reviews are saying these guys dont run up to you in the store and ask if you need help but honestly just ask... they know there business! read more

This is the number one destination for top end aquarium installations and exotic corals. They do extensive coral propagations and have incredibly reasonable prices for even the most beautiful pieces. I recommend them as a must-visit to any elite aquarists in New York! read more

I traveled all the way to Manhattan for a very specific tank that that only these guys were able to create for our office. We are creating a custom built aquarium in our office out in the patient waiting room and many of the doctors are fish and coral snobs who will only settle for the best! Well they were overjoyed with the staff, the amazing corals that they found for us and the custom environment that they created for us. Everything is sooo incredibly healthy bright and lively I just love our tank! Our patients don't mind the long waits in the waiting room thanks to the staff at Manhattan Aquariums! Thanks read more

horrible service....I bought a tank, paid for set up of the tank.....I had get a new phone and couldn't get my lights set up. Called to get help and spoke to John. Was absolutely no help and hung up on me $4000 at this store and no one has a clue about the merchandise they sell. Horrible!....have bought fish from the store and 2 have died 3 days after getting them home. read more

This is by far the best saltwater fish and coral shop that I have ever seen. The selection is amazing and it is one of my favorite places to go. I have purchased many corals and fish and every specimen is healthy and beautiful. On top of this, the staff consists of some the friendliest and most knowledgable people in the business. I am always greeted with a smile and offered assistance. I will continue to shop and spend time at this store for as long as I am involved in the hobby. read more

I don't understand why this place is so highly rated. I think a lot of people are swooned by their nice display tanks but don't have enough presence of mind to see why this place is a disaster. I have been into this place 5 times so far and not a single time have I been approached by staff asking if I needed assistance with anything. Every time they are preoccupied and you have to intervene and ask for assistance (typical of most businesses these days anyway). When you ask for assistance, the staff don't know a thing. I mean that, they don't know ANYTHING. Apparently there is only one guy who works there who can inform you of what is what, but he works out on the field all day and he leaves a bunch of clueless dimwits to run the shop. This shop is very out of my way, the day I set up my planted aquarium, I had purchased some plants from Pacific Aquariums, and I headed over the Manhattan Aquariums to see if they had any plant species they could sell me. I saw a big, wonderful planted aquarium with lots of plant species, but no labels indicating what species or even a price. So I show up, going way out of my way to buy plants, and the young woman tells me that she can't sell me any because she doesn't know the names of the plants and she doesn't know the prices. She informed me that the guy who knows all that stuff isn't in the store. I was very frustrated, I was looking in the tank, I knew which plants I wanted, they were right in front of my face, but I couldn't buy them because untrained staff were left to run the store. I finally talked her into calling the guy so he could tell her (I didn't come all this way to leave empty handed!) and he told her the names and prices, and I bought some plants. The only problem is that the next time I came in, a plant they had sold me for 6.99 per stem, they (different staff this time) were quoting me $1.99 per stem. WHAT!??! Really? You have got to be kidding me.... If you know plant, fish and coral species on the back of your hand, than you may benefit from this place in the sense that you may find what you need and you won't need help from the staff except for them to bag up what you want and check you out. Other than that, the place looks cool, but the staff are clueless and unprofessional. By the way, don't pet that stupid cat. It has a nasty attitude problem and the damn thing bit me. I don't know why they allow such a temperamental animal to roam around the store. I would have given this place 2 stars for the cool tanks but I'm shocked to see it's rated an average of 4.5 stars which I think is very undeserved so I'm giving it 1 star to knock that average down. read more

Friendly service, nice selection. Bought a betta there. A bit of a stretch to get to as it's perched on the far west side, but in terms of diversity and selection for aquariums and fish in manhattan, i doubt you can do much better than this. overall i'd come back. read more

They were nothing but helpful. I had an emergency when my old aquarium started to leak and I needed to replace it. They were the only ones who had exactly what I wanted and they delivered it the next day. Saved all my fish. I was very grateful. read more

Carlos and everyone at Manhattan Aquariums have been exceptional. Earlier this year, we bought a 150 Ga. salt water tank from a store in Staten Island. The tank sprung a leak! MA came out to our house the very next day. The original store did not do sh*t! MA saved our fish and helped us get a new tank from the manufacturer. Carlos come to my house regularly to service the tank. They have been terrific! read more

Manhattan Aquarium is nothing short of AMAZING!!!! I have been using MA since March 2015 and absolutely think they are fantastic. I will never go anywhere else. They pulled me out of a disastrous mess from a previous company. They are professional and skilled. Their fish and coral are top notch and they stand by all that they do. I am truly a real beginner hobbyist and needed a lot of hand holding (and still do). John in the office makes sure I am on the schedule, Brian was there for my emergency disaster, and CARLOS IS THE REAL DEAL! He maintains my tank and guides me every step of the way, educating me and teaching me. With his expertise and professionalism my tank looks GREAT!!! I couldn't be happier. read more

Horrible service. I have spent hundreds of dollars at this place on live rock and livestock. Yet this afternoon, when the store was almost empty, no staff asked me if they could help me. I was browsing for over a half hour, and the staff was more interested in their cell phones. I will not go back. Consumer service sucks here, They seem to play favorites at this store, so if you're the average Joe, STAY AWAY. read more

I am a newbie when it comes to saltwater aquariums and decided to make my first purchase at Manhattan aquarium and I must say it has been a heck of a new experience for me. Its a few blocks from the institute I that I attend for my degree so everyday after school I trek there like a kid rushing to the candy store! Can't get enough of this place...the help and information that I get from the employees there is top shelf, even management steps up to the plate when I'm in need of an answer to difficult question, and knocks it out the park every time. Love the customer service and attention they give me. Considering putting in an application for employment, lol...but nah seriously, love my LFS (local fish store)!!!! read more

i was there this weekend and purchased a few frags for my reef tank and i was over charged by some lady who didnt even know the prices or names of the coral read more

huge selection of live coral & salt water. not much freshwater - but with space constraints, this is understandable. friendliest fat kitten in the world hangs with the betta fish in the front (without eating them) :) read more

good store, wish parking was avail, nice frags

My first visits here I was pretty impressed with the selection of fish & corals until many people told me that a lot of their livestock from here had diseases such as brooklynella & marine velvet. Also the employees seem to just be workers & not really care about the health & conditions off their livestock such as the fish, corals, etc. They even sold me expired test kits which they didn't even take back. Do not even bother asking Manhattan to hold anything for you because they will say they will & have you drive hours to get there & be told that it was JUST sold. Customer service is disgusting... I suggest, like many others suggested to me, to go to Pop Corals in Brooklyn. I have bought many fish & all types of coral from them & everything is healthy. Pop Corals is always receiving fish & corals almost every week & have huge shipments about every month. I am a 23 year old female that does not live in Brooklyn or NYC. I am not trying to give a bad review to Manhattan Aquariums to get people to go to Pop Corals. This is just my experiences with both places & my suggestions... read more