The staff is reluctant to help. The teenage girl behind the counter is extremely rude. She snapped at me for attempting to ask her a question about one of their fishes. I had to tell her calm down multiple times and all this in front of other customers. She clearly has anger issues. I would not return here, this place is very unprofessional. read more

We're lucky to have a place around. Incredible selection, great prices, always well maintained.

This business is outstanding. Highly recommend going here and only here if you're in the area. Had a terrible experience at its local competitor. read more

Amazing treasures in a tiny space. My first impression upon locating the storefront wasn't good. The shop was located in a multi-store building with a narrow entrance. The cash register upfront felt more like a fortress with the store clerk looking down on incoming guests like a vulture. But after walking around the place, I realized the shop's layout was more of a L shape, and my impression improved from initial skepticism to amazement and awe. I've been to many pet shops/aquariums in Flushing over the years, and Monster Aquarium has the best selection of exotic, freshwater fishes by far. And it's amazing how the store squeezes so many tanks into such a tiny space (higher ceilings help immensely). That said, the prices range from average to high. For example, I saw a group of baby red-eared slider turtles with an asking price of $25 each, which could cost from $10 to 40 online. In contrast, the store offers a tarantula for $130, which is on the higher end of the $20-150 range. The downtown Flushing area's rental isn't cheap, and so the costs get passed onto consumers. The store employees are very attentive but not pushy. Nobody tried to upsell me anything, which can be an issue with a pet store chain. But do note that the store aisles are narrow, so you should leave your big handbags at home/in the car. read more

These people are awesome in here!!! I drive 45 minutes each way just to come here everyone is very helpful SUPPPPPPER INEXPENSIVE...The API test kit I purchased was a couple dollars different than what I usually pay at a big box store and my man matched it for me. To the person that has one Yelp review talking smack saying they went to PETCO after here just shows you how much they know about the fish hobby comparing a freshwater paradise to PETCO and honestly their prices are better than PETCO and oh yea store is not cluttered it's a typical small business in Queens They utilize every inch of their store... honestly I ask so many questions I'm shocked they haven't kicked me out lol Every time I walk in I say the annoying guy is here The only negative I have is every time I come here my wife wants to ring my neck... read more

I brought the rest of these little guys out of pity from this fish store .. some tanks are clean and maintained while others like the ones the baby discus were in are horrible all of them were malnourished and had fin rot .. currently bringing them back to health read more

Monster Aquarium - Their Baby Discus - Aquarium Services Near Me - Flushing, New York

It really pains me to leave a negative review, but I feel it is necessary to share the experience I had at monster aquarium with you. Feel free to make your own conclusion. Two days ago, I visited monster aquarium knowing they were an authorized ADA dealer. I was looking to set up an aquascape, a planted tank. They couldn't have been nicer, more specifically the young guy (owner I think). He spent a great deal of time answering my questions, showing me products etc. I shared with him, I am going to go home measure where the tank will go, and return shortly. Today, ready to make the purchase, I went back.... ready to set this tank up. Go down to the basement, look at the ADA tanks, ask a different guy for help (the one who was there the day before wasn't there this time). I started asking the price of the different sizes, the prices I was being given were totally different than they were the day before. When I shared that these weren't the prices I was told yesterday, I asked the guy who was helping me to call the owner to ask. Sure enough the price I was just given was 25.00 more than I was told yesterday. Ok fine, no problem... still ready to go with all the equipment, the guy who was showing me the tanks, hands me over to a young woman who was behind the desk.... again I explain my plans and she starts to help me pick things out. I start asking questions... different options for lighting, filters, substrate etc. she really seemed to be bothered by my questions. I shared with her my budget $500, knowing I was willing to go over. She continued to make rude comments the entire time, in a sort of condescending way. She would say things like "ADA Lighting is too expensive for you", and was almost refusing to show me things. I asked if the guy from yesterday will be there, she said he's coming at 4:30pm. It was 10:30am, and I really didn't want to wait. I will admit she spent a ton of time helping me, even though it felt like a chore the entire time. Ok, fast forward to the checkout--she stood there with her calculator, adding up everything.... I had no idea what she was adding to be honest. She then says $789.... great.... I hand her cash and a credit card. All of a sudden it hit me.... I have no idea what she rang up, and I felt for some reason I was just being taken advantage of. So I hit back with a snarky comment... "An entire setup, and not even a free plant". She immediately pulled out the calculator and claimed "I GAVE YOU A DISCOUNT"... she began to add things up again in front of me, this time she came up with an entirely different price, almost 50.00 cheaper. I just had an incredibly uneasy feeling. There is no doubt in my mind that they were taking advantage of me... It was at that point I just said point blank... thank you but I've changed my mind, and left the store. The older gentleman followed me outside asking me to come back. I politely declined thanked him and drove away. I left flushing and went straight to the new fishtown in whitestone, and walked out with $1000 worth of equipment. Just a testament to the fact that it's not about the money but more so about the experience, and the way people treat you. I really wish the original guy from the day before had been there. Totally different experience, and it bothers me to have to leave this review, but so be it. I encourage you to just watch prices, and make sure if you're buying something big, wait for the owner to be there. read more

Based off my experience and the many tropical fish store that I have been too I really like this store. I am not from New York but from the other side of the country so when I was able to visit this store I was in awe. Selection and prices were a huge plus for me. I mean certain fish here is a fraction of the cost from where I'm from. And the different types to choose from was like wow if you're a fish enthusiast. I was able to purchase an African Goliath Tiger Fish a couple months back and he's thriving. Store is well stocked with all types of fish, a few tanks in the other room and they got the basement room with even more fish. Parking was tedious because of the street parking. I just parked in front and told my brother to move the car if someone comes. Lastly the customer service was mediocre. I mean I read negative reviews but I didn't experience any of it. The young Asian girl was nice when I said I'm going to bring it on the plane with me which she asked if I wanted them to ship but I said I got it. I follow them on Facebook as well to keep up with their new shipments. Shipping is one night but I haven't done it yet. Great store and business. read more

Been coming here since it opened. Probably spent 4 digits in the years I've been coming here. Figured they were a small local fish store and we always need more. Saw their Facebook post about a 40% of everything labor day sale. I call up and ask for Siamese Algae Eaters. They said they have it. Great! So I drive over. Me: Do you have Siamese Algae Eaters? John (owner): Yes Me: How much are they? J: 3 each M: Does that include the labor day sale? J: Yes Then while a helper goes and grabs them, the sign on the tank says $3. Hmmm... I paid them the price anyway but I'm never coming back. Why bother posting so much for a sale just to bait and switch? I guess all good things must come to an end. DO NOT rely on their prices and if you decide to take a chance, DOUBLE CHECK your totals. NOT COOL. read more

I visited any aquatics/herpetology shop i could find in NYC; & Monster Aquariums is BY FAR the best in the city, not a single other could compare to their level of quality care, prices, & diversity in stock. Asian Culture has been practicing aquarium animal husbandry FAR longer than Western Culture; so it makes perfect sense that this shop would be the best in the city, & their at the very least a major contender for best aquatics shop on the entire North American coastline, if not THE best. If you're into herpetology & aquarium fish, you CANNOT pass up a visit to NYC or Queens without taking a look at Monster Aquariums. read more

Monster Aquarium - Aquarium Services Near Me - Flushing, New York

See all

UPDATED REVIEW: Never coming back here again. We came in a little after 8pm to buy a turtle. YES I know they close at 8 but there were still people in there. As soon as we walked in, the guy was like "WE'RE CLOSED" in such a rude tone. And he made this gesture where he did the slit throat motion with his hand. How threatening was that?! I hate giving 1 star reviews because I truly believe every mom and pop shop deserves support, especially in a city like NYC. But nope, if you wanna threaten me because I came in the store via an unlocked door, then you don't deserve my business. FYI, please move your gigantic arowanas to a bigger tank. This aquarium has lots of selection and most of the fish tanks seem really well maintained. TheI took off 2 stars because me and my bf spotted a dead fish and we told the girl sitting behind the register. She looked at us and just said "okay.." well, okay then. read more

Amazing shop. Was actually looking for another pet shop in the area and came across this one. They had everything, and then some that I needed. Mel was very helpful in recommending fish for my sorority betta tank. Picked up some shrimp, some snails, a couple of cory's as well as some plants and supplies. Prices are great. Nice selection of bettas as well. Will definitely recommend this place if you need fish, supplies. Side note: didn't go to the other store. This is my new go to spot. read more

Very underrated fish store. It's hidden at the end of a random dead end/alley, but you don't get that feeling in the store. Yes, it's a small shop, but they have some great fish that you don't normally find everywhere else. They're also able to put through special orders, so there's a way to get what you want. The prices are great here, super cheap. The workers are friendly and they're fast, so you won't be waiting for hours trying to get a fish. P.S. Tell them Brian sent you and you're guaranteed to get an even better deal! read more

I'm giving two stars because I bought a Pac-Man frog from them and she's the only living pet I got from this store. I was happy to find an aquarium in the neighborhood but every time I buy a fish, they come sick and I even went to buy medicine for fish rot... I tried everything my whole community tank just died... my son is very sad about his fish dying. I see many dead fish in some tanks too... I've mentioned how the baby axolotls are stressed out being in a tiny tank as I have two big adult axolotls and the girl just said "yeah they sale fast". Really disappointed with the customer service and the sick fish. read more

Very knowledgeable staff(for most the most part). I recently bought an ADA tank with the stand and John was nice, gave me a nice little discount. Mind you, these tanks are seen as the top of the line products for most people. Secondly, he helped set up my external canister filter in store when I was unsure how to set it. They are the most reasonably priced fish store out there (comparably to other aquariums I.e. Pacific Aquarium, Absolutely Fish,Manhattan Aquarium) as well as a wider selection of fresh water fish - tanks are clean. They also sell a vast array of hardscape materials, CO2 sets and parts, plants, a separate room for goldfish, food and different tanks/stands. For those complaining about a fish store who doesn't guarantee their livestock needs to come to terms that no one can prove or disprove that their fish are a "bad" batch , or "oh, they just try to make money", hello, IT'S A BUSINESS. Anyone can bring home a fish who would end up dying within 24 hours can blame the aquarium - but guess what The store needs to also deal with DOA because I've seen them straight out of their shipping containers and these businesses have to eat up the cost. I can guarantee you, you can buy fish off the internet or from another fish store, there's a good chance some Just won't survive more than 24 hours and that's just the reality of this hobby read more

Got a really nice Juvenile Super VC-10 African Cichlid and a juvenile what I believe will grow up to be a Eureka Red Peacock for $5 a piece in a mixed tank. Can't go wrong with that price if you know what you're looking for. Also got really nice neon tetras and cherry shrimp for my second tank. They went out of their way to find a fish food I asked for. My first trip here was definitely a treat and I'm looking forward to returning. They have a beautiful selection of South American cichlids. Wish they had more Africans but I'm sure they're going with what their clients are asking for. Also had nice plants which I will buy next time. read more

Monster Aquarium - Juvenile Super VC-10 African Cichlid from the $5 mixed tank. Can't go wrong if you know what you're looking at! - Aquarium Services Near Me - Flushing, New York

One of the best aquarium shop in Tri-state ,definitely my favorite I've been Customer For many years ,Love this place , They have wide selection Of exotic fish you Don't find in Other store. The owner John very knowledgeable and nice ,highly recommend it read more

Stopped in here to get some pet shrimp for my brother. The store has a snug walking space, but plenty of selection. I ended up getting the orange, red, and yellow shrimp. They have a couple of blue shrimp selection, which were pretty. Customer service was awesome. Friendly & helpful. Prices are reasonable. read more

Being an avid aquarium keeper since childhood I have been to many aquarium stores and pet shop throughout my life. Monster Aquarium is up there in the top three places I have ever been too. A clean, busy shop with a vast variety of freshwater fish and plants. Oddballs and hard to find species abound at this place. A very large selection of fish, plants, and aquarium accessories fairly priced. Highly recommend. read more

Great selection of everything, horrible customer service. I was inquiring to purchase a bunch of fish and shrimp for delivery. I just needed them to confirm they have a certain fish in stock. They keep saying "we'll check the stock". Its been more than a week. How hard is it to walk over the tank and see if they have that certain fish in stock?! They could easily just ask one of their employees to check if they have them too. Im ready to order a bunch of other fish and shrimp they have on stock, just need a confirmation on a certain fish. If they dont have it, fine. I'll just order the rest that they have on stock. I ask for a update, now they just "seen" my messages and don't reply. read more

Always well stocked with healthy fish,shrimp,plants and many other critters that other lfs just don't carry

My favorite freshwater fish store. They have many exotic fish you won't see at petland, petco, etc. Most of them look healthy and don't carry a crazy price tag. Fish foods are reasonably priced. I have two hungry rope fish and I buy a package of blood worms for $24. It's about 10 packs. Any other store sells one pack for $8+. The only thing that bugs me is they pile big fish into these small holding cells. You sometimes see them laying on their sides. It's really sad. They need to find a better way to temporarily hold these fish until sale. read more

Monster Aquarium - Aquarium Services Near Me - Flushing, New York

Made a quick stop here a few days ago to pick up a betta fish for my toddler, who recently watched Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. I called to ask if they carried betta, to find the call picked up and responded to rather quickly, which I reward a star because I hate slow service. When we arrived with our toddler, we discovered this aquarium is a tiny shop, with quite a number of customers already present (this is during COVID). We went in anyway, despite the congestion and lack of social distancing. Thankfully, the betta were just steps away from the entrance, so we let our toddler choose the liveliest fish (some looked like they were going to flip), then bounced. I would give 3.5 stars but rounded up since it is Christmas and I feel like giving. The man at the front desk bagged up the fish, threw in a container of food, charged us $8 and answered all of our questions within a minute. Fast but lack of friendliness. Regardless, we got the job done and service was super quick, with no time wasted, which I appreciate. We brought our blue betta fish home and named her Dory. read more

Went here to pick up a Fluval Edge tank, which has been difficult to find, even online. Even though the store was crazy busy, the person working at the front took the time to open the box up and make sure there were no cracks in the unit, noting that this particular model has been known to arrive with the glass top cracked. Was very impressed and grateful for that extra thoughtfulness (and demonstrated knowledge of the products they keep in stock). read more

Super rude attitudes. Theres a little girl who works here, the owners wife. Shes a mean little thing with glasses on...She is mean as hell with a bothered look on her face all day. If you ask her a question, she will snap at you. She has no clue what customer service is and how to treat people. I feel sorry for the owner who has to live with her. I supported this store since they opened years back but then they got big and changed..... I finally gave up on this store.... I will take my business elsewhere.... read more

A place that wont lead you wrong, just ask away your questions and they will give you the right answers. Walked in and acted like a newbie that knew nothing of fish, and they were straight with me about how to let my aquarium cycle and wait on buying fish, which I knew but always good to know that you will get right answers and not just ones you want. Some of the hardscape stuff is a bit pricey however all the fish and plants are a really good value. Staff know how to properly identify male and female fish if you wish to breed them. Ask for a used filter if you want to quickly get a new tank up and running. Nice variety of fish and aquarium items. Enjoy stopping by and just checking out the shop if nothing else. read more

Best selection and price hands down and it's not even close. I've been going here for years. John and his wife have been nothing short of amazing to deal with. I have over a dozen local fish store within 15-20 min drive but I always take the hour drive into queens to come here. Well worth with! read more

Best fish store in town!!!! All of their fishes are healthy and monstrous!! They also have all the fish supplies you will need ! Great customer service and all very friendly staff !!! This is my to go to spot , and I have been everywhere ! Best store hands down ! Check them out ! read more

I have bought online fish from literally dozens of different stores. The low prices had me worried at first. That can sometimes be a red flag as far as fish health. Deep discounts can mean compromised fish. NOT THE CASE HERE. all fish were healthy specimens. Though the fish were left on my front porch without anyone knocking. They were well below the optimal temp when I saw them outside. They were outside for about an hour I figure. That is the delivery services bad. Not the shippers. The mango pleco must be in great health. Because his water was in the 60s! And he was still alive. An hour of him in the bag inside the tank and he was ready to go. It's a crap shoot sometimes with high end plecos. I have had several experiences where 50 dollar plecos die despite me doing everything right. And you get a feel for fish health by the way the fish acts and how it looks. The mango pleco was under 40$! That's the cheapest mango pleco I ever encountered. So again it worried me a little. Like why are they selling them so cheap? But the fish was healthy and beautiful. The yellow seam on its fins are almost half the area on the entire fin. So an ultra wide seam. Gorgeous fish. I got an Adonis pleco as well. I think it was 15$ or less. Again no worries. He went right to eating an hour after being home! Another sign of a healthy fish. Got a clown loach and an Amazon puffer. Both are also bright eyed and bushy tailed as well. WITHOUT A DOUBT I WOLL BE BUYING FROM MONSTER AQUARIUM AGAIN IN THE FUTURE! read more

The store so nice, they have alot of diffrent fish! If you go there with your kids they will love it!! They have big uniqe fish. The guy who help us was super helpful and nice. I buy 2 fish. The only thing is it was some dead fish in some of the aquriums. Kind of scary. Make sure to clean evry few hores. If u fix this so defintly it will be 5 stars read more

I enjoy this location for the livestock pricing and variety. It also looks like they recently added more nano tank options and also, individual betta aquariums (not bowls or cups) which my humanitarian side enjoys but they still have many bettas still in cups so it might be simply a more appealing fixture. Be aware that part of that cheap pricing is the fact that livestock isn't guaranteed. I accept that. Some of my critters thrive and others don't. It's a gamble although they definitely don't acclimate prior to sales so I would wait to purchase as those fish/critters are way more likely to pass from the stress of changing environments twice in such a short time period. One thing I wanted to point out is that in one of my visits, I bought fish food and upon getting home, I started to peel at the price label and I uncovered a Petland discounts label (this was after they went out of business) and a past expiration date. Please check your perishables date. In another visit, I found a plant I wanted to take home and I asked for more details (specifically the name of the species) to resarch it and the employee helping me wasn't positive so he asked another employee and he said he would check. When I was done and went to check out, I asked him if he found anything out about it. He didn't look up from whatever he was doing and just said "No." Clearly, they're not in it for a passion of the hobby so don't have those expectations. They'll still get my business for convenience, price and variety but I will gladly call out their shortcomings. read more

Beautiful array of fish and plants. The store is not huge but the selection is. One of my favorite spots.

The store it self was nice- a lot of variety. The staff how ever was terrible. An associate was assisting us, had already begun bagging our fish . He left to place our fish on the counter and didn't return after about 10 minutes of waiting we went to find him and found him helping someone else. He was rude and said you have to wait. We waited a few more minutes and he still did not come back. After 30 minutes we decided to leave. Will not be returning here. read more

I have shopped here very recently 2 or three times but was informed that the owner imports the live fish directly from two companies in wuhan, China. As a result I'm now fearful because it appears the fish may not pass through us customs , which regulates the import of live stock into the US. longer visiting this shop until these concerns are addressed also many fish appear to be sick and die within days after purchase. Hence the stores no return or guarantee on live first products. read more

Monster Aquarium Inc. has such a broad range of fish to choose from, beautiful discus, North and South American cichlids, oddball fish, all types of shrimp and plants. There is also ADA type stones for setting up a planted/shrimp aquarium. These are stones and decor that you do not find in other places. There is also plenty of nice driftwood pieces to select. The staff is knowledgeable and can help with any question. We ordered by phone 25 Mexican dwarf lobsters just yesterday, today they arrived just before 12pm looking alive and healthy. The lobsters are shy right now or I would include a picture. Beautiful. The prices are good and they ship quick. I recomend going to the store, it's worth it. Very happy with the purchase. read more

I came to the store looking for CRS, or crystal red shrimp, for my 6 gallon fluval edge. Unfortunately, they only had two left by the time I came in, which wasn't enough to start a breeding colony. The shrimp were priced 6 dollars each which was reasonable because they were S+ grade. They were out of stock on red cherry shrimp, but had some nice rili shrimp. I ended up getting 5 golden rice shrimp, another variant of neocardina shrimp, for 16 dollars total. They ended up dying which was my own fault due to unstable water parameters caused by my dirted tank. The shrimp were healthy and lively though. The store has a wide variety of tropical fish but not too many goldfish. The downstairs room has more fish and demands that there is no photography, likely due to some variants of fish. The store is easily visible due to the large sign with a red asian arowana. read more

I love going in there. So much fish to look at and enjoy. Im a goldfish enthusiast so my review will be mainly on goldfish. Quality : large variety of nice looking goldfish. Although their goldfish tanks need a little more maintenance. Recently purchased some goldfish that had anchor worms. Customer service : the owners are nice and knowledgeable. Although, theres this one guy who always followed me wherever I'd go and asked if I needed help. It made me feel uncomfortable. It was like if he was checking to see if I was stealing or something. As a former retail sales associate, I know it when I see it. Like dude, I'm just looking at the goldfish. You think I'm gonna take it directly out of the tank and walk out with it? . He had a thick Chinese accent. Over all experience was pleasant. They have nice deals during major holidays. They are knowledgeable and helpful. read more

Comparing all the aquariums around the city, monster aquarium sells decent tropical fishes. I don't say it's the best, but pretty good. (Best one is in Japan) read more

Great shop! Definitely not Petco! So many cool fish & great service. Soo much variety. What a great a find

Wish there was a 0 star. This fish store owner is a real jerk. I have been buying my cichlids from here past few years and always had a bad vibe from him, but I just brushed it off. This past time I was inquiring about sizing for a fish tank for our new home. With every question the guy was making faces and huffing as if I was bothering him. I confronted him about it saying why do you seem agitate. He responds "Because I allready answered your questions". No respect for people, horrible cutomer service, very rude personality. Will never deal with them again. read more