1st Class Aquarium Introduce
For New Yorkers who are captivated by the intricate beauty of underwater worlds, whether a vibrant freshwater display or a dynamic saltwater reef, finding a truly exceptional aquarium store is paramount. In Staten Island, 1st Class Aquarium has firmly established itself as a premier destination for aquatic enthusiasts, earning a stellar reputation for its unparalleled quality, diverse selection, and expert guidance. This isn't merely a retail space; it's a dedicated hub for the "reefing" community and all aquatic hobbyists, offering everything needed to create and maintain thriving aquatic ecosystems.
What immediately sets 1st Class Aquarium apart from other stores in the bustling New York metropolitan area is its unwavering commitment to the health and vitality of its livestock. As discerning aquarists know, the success of any tank begins with healthy inhabitants, and 1st Class Aquarium consistently delivers. Customers rave about the "gorgeous" corals and the fact that "everything looks healthy," leading to a "100% success rate" with their purchases. This is a direct result of their meticulous care practices and the pristine condition of their tanks, which are described as "so clean." This dedication to cleanliness and animal welfare creates an environment where customers can confidently select fish and corals, knowing they are bringing home vibrant and robust specimens.
Beyond the exceptional quality of their aquatic life, 1st Class Aquarium is celebrated for its deep understanding of the hobby and its customer-centric approach. As a family-run business, they infuse their operations with a personal touch that resonates deeply with clients. The staff is consistently praised for being "great," "very friendly," and "knowledgeable," offering invaluable advice and support for all "aquarium needs." Whether you're a seasoned reefer searching for a rare "holy grail Torch" or a beginner embarking on your first freshwater tank, you'll find attentive service and expert insights. Their selection of high-end corals, including specific mentions of "holy grail Torch," "Drama Queen Torch," and "high end gonis," underscores their appeal to serious enthusiasts. The ability to provide "Giant frag for the price," along with meticulous packing for shipped orders, further solidifies their reputation for value and reliable service.
Location and Accessibility
1st Class Aquarium is conveniently located at 1167 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA. Situated on Staten Island, this location makes it readily accessible for residents across the borough, as well as those willing to travel from other parts of New York City, including Brooklyn, Manhattan, and even New Jersey, given its reputation. Bay Street is a well-known artery on Staten Island, facilitating straightforward navigation to the store. For customers driving, there is likely street parking available in the vicinity, or potentially dedicated parking, though specific details about parking are not provided. Staten Island is connected to Brooklyn via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and to Manhattan via the Staten Island Ferry (which is free), offering various transportation options. While the ferry is a scenic route, those coming directly for purchases might prefer driving to transport delicate livestock or equipment. The store's presence on a main road ensures it's easy to locate, contributing to a smooth experience for aquatic enthusiasts making their way to this top-tier establishment.
Services Offered
- Retail sales of a wide variety of saltwater corals, including high-end and rare specimens like Torches and Gonios.
- Sales of various freshwater fish species.
- Provision of a comprehensive range of aquarium accessories and equipment, catering to both budget-friendly and high-end needs.
- Expert advice and personalized guidance for setting up and maintaining both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
- Knowledgeable consultations on coral and fish health, compatibility, and care requirements.
- Secure and professional packing for shipped orders, ensuring safe arrival of delicate livestock.
- Potential for special orders or sourcing of specific hard-to-find aquatic species or equipment (implied by customer reviews).
- Assistance with selecting appropriate livestock and equipment for various tank sizes and experience levels.
- Guidance on maintaining optimal water parameters for reef tanks and other aquatic environments.
Features / Highlights
- Exceptional Coral Quality: Renowned for its "gorgeous" and "healthy" corals, including sought-after varieties like "holy grail Torch" and "Drama Queen Torch," leading to a "100% success rate" reported by customers.
- Impeccably Clean Shop: The store is consistently praised for being "so clean," which is a vital indicator of proper animal husbandry and contributes to the health of the livestock.
- Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff: Customers highlight the "great staff" who are "very friendly and knowledgeable," providing valuable advice and excellent customer service.
- Family-Run Business: This aspect contributes to a personalized and dedicated approach, fostering strong relationships with customers.
- Diverse Inventory: Offers a wide selection of both saltwater and freshwater pets, along with a large variety of aquarium accessories, from "low budget to high end equipment."
- Excellent Packing and Shipping: Recognized for "10/10 packing" for online orders, ensuring that delicate corals arrive "perfectly packed" and healthy, even from a distance.
- Great Value: Praised for offering "Giant frag for the price," indicating competitive pricing for high-quality items.
- High Customer Loyalty: Many serious hobbyists, including those willing to drive from areas like Park Slope, consider it their primary go-to shop for reefing needs due to consistent positive experiences.
- Commitment to Customer Success: The focus extends beyond sales to ensuring customers achieve success with their aquatic setups, offering support and reliable products.
Contact Information
Address: 1167 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA
Phone: (718) 876-8826
Mobile Phone: +1 718-876-8826
Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals
For New Yorkers passionate about aquatic life, 1st Class Aquarium in Staten Island is an indispensable local resource that truly lives up to its name. Its suitability for locals, particularly those dedicated to the demanding yet rewarding hobby of reef keeping, stems from several critical factors. Firstly, the paramount importance placed on the health and quality of their livestock is a huge draw. In a hobby where introducing unhealthy specimens can quickly lead to disaster, the consistent reports of "gorgeous," "healthy" corals and a "100% success rate" provide immense peace of mind. This dedication to animal welfare and pristine tank conditions sets a gold standard for aquatic stores in the region.
Secondly, the personalized touch of a "great family run business" with "friendly and knowledgeable" staff transforms a transactional visit into a supportive, educational experience. For New Yorkers navigating the complexities of aquarium maintenance, having access to genuine experts who offer tailored advice and patient guidance is invaluable. Whether you're a seasoned reefer seeking specific, high-end corals or a beginner venturing into the world of freshwater fish, the team's expertise ensures you make informed decisions for a thriving tank. Furthermore, the store's comprehensive inventory, spanning both fish and a wide range of equipment from "low budget to high end," means that local hobbyists can find everything they need in one reliable location, reducing the need to visit multiple shops or rely solely on online retailers. The strong positive reviews, even from customers who travel significant distances, underscore the trust and loyalty this establishment has built. For any aquatic enthusiast in New York City, 1st Class Aquarium is not just a place to buy; it's a community cornerstone that fosters success and passion in the aquatic hobby.
1st Class Aquarium Details
From the business
- Small Business
Service options
- Kerbside pickup
- In-store pick-up
- On-site services
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Cash only
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free parking lot
1st Class Aquarium Photos










1st Class Aquarium Location
1st Class Aquarium
1167 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA
1st Class Aquarium Reviews
pricessaltwater fishhealthycoralsstockedfresh watertankreefingrockstorch
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Absolutely great shop for all your reefing needs. My wife & I picked up a wonderful holy grail Torch a few weeks ago. What a great family run business! The shop is so clean and their corals are gorgeous. Thank you both for the Drama Queen Torch. I placed it right next to the other holy grail I got from you prior. If you keep reef tanks, this place should be on your list! A++++
March 31 · Peter B.10/10 packing, 11/10 coral, 20/10 costumer service. I ordered one of their high end gonis and the coral came perfectly packed and Goni opened after an hour in my tank. Giant frag for the price to. Will always recommend!
April 02 · Adler GuerreroI was really nervous ordering as this was the most expensive coral purchase I've ever made and they were to be shipped all the way from New York to Texas but boy am I glad I did. Truly a first class experience. Delivery process was super fast, answered my many questions quickly and professionally, the price was very good, and most importantly the corals are absolutely ridiculous in real life! :)
August 20 · Sergil RahmtullaTotal BS what a waste of time 03/2025: No walk-ins. Hours are not listed and no one picks up the phone don’t waste your time
March 30 · Andrew StasiukVery cool place with alot of cool fish. Good place to go with a kid.
March 13 · Alex Karampelas
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