Absolutely Fish

For aquatic enthusiasts and aspiring aquarists across the New Jersey region, discovering a truly exceptional destination for all things fish and marine life is like finding an underwater treasure. Absolutely Fish, located in Clifton, NJ, stands as a renowned and highly respected name in the world of aquariums, recognized as one of the largest independently owned live tropical fish stores in the United States. This impressive establishment is a haven for those passionate about freshwater, saltwater, and reef tank ecosystems, offering an unparalleled selection of fish, corals, plants, and essential supplies. This article will guide local New Jersey residents through what makes Absolutely Fish a premier choice, highlighting its convenient location, the extensive services it provides, its distinctive features, and why it's the go-to place for all marine and freshwater needs.

Absolutely Fish is far more than just a retail store; it's a testament to the art and science of fish keeping, driven by a deep commitment to education, conservation, and sustainable practices. With over 23 years in operation, the store has cultivated a reputation for housing an immense variety of species, including rare and exotic tropical fish, alongside a vast selection of invertebrates and corals. The sheer scale of their operation, boasting over 7,000 gallons of marine fish, 5,000 gallons of freshwater tropicals, and 5,000 gallons of invertebrates and corals, is a testament to their dedication and capacity to serve a broad spectrum of hobbyists.

Many New Jersey residents, like the long-time customer who uses their career to fund a reef tank, appreciate having such a comprehensive and knowledgeable resource within reach. The ability to find expert guidance, solve complex aquarium challenges, and source healthy, diverse aquatic life locally is invaluable. Whether you are a seasoned diver looking to recreate the beauty of a coral reef at home, or a beginner setting up your first freshwater tank, understanding the unique offerings of Absolutely Fish will undoubtedly enrich your aquatic journey. Let’s delve into the specific attributes that make this Clifton institution a cherished landmark for the New Jersey aquatic community.

Absolutely Fish is conveniently located at 1080 US-46, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA. Clifton is a bustling city in Passaic County, New Jersey, making this aquarium store highly accessible for a vast number of residents across Northern and Central New Jersey. Its direct placement on US Route 46, a major highway, ensures excellent visibility and straightforward navigation for customers traveling by car.

For pet owners in Bergen, Passaic, Essex, and Hudson counties, as well as those willing to travel from other parts of New Jersey, the location offers ease of access. Being on a major highway minimizes the need to navigate complex local roads, which is particularly beneficial when transporting delicate live aquatic animals or bulky aquarium equipment. Ample parking is typically available at facilities located on main routes like US-46, providing convenience for customers. While public transportation options in Clifton might include local bus routes that connect to broader regional networks, driving is generally the most practical and preferred method for visiting a specialized store of this nature, especially when making significant purchases. The strategic placement of Absolutely Fish on a key thoroughfare solidifies its status as a premier and easily reachable destination for all aquarium enthusiasts throughout the New Jersey region.

Absolutely Fish provides a wide array of specialized services catering to both freshwater and saltwater aquarium enthusiasts, going beyond simple retail to offer comprehensive support for hobbyists.

• Extensive Livestock Sales: They offer a "huge salt and freshwater selection from fish to coral and plants." This includes thousands of gallons dedicated to marine fish and invertebrates, as well as freshwater fish from around the world. They are known for "rare and exotic tropicals" and have one of the largest selections of African cichlids, corals, marine sharks, rays, and South American catfish in the tri-state area.
• Aquarium Maintenance Services: Absolutely Fish has been servicing freshwater, marine, and reef aquariums in homes and offices throughout northern New Jersey and surrounding areas (including Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, and Essex counties) since 1995. Services include set-up, breakdown, moving, consultation, and regular maintenance to ensure proper nutrient levels, water quality (salinity, pH, hardness, temperature), and filtration.
• Custom Aquarium Design & Installation: They are fully insured and available to install all standard aquariums, as well as design and install custom aquariums to suit any need or setting, with professional equipment installation.
• Aquaculture Facility: They operate a 5,000 sq ft aquaculture facility with 6,000 gallons dedicated to breeding and raising over 60 species of hard and soft corals, numerous plants, 25 varieties of freshwater fish, and three distinct freshwater shrimp species. This allows them to offer tank-raised specimens for sale.
• Expert Advice and Education: Customers consistently praise the knowledgeable staff, including "Anna who has helped me get my salt water tank to where it is today and teach me what I can and cannot mix." The owner, Patrick (a marine biologist), is known for sharing his extensive knowledge. They offer free virtual fish appointments, and their mission emphasizes education and conservation.
• Aquarium Supplies and Dry Goods: The store offers a vast selection of dry goods, including tanks, filters, lighting, decor, and their own brand of "Absolutely Fish Naturals" fish food (pellets, flakes, freeze-dried options).
• Problem Rectification: As noted by a customer, if there is "ever a situation Patrick will rectify it," indicating a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and problem-solving.

Absolutely Fish distinguishes itself as a premier aquatic destination in New Jersey through several outstanding features and highlights:

• One of the Largest Independent Tropical Fish Stores in the US: This is a major highlight, signifying the vast scale and comprehensive nature of their offerings, setting them apart from smaller, more general pet stores.
• Immense Selection of Aquatic Livestock: They house over 7,000 gallons of marine fish, 5,000 gallons of freshwater tropicals, and 5,000 gallons of invertebrates and corals. This includes rare and exotic species, African cichlids, marine sharks, rays, and South American catfish, offering an unparalleled variety for hobbyists.
• Exceptional Staff Knowledge and Customer Service: Reviewers consistently commend the "excellent customer service" and the knowledgeable staff, including Anna and owner Patrick (a marine biologist). Their willingness to teach, guide, and rectify issues creates a highly supportive environment for aquarists of all levels.
• Commitment to Education and Conservation: Their mission statement explicitly focuses on "Education/Conservation, the Art and Science of Fish Keeping." They adhere to strict husbandry standards, conduct staff training, and support various conservation efforts (e.g., MAC certification, Reef Ball Foundation, Conserve Wildlife of NJ).
• In-House Aquaculture Facility: Operating a 5,000 sq ft aquaculture center allows them to breed and raise many of their own fish, corals, and plants, promoting sustainability and providing tank-raised specimens which are often hardier and more acclimated to aquarium life.
• High-Quality and Well-Kept Tanks: Despite its large size, the store is described as "one of the most well kept," with clean tanks, indicating excellent husbandry practices that lead to healthier livestock.
• Availability of Hard-to-Find Items and High-Tech Systems: Customers seeking specialized parts, equipment, or rare fish often find them at Absolutely Fish, solidifying its reputation as a go-to source for advanced hobbyists.
• Virtual Fish Appointments: A modern and convenient feature allowing hobbyists to see specific species before purchase, catering to those who may not be able to visit in person immediately.

To explore their vast selection, inquire about specific livestock or services, or schedule a consultation, you can contact Absolutely Fish using the details below:

Address: 1080 US-46, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA

Phone: (973) 365-0200

Email: [email protected]

Retail Store Hours:

• Monday-Saturday: 11 AM - 7 PM
• Sunday: (Hours not explicitly stated in snippets, typical for a store to have reduced Sunday hours or be closed. It is advisable to check their website or call.)

For aquatic enthusiasts throughout the New Jersey region, Absolutely Fish in Clifton stands as an exceptionally suitable and, in many cases, indispensable resource for all their aquarium needs. Its prominence as one of the largest independently owned tropical fish stores in the US ensures an unparalleled selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish, corals, and plants. This vast inventory means that local hobbyists, whether seasoned experts or curious beginners, can reliably find the diverse aquatic life and equipment they seek, often including rare and specialized species that are difficult to source elsewhere. This eliminates the need for extensive travel or uncertain online orders, providing immediate access to healthy, well-acclimated specimens.

Beyond the sheer volume of its offerings, what truly sets Absolutely Fish apart for local New Jersey residents is the depth of expertise and the commitment to education. The staff, including the owner Patrick, a marine biologist, are consistently praised for their extensive knowledge, willingness to teach, and ability to troubleshoot complex aquarium challenges. This personalized guidance, as highlighted by customers who've successfully set up and maintained challenging reef tanks with their help, is invaluable. It transforms the experience from a simple retail transaction into a supportive partnership, fostering success and confidence among local hobbyists. This focus on education aligns perfectly with the passion of many in the aquatic community to learn and grow their skills.

Furthermore, the comprehensive range of services, including professional aquarium maintenance for homes and offices across northern New Jersey, custom tank design, and their innovative in-house aquaculture facility, makes Absolutely Fish a holistic solution. Locals benefit from knowing they have a reliable partner for everything from initial setup to ongoing care and even the responsible sourcing of tank-bred animals. The store's commitment to conservation and sustainable practices further appeals to environmentally conscious New Jersey residents, aligning their hobby with broader ecological values.

While some reviews mention prices for certain items might be higher than smaller local stores, the trade-off for the sheer selection, unparalleled quality, and expert customer service is often well worth it. The ease of access via US Route 46 also ensures that this premier facility is a convenient trip for a significant portion of the state. In essence, Absolutely Fish is more than just an aquarium store; it's a vibrant hub of aquatic knowledge, resources, and community for every New Jersey resident passionate about the mesmerizing world beneath the water's surface.

Absolutely Fish

1080 US-46, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA