Aquatic Wildlife Co

For aquatic enthusiasts across Connecticut, from beginners just setting up their first tank to seasoned hobbyists tending to elaborate reef environments, finding a truly specialized and knowledgeable local resource is invaluable. In South Windsor, Connecticut, Aquatic Wildlife Co has established itself as a premier destination for all things aquatic. This dedicated pet store focuses exclusively on fish, invertebrates, and aquatic plants, ensuring a deep level of expertise and a vast selection that often surpasses general pet stores. This article will dive into what makes Aquatic Wildlife Co a cherished spot for the Connecticut aquatic community, highlighting its extensive offerings and the passion that drives its team.

Opened in 2005, Aquatic Wildlife Co has built a reputation on its commitment to providing everything a hobbyist needs to "set up and maintain a beautiful, healthy, and successful home or office aquarium." The store prides itself on being an "aquatics-only" establishment, allowing its staff to cultivate highly specialized knowledge. With over 11,000 gallons of freshwater and marine life from around the world, fully conditioned and guaranteed, they aim to be your "forever fish store." The owner, Derek Marder, is so passionate about the hobby that he even named his daughters Oceania and Coral – a testament to the dedication you'll find here.

Aquatic Wildlife Co is conveniently located at 70 Buckland Rd, South Windsor, CT 06074, USA. This accessible address places it strategically within easy reach for residents throughout South Windsor and the surrounding towns in Connecticut, including Manchester, East Hartford, Vernon, and Glastonbury. Buckland Road is a well-known commercial thoroughfare, making the store straightforward to locate for both regular customers and those visiting for the first time.

The store is situated in a convenient shopping area, across from Evergreen Walk and between Plato's Closet and Verizon, in the Anthony's Pizza Bar complex. Its proximity to Interstate 84 (Exit 62) further enhances its accessibility, ensuring a relatively quick journey for visitors from a wider region of Connecticut. Ample parking is typically available, making your visit hassle-free whether you're picking up a small plant or larger aquarium equipment. While it can get busy on weekends, its central location solidifies Aquatic Wildlife Co's role as a key resource for the specialized needs of the aquatic hobbyist community in Connecticut.

Aquatic Wildlife Co offers a comprehensive range of products and services specifically tailored to freshwater and saltwater aquarium enthusiasts, providing solutions for every aspect of the aquatic hobby.

• Extensive Live Stock Selection: The store features "over 11,000+ gallons of freshwater fish, plants, and marine life from around the world." This includes a wide variety of fish, invertebrates, and plants that are often hard to find elsewhere.
• Freshwater Specialties: They specialize in freshwater planted biotopes, offering an excellent selection of live aquatic plants and all the supplies needed for a thriving planted tank. They also carry a diverse range of freshwater fish, including discus and "oddball fish."
• Saltwater & Reef Specialties: For marine enthusiasts, they specialize in reef environments, saltwater fish (including a wide variety of clownfish), and captive-bred saltwater species. They also stock corals and marine invertebrates.
• Aquarium Essentials & Equipment: A full range of essential aquarium equipment and supplies is available, including tanks, filters, lighting, heaters, water conditioners, testing kits, and a variety of tropical fish foods.
• Expert Advice and Knowledgeable Staff: Their staff are described as "intelligent and passionate individuals who have years of schooling and experience," dedicated to the hobby both at work and at home. They are known for being "super helpful, and knowledgeable," assisting customers in solving water quality issues and selecting the right equipment and livestock.
• Aquarium Setup & Maintenance Services: Aquatic Wildlife Co offers "full service and custom installations" for home, office, or commercial aquariums. They can also assist with maintaining existing systems. Past projects include a 150-gallon Elos reef aquarium at MIT and a 775-gallon saltwater fish-only residential aquarium.
• Healthy & Guaranteed Livestock: Customers consistently praise the health of the fish and other aquatic animals purchased here, noting that they are "fully conditioned and guaranteed," leading to successful outcomes for hobbyists.

Aquatic Wildlife Co stands out significantly in the Connecticut pet market due to several key features and highlights that are consistently praised by its dedicated clientele.

• Deep Specialization: As an "aquatics-only store," their singular focus allows for an unparalleled depth of inventory and expertise in freshwater and saltwater environments, making them a true authority in the field.
• Passionate and Knowledgeable Staff: A recurring highlight in customer reviews is the quality of their employees. They are described as "friendly, super helpful, and knowledgeable," providing invaluable advice and guidance, whether you're setting up a new tank or troubleshooting an existing one. Their genuine dedication to the hobby, even outside of work, creates a trustworthy and relatable experience.
• Exceptional Livestock Health: Customers consistently report receiving "healthy, active, and eating great" animals, including more sensitive species like axolotls. This commitment to animal welfare and conditioning is crucial for the success and enjoyment of any aquatic setup.
• Diverse and Unique Selection: The store offers a wide variety of fish, invertebrates, and plants, including "oddball fish" and an impressive selection of aquatic plants and rocks (like "dragon rock"), allowing hobbyists to find unique items they "can't find just anywhere."
• Focus on Hobbyist Success: Their motto, "A successful hobbyist is a good customer," truly reflects their approach. They prioritize educating and supporting their clients to ensure long-term enjoyment and thriving aquariums, rather than just making a quick sale.
• Well-Maintained Tanks: The store maintains "well maintained sales and display tanks," which not only showcases the health of their livestock but also provides inspiration and a clear example of proper aquarium husbandry.
• Custom Solutions: Their ability to offer custom installations for large and complex aquatic systems, as demonstrated by projects for MIT and large residential aquariums, highlights their high level of capability and service.

For inquiries about specific fish or plant availability, equipment needs, custom installation services, or general aquatic advice, Aquatic Wildlife Co can be reached using the following contact details:

Address: 70 Buckland Rd, South Windsor, CT 06074, USA

Phone: (860) 648-1166

Store Hours (subject to change, it's always good to check their website or call):

• Monday - Saturday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

We recommend visiting their website or calling ahead, especially for specific product inquiries or if you plan to visit during peak weekend hours, as the store "can get busy."

For residents of Connecticut, particularly those in South Windsor and the surrounding Greater Hartford area, Aquatic Wildlife Co stands as an exceptionally suitable and indispensable local resource for all aquatic hobby needs. Its dedicated focus as an "aquatics-only" store means that local enthusiasts have access to an unparalleled selection of healthy freshwater and saltwater fish, unique invertebrates (like axolotls), vibrant aquatic plants, and specialized equipment that general pet stores simply cannot match. The convenient location on Buckland Road, with easy access from I-84, makes it a practical destination for routine visits and significant purchases alike.

What truly cements Aquatic Wildlife Co's suitability for locals, however, is the profound expertise and genuine passion of its staff. Their reputation for being "super helpful, and knowledgeable," coupled with their commitment to ensuring healthy livestock, provides invaluable peace of mind and support for both novice and experienced hobbyists. Whether you're planning your dream reef tank, looking for the perfect piece of dragon rock, or simply seeking expert advice to keep your existing fish thriving, Aquatic Wildlife Co offers a level of service and specialized product range that makes it the definitive local fish store in Connecticut. It's a place where you're not just buying pets or supplies; you're gaining a partner in your aquatic journey.

Aquatic Wildlife Co

70 Buckland Rd, South Windsor, CT 06074, USA