Navigate Your Next Aquarium Adventure: The Essential Guide to Fish Store Etiquette

Walking into an aquarium store for the first time can feel overwhelming—tanks filled with colorful fish, complex equipment displays, and knowledgeable staff who seem to speak a different language. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, understanding proper fish store etiquette can transform your shopping experience from stressful to successful. By following these essential do’s and don’ts, you’ll not only find the perfect additions to your aquarium but also build valuable relationships with the experts who can guide your aquatic journey.

Do Your Homework Before You Shop

Research all animals before purchasing to make sure you have the right food, environment and skills to maintain them. Don’t purchase fish on impulse. Make sure they won’t outgrow your tank, are compatible with existing tank inhabitants and you have the right food, equipment and skills to maintain them. Before heading to your local aquarium store, spend time researching the fish species you’re considering. Know their adult size, temperament, water requirements, and compatibility with your existing tank inhabitants.

When searching for a fish store near me, look for establishments that prioritize education and customer service. Quality and responsibility of care are core tenants of the Fish and Reef ethos. We are proud of our history and our current staff of five installation and maintenance technicians that use their years of experience to provide you a great wealth of comfort, peace of mind, and knowledge. Island Fish & Reef, serving Long Island since 2003, exemplifies this commitment to customer education and support.

Observe Fish Health Before Purchasing

Swim pattern – a healthy fish should not have trouble swimming or staying upright in a horizontal position · Breathing – heavy or fast breathing is a sign of illness. (compare to other members of the same species) Sitting on the bottom or floating to the top is not normal for 99% of aquarium fish. Take time to carefully observe any fish you’re considering. Look for clear eyes, intact fins, normal swimming behavior, and active feeding responses.

You should ask the store clerk to feed the fish before you buy it. Most aquarium fish need to readily accept prepared aquarium foods (flakes and/or pellets). Frozen foods are a tasty treat most any fish will eat, but accepting flakes and pellets is what will keep them healthy and alive in your home aquarium. Don’t hesitate to ask staff to demonstrate feeding—a healthy fish should show immediate interest in food.

Build Relationships with Store Staff

A lot of tropical fish shops are run by hard-core hobbyists who absolutely love tropical fishkeeping — they certainly aren’t in it for the easy money or family-friendly hours. Nothing beats building up a good relationship with your retailer, and it’s just good manners not to make someone feel uncomfortable in their workplace. Treat store employees with respect and recognize their expertise. Many are passionate hobbyists themselves with years of experience.

Much better to strike up a conversation when it’s quiet, and in a chatty sort of way, share your experiences while listening to theirs. You never know, you might learn something too! Engage in meaningful conversations during slower periods, sharing your own experiences while being genuinely interested in their knowledge and advice.

Practice Proper Shopping Etiquette

Just as you would in any retail environment, maintain good manners throughout your visit. Don’t tap on glass tanks, which can stress fish, and avoid reaching into displays without permission. Keep conversations at reasonable volumes and be mindful of other customers browsing nearby tanks.

Buy the fish, meaning physically pay for it, then ask the fish store to hold the animal for 1-2 weeks if you are unsure about the health of the fish. This is especially good practice for more expensive or rare fish but really can help avoid bringing problems into any aquarium. You’re going to have to quarantine all new fish for 3-4 weeks at home and this initial process can help eliminate redundant efforts on your part should the fish not survive those initial 1-2 weeks. For expensive or rare specimens, consider asking the store to hold your purchase for observation—reputable stores will often accommodate this request.

Don’t Rush Your Decisions

Don’t buy fish the same day you purchase the aquarium. Instead, set the tank up and let it run for a few days before bringing your first fish home. Avoid impulse purchases, especially if you’re new to the hobby. Take time to consider how new additions will affect your existing ecosystem.

Don’t lock yourself into just one species, as it might not be available or it might not look great when you’re ordering. Be open to trying something different and shop with your eyes. The vast variety and seasonality of seafood is truly amazing, and many species can be easily substituted in recipes. While this advice applies to seafood markets, the principle holds true for fish stores—remain flexible and open to alternatives that might better suit your setup.

Ask the Right Questions

The best way to engage with your fish market is to be open-minded, and to have a conversation. If you visit a fish market you haven’t been to before, don’t go in with a pre-planned recipe – base your recipe off what’s local and in-season. Spend a few minutes checking out the seafood case, and then speak with the owner, manager or an employee who is knowledgeable about their buying practices. When you get to know your seafood provider and ask them questions, it lets them know that you care about buying local, sustainable seafood. Similarly, engage with aquarium store staff about their livestock sources, quarantine procedures, and care recommendations.

Don’t be afraid to ask about water parameters, feeding schedules, compatibility concerns, and long-term care requirements. Quality stores appreciate customers who ask thoughtful questions because it demonstrates genuine commitment to proper fish care.

Respect Store Policies and Procedures

However great you are fishkeeping, a degree of humility is still a good thing. Yes, your new fish might have died because the shop sold you a duffer, but it might also be your fault. Reflect on water quality and chemistry, tankmates, and often overlooked, how carefully the fish was transported home and acclimated to its new home. If you experience problems with a purchase, approach the situation with humility and openness to learning what might have gone wrong.

Understand that reputable stores have return policies and health guarantees, but these often require following specific acclimation procedures and maintaining proper water conditions. Be prepared to provide water test results and detailed information about your setup when seeking assistance.

Support Your Local Fish Store

We’d be willing to bet that if given a choice between purchasing from a Mom and Pop local fish store or from one of the major chain pet stores, most would choose the Mom and Pop shop. Along with the proliferation of the big box marts comes a decreasing level of customer service. Pay people crappy wages and you’ll get what we have today – miserable customer service. Local fish stores often provide superior knowledge, personalized service, and ongoing support that chain stores simply cannot match.

Island Fish and Reef is truly excellent. I was very lucky to find them a few years ago to move a 120g reef tank to our office. They did a great job and have been coming weekly for maintenance ever since. Downs and his team are very knowledgeable, professional, and always go the extra mile. Establishments like Island Fish & Reef demonstrate the value of supporting local businesses that invest in long-term customer relationships.

By following these etiquette guidelines, you’ll not only have more successful shopping experiences but also contribute to a positive community atmosphere that benefits all aquarium enthusiasts. Remember, the best fish stores are partners in your aquatic journey, offering expertise, support, and quality livestock that will help your underwater world thrive for years to come.