📍 Location and contact

1167 Bay St - >10305, Staten Island
+1718-876-8826

đź“· Photos from 1st Class Aquarium

ℹ️ Information

Saltwater Corals Only.

Welcome to 1st Class Aquarium, a premier destination for aquarium enthusiasts. Our customers rave about the exceptional quality of our corals and fish, ensuring that you find beautiful and healthy specimens every time you visit.

Here are some highlights:

  • Stunning Coral Selection: Customers are particularly impressed with our variety of torch corals, noted for their vibrant colors and healthy appearance.
  • Knowledgeable Staff: Our team is friendly and well-informed, providing helpful advice and assistance to both novice and experienced hobbyists.
  • Immaculate Environment: The shop is always clean and well-stocked, creating a pleasant shopping experience for all visitors.
  • Exceptional Customer Service: We pride ourselves on building trust with our customers, making sure to provide a first-class experience with every purchase.

Whether you're looking for a new fish or need setup advice, 1st Class Aquarium is here to help with a smile. We look forward to welcoming you to our passionate community of aquarists!

đź•’ Opening hours

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🗣️ 1st Class Aquarium: Reviews

4.2/5 (90 Reviews)
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Adler Guerrero 9 months ago

Fantastic experience: 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!

Peter B. 9 months ago

Fantastic experience: Absolutely 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++++

Andrew Stasiuk 9 months ago

Negative experience: Total 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

Eros 1 year ago

Negative experience: I wish they had more freshwater fish, and more decor other then lava rocks, and slate. Other then that nice clean tanks. Tons of salt water fish and I saw some great prices for things other stores would want a arm and a leg for. EDIT: THEY'RE NEVER OPEN AND NEVER PICK UP PHONE.... SINCE COVID THEY CLOSED THE DOOR. LIKE DUDE ITS OVER STOP BEING PARANOID AND OPEN THE DOORS. I USED TO BUY HERE ALL THE TIME

louis trento 2 years ago

Positive experience: I was at this store looking to buy a saltwater setup. I chose a 90 gal fully equipped and said I would come back with a down payment and the rest when I was to pick up. Soon after I went and found the store closed. I’ve gone several times after that and still closed. I’ve called and was told under renovations and have seen this explanation in reviews. However it’s now more than 2 years and still not open and I went and bought a 125 set up elsewhere. It’s a shame cause it’s close to me but I’ve found other places to spend my money. I don’t understand how you can keep a shop and not allow customers in?! The ordering online thing may be convenient to some but without a replacement guarantee . I won’t try it . I’d rather see the corals and fish in real life than just a picture . I will say the staff was extremely knowledgeable and friendly

Mike “Mossimo” Lopardo 2 years ago

Negative experience: Came here twice and could not get in both times … they don’t care about staten islanders salt water needs because they don’t take walk ins or answer the phone when you return to make an appointment

Maurine Wiza 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Store is fun just to come and see.

Ronnie Barth 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Heard about this shop from a fellow reefer who has one of the most amazing torch collections I've ever seen. His quote, "They are expensive but the quality is second to none". Took a chance and let me say, the flesh on these torches...wow...flesh for days. Insane color. Fat, healthy and vibrant!!! Unfortunately I had some issues and if you've been reefing long enough you will know what I mean when I say the blame game happens all too often in response to failures. THIS is what sets them apart from the rest. The willingness and responsiveness of the owner blew me away. Anyone can sell you nice corals. Anyone can take responsibility for the sale when things go right. What makes you different is when things don't go right. Trust is a hard thing to have for an out of state purchase of a live animal. I've found that trust and I've found my go to vendor for torches. They will not disappoint in any way. Thank you for being you!!!

Sergil Rahmtulla 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: I 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! :)

Wyatt Payne 3 years ago

Positive experience: Great place. 1 star off for early closing time. Wish they were open for a few hours longer. Edit July 1 2022: are you guys open for in store shopping yet?

Randy P 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Honestly the best selection of torch corals I have ever seen in my reefing life in any store , the dude got everything nice!

Robert Paniagua 4 years ago

Positive experience: Mix feelings I never know if I'm paying too much or too little I feel there is not consistency on their price, which might be because of demand or supply but still. I always come out of there broke.

Milton Goodman 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Nice selection of healthy fish at fair prices! Service is great

MIGS GABRIEL 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great fishkeeping shop. They always have nice stock . They maybe pricier than other local shops but it's worth it. They always give good advice too if you need help they know what they're talking about

renee cullen 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Very clean and healthy fish Staff was wonderful and very helpful I would definitely go back there if I need more fish.

John Vivolo 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Good place to shop for fish and goods for your fish tank

Carol Kessler 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Always a good experience at 1st Class. I recommend highly

Emmanuel Osagiede 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Clean and we'll stocked.Great prices.

L. C. Green (IamStonecandle) 5 years ago

Positive experience: I have bad luck here. Twice I've bought, twice they've died. The fish look healthy until I'm home. I can only blame myself. Staff are courteous.

James Chan 5 years ago

Positive experience: Coral selection and displays were beautiful. One of the better places if you are shopping for corals.

Tomelis 5 years ago

Positive experience: They have no gravel for planted tanks, no plants, no shrimps, bit overpriced for 5 stars, otherwise its a very nice place.

Leslilynn Meadows 5 years ago

Positive experience: They have nice salt water displays but the variety of fresh water fish wasn't there. I didn't also feel like it was a fish store... it didn't feel like an inviting fish moment like I used to have when petland was open...also no one greeted me, explained anything, didn't say thanks for shopping at the store... I got 2 fish but I'm going to find another place to buy my fish

Pete Mackauer 5 years ago

Negative experience: The guy was rude and obnoxious, and miserable. He didn't want to do his job and didn't want to give advice. How do you run a aquarium service and don't even have a service to test your tank water. I've spent about $200 every two months for awhile and still had bad experiences with with this guy. I've lost multiple fish worth alot of money a pice.

Eric Slaven 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great service always beautiful fish

canly lin 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: When would the store be re opening, I need to buy something as soon as possible.

1st Class Aquarium
1st Class Aquarium

We are aiming to reopen next week.

Francisco M 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: This is hands down the best place to buy fish. So many mom and pop petshops are closing. I am proud to support these guys. They are awesome!

Leonel Arellano 6 years ago

Negative experience: They have been closed every day I went! They don’t even answer the phone. I think they are closed for good.

1st Class Aquarium
1st Class Aquarium

Due to fire accident we will be closed for now. We are aiming to reopen by mid December. We are very sorry for the inconvenience.

Miguel Contreras 6 years ago

Positive experience: The Fresh water tanks could be better

1st Class Aquarium
1st Class Aquarium

I totally agree with you. Our fresh water been lacking TLC due to staff issue. Hopefully the next time you visit. We can make an better impression. Thank you

Alyson Mahon 6 years ago

Negative experience: Today a young man who identified himself as the owner harassed my 70-year-old father, who was looking to buy an aquarium, in front of my 7-year-old son. He refused to answer the questions posed by my father, a stroke survivor who has difficulty finding the correct words, and ridiculed him with his friend. The man then yelled at him and refused to serve him, even attempting to prevent him from leaving to comfort his crying grandson so that he could call the police on him. He ought to place a sign in the store window stating that he does not accommodate senior citizens or those with disabilities. Shame on him.

1st Class Aquarium
1st Class Aquarium

This is the last time we will address this matter. We were having a normal conversation. Another customer need to be ringed up. So i walked away to ring him up (which i shouldve never done) The counter was 5 steps away from where we were talking. If he had more questions i could have still answered. He then called me out for walking away. I immediately apologized for my mistake and told him i'll be right with him after i ring this gentleman up (which was only a 10 second ring up). He refused to listen and went from 0-100 real quick. He even started yelling at the customer. Which is where we draw the line. We then respectfully asked him to not yell. He refused to listen and was getting more aggravated. Instead of us escorting him out the door. We decided it was best if the police did it since he was 70 years old. As for his claims that we ridiculed him and prevented him from leaving the store to comfort his grandson from crying is a complete lie. Our store is fully equipped with cameras. it is not audio recording but in the video we can prove we did not ridiculed him in anyway or did we stop him from leaving the store to comfort his grandson. But instead we encouraged him to go comfort his crying grandson multiple times!

We are very sorry that this happened.

Jackie W 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great assortment of fish among other things & customer service is amazing

Kern Sylvester 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: They always have a great variety of fish, especially saltwater fish.

James Dileo 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Honestly probably the best live fish store I have ever been in, and is most certainly the best live fish store in Staten Island. Whatever you need they will probably have. Ron is very helpful and goes above and beyond that of what any other retailer ever will. He helped me tremendously and selflessly putting my problems first and his profits second. Truly a great live fish store and the only one I will be going to for anything thus far. Prices are on point for all merchandise but livestock seems to be a little higher than but they are certainly worth their value because you know you can trust them. The only problem for me is it is a thirty minute drive whenever I wanna go there.

Theresa Hunter 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: This place is wonderful.They have just about everything you could need and if not they will order it if its possible.They have good prices and a wide selection of products from salt to fresh water.I would definitley recommend this store.

Alex Karampelas 6 years ago

Positive experience: Very cool place with alot of cool fish. Good place to go with a kid.

RANDY SCHUSTAL 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: This place cant get any better Ronnie and his staff are amazing . We are new to the world of salt water tanks and they have been nothing less that professional and helpful. Phone calls are answered promptly and they are so accommodating. Their fish are beautiful and healthy. They have guided us from the start, monitored our tank to make sure it was fish ready and provide maintenance service. Truly a great place to deal with.

juan marcial 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Just saw the nastiest female customer ask the owner "whats his horoscope sign?", he refused to tell her and she became irate,frustrated and threw racial remarks. The owner kept his cool. I commend him for his professionalism.

Joseph Solaequi 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Good quality of aquarium fish and products,reasonable prices,knowledgeable about aquarium fish.

Johnnie Katsimanis 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: What an amazing fish store. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. The tanks that they keep the fish in are spotless. Would highly recommend. P.S. They sell both fresh and saltwater fish.

Edwin Rosario 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Finally, a place with a beautiful selection of fish. Very friendly and knowledgeable. I will definitely return.

Isaiah Belle 7 years ago

Positive experience: They have some grate and unique

John Vigorito 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Awesome place , staff knows what they are talking about, their stock is second to none on the island, and they take care of it, place is very clean, and the staff is very helpful and knowledgeable, i love this store and the fact that is close to my house, once again thank you 1st class, you will definitely be seeing me again and i will also recommend your business regards, John vigorito

PhaDon Wudman 7 years ago

Positive experience: Did not have a great selection other than discus and they do not accept returns.

Erica Pearson 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: So we are now complete fans of this store. The woman whose name I don't remember is so knowledgeable and helpful. If you are a novice or an expert, you will be happy you went. My boyfriend loves this store!

Sean 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: I was so glad I found this place. It's such a great thing to have a dedicated aquarium store and not have to go to Petco. The tanks are all so we'll kept and they have a great variety of fish. I live on the south shore so getting here a trek but it's worth it. Call ahead and ask if they have something particular in stock.

Anthony M 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great selection of freshwater fish. Tamara was extremely helpful. She helped me to select the right fish for my new aquarium and setup the tank properly before adding any fish. I will be coming here for all my aquarium needs.

David Sprosty 7 years ago

Negative experience: Purchased expensive chicklet and died 2 days later...I returned with sample of water.....Water test ok... however they offered no good explanation why . Also no credit or discount to replace

Steven Roig 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Quite knowledgeable and thanks of fish seemed to be well cared for. Tanks were clean and well stocked. Not pushy for a sale and they had both fresh as well as salt water fish. They also have bait and tackle equipment for fishermen. A little expensive but healthy fish.

Alice 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Overall good fish and good people here. Had no issues with this place.

Philip Rosen 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: They have a great selection and the staff takes their time and always with a smile

Free Danger Ahead 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Wonderful store, very knowledgeable employees and they keep their fish very healthy

Paul Esposito 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great service and very knowledgeable. I am I highly recommend them.

Amanda Caputo 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: The fish here are exceptionally healthy and beautiful... healthier than any other fish store I've gone to. The staff is friendly, and they are extremely knowledgeable. I can tell that they genuinely care about their fish! They have a huge selection of fresh & saltwater fish, (they have two big rooms full of fish to pick from, and they have some really exotic ones)! They also sell corals, rocks, driftwood, tanks, tank covers and lights, fish food, decor, gravel, filters, filter media, etc.

Kevin Chen 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great place and a great selection. People there was very helpful and friendly. Definitely would recommend this place to everyone!

Anthony Denicola 7 years ago

Negative experience: Gave the place a try bought a sail fin and a diamond goby, the staff woman was getting electrocuted from the diamond gobby system via live wire, still needing the fish I was persuaded into buying the fish ,which died before making it in my tank. The sailfin is ick infested and the lack of lights over their tanks prevented me from seeing this , probaly why he was priced lower than the next tank . Now I have a tank full of sick fish and lost my 2 year old gold rim who was huge !!! Highly unprofessional shouldn’t have such exotic fish in movement if they are unhealthy ........ sadly just another place with poor stock maybe this was a fluke but shouldn’t happen with high end saltwater fish priced that highly .....

PJ B 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: I like this place, they have a good selection of items and decent prices. Saltwater fish and corals look like they are being well cared for. Didn't see any pests on the live rock.

Raven M. 7 years ago

Negative experience: They only sell fish. Was hoping to see live plants and other gadgets for my aquarium. I was redirected to their bait and tackle shop in bklyn.

1st Class Aquarium
1st Class Aquarium

Only the front of the store is for bait and tackle. As you walk in, you will see the Aquarium part.

Michael DiNitto 8 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great selection of uncommon fish and great staff.

Lau Nillie 8 years ago

Fantastic experience: Love it, staff are friendly and able to educate us on how to take care of our aquarium. Great service. Price reasonable.

Daniel Bardon 8 years ago

Fantastic experience: Knowledgeable friendly service and a large selection of freshwater and saltwater fishing supplies on Staten Island.

John Salvanti 8 years ago

Fantastic experience: big selection! very clean... and very helpful employees

Jacob Aviles 8 years ago

Fantastic experience: Absolutely incredible selection the guys here know exactly what they're doing. Beautiful corals.

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