FishGuys is a full-service, family-owned aquarium company providing design, installation, livestock, equipment, and ongoing maintenance. We create beautiful, healthy aquariums while taking the stress out of caring for complex aquatic systems.
Yes. FishGuys is proudly family-owned and operated, with more than 40 years of aquarium-industry experience serving homes and businesses across New Jersey.
We’ve been serving New Jersey for over 15 years. Owner Bill Burner has 35+ years in the pet industry.
FishGuys does not operate a standalone retail store. We sell livestock, equipment, and supplies directly to our maintenance clients, and we maintain a FishGuys coral frag display, water station, and consultation area inside Major League Exotic Pets at Redwood Mall, 3700 US-9, Howell Township, NJ 07731. Walk-in customers can also visit Major League Exotic Pets for additional livestock and aquarium supplies.
Yes — we sell quarantined fish, corals, aquariums of all sizes, and carefully selected equipment and supplies to our clients.
We carefully source and inspect livestock and use quarantine or conditioning procedures appropriate to the species and source whenever possible. Eligible livestock purchased through FishGuys may include warranty coverage, with extended coverage available through qualifying Membership plans.
If you’re not on a contract, we’ll do our best to reschedule you, but it may take longer. Membership clients get priority rescheduling within 1–5 business days to keep their tank on track.
Most aquariums need professional service every 2–3 weeks. Weekly or 10-day visits may be recommended for heavily stocked systems, reef aquariums, or clients who want the tank looking its best at all times.
Monthly service may be available for stable, simpler freshwater aquariums and selected simple saltwater systems. We recommend the schedule based on livestock, equipment, stocking level, and how involved you want to be between visits.
No. We don’t require contracts — we earn your trust with every visit. We do offer membership plans for added value, discounts, and perks.
Membership gives you priority scheduling, reduced costs, extended livestock guarantees, and higher likelihood of assistance with special services like tank moves or emergencies.
Service costs depend on the size, type, condition, and needs of the aquarium, but many routine maintenance plans for freshwater or basic saltwater start in the low hundreds per month.
Our goal is to recommend the level of service the aquarium actually needs without overcomplicating it. Professional maintenance can also help prevent larger problems such as livestock loss, equipment failure, algae outbreaks, and costly emergency cleanups.
For clients who want dependable, lower-stress aquarium ownership, regular service is often more affordable than repeatedly fixing preventable problems. We provide a clear estimate before service begins so you can review the expected cost and decide what works best for you.
With a membership some stable aquariums may qualify for a Full + Essentials Rotation Plan. A comprehensive service alternates with a lighter visit focused on important stability tasks such as water testing, glass cleaning, and equipment checks.
This can reduce costs without leaving the aquarium unattended for long periods. Not every system qualifies, and FishGuys will recommend it only when appropriate.
Depending on the aquarium and service plan, maintenance may include:
Décor exchanges and certain specialized tasks may be available as add-on services.
Yes. We design, source, and install custom freshwater, saltwater, and reef aquariums in a wide range of sizes and configurations. More complex projects may involve coordination with qualified cabinet, electrical, plumbing, engineering, or permitting professionals.
One of our proudest accomplishments began as a 90-gallon reef, expanded to 300 gallons, and eventually grew into a 1,000+ gallon custom reef aquarium — showcasing our ability to scale and evolve systems over time.
Tank moves are case by case due to size and risk. Aquariums over 150 gallons may require a moving company in conjunction with our team. Members receive priority consideration.
Our specialty is aquariums, but in some cases we may help if photos and info are submitted through our contact form.
We service freshwater, saltwater, reef tanks, and custom systems — in homes, businesses, schools, medical offices, and public spaces.
Members receive access to after-hours and holiday emergency support, priority response, and discounted member emergency rates. Emergency visits, labor, equipment, livestock, and supplies are billed separately unless stated otherwise in the Membership agreement.
Pay-as-you-go clients may receive emergency assistance when availability allows, but emergency access is not reserved.
Absolutely. We provide deep cleans and recovery plans to restore aquariums to health and beauty.
We do both. Many clients start with a one-time cleaning before moving into regular maintenance.
Yes. We offer vacation check-ins and short-term service to keep your aquarium stable while you’re away.
Usually within a few days, depending on location and schedule. We’ll do our best to accommodate quickly.
Of course! We’ll work with your preferences and advise on compatibility, reliability, and long-term success.
We cannot guarantee the same technician for every visit, but we will make every reasonable effort to schedule your preferred technician when possible. All FishGuys technicians are trained to follow the same service standards, and we maintain detailed service records so your aquarium receives consistent care regardless of who performs the visit.
Many equipment products include manufacturer warranty coverage. FishGuys also reviews service-related concerns and provides an appropriate solution based on the circumstances, which may include corrective work, repair, replacement, account credit, or complimentary follow-up service. Livestock and service coverage varies according to the purchase, service plan, and applicable written terms.
Yes. We can deliver and provide high-quality RODI or pre-mixed saltwater during service visits.
Definitely. We offer hands-on training during service, one-on-one consultations, or even phone support for clients who want to be more involved.
No. FishGuys offers both pay-as-you-go service and annual Membership plans.
Pay-as-you-go clients can schedule one-time or recurring service. Memberships are designed for clients who want reserved recurring service, locked maintenance pricing, member rates, emergency access, and additional benefits.
Pay-as-you-go service may be scheduled one time or on a recurring basis, but service cadence, pricing, and emergency availability are not reserved.
Membership clients receive an annual service plan with locked maintenance pricing, reserved recurring scheduling, member pricing, emergency access, extended livestock coverage, loaner-equipment access, and other benefits described in the Membership agreement.
Early cancellation may be permitted under the signed agreement and may include an exit fee. The exact terms are reviewed before the client signs.
The Membership fee and expected routine maintenance labor are billed monthly.
Additional labor, repairs, livestock, supplies, replacement equipment, water, merchandise, and optional services are billed separately when provided unless specifically included in the written plan.
Membership benefits may include:
Service appointments use a two-hour arrival window. For example, an appointment scheduled for 9:00 a.m. may have an arrival window of 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Most estimates and initial consultations are complimentary. For routine maintenance or straightforward new aquarium setups, a consultation fee may occasionally be required. Any fee is explained in advance and is typically credited toward approved work.
Major custom projects may involve ongoing design, planning, site visits, and coordination with cabinetmakers, electricians, plumbers, or other subcontractors. These professional services may be billed as part of the overall project cost.
Submit the form with basic information and photographs of the aquarium or proposed installation area.
FishGuys typically responds within 1–2 business days. Depending on the project, we may:
Any applicable fee will be explained before the appointment.
Unless specifically included in the estimate or service agreement, separately billed items may include:
Pay-as-you-go charges are billed at the time of service. Membership clients pay their Membership fee and expected routine labor monthly, with additional charges billed when provided.
Yes. FishGuys logs water tests, service observations, equipment information, and aquarium trends in our system.
Important findings are discussed with the client or sent as needed. Service information and summaries are also available upon request.
Yes. FishGuys technicians are background-checked before hire and wear company uniforms while providing service.
New technicians complete hands-on training alongside experienced team members, typically for six months to one year depending on the types of aquariums they will service. Reef technicians also have substantial personal or professional reefkeeping experience.
Our technicians arrive prepared and take reasonable precautions to protect the surrounding property. Depending on the job, this may include:
If an issue may reasonably be related to our service, FishGuys reviews it promptly and provides an appropriate solution.
Depending on the circumstances, that may include corrective work, repair, replacement, account credit, or complimentary follow-up service. Specific equipment, livestock, and service warranty terms may vary.
In many cases, yes.
Commercial clients may provide a key, access code, or authorized entry arrangement. Depending on the location and route, FishGuys may be able to perform service before opening, after closing, or during a predictable service window.
Yes. FishGuys can create managed aquarium programs and installation-plus-maintenance packages for qualifying commercial clients.
These may include aquarium planning, installation, livestock, equipment, recurring service, and ongoing support. Programs are currently tailored to the needs of the business and aquarium.
