Congressional Aquarium Introduce
For aquatic and reptile enthusiasts in Maryland, a trip to Congressional Aquarium in Rockville is much more than a simple shopping excursion—it's an opportunity to connect with a community of knowledgeable hobbyists. Unlike a typical pet store that dabbles in everything, Congressional Aquarium is a specialized destination dedicated to the fascinating worlds of fish, plants, and reptiles. This focus allows them to offer a depth of selection and a level of expertise that is unmatched by larger, more general retailers. From the novice looking to set up their very first tank to the seasoned aquarist seeking rare species or advanced equipment, this store caters to all levels of experience.
The true value of Congressional Aquarium lies in its staff, who are celebrated for their genuine passion and extensive knowledge. As a customer review highlights, "The knowledgeable employees are much more helpful than at the large big box stores." This personalized service makes all the difference. Whether you're troubleshooting an issue with an existing tank, as a customer with a "ton of issues" did, or starting from scratch with a new setup, the staff is ready to provide expert advice and guidance. This commitment to customer education fosters a successful and enjoyable hobby for everyone who walks through their doors.
What began as a personal passion for the owner, who bought the store to share the "joy and excitement of being in this hobby with everyone else," has blossomed into a thriving local business. It's this authentic love for aquatic and reptilian life that permeates every aspect of the store, from the carefully curated livestock to the extensive range of supplies. Congressional Aquarium is a place where you can find everything from vibrant African cichlids and delicate freshwater tetras to impressive saltwater species and a selection of reptiles and amphibians.
Congressional Aquarium is conveniently located at 138 Congressional Ln, Rockville, MD 20852, USA. Its position makes it an easily accessible destination for residents of Rockville, Potomac, Bethesda, and other surrounding communities in Montgomery County. The store is designed to be a great spot for a "quick visit," allowing customers to get in and out efficiently while still having the opportunity to browse. The business is also committed to accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that all members of the community can enjoy their offerings with ease.
The availability of Wi-Fi is another thoughtful amenity, allowing customers to research products or get connected while inside the store. Being located on Congressional Lane, it is simple for both new and returning customers to find their way. The store's easy accessibility, combined with the knowledgeable staff and diverse product selection, makes it a top choice for a stress-free and productive shopping trip. Their convenient payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, also make the checkout process quick and seamless.
Congressional Aquarium is a comprehensive shop that offers a wide array of products and onsite services for aquatic and reptile enthusiasts. Their extensive inventory is a key reason for their loyal customer base in Maryland. The services and products offered include:
- A huge selection of rare and common freshwater fish, including African cichlids, livebearers, tetras, and fish suitable for "micro tanks."
- A wide variety of saltwater fish and invertebrates.
- An extensive collection of live aquatic plants, including plants for aquascaping and pond plants.
- High-quality equipment for freshwater and saltwater setups, such as filters, lighting, heaters, and reef systems.
- Various substrates, hardscapes (rocks and driftwood), and decor for creating the perfect aquatic habitat.
- A selection of live reptiles and amphibians, including bearded dragons, turtles, and frogs, along with their necessary supplies.
- Expert advice on tank maintenance, water parameters, and fish compatibility.
- Onsite services to help customers with their aquarium and pond needs.
The store's specialization means they carry a broad range of products from top brands, ensuring that customers have access to the best supplies on the market.
Several key features and highlights make Congressional Aquarium a preferred choice for pet owners in Maryland. These attributes are consistently praised by the community and set the store apart from competitors.
Expert and Helpful Staff: The staff is recognized for their deep knowledge and willingness to help. Their expertise is invaluable for both beginners and experienced hobbyists, providing guidance that you can't get from a generic online search.
Wide Variety of Livestock: The store offers a vast selection of freshwater and saltwater fish, aquatic plants, and reptiles, catering to a diverse range of interests within the hobby. The store prides itself on having one of the largest selections of fish in the D.C. area.
Specialized and Curated Inventory: Rather than stocking a little of everything, Congressional Aquarium focuses on quality and variety within its niche. They carry specific, high-quality brands and products that are essential for successful aquatic and reptile keeping.
Community Hub: The store serves as a meeting point for local hobbyists, fostering a community where people can share their passion and learn from one another. Their participation in local associations, such as the National Capital Area Cichilid Association, further solidifies this role.
Accessibility and Convenience: With a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, plus amenities like Wi-Fi, the store is designed to be welcoming and convenient for all visitors.
These highlights demonstrate the store's dedication to providing a superior and rewarding experience for its customers.
For more information, to inquire about a specific species, or to get help with your tank, you can contact Congressional Aquarium using the following information:
Address: 138 Congressional Ln, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
Phone: (301) 881-6182
Why is Congressional Aquarium worth choosing for your aquatic or reptile needs? The answer is simple: it offers a level of expertise, selection, and personal service that big-box stores cannot match. The passion of the staff, as noted by customers who appreciate their helpfulness, transforms a simple errand into an educational and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a beginner needing help with a basic setup or an advanced hobbyist looking for specialized guidance, the team at Congressional Aquarium is equipped to assist. This is not just a place to buy fish or a snake; it's a resource for building a thriving ecosystem.
By supporting Congressional Aquarium, you're also supporting a local business that is a true institution in the Maryland pet community. This commitment to the local economy and the specific interests of its customers ensures that the hobby remains vibrant and accessible. The store's unique offerings, from rare fish species to their selection of reptiles, make it a destination worth visiting. For any Maryland resident with an interest in aquatic or reptilian pets, choosing Congressional Aquarium means choosing a partner in your hobby, a place where you can grow, learn, and truly enjoy your passion.
Congressional Aquarium Details
Service options
- Onsite services
- Delivery
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Congressional Aquarium Photos










Congressional Aquarium Location
Congressional Aquarium
138 Congressional Ln, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
Congressional Aquarium Reviews
reptilessaltwaterfreshwaterbearded dragonsbig box storescoralsupplieslivestockchaininventory
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Pierogi the piranha is very happy with his new setup! Staff were helpful with getting us all the items we needed to renovate our fish tank.
July 21 · Abby RWhat a fantastic place! I brought in my small aquarium with a ton of issues and they helped fit it right up! The store is surprisingly large and has a great selection of everything you need for an aquarium. The knowledgeable employees are much more helpful than at the large big box stores. I’ll be back!
June 26 · Annette Hibbert NelsonThis place is so cool. It's like a small aquarium with all kinds of fish, small ones of course. My kids love to visit it. You can also get lizards, turtles, frogs, even snakes if you like. They also have large selections of tanks, other supplies and decorations. I would give it a five stars but their fish price is a little high. It's understandable because of the location and higher than normal maintenance cost. I think it's deserve a 4.5 stars overall. If you are a fish lover, you won't be disappointed.
April 13 · Tony WIf you need anything aquarium related this is the place to go! You will get much better quality fish compared to the big chain pet stores! Staff is very knowledgeable and professional!Awesome selection of african chiclids!!!
April 02 · Brett PhillipsI was looking for another feeding goldfish so they can be playmate to the one I have almost a month now. I had bad experience with both Petco and Pet Smart so I went to Congressional Aquarium. I was impressed with varieties of fishes and accessories etc. I can easily spend hours looking at the fishes, shrimps, snails in this place. No one bothered you and when I knew what I wanted, I just went to an employee at the desk. Ethan was friendly, kind and very helpful. He picked 2 beautiful feeding fishes for me. They cost only a dollar but the customer service he has giving me, it goes a long way. What's a great place to visit. Thanks for a great service from Ethan, I will be back for more fishes, shrimps etc. in the near future.
February 04 · Annie Thoopsamoot
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