Saltwater Aquarium Department

Visit our Showroom of over 50 Marine Tanks

Western Pennsylvania may be miles from the ocean, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little piece of it year round from the comfort of your own home. Nothing beats the color and beauty of a saltwater aquarium teeming with graceful marine life. You’ll enjoy the tranquility of their underwater world while appreciating the beauty and diversity of our world’s oceans. If you’re interested in diving into the exciting adventure of marine aquarium keeping, you may have some questions on how to get started.

Elmer’s has been selling marine fish and invertebrates since 1971, and our experienced staff is always happy to answer your questions and help you set up the saltwater aquarium that is right for you.

Marine Fish Selection

The following are a list of fish varieties you will typically find at Elmer’s. We receive new fish shipments weekly, so there is always something new to come see.

  • Captive Born Clownfish
  • Cardinalfish
  • Squirrel Fish
  • Goatfish
  • Damsels
  • Chromis
  • Blennies
  • Gobies
  • Dottybacks
  • Hawkfish
  • Jawfish
  • Anthias
  • Marine Angels
  • Marine Butterflies
  • Tangs
  • Seahorses
  • Pipefish
  • Grouper
  • Foxface
  • Parrotfish
  • Harlequin Tuskfish
  • Triggerfish
  • Pufferfish
  • Marine Eels
  • Wrasses
  • Hogfish

Other Marine Livestock

Our oceans contain a multitude of fascinating and beautiful creatures besides fish. At Elmer’s you will find tanks dedicated solely to corals and coral frags, and a wide assortment of marine invertebrates.

  • Sea Anemones
  • Marine Crabs
  • Starfish
  • Shrimp
  • Feather Duster
  • Marine Snails
  • Marine Clams
  • Urchins
  • Sea Hare
  • Sea Cucumbers
  • Nudibranch
  • Marine Algaes
  • Live Coral

Saltwater Aquarium Products

Elmer’s is proud to offer the area’s largest selection of tanks, lights and stands. We carry desktop BioCubes sets designed for coral reefs to 200+ gallon tanks with built in overflows.  You will find saltwater specialty items from quality brands such as Red Sea, Coralife, Fluval and more. Our selection and unbeatable prices draws many out-of-towners who find a trip to Elmer’s is worth the drive. Browse our online catalog and see for yourself. All products listed are available for in-store pickup (we do not ship).

If you are interested in setting up your first marine aquarium, we have some quick tips on how to be successful with saltwater.

300 gallon marine reef aquarium
Queen Angelfish
Clownfish in reef aquarium

6 Steps to a Successful Marine Tank

  1. A marine tank can be more challenging than a freshwater tank.  Learn the basic principles of aquarium keeping by first maintaining a freshwater tank.
  2. Purchase a good book on saltwater tanks.
  3. Proper Equipment: Purchase the correct equipment and set-up the tank properly.  Our Saltwater Aquarium Equipment Checklist can get you started.  We can customize the kits to fit your needs.  A saltwater tank will require a higher investment in equipment and filtration products.  Avoid starting with a small “economy” set-up.  Your money would be better spent on a successful freshwater aquarium than a “budget” saltwater tank.
  4. Initial Stocking: Gradually add fish to the system.  Start with some hardy fish such as damsels, or tank-raised clowns.
  5. Plan Your Livestock: Make an overall plan of the livestock you want to keep.  Our staff can help you.  For the first six months only purchase some of the more hardy fish.  You can make a choice of a “Fish Only with Live Rock Tank,” or a “Reef-Tank with Corals and Invertebrates.”  Our staff can help guide you.
  6. Observe and Have Fun: Learn the care, feeding, and compatibility requirements of your fish and observe them daily.  Your reference book will be very helpful.  The signs posted about the fish in our store will give you information on feeding.  The more you know about your fish, the more you will enjoy.