Tropical Showcase

I have lived in Hicksville since they lifted the tracks. Over the years there have been many businesses that have come & gone; there have been businesses that were short-lived and age old ones like this one. I used to take my daughter to these guys back when they were on the corner of Newbridge and Old Country. They are in a much smaller space now, and have changed families. The new young men that have taken over are some of the most passionate, kind, and knowledgeable young men I have seen running this place in decades. It gives me hope for this country and hobby where big stores have ruined it. I have spoken with each of them and I have compiled a list of reviews for the staff and owners they clearly have their strengths.
Owners:
Rocco - This gentlemen is the one with the black hair, he'll often have a curly beard. He is knowledgeable in small mammals, soft corals, and cichlids. His strengths are salt water fishes, particularly gobies, wrasses, angels, and groupers. He is best at merchandise and will recommend for me where I can get eheim parts which they themselves don't carry anymore but still have parts. He may seem hard to approach but he is very nice and professional with a firm handshake. He's also the man to talk to if you want a beta. 4.5/5
Jesse - This is the short ginger fellow, he will sport a wide variety of facial hair and occasionally be clean shaven. He's got a cheerful pitch to him, and a warm demeaner. He's knowledgeable on both freshwater and saltwater in general. This one is generally the best one to talk to while getting fish, especially if you have young ones that need some things explained. He also has a good reading of the guardian, which is important. He'll entertain small talk which a lot of the others seem to be hesitant to do. Go for this one when you want good customer service, and a good conversation. Not to many good hands-on owners where you can say that. 4.7/5
Staff:
Jim - This young man reminds me of both Zachary Levi and my grandson and is about the same age too; he's the only one with professional short well trimmed hair, and clean shaven face. I go to this one for plants, he supplies the store with some of his own stock and does most of their orders. If you want African cichlids, this is the man to talk to. This is usually the staff member you'll deal, he seems disengaged sometimes but is all-round a pro. Go to him for anything reptiles or plants. 5/5
Frank - This young man is probably the least knowledgeable out of them but makes up for it in customer service. He's apparently my son's age complains like it too, I wish I was as young as you kid, wait till your 90. He always happily helps my little goobers, like I said he makes up for it all with customer service. A good broad sense of knowledge on fish keeping and he knows when to ask for info from his coworkers. He's the oldest one there and has prominent brow wrinkles. 4/5
Ben - This one is a new one and has dark brown hair. He usually sports a goatee or full beard. I'm seeing him more often. Another broad knowledge kid. This one has a good sense of knowledge with all corals and saltwater inverts in general like the owners. he even has pointers for brackish. 4.3/5
Brian - their new service manager, this one you'll be dealing with if you want to use their home service which is excellent. He does service for some of my friends and their kids. From what they've told me he is also blessed with encyclopedic knowledge on reptiles, birds, amphibians, and small mammals. I would say he is better with these than Jim. He's hard to catch however, in my experience he is there between 5 and 7pm. That's your window for him at the store, talk to him directly to set up appointments if you don't have the patience for phones. 4/5
Part-timers:
These three are the irregulars for better or worse.
Gordon - good man, broad knowledge, go to him for building ecosystem tanks or questions about fresh inverts. Rarely in. Mutton Chops. 4.4/5
Mia - Nice girl, enthusiastic 4/5
Big Frank - Nice man, good knowledge, this man has a smell 3/5

Great selection of fish ! Staff was knowledgeable and helpful . The store and tanks were so clean ! Defiantly recommend. 🐟🐠

Great local fish store with a large selection of fresh and saltwater, all the staff are excellent

Very friendly and informative workers, they helped me make a quality tank and are always a great help. I specifically have a guppy tank and I enjoy coming here once in a while to get shrimp cubes and guppies

I bought here a betta fish and I am happy with my purchase. The guy working was very friendly and helpful. He answered all my questions. Can’t complain about the price for my betta, was very cheap. They have a big selection on fish and anything you need to set up a tank. There is a parking lot in front of the store.