As every parent with a child who wins a fish at the fair knows, there's a need for aquariums, aquarium products and aquarium supplies. Your pet store can benefit by selling a variety of these necessary supplies. Aquariums and aquarium supplies and products fall under 3 categories:

1. The aquarium itself and its stand
2. The components necessary to run the aquarium
3. The decorative contents and fish

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Counsel your clients to choose the best aquarium for their needs

Aquariums vary in size and type, and from acrylic to glass. Each aquarium also needs a solid stand that will hold the aquarium's weight as well as the weight of its contents. Customers may want to buy too many fish for their aquarium, so whether counseling clients on the 1-inch-per-gallon rule or by the aquarium's surface area, they may need assistance in choosing an aquarium for the fish they like and want.

I recommend: Marineland is a great brand and has a variety of aquariums for sale for freshwater and saltwater fish. They also sell aquarium equipment and stands. Advanced Aqua Tanks also has glass and acrylic aquariums for sale, as well as stands and display items for pet stores.

Counsel your clients on aquarium products and aquarium equipment

To keep the water clean and the fish healthy, aquariums need a variety of aquarium equipment, aquarium products and aquarium supplies. These range from aquarium filters, lights and heaters to water treatment products.

I recommend: Aquarium Supply Co. specializes in the equipment, supplies and products needed for every type of tank. JEHMCO, "the fish room supply house," says they offer private labeling and retail store re-sized packages. They also sell fish foods, water treatment products, filtration systems and hardware. United Pet Group, Inc. markets and manufactures aquatics products. They carry 6 indoor lines of products, which include fish aquariums and products.

Offer a variety of decorative aquarium products

Aquariums provide their owners an opportunity for self-expression as they create vibrant, underwater worlds.

I recommend: William Tricker, Inc., founded in 1919, sells the most basic to most advanced aquariums, along with the plants, fish and gravel to make the aquarium beautiful. That Fish Place, That Pet Place sells everything from colorful gravel and decorations to basic goldfish bowls. Fish Mart, Inc. is a wholesale supplier of fish and sells directly to pet stores.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider displaying a handful of low-cost items relating to aquariums near your check stand, such as fish key rings, stickers and coloring books for young children.