I live in New Hyde Park and there are 4 LFS's near here. There was a large, not too good one here that just closed but the best one by far is right across the street from Fortunoffs on Old Country Road in Westbury. It is about 10 minutes east of New Hyde Park. I forget the name but it is only about a month old. There is another pet shop 2 blocks west of there but that is useless.
Where do you have to go in New Hyde Park?
There is also a closer one that my friend owns called Pet Barn on Franklin Ave in Franklin Square. That is about 6 blocks south of Hempstead tpke on the right side.
But the one across the street from Fortunoffs is the best one I have ever been in.
I live right around there.
It is called Village Aquarium and its a work in progress that shows a
lot of potential. A really well organized store and the people there
are very friendly. There are corals and fish now. Almost bought a
BSJ today but I will be back soon to grab some anthias.
Aquarium Adventure is dead and Pets Warehouse is still in the works.
On Old Country road toward Hicksville there is Tropical Showcase.
Some people love it but I usually give it a pass. Fish are all in
tiny tanks and the owner is not friendly at all. Kind of pricey to.
But he does a large quantity of fish is you don't mind the $60 Midas
blenny range.
Mineola has a bird store that has tanks on the side. It has improved
a lot and it has a lot of soft coral. All the tanks seem to be lit
with PC lights.
Those are all the ones I know about. I recommend stopping at Aquarium Village.
If you want to drive out to exit 51 on the expressway.. Head south on 231 about 1.5 miles, super nice reef store in deer park. Think it's called tropical aquarium. Next door to dairy barn ( strip mall )