A Tropical Reef

My wife, two little kids, and I went into "A Tropical Reef" today to pick up some companion fish for our freshwater Beta in our 10 gallon tank.

The first thing I noticed was the sign outside laying out some of their rules and setting expectations for their business (no livestock warranty). I found it very helpful and appreciate the directness.

While walking in, we were greeted at the door and asked if we needed any help. We explained what we were looking for and were directed exactly where to go in the store and whom to talk with.

We went to the back of the store and met Jesse, he quickly assessed our situation with a few specific questions after we explained what we wanted, and quickly directed us to several varieties of fish to would work well, along with commenting on any specific pro's and/or con's.

After choosing a small school of Neon Tetras, we asked a few more questions about upkeep & maintenance and Jesse was able to direct and explain about their selection of aquatic plants and some of their "tank cleaners"/bottom feeders.
We ended up with a few plants that Jesse specifically explained would work well with our current Beta & new Neon tetras, as well as getting their last Zebra Snail in stock.

The only critical observations I can make is that overall the store is louder and darker than other stores. The only reason I generally notice ambiance noise levels is due to our some of our family's specific medical concerns. Some sound dampening panels may help, but may not do well with the humidity overall. The overall darker environment is probably to help replicate their natural environment, so no points deducted. :)

Overall, we had an amazing customer experience and I was thoroughly impressed and satisfied with Jesse's knowledge and service. "A Tropical Reef" is a paradise of variety and service within an ocean of big box pet stores. Do yourself a favor and swing by and check out this gem of a store. We'll definitely will be coming back!

I just recently got seven White cloud minnows and 2 pots of Monte Carlo from a tropical reef and they're doing great!! The staff was extremely helpful and my fiance and I will be back!!!

Definitely the top quality shelf saltwater and freshwater products that you expect to see in a big retail store but for half the price definitely friendly people and the best experience all around I wouldn't go anywhere else ! Oh not to mention you can get the best freshwater for 50 cents and saltwater for 1$ / gallon just bring your own container.

Awesome shop with knowledgeable staff and great selection of fish, tanks, and plants at reasonable prices. If you're even thinking about setting up an aquarium you've got to check this place out. Highly recommend!!

My fish I bought there died in 2 days. Owner said that all sales were final! He would not give me another fish in trade or refund my money! Will not buy there again and their fish are way over priced.

We’ve been to this place a couple times, but our last visit on 6/28 was disappointing. Many of the freshwater displays had dead fish in them or fish with very obvious deformities (possibly on the breeders end, but even then, why put them up for sale or have them in with other fish?). Low stock of very small fish with high prices. I don’t remember it ever being this way. Also the doors were locked past 12- an employee had to let us in. The website looks way better than the fish we saw in person.

Jessie helped me with some fresh water fish and snails to clean my tank. So many beautiful fish, very clean and knowledgeable staff. My first experience there was a very good one and I would recommend this place to anyone! Thanks again Jessie for your help.

Great place! Tim has helped every step of the way from the custom cabinet and tank to setting it all up in my office. Gave 5 stars for initial sale. Once the tank got set up it all went down hill. Tim could never get the tank balanced and basically said he didn't know why! It wasn't until i switched to Aquarium Quest that i found out that A Tropic Reef didn't set up my tank properly! Had to spend another 4k to have it plumbed and set up correctly. Thank you to Byron from Aquarium Quest for taking my tank from this green swamp that in 6 months Tim could not fix to the clear tank in less than 2 weeks. See photos.