About
Walking into Kona Reef Az in Phoenix, you immediately notice what sets it apart from other fish stores in the Valley: impeccable cleanliness and creative aquarium displays that make the space feel more like a curated exhibit than a retail shop. 8-star rating across hundreds of reviews, this tropical fish store has earned a devoted following among Phoenix aquarists — and for good reason. The saltwater selection is a particular draw, with a wide variety of clownfish that staff members like Conner and Hunter are happy to walk you through in detail.
Coral inventory rounds out the reef side of the house, while freshwater keepers will find live plants and a solid selection of livestock. One reviewer left thrilled after being hand-picked a pumpkin shrimp carrying eggs — the kind of thoughtful, personalized touch that turns a routine purchase into a memorable experience. Staff knowledge is the thread running through nearly every review.
Hunter has become something of a local legend, known for patiently working with younger hobbyists and answering every question with genuine enthusiasm. Emily and Dylan earn similar praise for going above and beyond — Dylan even fielded a phone call past store hours during a fish emergency. That kind of dedication to customer care is rare in any retail setting, let alone a specialty fish store.
Kona Reef stocks the usual dry goods — filter socks, salt mixes, chemicals, gravel, and fish food — though some long-time customers note the limited hours can push them toward online ordering. If you can make it during their operating window, the in-store experience and expert guidance are well worth the trip. The staff excels at consultation, whether you're setting up your first tank or dialing in a reef system.
For Phoenix-area aquarists looking for quality saltwater and freshwater livestock backed by a team that genuinely cares, Kona Reef Az delivers an experience that keeps customers coming back for tank after tank.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationTank Setup
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Wide variety of clownfish with knowledgeable staff guidance
- Exceptionally clean and well-organized store with creative aquarium displays
- Staff members like Hunter, Emily, and Dylan known for patient, personalized service
- Solid selection of both freshwater and saltwater livestock including shrimp and corals
- Competitive pricing on fish, dry goods, and aquarium supplies
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Love the store- HAAAAAATE THE HOURS!!!!! In a world with Amazon convenience it’s just so much easier to order online. Have spent tens of thousands of dollars there but Sunday is my only day off, and their hour during the week would make bankers jealous. I now buy my filter socks, food, salt, chemicals and gravel online. I have even ordered livestock online. My advice- extend your hours before online makes you irrelevant”
— Scott Santos2.06 days ago“We came into the store looking for expert advice and Hunter absolutely delivered. Hands down the most knowledgeable and helpful we where super thrilled to purchase perfect things for my sons fish tank !”
— pati k5.0a week ago“Conner and Hunter gave an amazing experience during my visit. They both gave me great advice on different products I was looking for. They were very patient on all my questions on their wide verity of clown fish. I left Kona reef very happy and with 2 beautiful clown fish.”
— Eduin Delgadillo5.0a week ago“Helped me get a pumpkin shrimp for my smalll aquarium. She picked out one holding eggs so I might have baby shrimp in my aquarium.”
— Greg Suggs5.02 weeks ago“Awesome service!”
— MG Service Solutions LLC5.02 weeks ago“amazing experience here! everyone here is so extremely friendly and knowledgeable, im a time aquarium owner and everyone was so patient and able to answer all my questions with more important information! Emily helped me out and was so very kind and helpful, the entire staff went above and beyond! Will be coming back for all my future tanks!”
— Sarah Vu5.03 weeks ago“Good variety and knowledgeable helpful and passionate staff”
— Jenna Aery Jelinska5.0a month ago“The guys at Kona Reef are so friendly and knowledgeable. We have been to several other shops in town and nothing compares to the cleanliness and atmosphere of the store. Hunter took the time to work with my son. He answered all his questions and gave him many suggestions for tank setups.”
— Carl Celle5.0a month ago“Thank you so much to Kona Reef and a massive thank you to Dylan/Dillon at the Kona reef in Scottsdale!!! You have been absolutely amazing from day one! I just got off the phone with you(Dillon) and you only continue to outdo yourself! You've even answered the phone past the store hours when I was dealing with a fish emergency. Who does that? Thank you for being consistent, reliable and fish lovers! You're the best! I highly recommend Kona Reef to any fish enthusiasts out there! Cheers and Merry Christmas!”
— Alexis5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (480) 451-5440 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Kona Reef Az - Phoenix.