Southwest Seas

Southwest Seas has carved out a loyal following among Phoenix reef keepers, and it's easy to see why. The store, which relocated to a newer, larger space, puts saltwater front and center — vibrant coral frags, healthy marine fish, and the kind of reef-specific expertise that's hard to find at chain pet stores. Staff member Casey is mentioned by name again and again, a genuine fixture of the shop who helps first-time saltwater tank owners get up and running and guides experienced reefers through tricky livestock decisions.

One customer credits him with helping get their very first saltwater tank looking great from day one. While the primary draw is saltwater, Southwest Seas also stocks freshwater fish, live plants, and specialty shrimp like blue velvet and jade green varieties. The freshwater selection runs leaner than the marine side, but periodic sales — like 40% off all freshwater livestock — keep bargain hunters coming back.

Decorations and tank options round out the retail floor at competitive prices. Beyond retail, the store handles custom aquarium installations and ongoing tank maintenance for homes and businesses around the Phoenix area, including servicing aquariums at local properties like Ranch Estates. Several reviewers note they'd trust Southwest Seas with their own tank upkeep, which speaks to the care visible in the store's own displays — clean tanks with enrichment for livestock and visibly healthy fish.

The atmosphere is distinctly neighborhood fish store: unpretentious, welcoming, and genuinely educational. Multiple customers mention walking in with questions and leaving with real knowledge, not just a sales pitch. The owner has a reputation for patience, once lending water jugs to a new hobbyist for a month without complaint.

Stock levels can be inconsistent — a recurring note in reviews — and the freshwater side sometimes feels sparse. But what Southwest Seas does carry tends to be high quality, and if something isn't on the floor, the team is willing to source it. For Phoenix-area aquarists whose primary focus is reef and coral, this is a shop worth the drive.