About
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.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Strong reef and coral selection with knowledgeable staff led by Casey
- Custom aquarium installations and ongoing tank maintenance services
- Specialty freshwater shrimp including blue velvet and jade green varieties
- Relocated to a newer, larger storefront in Phoenix
- Competitive pricing with periodic freshwater livestock sales
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Love love love this fish store. Super knowledgeable and friendly. Wide variety of fish and coral. Great prices. Ill likely be there alot. So glad I found this spot.”
— Melissa Stumm5.05 months ago“Very costly, poor service of the salt water aquarium. There are way better options than them.”
— Good1.07 months ago“Great place to go for coral!”
— Jaime Chappell5.010 months ago“Not a huge selection of fish but they do have quality like actually having blue velvet and jade green shrimp this week all freshwater is 40% off they do however have great decorations and tank options at great prices staff is very friendly and knowledgeable they also do custom installations and maintenance”
— Cameron Walling5.011 months ago“Always has a friendly stuff.”
— Christopher Barrett5.0a year ago“Nice store front with supplies, freshwater, and satlwater tanks. The fish selection was nice, I found some that I've never seen before at other stores. Helpful shop keeper too. If I needed my tank maintained I would choose them.”
— Coleman Anderson5.0Edited a year ago“Wow can’t complain, amazing staff . Great selection of salt water fish ! Fish so health I’m amazed! Definitely making this my #1 stop.”
— Darwin Guillen5.0a year ago“Clean store and extremely helpful employee who helped me solve a filter problem. Walked in with a bad mood, walked out much happier.”
— puar19875.0a year ago“Good selection of salt water fish, extremely knowledgeable staff, nice new set up and healthy fish!”
— janet vasiliauskas5.02 years ago“Casey is very knowledgeable and always helpful 👍 one of my favorite reef stores in the valley.”
— Beta Apps5.02 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (602) 279-5452 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Southwest Seas.