Walking into Discount Aquarium Fish and Reef in Tempe, Arizona, you immediately sense this isn't a typical fish store. It's part aquarium shop, part salvage yard, part community hub — a sprawling space packed with new and used tanks of every size, self-serve bins overflowing with live rock, and racks of filters, skimmers, sump tanks, lighting rigs, and stands at prices that make upgrading feel painless. One customer scored a 90-gallon tank for $108 out the door.
That kind of deal isn't unusual here. Owned and operated by David, the shop has built a loyal following across the Phoenix metro area, with hobbyists happily driving from the west side of the Valley for the selection and service. The staff — including Hollis, who reviewers consistently praise — are hands-on without being pushy, walking customers through water care, filter options, and tank setups with genuine patience.
They'll take in fish that have outgrown home aquariums and rehome them, reinforcing the store's role as a community resource for aquarists at every level. On the livestock side, both freshwater and saltwater species are represented. Reviewers have spotted eye-catching Polar Blue Tiger Parrot Cichlids, corals that customers report thriving long after purchase, and a rotating selection of saltwater gear for reef keepers.
They stock Hikari frozen bloodworms and betta pellets alongside other fish food essentials. Live plants round out the freshwater offerings, and pond enthusiasts will find supplies here too. The aesthetic is no-frills — think warehouse functionality over boutique polish — and that's by design.
The savings on previously owned equipment get passed directly to customers. A like-new tank and filter setup for a fraction of retail is the norm, not the exception. The emphasis on recycling and reusing aquarium equipment resonates with hobbyists who want quality without waste.
Discount Aquarium Fish and Reef succeeds because it solves a real problem: making the hobby accessible and affordable in the Tempe area while still delivering knowledgeable, personable service.
Jonathan Quinonez
Great place
Tim Kaminski
5 reviews
Friendly and great prices for used tanks, I got a 90 gallon tank for 108 out the door. If your tank shopping it's a must stop, rotate stock
Kelly
136 reviews
The owner of the store David is very helpful & friendly. Plus the prices are reasonable. I am so happy that I took the time to drive this whole way just to come here after someone else recommended it to me. It was well worth the drive! This is definitely going to be my go-to from now on with all my pond and Aquarium needs.
Tyalia Logan
30 reviews
Its great for parts odds and ends and a few things in between. Definitely a place to drop off old fish stuff
Nicholas Hoffmeier
3 reviews
Great place to find used equipment, or some new additions to an existing tank. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Great stock of equipment, and very knowledgeable. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the aquarium community.
Lillian Burgess (risenicarus)
19 reviews
Have been here a few times now and am always very happy with the results. A large selection of good-quality used equipment (aquariums, sump tanks, lighting, filtration, skimmers, stands, etc), massive self-serve bins full of live rock, various decor, and more. Got a couple of coral the last time I came in and they’re both doing very well!
Lucas Kleinman
41 reviews
Thank you so much! Great selection, super friendly and helpful! Not my first time here and definitely won't be the last!!
Julie Rodriguez
13 reviews
Discount Aquarium Fish and Reef is hands-down one of the best aquarium supply shops I’ve come across, they carry everything you could need, from tanks and filters to fish food and saltwater gear, all in a well-organized, easy-to-browse space. The staff are friendly, patient, and genuinely knowledgeable, they helped me pick the right setup when I moved from a small tank to a larger one, explaining water care and filter options clearly. What I appreciate most is their fair pricing and deals on used equipment, I got a like-new tank and filter for much less than I expected. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned fishkeeper, this shop offers great value, service, and variety, definitely worth a visit if you care about quality and want reliable advice.
Hayden Brown
3 reviews
I’m an experienced aquarist. I went in to browse and the photos on their website do not show the truth. The floors were basically bare concrete like it was under construction. Half of the store was filled with empty tanks. I observed fish that were essentially being tortured in their own filth. Saw a poor Oscar fish that was upside down on the bottom of the tank. This store seems like they take fish from people that outgrew their tanks and are not taken care of. I didn’t purchase anything but I felt it a disservice to the hobby to not share this information for anyone who is interested in keeping fish. If you’re a beginner… DO NOT BUY FISH HERE.
Ana Washington
16 reviews
Discount Aquarium Fish and Reef is a fantastic find for anyone into aquariums, the shop offers a wide range of tanks, new and used gear, and both freshwater and saltwater supplies that suit beginners and advanced hobbyists alike. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to help you pick the right filters, pumps, or fish, and the layout makes browsing easy and straightforward. I especially appreciate that they carry used equipment, which makes upgrading or starting out much more affordable, yet quality remains solid. Whether you’re setting up your first tank or maintaining a reef, this place makes the process smooth and reliable.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (602) 861-6728 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Discount Aquarium Fish and Reef.
Phone
(602) 861-6728Website
www.discountaquariumsaz.com/Address
1753 E Broadway Rd #105, Tempe, AZ 85281
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1753 E Broadway Rd #105, Tempe, AZ 85281
February 8, 2026
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