About
Discount Aquarium Fish and Reef is more than a typical fish store in Tempe, AZ — it's part aquarium shop, part salvage yard, part community hub. The sprawling, no-frills space is packed with new and used tanks in every size, self-serve bins overflowing with live rock, and racks of filters, skimmers, sump tanks, lighting rigs, and stands priced to make upgrading painless. One regular scored a 90-gallon tank for $108 out the door, and longtime customers like Bennett note they've bought "multiple tanks, many fish, plants, and coral" here over the years.
" Owner David — Dave to the regulars — runs the shop with a hands-on, patient style that reviewers return for, and staffer Hollis earns steady praise for genuinely wanting your fish to be happy. They walk customers through water care, filter choices, and full tank setups, and they'll take in fish that have outgrown a home aquarium and rehome them, which keeps the place feeling like a true community resource for Phoenix-area aquarists. Both freshwater and saltwater livestock are represented.
" If you're hunting freshwater cichlids, bettas, or coral and live rock for sale in Tempe, AZ, this is the kind of aquarium store where it pays to dig through the bins. They also stock Hikari frozen bloodworms and betta pellets alongside everyday fish food. The look is warehouse-functional by design — savings on previously owned, recycled equipment get passed straight to customers, so a like-new tank-and-filter setup for a fraction of retail is the norm rather than the exception.
For hobbyists across the Valley who want quality gear and saltwater supplies near me without the boutique markup, Discount Aquarium Fish and Reef remains a genuine local find.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Discount Aquarium Fish and Reef in Tempe, AZ
Discount Aquarium Fish and Reef stocks corals, cichlids, live rock, betta fish, aquarium plants and freshwater, saltwater & pond fish for sale in Tempe, AZ. As an aquarium store serving Tempe, AZ, it also carries aquarium equipment and fish food and offers aquarium setup and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- New and used aquarium tanks in every size at deep-discount prices — one customer landed a 90-gallon for $108 out the door
- Self-serve bins of live rock plus racks of filters, skimmers, sump tanks, and lighting for reef and freshwater builds
- Freshwater and saltwater livestock including Polar Blue Tiger Parrot Cichlids and corals that customers report thriving
- Owner David and longtime staffer Hollis known for patient, no-pressure guidance on setups and water care
- Will accept and rehome fish that have outgrown a home aquarium
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Good assortment of fresh ans salt water fish including live plants”
— Daniel Allmond5.05 hours ago“I’ve been going to Discount Aquarium for years now. I’ve purchased multiple tanks, many fish, plants, and coral from here. The owner Dave is very helpful and friendly. They have a great selection of equipment and stuff for both fresh and salt water. Great store to get into fishkeeping.”
— Bennett Bruno5.03 months ago“Interesting place. It’s an idea that’s way past time and finally someone did it. They have all manner of used equipment for sale. Prices are great. Selection is hit or miss. But it’s worth the trip.”
— Collin F4.04 months ago“These items are not as discounted as I believed they would be. Many of these used items are priced very close to the price of the new version of that item even though they are dirty or expired. I cannot trust an aquarium store who sells plastic plants and other products that are unhealthy to even put into an aquarium. And the miniature betta “tanks”? Really? The used tanks are no better than the random aquarium assemblies you’d find at a thrift store that were outgrown by a child. I was also very disappointed at the quality of the live aquariums - dirty tank water and unhealthy fish. Lots of the fish had inflamed gills and were swimming awkwardly. Algae is rampant everywhere. The price of fish is no different than other aquarium competitors that have far healthier tanks. This place has potential, but it appears the same complaints have remained consistent for over a decade. Why does your store lack these improvements after so long? All the spare parts for aquariums is nice to have, but the upkeep on keeping clean, quality items and healthy livestock is lacking.”
— Sierra Planck1.04 months ago“Desolate, dirty tanks with no live plants, only cheap gravel and plastic decorations. Some of the most soulless fish I have ever seen. A lot of the fish are either sick or their spirits are broken. Some aren’t even swimming, just sitting and floating. Store was also very dirty and poorly managed. Lots of broken and dirty equipment, tanks full of algae and filters grinding loudly. Worker didn’t even greet me as I walked through the blacked out, windowless door. Very shady place.”
— Sara Brianne1.04 months ago“Great place”
— Jonathan Quinonez5.0Edited a day ago“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”
— Tim Kaminski5.0a day ago“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.”
— Kelly5.02 weeks ago“Its great for parts odds and ends and a few things in between. Definitely a place to drop off old fish stuff”
— Tyalia Logan5.0a month ago“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.”
— Nicholas Hoffmeier5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
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.