About
Tucked away in Redlands, California, Ocean Aquatics has built a devoted following among Southern California reef hobbyists — some driving over an hour from places like Victorville just to browse the coral selection. The store, run by Brian and his team including Nick and Ken, focuses almost exclusively on saltwater, stocking a rotating inventory of healthy fish, invertebrates, and corals that reviewers consistently describe as rare and hard to find elsewhere. " The shop itself is clean, organized, and immaculately maintained — tanks are crystal clear and livestock looks vibrant and well cared for.
It's a store that clearly prioritizes animal health over volume. Beyond livestock, Ocean Aquatics carries a solid range of equipment from top brands, substrates, and can special-order items customers need for their setups. What truly distinguishes the store is the hands-on support.
Brian and Nick have walked countless newcomers through their first saltwater tank builds, from equipment selection to plumbing to livestock stocking order. Several reviewers describe the experience as being "held by the hand" through the intimidating early stages of reef keeping. The staff's approach leans educational — they'd rather teach you to succeed long-term than push an upsell.
Nick has been known to stay past closing to hold a fish for a regular customer, the kind of gesture that builds the loyalty this shop clearly enjoys. Ocean Aquatics also offers practical services including local delivery, in-home and office tank maintenance, and has facilitated semi-custom tank orders through distributors like Planet Aquariums. They've positioned themselves as a full-service reef shop where the relationship doesn't end at the register.
7 stars, the reputation speaks for itself. For saltwater and reef enthusiasts in the Inland Empire, Ocean Aquatics in Redlands is a destination store that rewards the visit with quality coral, healthy fish, and genuine expertise.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Exceptional selection of rare and unique corals at fair prices
- Brian and Nick provide hands-on guidance for first-time saltwater tank builders
- Immaculately clean and organized store with healthy, vibrant livestock
- Offers in-home and office tank maintenance services plus local delivery
- Can facilitate semi-custom tank orders through Planet Aquariums
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Brian and Nick are some of the most helpful and experienced guys when it comes to this stuff, from starting my first saltwater tank they have offered nothing but support and insight. Out of probably 100 fish stores I've been to all over the country, these guys far surpass all competition when it comes to knowledge and real hands on experience. I solely purchase livestock from these guys and have never had a problem. if 7/5 stars was an option, it would be my choice without a doubt.”
— Noah Schimmel5.02 weeks ago“Helpful, friendly and caring giving you best guidance possible for you marine needs.”
— Javier Estrada5.0a month ago“I have always wanted to try this hobby out but was too afraid. I found this shop by the good reviews and decided to give it a look. To my complete relief Brian and Nick are genuinely two guys who appreciate their customers, viewers or whoever just wants to talk about some fish. Both of them have basically held my hand through this entire process to ensure my success. If want a shop you can trust Ocean Aquatics is the way to go. Thanks guys I'm very grateful for you helping making this dream happen”
— sean darby5.0a month ago“I always have a great experience every time I visit this reef store. Nick is amazing—he’s consistently helpful, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about his customers. Last night he even waited for me right before closing because he was holding a fish I really wanted. That level of customer service is hard to find! The store always has a great selection of invertebrates and fish, and everything is healthy and well cared for. It’s clear they take pride in what they do. Highly recommend this place to any hobbyist, beginner or experienced!”
— Jose Balver5.02 months ago“I love this store. Brian is very helpful and attentive. He will help guide you if you’re new to the hobby. He helped set me up with a complete setup and even provided us with a local delivery. I have gotten beautiful fish and corals here. He has great quality fish and corals. I recommend everyone in the hobby check this place out.”
— Rosie B5.02 months ago“Such a great store. So many options and at a great price. We live up in Victorville, but this store is worth the drive and the owner was so friendly and knowledgeable.”
— Laura Sanchez5.02 months ago“Awesome place very informative. It's where I buy all my fish”
— Jason Seltzer5.03 months ago“Very friendly and knowledgeable. Will most definitely be coming back again and again”
— Javier Moreno5.03 months ago“Frequent flyer to this store since they opened! Owners are great! Very knowledgeable and carry quality corals. Stuff you don't see often. Prices are fair given they have business to run and dealing with living creatures.”
— Mary Singelman5.06 months ago“Dealing with ocean aquatics has been a pleasure. I've never actually been in their store but as a west coast distributor for planet aquariums, they've gone above and beyond in setting up a semi-custom tank order, keeping me informed, negotiating deals on other necessary equipment and just generally being accessible. A great experience.”
— Theodore S.5.06 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (909) 809-0123 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Ocean Aquatics.