About
Tucked inside a business center in Reseda, Golden State Corals (also known as California Aquariums) has quietly become one of the San Fernando Valley's most respected saltwater coral destinations. Owner Elliot and his team — including staffers JC, Nate, and Edwar — have built a reputation not just on the quality of their corals, but on a refreshingly honest approach to the hobby. Multiple customers note that Elliot will actually talk you out of buying something your tank isn't ready for, a rarity in the reef trade.
The coral selection is the undeniable star here. The acropora tank is described as pristine, and the inventory spans accessible frags for newcomers to high-end signature pieces for collectors. Goniopora, OG bubble mushrooms, and vivid SPS colonies fill well-maintained display systems.
Customers appreciate being able to turn off flow pumps to inspect corals up close, and the visible fragging station adds transparency to how the shop propagates and cares for its stock. They also carry fish and saltwater essentials, including RODI water refills. Golden State Corals also operates a robust online store, shipping corals across the country with meticulous packaging.
Reviewers consistently praise the communication — from shipping delay updates to post-arrival follow-ups to make sure livestock acclimated well. One customer noted that the shop held their holiday order in a dedicated reserve system rather than risk shipping during Christmas transit chaos. Corals often arrive larger than pictured, and the team is quick to offer swaps if a specific frag is unavailable.
The store itself is compact but spotlessly clean, with healthy displays that double as proof of the staff's reefkeeping expertise. Prices are repeatedly called fair and reasonable, a welcome contrast in a hobby that can run expensive fast. Golden State Corals also makes regular appearances at Orange County coral shows, extending their reach beyond the brick-and-mortar location.
For anyone building or maintaining a reef aquarium in the greater Los Angeles area, this Reseda shop delivers on both coral quality and genuine customer care.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Pristine acropora display tank and extensive coral frag selection from budget to high-end
- Owner Elliot prioritizes honest advice over upselling
- Reliable online coral shipping with meticulous packaging and post-arrival follow-up
- Visible fragging station and customer-friendly viewing (pumps can be turned off)
- Regular presence at Orange County coral shows
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Muy buena atención y exelente variedad de corales.”
— Alejandro Martín Romito5.04 months ago“Amazing coral shop with a huge selection. JC was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, answered all of my questions, and took extra care packaging my corals. Will return again!”
— acp 25.08 months ago“These guys are absolutely awesome, having a hobby like this can sometimes be difficult and challenging, having true gurus in the industry makes the hobby fun and rewarding”
— Steve Garris5.09 months ago“Wow. New favorite shop. Crazy selection, healthy beautiful displays.”
— Alex Nelson-Hernandez5.011 months ago“The best place that you can find For corals The quality is amazing everything so clean Always give you guide and instructions and helping you out ! Seriously you go there once and there is no way you will not come back ! Super recommend!!!!”
— beniel elimelech5.0a year ago“The owner Elliot is probably one of the most genuine people I have met. More times than not he convinces me NOT to buy things rather than buying more. Great quality corals and care they take here to raise their own coral. Clean environment and they also carry fish. It’s a little tricky to find since it’s in a business center but definitely worth visiting.”
— Ethan Solouki5.0a year ago“Highly recommend Golden State Corals!!! Elliot the owner is one the most amazing people to talk to. He’s very professional and always finds way to help his customers. He’s always available and never rejects his customers. He’s a very good reef keeper. His store has one of the most amazing corals in the area. There is no doubt that Golden state has good quality corals. You will always buy a good healthy coral and never feel like you got ripped off. He makes the hobby fun and he has really good prices. I enjoy going to his store and looking at his amazing displays. Very clean and presentable. His staff go above and beyond what’s expected. Thankful for Edwar also, he’s really professional and very good with customers. He also knows about the hobby very good. (He makes me spend a lot of money) (jk jk) If anyone needs help or are looking to make you tank look awesome with corals. This is the place to go. It will beat any other store. I guarantee that!!”
— Jesse Lanza5.02 years ago“Wow!!! This LFS is incredible! The guys there work hard, and are very helpful. Customer service is on point, they will never sell me anything that I don’t need, and are very honest . They take the time and ask questions to understand the needs for my reef aquarium. That helped me become successful with my aquarium!!”
— Tony Kouzian5.02 years ago“beautiful spot packed with beautiful corals. acro tank is pristine. snail with an anemone hat is very stylish.”
— Billy Sprout5.02 years ago“This place is incredible . Such an impressive coral selection staff and owners are incredibly friendly.”
— AVEK NEWSMAN5.02 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (310) 986-2563 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Golden State Corals.