About
InsideReef is the aquarium store in Colorado Springs, CO that turns curious first-timers into devoted hobbyists, and almost everyone who reviews it credits the same person: Ray, the owner whose knowledge and patience fill every corner of the shop. The store runs a dedicated freshwater side and a saltwater side, so you can find healthy community fish, chili rasboras, and golden Dojo loaches for sale in Colorado Springs, CO alongside vivid corals, clownfish, snails, shrimp, and even the occasional sea urchin. Regulars also know to ask about hard-to-find livestock — Ray special-ordered a whole school of freshwater neon rainbowfish for one customer who had been hunting them for years.
What keeps people coming back is how the animals are kept. Every fish is quarantined and observed in-store before it goes up for sale, and reviewers repeatedly report their livestock thriving long after they get it home. Ray keeps his bettas in planted, community-style setups rather than cups, and the tanks throughout the shop look clean, healthy, and genuinely cared for.
The help doesn't end at the register. Ray has walked beginners through their very first betta tank, plumbed saltwater setups, assembled stands, confirmed water-test numbers on the spot, and carried jugs of water out to the car for customers who didn't expect it. He'll plan a custom tank with you, talk through equipment like HOB and sponge filters, nets, and driftwood, and steer you away from anything you don't actually need.
The shop has a real community feel — there's a couch where kids can sit while regulars linger to talk shop, and Ray's mom runs a small plant nook with sought-after monstera albos, anthuriums, and begonias kept in beautifully clean water. For anyone building a freshwater community tank or a saltwater reef in the Springs, InsideReef pairs honest, unhurried guidance with livestock and plants you can actually trust.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at InsideReef in Colorado Springs, CO
InsideReef stocks corals, reef fish, betta fish, shrimp, invertebrates, axolotls, rare and hard-to-find species, clownfish, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Colorado Springs, CO. As an aquarium store serving Colorado Springs, CO, it also carries aquarium equipment and offers aquarium setup, aquarium consultations, fish quarantine and custom tank builds.
- Livestock & products
- CoralsReefLive PlantsPlanted TanksBettasShrimpInvertebratesAxolotlsRare SpeciesClownfishTetrasAquarium Equipment
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Ray quarantines every fish in-store before sale, and reviewers report their livestock thriving long after purchase
- Dedicated freshwater and saltwater sides stocking corals, clownfish, chili rasboras, shrimp, snails, and the occasional sea urchin
- Bettas kept in planted, community-style tanks instead of cups
- Hands-on help with first-tank setups, custom tanks, plumbing, and equipment — with no upselling
- Community atmosphere with a kids' couch and a houseplant nook (monstera albos, anthuriums) run by Ray's mom
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Always friendly and helpful staff. Decent selection of corals and fish (fresh and marine). Okay on prices”
— Ryan5.05 days ago“Super friendly with plenty of advice! I came here as a beginner and definitely still left a beginner, but i left with more knowledge than I began with. They're friendly with a great stock of fish, equipment, and plants!”
— Shannon Wiegand5.02 weeks ago“Beyond grateful for Ray and all of his help getting our first betta tank set up. Such a kind and knowledgeable guy, was always willing to take the time with us to explain everything to make sure we did it right. I can tell how much he cares about his fish and customers, and he definitely wants to see both end up happy.”
— Julie Colteryahn5.0a month ago“I reached out for help packing my sister's goldfish to travel across country. She had recently passed away and I was trying to get them home to my niece from Colorado to North Carolina. Ray was incredible--he was helpful, kind, and followed up. He had the fish packaged for me, gave me advice with the trip/TSA, and when I got home talked me through getting them settled into the tank. Highly recommend Inside Reef!”
— Jenny5.0a month ago“Fantastic place. Has an amazing selection of plants. Was very knowledgeable and super easy to talk to. Will definitely be coming back.”
— Dawnia Tinsman5.0a month ago“I love this shop! the owner is friendly and super competent, the fish are happy! has both fresh and saltwater, and there is also a plant store inside too! they also have snails and shrimp, clownfish like Nemo and the Dory fish, and heard they do custom tanks as well 💕💕💕”
— SU KI5.0a month ago“best fish store in town! super knowledgeable!”
— B J5.0a month ago“Had a great experience with the owner at InsideReef. He’s very knowledgeable and friendly with sharing info on every aspect of owning an aquarium. Definitely will become a patron!”
— Jill C5.0a month ago“The owner was so amazing, helpful and eager to service. You can tell he loves what he does and takes amazing care of his fish before they go to forever homes. This will be my permanent store I go to!!! He even helped me carry 10 gal of water to my car when he absolutely didn’t need to which was so beyond appreciated.”
— Maddie Miles5.0a month ago“Loved my experience there, the worker was nice and was willing to negotiate.”
— Bentley Crump5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (719) 698-3112 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting InsideReef.