About
Walk into Cardinal Aquariums in Clearwater, Florida, and you'll quickly realize this isn't just another pet store — it's a reef shop run by people who genuinely live the hobby. Owner Shawn, a marine biologist by training, has built a reputation among local reefers for his deep expertise and hands-on approach. Whether he's diagnosing a brown jelly outbreak and nursing a tank back to health in two days, or building a custom 80-gallon shallow reef plumbed to a 20-gallon mushroom tank, Shawn treats every customer's system like it matters.
The coral selection is the main draw. Reviewers consistently praise the variety and quality, noting that Cardinal skips the overpriced "brand name" coral trend in favor of genuinely beautiful pieces at fair prices. If you're stocking a saltwater reef tank, the inventory of corals, marine fish, and invertebrates is substantial for a shop this size.
They also carry a solid lineup of dry goods, including Bulk Reef Supply products, so you can grab essentials without ordering online. Tank maintenance is a cornerstone of the business. Shawn personally services clients' home aquariums on a regular schedule, and multiple reviewers say their tanks have never looked better than under his care.
He's also helped newcomers from their very first fill-up through stocking, offering patient guidance without sales pressure — a detail that comes up again and again. Staff member Jamie draws her own loyal following, with customers specifically visiting on Sundays for her expertise and customer service. The whole team reflects that same ethos: knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping people succeed with their reef tanks.
Cardinal Aquariums is also expanding, with plans to double showroom space, add freshwater options, and increase operating days. For Clearwater's saltwater community, this shop has already earned serious loyalty — and it's only getting bigger.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Shawn is a marine biologist who personally builds and maintains customer reef tanks
- Extensive coral selection at competitive prices without inflated 'brand name' markups
- Carries Bulk Reef Supply products alongside a solid dry goods inventory
- Staff member Jamie draws dedicated Sunday customers for her reef expertise
- Expanding showroom, adding freshwater options, and increasing hours to five days a week
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Nice selection of coral and coral needs”
— Shawn Phillips5.0Edited 2 months ago“Super knowledgeable staff and a great vibe. By far, it is my favorite local fish store!”
— James Whelan5.0Edited 5 months ago“Good selection of corals. Very knowledgeable and has a solid inventory of dry goods.”
— Cody Beck5.05 months ago“This store is amazing! They are friendly, polite, and very knowlegeable! They are expanding the showroom and inventory by double. They are adding fresh water choices. They are going to increase the number of days they will be open to 5 days a week. Its great to have a local choice for aquarium supplies! 6 stars, I highly recommend this business.”
— Michael Scribner5.0Edited 6 months ago“Built and services my tank monthly. Shawn is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Prices in store are good and staff is friendly. Highly recommended!”
— Emmanuel Vestas5.07 months ago“The Staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. Good selection of fish, corals and dry goods”
— Rhonda Garner5.07 months ago“Shawn is the best person who can help you with all the problems in your reef tank. I had a problem with brown jelly, and with his experience, he healed my tank in just two days.AAA++++ for my friend Shawn🙏🙏🙏”
— Lopez Lopez5.08 months ago“Great as usual :-)”
— Shawn Garner5.0Edited 9 months ago“Goes above and beyond! Like everyone we have a pretty heavy workload but he made time to get me some brine shrimp and even put an ice pack in between going to his customers to help them at their houses.”
— Nichole Kahn5.09 months ago“This business is outstanding. The owner takes extra special care of your needs. He is marine biologist, he and his wife. Their education is reassuring that you will get what you need, in products and love stock. Also Shawn completes my saltwater tank maintenance, I have had others complete tank maintenance but I can tell you my tank has never looked and thrived like it does presently. Stop and check it out you won't be sorry. Iam still with Cardinal aquarium Shawn built my newest system 80 shallow gallon and 20 gallon mushroom tank plumbed together. I cannot say enough good things about the care of my tanks are given by Shawn. Some of my beautiful corals have came from the store.”
— Regina Herrick5.0Edited 10 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (727) 470-9025 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Cardinal Aquariums.