About
Walking into The Fish Tank in Daytona Beach feels less like entering a pet store and more like stepping into a public aquarium. The spacious showroom features large glass display tanks — not cramped acrylic cubes — showcasing everything from full-grown axolotls and African cichlids to vibrant discus, lemon tetras, Von Rio tetras, and an impressive spread of saltwater corals and invertebrates. Multiple reviewers describe the tanks as spotless, and the livestock as visibly healthy and well-maintained.
The store serves both freshwater and saltwater hobbyists under one roof, with a deep inventory of live rock, coral frags, reef-safe fish, and predatory species alongside the supplies needed to keep them thriving. Their frag tanks are packed — almost too packed, some say — which speaks to the sheer volume of coral they carry. Staff member Michael is the go-to coral specialist, while Will is frequently praised for his saltwater expertise, and Tessa has earned a near-legendary reputation for personalized service, remembering customers' tank setups and following up on their progress.
One Fort Lauderdale customer was so impressed by Tessa's phone consultation — complete with photos — that she planned a road trip north to Daytona. For newcomers, The Fish Tank stocks the Hello Reef all-in-one kit, which includes the tank, gear, live rock, sand, and step-by-step video tutorials with dedicated support. It's a thoughtful touch that reflects the store's culture of education over pressure — staff have been known to decline sales when they believe a customer's setup isn't ready for a particular fish.
The store also handles tank maintenance, helps customers transition between freshwater and saltwater setups (including rehoming fish for store credit), and runs a loyalty points program. After more than 15 years serving the Volusia County area, The Fish Tank has built the kind of trust that keeps hobbyists driving past chain stores to get there.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Massive store with spacious glass aquarium displays for both freshwater and saltwater livestock
- Dedicated coral specialist (Michael) and extensive frag selection
- Carries the Hello Reef all-in-one saltwater starter kit with live rock and sand
- Loyalty points reward system for repeat customers
- Staff will rehome fish and offer store credit when customers switch setups
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Beautiful Tropical Fish Store! Helpful staff, very friendly!”
— Denise Lindsey5.0Edited a week ago“This place is so cool! It feels like you’re in an aquarium. Everything is fair priced. I bought a axolotl in Jacksonville and it was the same price as their gorgeous full grown axolotls . I finally know the gender of mine and can’t wait to get him a buddy!!”
— Morgan Largacci5.0a week ago“Entire staff is amazing, always knowledgeable and love going here. The manager, Will is very snobby and rude, don’t do business if you have to deal with him, all the employees are awesome. Avoid dealing with the manager if you have questions ask literally anyone else, he is lacking all customer service skills extremely. Besides for the manager, best fish shop in volusia! Response: completely no shame in wanting to help better my tank but as the other employee handled it he could take notes from:) there is nothing wrong with educating but being rude and disrespectful is not the way to go as a manager. Hope we all learned from his attitude!! So glad to see it doesn’t affect all the other staff”
— angel giannini3.0Edited 2 weeks ago“Excellent fish store! If you come here and you’re looking for salt water highly recommend that you speak with Will. He is extremely knowledgeable about saltwater fish. Has been helping me out for many years. If you have any questions when it pertains to corals ask for Michael.”
— Emily Johnson5.02 weeks ago“The staff are very well informed on how to build up a good home aquarium. They're also responsible and won't sell someone fish if they know the customer wouldn't be able to handle it.”
— Philip November5.03 weeks ago“Nice selection”
— Deborah Cruz5.03 weeks ago“Excellent selection of fish that are well displayed in large glass aquariums not restrictive acrylic cubicles. Everything from larger sized predatory and non predatory fish to reef safe varieties. They offer other marine and fresh water livestock and supplies. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable.”
— Jeff Kay5.03 weeks ago“Definitely check out the different fish here”
— steven wright5.03 weeks ago“Excellent staff. Will and Mike are the best around. Livestock is top notch. Best shop for saltwater coral 🪸.”
— Joe Addeo5.04 weeks ago“Always friendly, even their fish!”
— Heather McGuire5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (386) 255-2253 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Fish Tank.