About
Tucked into a modest storefront in Holly Hill, Florida, Bluewater Reef Aquatics is the kind of family-run saltwater shop that earns its reputation one tank at a time. Owner Jimmy and his sons have built a loyal following across Volusia County and beyond — customers regularly drive from St. Augustine and Flagler Beach just to browse their coral selection, which reviewers consistently call stunning.
From small frags to massive show-piece colonies that have been growing in the shop's care for years, the variety and quality of corals here is the main draw. The livestock selection extends well beyond coral. Visitors frequently mention healthy, well-fed saltwater fish, including blue hippo tangs at competitive prices, clownfish, starfish, and a solid assortment of invertebrates like snails and cleanup crew additions.
The shop also sells RO water and salt mix, and multiple reviewers mention picking up tank water on a regular basis — a small detail that speaks to the trust customers place in Bluewater's water quality standards. What truly sets this shop apart is the depth of expertise behind the counter. Jimmy's diagnostic ability is legendary among local reefers — one 20-year hobbyist described how Jimmy solved an SPS tank problem in two minutes that other stores couldn't crack in two months.
Staff members like Jason are regularly praised for guiding newcomers through their first saltwater setups with patience and honest product recommendations, never pushing livestock that won't thrive in a customer's system. Bluewater offers monthly tank maintenance and house calls for customers who need hands-on help, plus water delivery service and an online store for browsing inventory. The atmosphere is casual and community-oriented — regulars compare it to walking into a place where everyone knows your name.
Prices are frequently cited as fair to excellent, with regular specials that keep hobbyists coming back. For reef keepers anywhere in the Daytona Beach and greater Volusia County area, Bluewater Reef Aquatics delivers the rare combination of deep saltwater knowledge, quality coral inventory, and genuine care for the animals they sell.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Bluewater Reef Aquatics, Inc. in Holly Hill, FL
Bluewater Reef Aquatics, Inc. stocks corals, reef fish, invertebrates, clownfish, tangs, live rock and saltwater fish for sale in Holly Hill, FL. As an aquarium store serving Holly Hill, FL, it also offers tank maintenance, aquarium consultations and water testing.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Massive coral selection ranging from frags to years-old show colonies
- Owner Jimmy known for expert saltwater troubleshooting and diagnostics
- Monthly tank maintenance and house call services available
- RO water and salt mix sales with consistently perfect parameters
- Family-run shop with loyal customer base across Volusia County
From keepers
Customer reviews
“These guys are rock stars! I started with a 65g and they helped maintain for a while. Gave suggestions and recommendations on what would work well together and what to avoid. They knew I was in the market for a larger tank and Mr jimmy hit me with the “still want a bigger tank?” A couple weeks later, here we are. My 210g reef tank. They’ve helped me through the entire process from setting up, to ensuring water quality was good, and moving everything over from 65 to the 210. If you’re ever in the market for a tank, or just wanting to add to an existing tank, you’ll never go wrong with these guys. They let you know right away if something will or will not work well in your tank. Very trust worthy people!”
— themedicus95.03 days ago“They are amazing in advice and so polite all my questions are always answered”
— Melissa Mencia4.0a month ago“Fantastic people with a great selection of cool stuff. They were thorough with information and extremely pleasant, helped me get some fish for my biocube”
— Dirty Pig Detail Co5.02 months ago“Jimmy and crew have had my back for a few years now. They have helped me very step of the way. Recently I decided to get out of the hobby but with the help and support from them we consolidated my two large tanks into one. I couldn’t be happier with the results 👍👍😎😎 Anyone looking for saltwater needs or guidance should DEFINITELY check them out….”
— Scott Siedelhofer5.03 weeks ago“I live in St Aug and our LFS closed down a few yrs ago. I happened to be in Daytona for a car show and swung in hoping to buy a few snails for a new tank I set up. First impression of the store was it was "aged". BUT....as I talked to them...they're super cool, laid back, knowledgeable guys and I was surprised by the huge variety of corals they have on-hand. Prices seemed fair. In the end, I only bought my snails, but will be back.”
— Andrew Edwards5.02 months ago“Great selection of corals, salt water fish, etc at very reasonable prices, best fish store in area. Great specials as well”
— Joe Loguidice5.0Edited 2 months ago“I drove from Flagler Beach to get a certain starfish they had on their website for $24. I got there and the staff insisted it was $74. I showed them a photo from their website and they agreed it was the one in the photo. At this point the kid grabbed the starfish very aggressively trying to shove it in the bag. While this was happening another employee calls the owner and they insist this starfish is $74. The employee told me they didn't have any of the item I came for that was in my cart on their website. Thank God I didnt make my purchase online before going to see how healthy they were first, let alone if the item was actually in stock! Do yourself a favor and head over to The Fish Tank by the speedway instead. Huge difference in atmosphere, friendliness and actually wanting to help their customer to earn repeat business. Very disappointed in my experience at Bluewater reef.”
— Dominique Derisi1.03 months ago“Most friendly people. It's like going into cheers bar. Everyone knows your name!”
— Matthew doggett5.0Edited 5 months ago“I love this store with my whole heart! I’ve been to so many, but these guys are seriously awesome.. the prices are great, they always recommend genuinely GOOD products and let me know what I’m spending before I spend it. They’re humble, knowledgeable; and it’s clear that they love the hobby. They won’t recommend any live animal that’s not suitable for your tank or your level of experience with care. They want the best for their products, and I love that! It’s not just a “business” to them. I’m so happy I moved back and have them so close!”
— Ashley Davies5.06 months ago“The guys at Bluewater Reef were super friendly and have a huge selection of coral and salt water fish.”
— K Stevenson5.07 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (386) 677-2198 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Bluewater Reef Aquatics, Inc..