Walk into Coral Bargain Warehouse in Lakeland, Florida, and you'll quickly realize this isn't just a store — it's Rod's living passion project. The owner's deep knowledge of saltwater reef keeping permeates every corner of the shop, from the vibrant coral frags glowing under carefully tuned lighting to the healthy fish swimming in well-maintained tanks. Reviewers consistently single out Rod by name, praising his willingness to teach rather than simply sell.
He'll tell you straight if you've made a mistake with your tank — and then show you exactly how to fix it. The coral selection is the main draw here, with customers returning again and again for pieces they describe as genuinely beautiful and of superior quality. Reef fish round out the livestock offerings, and Rod's quarantine process means what you take home has been vetted for health before it ever reaches your tank.
One customer from Tennessee drives down specifically because livestock purchased here thrives while fish from local shops didn't survive two days. Another visitor from the Cleveland area was impressed enough that staff helped package purchases for shipment back to Ohio. Beyond livestock, Coral Bargain Warehouse offers saltwater supplies, mixed saltwater for tank setups, and delivery service.
When one customer needed to fill and prep a new tank, Rod's team loaned out jugs, loaded the car, and got everything done for under $100 — a level of hands-on help nobody else within 50 miles was willing to provide. Prices land on what multiple reviewers call the "high side of reasonable," but the consensus is that the livestock quality and Rod's consultation more than justify the cost. Perhaps the most telling endorsement comes from a competing fish store owner who wrote a five-star review, describing how Rod brought fish shipments to their shop during the pandemic and refused payment for emergency supplies.
That kind of character doesn't just build a business — it builds a community. For saltwater and reef enthusiasts in Central Florida, this is where the serious hobbyists shop.
MacDaddyConner
5 reviews
Owner is a nice guy who likes to share information. Very much appreciated his knowledge and recommendations. Good fish and coral selection as well.
Daniel Nieves
37 reviews
Staff is very helpful!
Stephen Sellers
6 reviews
Great selection and great people. No sales tactics just information. Goes through a quarentine process to insure best health of your future purchase.
Kara Drawdy
14 reviews
Awesome place! Go check Rod out.
James Padgett Quirk
10 reviews
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS Hands down best place in Lakeland fish and coral are a little high $ but I wanted to fill a new tank. They gave me the option for delivery or pickup. The fact that they loaned me out the jugs to fill at no cost except the water and then loaded it into my car and due to the fact it was rush hour the guy said “yeah man just bring the jugs back tomorrow” honestly…I would rather pay more for the fish knowing that i can get consistent service and honesty and quality and overall experience and knowledge in my purchase plus if you mess the tank up (I did once) they will flat out tell you. You might get offended in today’s world that is really common (to be offended at the truth) That said they will tell you what you did wrong and how to fix it. Five stars just quite isn’t enough. Context. ( I called everyone within 50 miles and no one but these guys helped me I kept hearing “wellll go to Home Depot and get the five gallon buckets. They did it for less than $100 total I paid $71 to fill and prep a tank ) fyi tank is in first stage of preparation
Michael Belliveau
16 reviews
The owner and his employees are super knowledgeable, friendly, patient, and kind. This was my first time there. They answered all of my questions, and I learned so much. Their prices are very reasonable, and their knowledge and customer service is priceless! I highly recommend this business to both new and experienced saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. This is my new “go to” aquarium store.
Kimberly Lewis
12 reviews
The knowledge of the owner, staff and selection for your saltwater tanks are top level righteous
Preston Milton
3 reviews
If you want someone to help you start new in the hobby and walk you through stuff this is a wonderful place dude's a amazing guy and sells stuff at very nices prices unlike other places that are more about overpriced corals and killing the hobby. This shop keeps it real and doesn't try to drain your pockets wished there was more like this around but he will stay the number one place to go to for me
Teanna Thomas
5 reviews
Best fish store I've ever shopped at. We live in tennessee now and it's still the only store I will buy livestock from. We went down to Florida last month and I bought 2 fish from there and they made the trip home and have been thriving. The one store we bought from here in tennessee the fish died in 2 days. I truly don't trust any other store. The owner is a wonderful person and takes the greatest care of his store and livestock
Eric Sullivan
14 reviews
Great place very healthy coral and healthy fish. Great place for advice too.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (863) 940-3750 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Coral Bargain Warehouse.
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3604 Century Blvd STE E, Lakeland, FL 33811
February 7, 2026
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