About
VIP Reef Aquarium has anchored South Florida's reef-keeping community since 2008, and the Kendall-area shop still draws hobbyists who happily make the drive across Miami for its corals. The storefront is easy to miss from the road, but inside you'll find one of the cleanest, best-stocked saltwater rooms in the city, with rows of immaculate tanks holding everything from approachable soft corals to exotic, hard-to-find pieces that regulars say they haven't seen at any other shop. Corals are the headline.
Reviewers consistently single out the variety and condition, with specimens spanning every price range, so there are reef corals for sale in Miami, FL for both first tanks and high-end systems. Alongside them, VIP carries saltwater fish, reef invertebrates, and a freshwater section that walk-in customers stumble onto and leave happy with healthy, affordable fish. Dry goods, salt, and supplies stay well stocked, and the team handles full tank builds: one longtime customer had a Red Sea Reefer 625 leveled, filled, and dialed in start to finish.
The people are why customers stay for years, sometimes decades. Owner Carlos is named again and again for his patience and honesty; he'll talk you out of a fish your tank isn't ready for rather than just ring it up. Frank, also an owner, walks beginners through their very first reef setups, and Jean is a steady hand for trickier problems like dinoflagellate outbreaks.
Newly arrived livestock is quarantined before it goes home, and the staff move easily between English and Spanish, which keeps Miami's bilingual reef crowd coming back. If you're searching for saltwater fish or corals near me in Kendall, this is a destination aquarium store worth seeking out. Quality runs high, prices stay competitive, and the husbandry standards show in every spotless tank.
Stop in and the team will make sure whatever you take home is right for your reef.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at VIP Reef Aquarium in Miami, FL
VIP Reef Aquarium stocks corals, reef fish, invertebrates, rare and hard-to-find species and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Miami, FL. As an aquarium store serving Miami, FL, it also carries aquarium equipment and dry goods and offers aquarium setup, aquarium consultations and fish quarantine.
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Deep coral selection across every price range, including exotic, hard-to-find specimens
- Owner Carlos is renowned for honest, patient advice and won't sell livestock a tank isn't ready for
- Newly arrived saltwater fish and corals are quarantined before sale
- Full reef tank builds, including Red Sea Reefer systems set up start to finish
- Bilingual English/Spanish staff serving Miami's Kendall area since 2008
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Very professional setups. Lots of supplies and water. A lot cheaper than mom and pop.”
— Alfred Dominguez5.0Edited a day ago“I've been coming here for several years now. When I started in the hobby with a saltwater tank, I had no knowledge whatsoever. Carlos made everything very easy and simple to do and understand. Rather than just charge you for whatever it is you want, they actually take the time to see if it's something you actually need. Countless times I wanted to buy a fish or a coral and my tank wasn't ready for it. I never felt like money was their priority. This is the best aquarium in Kendall with the best service and best prices.”
— Emmanuel Medrano5.0a day ago“I've been coming to VIP Reef for over 10 years, and I can't recommend them enough. The staff is always welcoming, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, they take the time to answer questions and make sure you get exactly what you need. Carlos is especially outstanding. He's always patient, helpful, and willing to share his expertise. His knowledge and customer service are a big part of why I continue coming back year after year. It's rare to find a business that consistently provides excellent service and genuinely cares about its customers, but VIP Reef does exactly that. If you're looking for quality livestock, products, and expert advice, this is the place to go!”
— Doris Fernandez5.0a week ago“I had an excellent experience at this saltwater store. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and took the time to explain everything in a way that was easy to understand. They answered all of my questions, gave honest advice, and made sure I felt confident before making any decisions. It’s clear they genuinely care about their customers and the health of their aquariums. I highly recommend this store to anyone, whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience. Thank you Carlos for all your help!!!”
— wendy ponce5.0a week ago“Saben lo que hacen. Tienen bellezas y peces muy saludables”
— tarek yorde5.02 months ago“Love this place”
— Jean-marc Cintellus5.02 months ago“I can’t say enough great things about VIP Reef Aquarium and their team. From day one, Frank (owner) played a huge role in helping me successfully start my reef tank. From leveling my tank to helping me fill the tank with water, His knowledge, patience, and genuine passion for the hobby really set the tone for the entire experience. As I progressed, both Jean and Carlos became key in helping me stabilize my system. Reef tanks aren’t always easy, and like many beginners, I ran into challenges—especially with dinoflagellates. What stood out the most was their consistency and dedication. Every time I faced an issue, they were there with practical advice, clear guidance, and real solutions that actually worked. They didn’t just sell me products—they educated me, guided me, and made sure I understood what I was doing so I could succeed long-term. Their recommendations were always thoughtful and tailored to my tank, not just generic advice. If you’re looking to start a reef tank or need ongoing support, VIP Reef Aquarium is the place to go. The level of care, expertise, and customer service from Frank, Jean, and Carlos and the entire team is hard to find anywhere else. Highly recommend!”
— Lais Eng5.0Edited 2 months ago“Great store and management”
— Kendall Pools5.02 months ago“Staff is great and selection is awesome”
— Eddie Alonso5.03 months ago“Amazing place, clean, very knowledgeable staff. Amazing selection”
— Pete B5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (305) 278-7777 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting VIP Reef Aquarium.