About
Tucked into Oakland Park, Florida, Living Reef Aquariums is a family-owned shop run by Maria and Jose that has earned a loyal following among South Florida fishkeepers. The store carries both freshwater and saltwater livestock, with reviewers consistently praising the variety — from vibrant corals and clean-up crews to cichlids and even seahorses. One customer walked in planning to set up a freshwater tank and left committed to saltwater after Maria and Jose walked them through the investment differences and long-term equipment considerations.
The coral selection draws particular attention, with multiple visitors calling it beautiful and competitively priced. Cichlid enthusiasts have found a solid home here as well — staff member Tonya has been specifically praised for helping customers select healthy cichlids from well-maintained tanks. The store stocks a decent range of supplies and equipment alongside its livestock, with at least one reviewer picking up a 65-gallon tank on-site.
What sets Living Reef apart from the big-box alternatives nearby is the hands-on guidance. Jose handles home tank maintenance and setup services, while Maria manages the retail side, advising on fish compatibility and water chemistry. Several customers describe an ongoing relationship with the shop — returning regularly for fish, water, and advice.
One newer hobbyist credited the duo with keeping their entire saltwater setup alive through careful month-by-month coaching. The store atmosphere is warm and welcoming, though a few reviewers have noted inconsistent hours, so calling ahead before a long drive is wise. The tanks showcase a wide variety of saltwater and freshwater species, and the owners clearly prioritize stocking unique and healthy fish.
For anyone in the Oakland Park area looking for personalized aquarium guidance backed by real expertise, Living Reef delivers the kind of attentive, relationship-driven service that chain stores simply cannot match.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Family-owned and operated by Maria and Jose with hands-on expertise
- Beautiful coral selection alongside saltwater and freshwater fish
- Home tank maintenance and setup services available through Jose
- Strong cichlid selection with knowledgeable staff like Tonya to assist
- Seahorse tanks among their unique saltwater offerings
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Muy bien servicio en especial de María”
— Jhonvilla 875.0a month ago“I came by when they were supposed to be open. They were not. Looks like it might be shut down.”
— Alex G1.08 months ago“Excellent selection of fresh and salt water fish. They service fresh and salt fish tanks at businesses and homes.”
— Charles E. Wilson5.0a year ago“Amazing selection, and amazing customer service! Thank you so much Maria!!!!”
— Michael Cordero5.0a year ago“One of the best places around family owned and operated, Extremely knowledgeable and has great prices , luv these guys !”
— Bruce Samoville5.0a year ago“My one stop shop for all my aquarium stuff I need.. I see Maria for fish and water and Jose does all my home services”
— Heat 4Life (Green Eye)5.0a year ago“I love my seahorse tank! Owners are helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you!”
— Paulette Kerrott5.02 years ago“Am always looking for new saltwater aquarium stores, I came across this store STAY AWAY They had some great Coral's ( pricey) But there tanks are FILTHY!!! Brown I would be afraid to purchase anything there ( I think the Coral's there have adjusted to there conditions) I feel that if I purchased any and placed them in my prestine tank they would die So buyers BEWARE!!”
— J P1.02 years ago“The two workers got into a fist fight/brawl while I was there , very unsafe, very unprofessional, I will not be going back and will be telling others”
— Dez Mendez1.02 years ago“I came here to look around and was amazed on the prices on corals, fishes and clean up crew great people come right to me when I enter the store will be back.”
— kris r5.03 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (954) 579-2785 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Living Reef Aquariums.