Living Reef Aquariums

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.