Aquarium Reef Illusions in Orange City, Florida, is a custom aquarium company built entirely around the vision and dedication of its owner, Mike. With over two decades in the business, Mike and his crew — including service techs John and Mac — specialize in designing, building, and maintaining custom saltwater and freshwater tanks across the entire state of Florida. This isn't a walk-in retail shop stocked with rows of fish bags; it's a service-driven operation where the product is a fully realized aquarium tailored to your space, from a 125-gallon saltwater fish-only setup to a 250-gallon cylinder salt water tank to a 10-foot aquarium that barely cleared the front door.
The reviews tell a consistent story: Mike shows up to your home, takes precise measurements, walks you through design options, and delivers on time and within budget. One client had a custom tank built into an entertainment center. Another hired ARI to relocate two marine tanks, a two-hour drive that involved breaking down live coral and fish with zero losses.
A longtime reef hobbyist called just to have a UV sterilizer installed and was pleasantly surprised they treated it like any other job. These aren't one-and-done transactions — multiple clients mention years-long relationships, with one reviewer noting 13 years of weekly tank cleanings by John, who shows up on schedule with supplies in hand and gives fish health updates. The ongoing maintenance side of the business is just as strong as the installation work.
Clients report monthly and weekly service plans, water changes, and equipment upkeep that keep their reef and fish-only systems running smoothly long after the build is complete. Commercial clients like Verge Properties trust them for office and lobby installations as well. For anyone in Florida looking for a turnkey custom aquarium experience — design, engineering, installation, and reliable long-term maintenance — Mike and his team at ARI have built a reputation that 24 five-star reviews make hard to argue with.
randolph winter
4 reviews
Went to the shop and met Mike. Fantastic gentleman. Extremely impressed by his engagement and love of the aquarium craft. I will be purchasing a custom setup very shortly. Another 45 days until retirement. That is my gift to myself. Thanks Mike. I look forward to supporting you and your company. Small businesses rock!!!!
Joyce Dumas
2 reviews
Aquarium Reef Illusions will not disappoint!!!! Once we committed to ARI to build our aquarium, we were never disappointed working with the company. Mike made the process informative and fun!!! John is our service tech and does a fabulous job keeping the aquarium up and running!!! Could not be any happier with ARI, Mike, and John!!!!
james rush
25 reviews
Knowledge makes a difference.. Mike was awesome 👌
New2StPete II
13 reviews
Just recently had Aquarium Reed Illusions to a large custom install and he absolutely delivered. Mike is the guy if you are looking for custom fish tank. From the start to the on going maintenance has been as promised.
Daniel Woodall
2 reviews
Mike was awesome from the start. He helped me out of a huge jam driving 2 hrs to move my 2 marine tanks. He did everything you hope someone who loves coral and fish do, he took care of the tanks , broke them down and moved them to a new location for me with no issues . It was wonderful and not stressful at all and everything is doing well since the move. I hope I don’t have to move them again but would recommend aquarium reef illusions to anyone needing a build or aquarium needs !
Joe Freeman
4 reviews
Mike and his team did a fantastic job moving a 10 foot aquarium into my house, especially when they had very little clearance to work with when moving it in through the front door. I was concerned about finding leaks due to the amount of plumbing they had to install for the filter system, but everything was working as expected once everything was up and running. He even showed up the following day to ensure that no problems occurred while the aquarium was running overnight. Mike and his team were very friendly and very professional and I would highly recommend his company for aquarium installations. Five stars for Aquarium Reef Illusions.
Encapsulations Down Under
16 reviews
I inquired about potentially having a custom aquarium to be built. The amount of knowledge, care, professionalism, and advice that I received from this process was unbelievable. I was saved from making so many common mistakes, and I genuinely couldn’t be happier how everything turned out. If you’re looking for reliable and honest aquarium servicing/building, then look no further.
James Sapitro
4 reviews
We just had Mike from Aquarium Reef Illusions build and install our brand new aquarium. The whole process was fantastic, and the finished product exceeded our expectations. Mike visited our home multiple times to make sure that the dimensions would be correct and that he understood what was important to us in the design. He gave us great insights, and we ended up with a beautiful aquarium. The install process was quick and seamless. We are very happy with all aspects of the project.
David J Osani
5 reviews
Mike and his crew are always spot on with their advice and work. My tank looks amazing!
DENNIS FELIBERTI
16 reviews
I have been with mike and Aquaruim reef For 13 yrs and have always been very satisfied ,they are a very profesional and responsable never miss a date I have my tank cleaned on a weekly basis bye john, john always show up like clock work on time and with his supplies in hand. And always gives me an update on how my fish are doing. We also love the way john takes very good care of our tank Changes water every few months and every week i see him clean my tank with All his attention and skills Thanks guy for the great job you do
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (321) 297-5860 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquarium Reef Illusions.
Phone
(321) 297-5860Website
www.aritanks.com/Address
1060 E Industrial Dr Suite H, Orange City, FL 32763
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1060 E Industrial Dr Suite H, Orange City, FL 32763
February 7, 2026
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