About
Tucked into Port St. Lucie's aquarium scene, The Fish Store / Custom Aquariums has built a loyal saltwater following under owner Chris, who personally handles everything from coral recommendations to full-scale tank installations. This is a marine-focused shop through and through — saltwater fish, corals, live rock, snails, and premixed saltwater for weekly water changes dominate the inventory, with new fish and coral shipments arriving weekly.
One customer drove all the way from Tampa for the selection and pricing; another picked up a long nose hawkfish and corals on their first visit and left impressed. The store's custom aquarium work is a major draw. Chris and his team have installed tanks as large as a 180-gallon Waterbox Peninsula 6025, returning afterward to place rockscapes and fill water.
They travel across Florida for installs and ongoing service, making them more than just a retail shop. Staff members Tyler, Paul, and Sage each earn individual praise from regulars for their patience and depth of knowledge — particularly with newcomers navigating the often intimidating world of saltwater fishkeeping. Beyond livestock, the shop stocks RO/DI water, frozen and fresh fish food, testing supplies, lights, pumps, and sumps.
Chris is known for refusing to sell fish or corals to customers whose tanks aren't ready, prioritizing animal health over a quick sale. Multiple reviewers describe being talked out of purchases that wouldn't suit their setup — the kind of honesty that builds lifelong customers. Fair warning: the store's hours have been a genuine sore spot.
Multiple visitors have arrived during posted business hours only to find locked doors, and some reviews cite inconsistency that can be frustrating, especially for first-timers. When it is open, though, the experience is markedly positive. For Port St.
Lucie's saltwater community, this remains the go-to local shop for coral selection, hands-on guidance, and full-service aquarium builds.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Custom aquarium installations including large Waterbox Peninsula 6025 setups
- Strong weekly rotating inventory of corals and saltwater fish
- Owner Chris personally handles installs and travels across Florida for service
- Staff known for refusing to sell livestock to tanks that aren't ready
- Premixed saltwater and RO/DI water available for water changes
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I walked into this store with no knowledge, just we wanted a saltwater aquarium. The owner Chris helped walk us through everything we would need and ordered it for us. He came and installed our aquarium and got everything setup. We go in multiple times a week to buy saltwater and get supplies/fish. We always walk in with a lot of questions and walk away with so much information. Chris and Paul are extremely knowledgeable, and are always happy to give us feedback and advice. Most importantly they really care about their fish and coral. They won’t sell you anything that your tank isn’t ready for, and they will help you get to where you need to be. Chris goes out of his way to make sure we get everything we want from our aquarium. They also travel around Florida doing installs and service. So lucky to have such an amazing fish store close to me. Highly recommend even if you have to make a drive!”
— Austin Bacarro5.02 weeks ago“Chris and his team recently installed a 180 gallon Waterbox Peninsula 6025 saltwater aquarium in our home. It is a large tank and the guys did an amazing job. Chris returned last week to assist in placing our rockscape and adding the water. We want to thank everyone at The Fish Store!”
— Donna Diehl5.03 weeks ago“My son is a frequent customer here. The 2 staff are always patient with all of my son's questions and very knowledgeable. My son has filled his salt water tank with fish, corals and rock from The Fish Store. Exceptional customer service and a great selection! A must stop for your salt water tank needs ....or wants”
— Kimberly Legates5.04 months ago“Great selection of corals”
— Abram Jones5.04 months ago“My favorite local fish store. They do need to be more consistent with the hours. It's not uncommon to come to the store and find it closed during regular business hours.”
— Jonathan Perez Ojeda4.05 months ago“Best place around......”
— Rodney Gentzel5.07 months ago“Great help. He teach me a lot.”
— Edgardo Lopez5.0Edited 8 months ago“Great selection of salt water fish and Coral. Tank supplies too.”
— John Byrnes5.010 months ago“Do you need help with running the store? Seems like everytime I come to the store it's closed during business hours. I'm a retired veteran who loves the marine life will work if your hiring.”
— Carlito3.010 months ago“Awesome place, Great prices! Nice and healthy fish. I drive all the way from Tampa”
— Corey Crabb5.010 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (772) 242-6229 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Fish Store / Custom Aquariums.