Wicked Sticks Aquarium Service and Maintenance is a Sarasota, Florida operation built on one thing: Mike Bassamore's deep expertise in saltwater reef systems and his commitment to showing up when he says he will. This is an appointment-only business serving residential and commercial clients, and based on the consistent praise across dozens of reviews, it's clear Mike has earned a loyal following along the Gulf Coast. The core of the business is hands-on reef tank maintenance.
Clients describe tanks that had become overwhelmed with coral overgrowth, plumbing that needed reworking, and saltwater systems that owners had simply run out of time or energy to maintain themselves. Mike steps in with a strategic approach — assessing the situation, developing a plan, and executing it efficiently. One long-time reef hobbyist whose 10-year-old tank had become unmanageable reported that within hours of Mike's visit, the tank looked better than it had in years, with fish and corals visibly thriving the next day.
He was even referred by Coral Connection, a well-known local coral shop, which speaks to his standing in the Sarasota reef community. Mike and his son handle biweekly maintenance visits for many clients, covering everything from water changes and coral management to full replumbing jobs. He's known for his personal collection of acropora corals, and his knowledge of coral health and fish compatibility comes through in every interaction.
Clients consistently highlight his responsiveness — calls answered promptly, questions addressed thoroughly, and appointments kept on schedule. This isn't a retail storefront with aisles of dry goods. It's a service-first operation where the value is in Mike's expertise and reliability.
For Sarasota saltwater enthusiasts who want their reef tanks maintained by someone who genuinely cares about the livestock, Wicked Sticks delivers with professionalism and a personal touch that's hard to find in the aquarium service world.
David Cohen
I would highly recommend Mike at Wicked Sticks for any reef maintenance or service you are looking for. My current reef tank that I built and maintained for the last 10 years was quickly overwhelmed with overgrowth and was becoming unmanageable. The amount of work required was becoming stressful and I needed someone with expertise to help come up with a plan of action to get the tank back on track. Wicked Sticks was recommended to me by Coral Connection local store and with one call I was immediately answered and scheduled for an appointment. The appointment with Mike made me very comfortable in his abilities and we came up with a strategic plan to relocated and clean out some overgrowth. Within a week Mike was back out on time and within hours the tank had never looked so good! The next day after a water change and water had cleared up I was thoroughly surprised to find that the fish and coral couldn't be happier! They could breath and thrive once again. Thanks again Mike at Wicked Sticks for all your services and getting me back on track once again!
Martin Pouliot
15 reviews
Mike is a reliable guy! Very generous with his advice and very detailed oriented ! You will be in good hands.
Ashlea Hartner
6 reviews
I HIGHLY recommend Wicked Sticks (mike) for ALL of your aquarium needs! Mike and his son come to our home every 2 weeks and provide top notch services. Mike answers every question and provides guidance for continued care of our tank. He's so personable, even the dogs love when he comes! If you want the best of the best, contact Mike!
Austin Kennedy
3 reviews
Incredible knowledge and extremely helpful. Great service, would highly recommend!!!
Tia Jackson
4 reviews
Wicked Sticks does a great job on our aquarium! Very responsive to our questions, he gets back to us right away. He has been very helpful and our tank looks fantastic because of his help and knowledge!
Goat Regardless
12 reviews
Great tanks and very communicable I appreciated his business would recommend
Tony Ho
2 reviews
Always do a great job . Always on time. Thank you
Craig Jackson
9 reviews
Mike Has been awesome. He does such a amazing job He communicates amazingly and always shows up when he says he’s going to. Couldn’t be more happier than having Mike take care of my Reef tanks.
Jon 305
Very knowledgeable and very professional. Highly recommended for anything aquarium related
Fly Tooo
5 reviews
Wicked Sticks Aquarium Service, maintenance is top notch, and highly recommended Will be using them for all my aquarium needs👍
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (941) 615-7410 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Wicked Sticks Aquarium Service and Maintenance.
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7051 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241
February 7, 2026
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