About
The Reef Aquarium Shop has spent decades earning its reputation as one of the best fish stores in Indianapolis, IN, and a recent walk through the floor shows why customers still drive in from Terre Haute and across central Indiana to shop here. Tanks line every wall: a deep saltwater reef section glowing with coral frags on one side, an equally strong freshwater room on the other. Longtime regulars like Joni, who has been coming for more than 25 years, still call the fish, plants, and supplies top shelf.
This is as much an aquarium store as a fish store, and the saltwater side is where it shines. Reviewers point to an amazing selection of reef lighting and equipment alongside marine livestock, with one regular calling it the best saltwater specialist in the city. On the freshwater side you'll find bettas, guppies, amano shrimp, live plants, and the kind of healthy stock people come back for, plus the terrariums and tropical plants that give the shop its lush, almost botanical feel.
What people remember most is the staff. Zach gets singled out as a top-notch fish guy, Bailey helps customers track down specific plants and fish (and the occasional perfect piece of driftwood), and Perry walks first-timers through choosing a starter tank. They're known for steering you away from a purchase your setup isn't ready for, and for warning when a new fish might clash with current tank residents: genuine guidance over a quick sale.
Bettas, corals, shrimp, and live plants are all available in Indianapolis, IN, right here in person. It's a busy shop with a small parking lot, so regulars suggest visiting during off-peak hours. Whether you're stocking a planted aquascape, building a reef, or hunting for axolotls and aquarium gear near me, The Reef remains the place Indy fishkeepers point newcomers toward.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at The Reef Aquarium Shop in Indianapolis, IN
The Reef Aquarium Shop stocks corals, reef fish, betta fish, shrimp, axolotls, aquarium plants and freshwater & saltwater fish for sale in Indianapolis, IN. As an aquarium store serving Indianapolis, IN, it also carries aquarium equipment and fish food and offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Best saltwater and reef section in Indianapolis, with marine livestock, coral frags, and a strong reef lighting/equipment selection
- Knowledgeable, named staff (Zach, Bailey, Perry) who teach proper setups and won't oversell
- Deep freshwater room: bettas, guppies, amano shrimp, live plants, and healthy stock
- Lush terrariums and tropical plant displays add to the experience
- Longtime local institution; customers drive across central Indiana to shop in person (small parking lot, busy on weekends)
From keepers
Customer reviews
“The best fish store I've visited in indy by far. Great selection, clean tanks. Staff seems to be very knowledgeable. Very small parking lot, best to go during non busy times.”
— Michael Turner5.0a week ago“These guys know their stuff!!! Absolutely trust their advice. Great selection! Definitely worth the drive and the time to shop here”
— Ken Hayes5.02 weeks ago“We have been buying from The Reef for years. Now that our son is older, he buys from there as well. Today changed that for good. My husband has been looking for other light options for his 125 gallon tank. We visited the store yesterday and looked at the light selection. We spoke to an employee and asked tons of questions and voiced our concerns. We decided on one of the lights. Due to the price, before even walking up to the counter, my husband asked could he return it if he doesn’t like it. He was told absolutely as long as it wasn’t damaged or wet. We went home, tried it out and determined it didn’t give us any better or more light than we already had. Today we took it back to the store to be told we could only get in store credit. My husband told the employee that he was told he could return it. The employee said it’s our store policy and it’s printed on the receipts. Printed on the receipt? So you tell someone they can bring something back but then place the store policy on the receipt. The same receipt you get AFTER purchasing the item. Makes total sense! Seems pretty fishy that the employee yesterday told us we could return it but conveniently forgot to mention the rest. Sounds like a bait and switch to me. Very sneaky. Buyer beware!”
— Crystal Bolen1.02 weeks ago“Staff is always helpful and courteous!”
— Matthew Mccleary5.03 weeks ago“Helpfull friendly staff. Nice selection.”
— Rando S5.04 weeks ago“They have an amazing selection of lighting and other equipment necessary for saltwater reef keeping this is also a store that has a very very nice selection of freshwater also”
— Ray Michael Wilson II5.0Edited 4 weeks ago“First of all, it's a beautiful shop. I've been coming here more than 25 years 😊 The staff is always knowledgeable, the fish, plants, and supplies are always top shelf. I highly recommend this store to all fish hobbyists and aquarium owners. They'll have whatever you want and whatever you need.”
— Joni Heredia5.04 weeks ago“Aquarium supplies and tropical plants.”
— Jonathon Hooper5.0a month ago“Awesome place, the staff was incredible, friendly, welcoming, and abundant knowledge of the fish species and everything else that goes with building a tank. Zach was who we worked with and is a top notch fish guy!!”
— zachary bear5.0a month ago“Plenty of selection, great personal very helpful”
— daniel shepard5.0a month ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (317) 253-9695 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Reef Aquarium Shop.