








Walking into The Reef Aquarium Shop in Indianapolis, you immediately understand why it has earned a loyal following among Indy's fishkeeping community. Reviewers consistently call it the best-stocked aquarium supply and livestock store in the city, and the sheer volume of tanks lining the walls — saltwater, freshwater, and everything in between — backs that claim up. Coral frags glow under blue LEDs alongside displays of tropical fish, shrimp, and live plants, while terrariums add another dimension to the shop's appeal.
What sets The Reef apart from big-box competitors is its staff. Julie, a name that comes up repeatedly, keeps her tanks spotless and brings genuine enthusiasm to every customer interaction. The broader team shares that energy: reviewers describe employees who will actually talk you out of a purchase if your setup isn't ready for it, then walk you through exactly how to get there.
One customer credits the staff with teaching them everything from planted tank care to axolotl husbandry — the kind of hands-on education that turns casual hobbyists into lifelong aquarists. The livestock selection spans saltwater fish and corals to freshwater species, live plants, and invertebrates. The supply side is equally robust, with a large selection of tanks and aquarium equipment that makes one-stop shopping genuinely possible.
One honest critique worth noting: some reviewers wish the store offered more labeling on plants, fish, and corals — common names, care requirements, and the like — to make the inventory more navigable for newcomers. It's a fair point, though the knowledgeable staff largely fills that gap in person. The Reef Aquarium Shop thrives because it operates like a true community hub for Indianapolis fishkeepers.
The combination of diverse, healthy livestock, comprehensive supplies, and staff who treat education as part of the job makes it the kind of store people drive across town to support. If you're building a reef tank, planting an aquascape, or raising axolotls in central Indiana, this is where the conversation starts.
Amanda Gibson
13 reviews
Great variety of fish. I especially like the terrariums and live plants!
jason owen
38 reviews
Best stocked aquarium supply and livestock store in Indy.
Lisa Nicole
6 reviews
Julie is fantastic! We just found this store not too long ago. Her personality shows with every visit and her tanks are spotless.
Brandy Snodgrass
4 reviews
I really appreciate the quality of the employees here. They are just super knowledgeable about all the things they sell. And they will not sell you an item unless it's going to be the right fit. And if they talk you out of buying something because you don't have the right set up, they train you on how to get to the point of doing so. They have taught me so much from plants to axolotls. We will continue to be life long customers
Alex Benedict
5 reviews
Come out and support a great local buisness!
emma M
81 reviews
The aquariums are amazing and the fish are diverse as I thought they would be. Sadly, there is little direction or descriptions on their plants/fish/coral such as common names, type, etc. The information commonly found on tags for animals and plants in stores of all sizes and varieties. Something that makes this beloved hobby more accessible to all who are trying to enjoy it.
Emma Borden
18 reviews
This is such a great shop! They always have what we need and the staff is always super friendly!
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.
Take control of your listing to update info and respond to reviews.
Claim This ListingFind on Map
5613 N Keystone Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
February 7, 2026
Verified Data
Information verified through Google Places API and community contributions.
Other aquarium shops nearby worth checking out