Tucked away in a converted carport at a Mt Washington, Kentucky home, Derby City Aquatics is the kind of place that rewards the determined visitor — assuming Google Maps cooperates and actually gets you there. Run by Alex, a reef enthusiast whose passion is immediately apparent, this shop punches well above its modest square footage with a massive coral selection that includes LPS, softies, and select SPS frags, many of them locally raised. If you're stocking a nano-reef or building out a larger saltwater display, the variety of corals and invertebrates here — from crabs to eels to cleanup crews — is genuinely impressive for a small operation in central Kentucky.
The low-overhead model is the whole point. Because Alex runs the shop from home, he passes the savings directly to customers, offering competitive pricing on healthy specimens that might cost significantly more at brick-and-mortar retailers with higher rent. He also handles custom aquarium stand orders, sourcing better prices and faster turnarounds than many national manufacturers.
Staff member Emma has earned her own following among newer reefers for her patience in walking beginners through the sometimes-overwhelming world of saltwater keeping. Derby City runs coral auctions — though some customers have reported frustrations with the bidding platform — and maintains a used equipment section that's worth browsing for deals. Dry goods and fish food round out the inventory, and while the shop leans heavily saltwater, they do carry some freshwater stock as well.
Several reviewers noted the store's beautiful frag tanks, stocked with an array of gorgeous and unusual specimens. The shop's informal setting means you won't find the polished showroom experience of a big-box store, and reaching someone by phone can be hit or miss. But walk in, and you'll find a knowledgeable owner who will happily spend time explaining water chemistry, species pairing, and tank setup from scratch.
For saltwater hobbyists in the Louisville metro and central Kentucky area, Derby City Aquatics is a destination worth the drive — just double-check the address before you go.
Jahir U
9 reviews
Sweet lady working there. The fish were so beautiful 🤩 I know where to go when I need fish,,Google Maps didn't send you there!!! If you live in 2CPV+6F Mt Washington, Kentucky, USA, 161 Redbud Dr, Mt Washington, KY 40047, United States...maybe you should update your business website. And so I want to work on all your business sites for the magical change to update websites for traffic generators for growth.
Doug
6 reviews
Not there were google maps sends you!!! If you are in Mt. Washington, maybe you should update your buisness website.
Jimmy P
9 reviews
Alex is awesome and his selection is top-notch! If you're looking for someone who can help make your tank look like the ocean floor, this is your guy. Great pricing!
Ben Hill
59 reviews
Shop is in a converted carport, but don’t let that sway you. Alex has a ton of nice LPS and softies and currently a few nice SPS. This would be a great place to stock your nano-reef or even a larger tank. Lots of good deals on healthy specimens. You can tell the owner has a passion for reef keeping and his wife probably really loves him to let him do this at their house. Seriously, his lower overhead, he passes on to you and that makes this place a good one to check out.
Joshua Landon
11 reviews
Alex helped me order a custom stand for my large aquarium. Communication was extremely prompt and working with him was a pleasure. He was able to get a better price and faster turnaround on my stand than literally every manufacturer in the country I contacted. I absolutely recommend Derby City. Friendly and polite professionals who know their stuff and are wonderful to work with.
Jason Wright
76 reviews
Great education and place to buy fish corals and aquarium supplies. Just started my hobby and owner is super helpful, friendly and courteous to my family. Look forward to visiting again soon.
Don Bunch
139 reviews
'edit' Coral auctions are poorly managed tried to sign in three times and was denied before finally getting in missing several auctions and then trying to bid on several others only to be automatically denied by some kind of Auto bid technique that shouldn't be allowed
NèCole Whitehurst
177 reviews
Sweet woman who works there. The fish were so gorgeous 🤩 I know where to go when I need a fish and create it's own home. Please, go check them out!
Stephen
47 reviews
Alex goes above and beyond to answer questions, is very knowledgeable and has a passion for this hobby. Highly recommend.
Andrew Atkins
3 reviews
The owner is awesome and helped me out picking out everything for my first saltwater tank. He explained the whole process step by step! Thanks again for taking the time to help out a beginner. 10/10 Service!
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (502) 592-7696 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Derby City Aquatics.
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161 Redbud Dr, Mt Washington, KY 40047
February 7, 2026
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