About
Tucked away in Harahan, Louisiana, Reef Consortium has quickly become one of the most talked-about coral shops in the greater New Orleans area — and for good reason. Owner Chad, along with staff members Zoe and Hilary, has built a store that punches well above its weight in selection, pricing, and sheer passion for the reef-keeping hobby. The coral inventory here is staggering.
Reviewers consistently note a selection that rivals — and sometimes surpasses — dedicated reef shows. You'll find torches, hammers, frogspawn, zoas, acans, and full acropora colonies alongside rare specimens that veteran hobbyists say they've never encountered in decades of reef-keeping. Everything from beginner-friendly frags to high-end collector pieces lines the tanks, all maintained in visibly clean, healthy systems.
Fish are pre-quarantined before sale, and the invertebrate selection continues to expand, with customers calling out rare starfish and specialty inverts alongside the standard offerings. Anemones round out the livestock, and a solid dry goods section means you can handle water changes and equipment needs in the same trip. What truly sets Reef Consortium apart is the experience of shopping there.
Chad is known for taking extended time with customers — walking newcomers through the entire nitrogen cycling process, advising on coral placement and PAR levels, and genuinely empathizing when hobbyists share stories of tank crashes. Multiple reviewers describe walking in to browse and walking out with bags of coral after getting swept up in conversation and deals that feel almost too good. One customer recounted buying more corals here than at a reef show they'd just attended, while another noted Chad tried to give their son a coral for free.
People drive three hours or more to visit, and the consensus is universal: the pricing on Euphyllia and high-end corals undercuts online retailers significantly. Chad also offers tank setup assistance for those building new systems. For reef enthusiasts in Louisiana, Reef Consortium delivers an inventory, knowledge base, and personal touch that's genuinely hard to find anywhere else.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Massive coral selection rivaling reef shows — torches, hammers, acros, zoas, acans, and rare specimens
- Pre-quarantined fish and expanding invertebrate inventory including rare starfish
- Euphyllia pricing that undercuts online retailers significantly
- Owner Chad provides in-depth consultations on cycling, coral placement, and PAR levels
- Customers regularly drive 3+ hours to shop the selection
From keepers
Customer reviews
“This place offers the best prices on corals and fish. The staff is extremely friendly and attentive; they patiently answer every question we have. They also always provide valuable advice on how to keep our aquarium as healthy as possible, demonstrating true commitment and passion for what they do.”
— Ilianys Torres5.0a month ago“This is a place that lives up to its name. If you’re looking for coral, you’ll find it here as there is a huge variety in stock at all times. Want a special invert for your tank? You’ll find it here too. There’s also a great selection of fish and dry goods. The best part about the consortium is the sharing of advice and information from the owners. You get so much more than the items you purchase.”
— Kim Theriot-Smith5.0a month ago“Amazing staff. I typically go in here to look around and get caught up in good conversation about reefing or other hobbies and then walk out with beautiful additions to my tanks. Chad and Zoe have done a fantastic job making sure we know what the prices are for everyone who enters the store and work with us to make sure they have the items we need to keep our hobby going in the right direction. I'd highly recommend this store to anyone in the Louisiana area.”
— Jason Carpentier5.0a month ago“Just getting back into the hobby after a 5yr departure. These guys have been so helpful with anything I have needed help with! They have a great selection of coral and very knowledgeable. It sounds like they have big plans for the future, and I'm excited to support and see their growth!”
— Nathan Holley5.0a month ago“Excellent selection of really healthy high-end and beginner friendly corals, anemones, marine fish, and invertebrates. This is my go to aquarium shop when I want to find something really unique for my tank or just doing a water change or getting my parameters tested. The owners (Chad & Zoe) are extremely knowledgeable and between the two can answer any question or help with any issue you might have. If you have a reef tank, you Need to check this place out.”
— Bennett Price5.02 months ago“Great owner he taught me a lot of the corals and always give me a great deal.”
— Victor Rivas5.06 months ago“Very helpful and consistently stocked with beautiful coral. I stop here whoever I'm in the area.”
— Ash Wind5.06 months ago“My GO TO shop, has probably the BEST prices for corals cheapest in the city and super knowledgeable. If you don’t know he’ll give ya some advice on where placement and par schools be for the coral”
— datboyhieu5.0Edited 8 months ago“Visted Chad today. Great guy who really cares about the hobby and industry as a whole. If you want awesome torches and hammers, or full acro colonies, hes got em. Go see em, you wont be disappointed.”
— Logan Brouillette5.010 months ago“Everyone do yourselves a favor and come check out Chad at Reef Consortium! I have never met a more friendly and personable business owner in my life. I had just come from a reef show and I ended up buying more Corals here, then at the show. You can not match the deals that Chad has. I honestly felt like I was stealing from him haha. My son was with me and found a coral he liked and Chad tried giving it to him for free! I couldn't let him do that so he ended up basically giving it away at like 70 percent off the listed price. The more you buy the better the deals. I've never met a coral shop owner who was absolutely doing everything he could to make it impossible to say no to his deals. 10/10. Found my new favorite store! Also the widest selection of Corals I had seen. More variety then even the coral show I had just come from!”
— Justin Clausen5.010 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (504) 305-0449 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Reef Consortium.