About
Tucked down a driveway in Kenner, Louisiana, Coral Connection is the kind of place you'd walk past if you didn't know it was there — up a set of stairs, through an unassuming entrance, and suddenly you're surrounded by some of the most vibrant reef displays in the greater New Orleans area. Run by father-and-son team George and Dustin, this family-operated saltwater shop has been a fixture in the local reefing community for well over a decade, and the loyalty of its customers speaks volumes. The store's reputation is built squarely on corals.
" One Chicago visitor made a special detour just to pick through the stock. The pricing undercuts many online retailers, and the shop runs Facebook auctions that add a competitive, community-driven element to buying livestock. Beyond corals, Coral Connection carries a solid lineup of saltwater fish — clownfish, tangs, and other exotics fill large display tanks that double as a mini-aquarium experience.
Thursday afternoon live feedings draw families with kids who come just to watch the action. They sell RO/DI water, premixed saltwater, and live sand seeded directly from their own coral display tanks rather than off a shelf — a detail that serious hobbyists appreciate. Custom aquarium builds are another strength.
Customers report purchasing complete setups including sumps, refugiums, and canopies at competitive prices. The shop also stocks tanks, stands, and a broad range of saltwater equipment. One reviewer even recounted how George and Dustin loaned out equipment to troubleshoot a tank they hadn't sold — the kind of above-and-beyond gesture that earns lifetime customers.
George remembers faces and tanks years after someone leaves the hobby. That personal investment, paired with deep reefkeeping knowledge, makes Coral Connection the saltwater destination for southeast Louisiana.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Custom TanksTank SetupConsultationOnline Store
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Father-and-son team George and Dustin with decades of reefkeeping expertise
- Extensive coral selection including rare OG collector pieces in the 'dream room'
- Live sand seeded from display coral tanks, plus RO/DI and premixed saltwater sold by the gallon
- Custom aquarium builds with sumps, refugiums, and canopies
- Thursday afternoon live feedings open to families and visitors
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Awesome place highly recommend. Tanks, stands, live rock, water, used and new equipment, and more fish and corals than you can handle! Highly recommend a stop. One of the few places that has some of the og corals that made the hobby”
— Jhon Smith5.03 months ago“This is my go-to coral store! The folks working there are very friendly and knowledgeable, and are happy to chat with you about your tank. They always have a great variety of corals, fish, and supplies.”
— Peyton Aubin5.06 months ago“Stopped by the shop on my way back to Chicago. The dream room has some fire! Picked up some distinct pieces at great prices.”
— George Perez5.07 months ago“Best saltwater shop out there. Always a good selection of fish and corals and if they don’t have it, they can order it.”
— Joshua Nunez5.07 months ago“Very professional staff and well stocked. Corals are out of the world!!! I would definitely recommend.”
— Shane Jones5.08 months ago“Great coral selection at fair prices. RO/DI and salt water available.”
— Mark Schneider5.0Edited 11 months ago“Coral Connection has been in business for a very long time. They have always offered the best livestock and equipment available in the area. Their prices are really good and their experience and knowledge is indispensable.”
— Badblackdog5.0a year ago“George & Dustin can help anyone in the hobby to keep them in the hobby. This is my primary stop for coral with an amazing selection, extremely satisfied. Oh yeah forgot to mention my wife approves, that's rare. Great job guys keep it up.”
— William Peery5.0Edited a year ago“Very kind people enjoyed my first time visiting”
— Brandon Aucoin5.02 years ago“This is one of the best shop we have ever been. Colorful and vibrant. The owner is kind, patient and knowledgeable”
— Mala Arumugam5.02 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (504) 467-4566 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Coral Connection.