About
Tucked away in Fairfield, Maine, AquaCorals Reef Aquariums has built a devoted following among saltwater hobbyists across the country — largely through its online coral store and the tireless dedication of owner Penny. This is primarily an e-commerce operation specializing in soft corals, and reviewers consistently describe receiving specimens that dwarf what other vendors offer at comparable prices. Toadstools, gorgonians, weeping willows, cabbage sinularia, and finger leathers arrive as small colonies rather than tiny frags, already mounted on chunks of live rock instead of standard frag plugs.
The packaging is a recurring point of praise: corals triple- or quadruple-bagged, sealed in well-insulated boxes with heat packs that stay warm even during Maine winters. Multiple buyers report opening their shipments to find crystal-clear water and corals that open up within an hour of being placed in the tank. One long-time customer shared photos of seven leather corals purchased from AquaCorals, all thriving and growing rapidly despite admittedly inconsistent husbandry — a testament to the health of the livestock leaving Penny's facility.
What truly sets AquaCorals apart is Penny's hands-on approach to customer care. She coordinates shipping around buyers' schedules, delays orders when weather conditions threaten livestock safety, follows up after delivery to confirm acclimation went smoothly, and even includes handwritten notes with orders. Several reviewers who have purchased from numerous online reef vendors describe this as the best experience they've had in the hobby.
Her willingness to offer acclimation advice and coral care guidance makes first-time online coral buyers feel supported. The selection leans heavily toward soft corals, including hard-to-find varieties, making AquaCorals a destination for reef keepers building soft coral displays. A couple of in-person visitors reported less favorable experiences, but the overwhelming consensus from online buyers is that the coral quality, generous sizing, pest-free livestock, and personal service make this a standout saltwater coral vendor worth ordering from repeatedly.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at AquaCorals Reef Aquariums in Fairfield, ME
AquaCorals Reef Aquariums stocks corals, reef fish, live rock, clownfish and saltwater fish for sale in Fairfield, ME. As an aquarium store serving Fairfield, ME, it also offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Soft corals shipped as small colonies mounted on live rock, not tiny frags
- Owner Penny personally coordinates shipping, follows up on every order
- Exceptional cold-weather packaging with heat packs and multi-layered bagging
- Hard-to-find soft coral varieties including gorgonians, toadstools, and sinularia
- Corals consistently open within an hour of being placed in tanks
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Amazing selection! These anemones were grown with love! 💕”
— Amy Flores5.0a day ago“I have purchased several orders of anemones, sponges, zoa's, LPS, and a variety of soft corals over the last 4 plus years and have always been 100% satisfied with the way shipments were packed extremely well and box had cool pack( super critical as I live in Texas and summers are brutal), the communication , and the overall quality, health, colorization and size of the corals-fabulous !! I have had zero fatalities on unboxing, acclimation, and they all thrived in the tank over time. I also like the softies are attached to a nice sized piece of live rock that makes placement easier. Penny is very hands on and extremely helpful and responsive with questions. HIGHLY recommend”
— Albert Massey5.0a month ago“I don’t even know where to start! Penny (the owner) has been amazing! Shes went above and beyond anything I’ve ever experienced in the coral business! I received 1 beautiful pink star polyp from her that came in super healthy and gorgeous, despite what it’s been through! (Shipping got held up an extra 24 hours in Memphis) not at all her fault because she won the claim against the shipping company which replaced my other two corals and more! I’ve never experienced an actual human being, that owned their own business, actually care as much as she does! She actually cares!! I cannot wait to shop on her website, with my gift certificate, of double what my purchase amount was by the way, for more corals of hers because from what I can see her corals are absolutely healthy and can withstand a 2 day delay! I know I’m all over the place with this review, but I’m just so amazed by this shop owner! Please anyone that sees this and is wanting some amazing and healthy home grown corals, you have to shop here! You will not be disappointed and I can guarantee it with proof!”
— Amanda Gammons5.0a month ago“I just received a fat cap toadstool from Penny at AquaCorals and highly recommend her! She was very helpful with helping me decide on the type and size of coral that would work best for what I had in mind and would work in my tank, including placement. The coral came in excellent shape and settling in well. Very happy, thanks Penny!! ⭐️”
— Diana Starr5.0a week ago“I just received my first order from AquaCorals. I have never been so impressed. The packaging was perfect. It is obvious Penny cares for each of her corals. They were packed with such care. Each one arrived in great condition, as if I went to the store and picked them up myself. What impressed me most was the great communication. She checked to make sure I would be available to receive them and then again when FedEX said they arrived she checked to make sure I actually got them. A vendor that cares, very rare these days. Do not hesitate to buy from AquaCorals!!”
— Steven Reavis5.02 months ago“High quality soft corals! Penny is super friendly and helpful. Will certainly be buying from them again!”
— John DeBiasio5.04 months ago“If you are looking for high quality corals and customer service, this is your place! Super pleased with my order of soft corals that arrived in perfect condition. It was very nice that everything was mounted to chunks of live rock already instead of frag plugs. The corals were generously sized for the price compared to many other online stores. Penny reached out to make sure everything arrived safely and I was happy with my order.”
— Chandler Stephens5.010 months ago“Captured this beautiful underwater scene in Fairfield, Maine! Two clownfish swimming among stunning corals. Thanks to Penny for showing me this amazing place!”
— Pedro Amilkar Melendez Becerra5.010 months ago“Awesome service and very friendly. Penny was very quick with communication and shipping. I've been blown away with each order, the corals are far bigger than expected and are super healthy. They usually are fully open within an hour. I highly, highly recommend!!!”
— John Judy5.011 months ago“Everything arrived as promised. I cannot begin to say how impressed I am with the quality and service. The packaging was so careful to protect the corals, the water was so clean, and the corals are gorgeous and healthy. I am new to this and have never ordered coral online before, but I can assure you I will be a repeat customer.”
— Kimberly Hauser5.02 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (207) 238-0076 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting AquaCorals Reef Aquariums.