Detroit Reef Club

Tucked away in an industrial corner of Ferndale, Michigan, Detroit Reef Club (DRC) has built a devoted following across southeast Michigan and beyond as the region's premier destination for reef-keeping. " The massive facility is immaculately clean and thoughtfully organized, housing what many customers call the best selection of corals within a three-state area. The coral inventory spans the full spectrum — from $20 beginner-friendly frags to high-end collector pieces — and new stock arrives frequently enough to keep regulars coming back.

Beyond corals, DRC carries a solid lineup of saltwater fish, clean-up crew invertebrates like snails and starfish, live rock, and the dry goods and equipment needed to run a reef tank. Pricing is a recurring theme in reviews; customers routinely note that DRC undercuts competitors, and Zach has a reputation for offering deals before anyone even asks. What truly sets this shop apart is the depth of knowledge behind the counter.

Staff members like Zach and Steve take time with every customer, whether they're explaining water chemistry to a first-time reefer or helping an experienced hobbyist source a specific coral. Multiple reviewers mention the team staying late to answer questions and going out of their way to ensure livestock compatibility. One customer drives 30 minutes each way and says he'd happily drive ten times that distance.

DRC also ships livestock, though experiences with shipping have been mixed based on at least one reviewer's account. Weekend-heavy hours can be tricky for some schedules, so planning ahead is worthwhile. For anyone maintaining or building a saltwater reef tank in the Metro Detroit area, Detroit Reef Club delivers an experience — and a selection — that's genuinely hard to match anywhere in Michigan.