About
Tucked away in St. Joseph, Missouri, In The Reefs is a dedicated saltwater store that has built a devoted following across the region — some customers drive 60 to 90 minutes just to walk through the door. Owner Julie runs the operation with a hands-on approach that has earned the shop a reputation as one of the best reef aquarium destinations in the Midwest.
The store's strength starts with its coral selection. Reviewers consistently praise the variety and health of the livestock, from zoanthids to a rotating inventory of reef-ready corals and saltwater fish. Julie's tanks are described as immaculate — so clean and well-maintained that visiting the shop feels like touring a small public aquarium.
The livestock quality reflects that care; multiple customers note that fish and corals arrive home healthy and thriving. What truly sets In The Reefs apart is Julie's depth of knowledge about marine aquariums. She routinely helps customers plan entire reef tank setups from scratch, advising on equipment, fish and invertebrate compatibility, and coral placement.
Long-time hobbyists and complete newcomers alike credit her guidance with their success. One customer who relocated from San Diego — no stranger to reef keeping — was impressed enough to make In The Reefs their go-to shop for rebuilding their tank. Another reviewer with nearly a decade of loyalty says Julie has helped them through everything from new tank cycling to disease outbreaks.
Pricing is another consistent theme. Customers describe costs as reasonable and fair, a welcome contrast to the sticker shock that often accompanies the saltwater hobby. If something isn't in stock, Julie will order it — a small-shop flexibility that keeps people coming back.
The store does operate on an appointment basis at times, so it's worth checking before making the trip. But for anyone in the St. Joseph area building or maintaining a reef aquarium, In The Reefs delivers the coral selection, saltwater expertise, and personal attention that chain stores simply cannot match.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Tank SetupConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Extensive selection of healthy corals including zoanthids and reef-ready specimens
- Owner Julie provides in-depth consultation on reef tank setup and fish/invertebrate compatibility
- Immaculately maintained display and livestock tanks
- Reasonable pricing on saltwater fish, corals, and supplies
- Draws dedicated customers from 60-90 minutes away across the Midwest
From keepers
Customer reviews
“We love working with Julie. She has so much knowledge and encourages us as we grow our aquarium community. Her store is beautiful too.”
— Christian Curry5.0a day ago“She was so helpful and knows so much”
— Jasmine Underwood5.0a day ago“Went in looking for a new tank setup, customer service was amazing very friendly and helpful”
— Gregory Clutter5.02 weeks ago“Julie is the best! So knowledgeable! Has been huge help in starting our tank after years of being away from this enjoyable hobby…already wishing we had gone bigger! 🤔❤️ Don’t hesitate to put your trust in this place!”
— Nancy Gilmore5.02 weeks ago“Stopped in to introduce myself because I just moved here from San Diego and will be rebuilding my reef. Not only is Julie super nice and helpful all the animals are very healthy and her prices are quite agreeable! I can't wait to update this review with my new reef that they'll help me build! Fast forward to a couple months later and I'm ready to start stocking my tank. Got a zoanthid from them and it's super healthy and happy!! Can't wait for more!!”
— Ryan E. Rogers5.0Edited 2 weeks ago“In the Reefs is AMAZING! Julie’s is so knowledgeable, helpful, and kind! The fish are healthy and a great selection of fish and corals”
— Ashley Schuelke5.03 weeks ago“Best place for all your saltwater aquarium needs. Friendly, Clean, and Great Selection!! You won’t regret going here!!”
— Brian H5.03 months ago“We get all our saltwater supplies and fish here! Julie is always so helpful and knowledgeable about everything, I don’t know what we would do without her! They have a great selection but if they don’t have what you’re looking for in store she will order it for you! Such a beautiful store to visit and look around!”
— Kati Buckminster5.03 months ago“Very knowledgeable, friendly. Beautiful selection of anything you could think of.”
— Autumn Kramer5.03 months ago“Very rude employee stated the store only accepted appointments. They need to put that on their website so people don't waste their time trying to go get things for their salt water aquarium and then not let them in the side the store. I will happily drive to Kansas City from here on out to buy anything for my aquariums before I stop back at this location.”
— Justin Day1.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (816) 279-5566 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting In The Reefs.