About
9-star reputation shows it. This is a tightly run, spotlessly clean shop laser-focused on marine tanks, where the livestock arrives healthy and stays that way — longtime hobbyists routinely say they've never lost a single coral or fish bought here. You'll find a wide, well-kept selection of corals, frags, and saltwater fish for sale in Albuquerque, NM, alongside crustaceans and other invertebrates, live rock, sand, salt, and the dry goods that keep a reef running: additives, test kits, sumps, and filtration.
Premixed saltwater and RODI water are available in-store too, so you can skip mixing at home. Pricing is a recurring bright spot in reviews — regulars say Southwest Reef Co consistently beats online retailers, frags and livestock span every budget, and even on a busy day staff are quick to grab stock on request. What sets the shop apart is Rob and his team's depth of knowledge.
They'll talk through which fish pair well together, how to introduce them, and how to dial in your water chemistry — water testing is a staple service here. One customer credits the crew with keeping a lionfish alongside a reef setup; another rebuilt a late father's neglected reef tank into better shape than ever with their guidance. Beginners are welcomed just as warmly as seasoned aquarists.
A quick heads-up: the shop uses a knock-for-entry policy, so it doesn't hurt to call ahead. Once inside, you'll find a beautiful, relaxing space staffed by people who genuinely love the hobby. For Albuquerque reef keepers, this independent saltwater fish store is the definitive local destination.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Southwest Reef Co LLC in Albuquerque, NM
Southwest Reef Co LLC stocks corals, reef fish, live rock and saltwater fish for sale in Albuquerque, NM. As an aquarium store serving Albuquerque, NM, it also carries dry goods, aquarium equipment and fish medications and offers water testing and aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Water TestingConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Owner Rob and his team are known across Albuquerque for deep saltwater and reef expertise, from fish compatibility to dialing in water chemistry
- Wide selection of healthy corals, frags, saltwater fish, and invertebrates with a strong reputation for livestock that survives
- Dry goods, additives, test kits, sumps, filtration, live rock, sand, and salt — plus premixed saltwater and RODI water in-store
- On-site water testing and one-on-one consultation for marine and reef tanks
- Competitive pricing that regulars say beats online retailers
From keepers
Customer reviews
“10/10 selection and customer service. Their selection has prices for everyone and the staff is very helpful and not bothered that you’re there. This will be my place to buy from going forward. The place was busy and still had staff checking in and ready to grab frags and live stock upon request. The prices on some items are KILLER while others are average but you don’t have to spend $50+ to ship it if you buy online like I have in the past.”
— Suede Bobby5.06 days ago“Rob and his team are awesome they have helped us out so much every time we have gone in there. They are super knowledgeable and don't hesitate to help anyone who asks.”
— Rayven5.0a month ago“Great place. Staff is very knowledgeable and friendly.”
— A Davis5.0a month ago“These guys/gals are great. My dad passed away a few years ago and he loved his reef tank. I had a lot of trouble keeping it up and figuring out what to do. They helped me out and now the tank looks better than it did before. I could not be more appreciative and happy with the service I received. Also dont listen to the guys saying its expensive (Its a reef tank dude and you live in the desert) the prices are actually very reasonable. Thanks Southwest Reef for allowing me to keep my dad's memory alive through something he truly loved doing. Theres no where else I'd even consider going to.”
— Kellen Tetreault5.02 months ago“Always friendly knowledgeable and helpful”
— Jordan Skinner5.02 months ago“This is the best place in town for anything pertaining to Aquariums. I've shopped here for well over 10 years. Prices are great, livestock is healthy, staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Rob has gone out of his way to help on many occasions. They have helped deliver Aquariums multiple times without issues. Highly recommend Southwest Reef Co.”
— Trenton Stueck5.03 months ago“Albuquerque is lucky to have this place. These folks have always done right by me. Very fair, helpful and great service! Thanks for helping me into the hobby SWReef!”
— indi blake5.03 months ago“Nice helpful employee and owner is so knowledgeable”
— Valerie Lucero5.0a week ago“Beautiful store. Super clean fish tanks way better then petsmart!”
— Invisible Mom5.02 weeks ago“Rob is such a nice and friendly fish enthusiast. He will set up straight and make sure you are getting what you need . For beginners and non beginners”
— xSONNYX1175.03 weeks ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (505) 884-0901 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Southwest Reef Co LLC.