About
Tucked away in Albany, New York, CapitalCorals Research & Restoration has quietly become the capital region's go-to destination for reef enthusiasts chasing quality coral at fair prices. This isn't your typical pet store — it's a coral-focused facility with a research and restoration mission, where college students study coral behavior and the passion of the operation is palpable the moment you walk in. The selection here is staggering.
Reviewers consistently call it the largest coral collection in the area, with frags and colonies spanning beginner-friendly softies like GSP, Kenya tree, and xenia to rarer specimens that will catch the eye of seasoned reef keepers. The display tanks alone are worth the trip — multiple customers have driven over an hour just to browse, and several say they could spend hours taking it all in. Michael, known affectionately as "Doc" by regulars, runs the operation with obvious devotion.
He's the kind of owner who will come to the store on short notice to help customers, spend real time walking newcomers through their first coral purchase, and offer frank advice on tank issues. First-time buyers describe feeling genuinely guided rather than sold to, and repeat customers speak about him like a trusted friend in the hobby. CapitalCorals also ships orders, and the mail-order experience mirrors the in-store quality.
Customers report receiving healthy frags that are larger than expected, often with a surprise freebie tucked into the box. The pricing draws consistent praise — affordable enough that people choose it over online retailers, with the added benefit of seeing specimens in person. Oh, and there are dogs wandering the shop, which only adds to the welcoming atmosphere.
For anyone in upstate New York maintaining a saltwater reef tank, this place fills a niche that the region has long needed — a dedicated coral shop with deep knowledge, honest pricing, and a genuine conservation ethos behind the glass.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- CoralsReef
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Largest coral selection in the Albany capital region with frags and full colonies
- Research facility where college students study coral behavior
- Owner 'Doc' Michael provides patient, in-depth reef-keeping consultation
- Ships coral orders with healthy, generously-sized frags and surprise extras
- Beginner-friendly softies like GSP, Kenya tree, and xenia alongside rare specimens
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Best place to get corals .Great guys and I love supporting a local company”
— Amy Cruella5.0a week ago“Extremely knowledgeable and helpful staff. Great corals”
— Donald Roy5.0a month ago“Just got my order today. I have purchased once before in store. Both experiences have been absolutely amazing. They are so helpful and great at answering questions. The frags I received in my order today were all healthy and larger than I expected. They even through in a surprise for me. It’s definitely become my favorite place to purchase corals. If you are near Albany it’s definitely worth stopping in. I could have spent hours just looking at their amazing collection.”
— justin meyer5.04 months ago“Great guy runs this shop! Plenty of variation of coral and some beautiful fish, very healthy and prices are fair, big colonys and frags!”
— Wesley Ashbey5.011 months ago“👍👍👍”
— Ryan Gobin5.0a year ago“Always helpful and willing to answer all my questions. Best place to go in the area hands down. From beginner to advanced reef keepers, everyone can walk away with new information for success in keeping a reef tank.”
— Jonathan Vazquez5.0a year ago“Love this place everyone is so kind and knowledgeable. They can help you with just about anything with salt water. As I tell them, they are my new best friends.”
— joe king5.0a year ago“Really impressive facility, and Michael was super helpful and patient with me buying my first corals. Hard to imagine going anywhere else.”
— Jon Cousins5.0a year ago“Beautiful shop. His coral selection and display is amazing. He was very helpful and knowledgeable. I drove over an hour to go to captaincorals and I will def be back”
— Missy rose5.0Edited a year ago“Very helpful and knowledgeable owner came right to the store to help us out great place will be going back 👍”
— Matt Fowler5.02 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (518) 225-5748 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting CapitalCorals Research & Restoration.