About
Tucked into Eastchester, New York, Aqua Reef Aquatics Inc is a saltwater-focused shop that has quickly earned a devoted following among local reefers. Owner Nelson runs a tight operation — reviewers consistently highlight the pristine tanks, crystal-clear water, and healthy livestock as standout features. This isn't a sprawling big-box operation; it's a compact, meticulously maintained coral and marine fish shop where the owner knows every piece of livestock personally.
The coral selection is a major draw. SPS colonies with eye-popping coloration, quality LPS pieces, and standout mushrooms fill the displays. One reviewer raved about a uniquely named "New York Knicks Torch" coral, and multiple visitors describe the shop as having the best corals in the area.
Nelson curates his inventory with a hobbyist's eye — you'll find ruby red dragonets, Pakistani butterflies, copperband butterflies, and pairs of clownfish alongside the reef invertebrates. What sets Aqua Reef apart is Nelson's approach to customer service. He doesn't hover or pressure — visitors describe being able to browse comfortably and then engage in detailed conversations about tank pairing, care recommendations, and reef-keeping strategy.
Multiple newcomers to the saltwater hobby have noted how encouraging and patient he is with questions, making the shop a welcoming entry point for those transitioning from freshwater planted tanks to reef setups. The dry goods selection, while modest, hits key items that serious reefers appreciate: Reef Roids, Hanna checkers, Radion lights, salt mix, frozen foods, and test kits — all at fair retail prices. The shop is clean and well-organized, with prices clearly displayed throughout.
Open seven days a week with easy parking, Aqua Reef Aquatics has become the kind of local fish store that hobbyists feel genuinely lucky to have nearby. Nelson's combination of deep reef knowledge, quality livestock, and honest pricing has turned first-time visitors into regulars remarkably fast.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Aqua Reef Aquatics Inc in Eastchester, NY
Aqua Reef Aquatics Inc stocks corals, reef fish, invertebrates, clownfish, live rock and saltwater fish for sale in Eastchester, NY. As an aquarium store serving Eastchester, NY, it also carries fish food and aquarium equipment and offers aquarium consultations.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Exceptional coral selection including vibrant SPS, LPS, and mushrooms
- Pristine, meticulously maintained saltwater tanks throughout the shop
- Owner Nelson provides patient, knowledgeable one-on-one consultation
- Stocks specialty reef products like Reef Roids, Hanna checkers, and Radion lights at retail prices
- Healthy marine fish including dragonets, butterflies, and clownfish
From keepers
Customer reviews
“The best store with the healthiest fish!”
— S Schmidt5.02 days ago“Nelson has been instrumental in our reefing journey from day one. He helped us build our first 75-gallon tank, supplied most of our equipment, and even helped source items he didn’t carry himself. His knowledge and willingness to help have been invaluable. When our system crashed due to my own inexperience and trial-and-error learning, Nelson stepped in and guided us through the recovery process. Thanks to his expertise, we were able to save most of our livestock. That level of support is something you simply can’t put a price on. Later, we purchased a second 50-gallon setup from him, and once again he went above and beyond—personally delivering it in the middle of an unexpected snow “storm”. Now that we're preparing to move, we've decided to upgrade to a 120-gallon system, and without hesitation we turned to Nelson and Aqua Reef to handle the new setup and transition. We have purchased roughly 90% of our fish from Nelson, and every experience has been excellent. I have never walked into his shop and seen poor water conditions or unhealthy livestock. The tanks are always well-maintained, and every fish we’ve purchased has been healthy and thriving. I can confidently recommend Aqua Reef to anyone interested in the hobby. As long as I remain in this hobby, I will continue to be a loyal customer. Honestly, I would have quit reef keeping ten times over if it weren’t for Nelson’s support, guidance, and dedication to his customers.”
— samantha5.0a week ago“I drove from Connecticut to visit the this guys store I got here right when they were supposed to open nobody was there. I waited a half an hour in the parking lot still nothing. I called multiple times no one answered the phone. I drove back to my house called them again and still no answer. The store did look nice from the outside”
— Franklin Scott1.02 weeks ago“Nelson is super helpful and welcoming! I’ll often stop by while I’m working to pick his brain and ask for pointers. He has a great inventory in the store, and helped to reignite my love for the hobby. The store is also always clean.”
— Michael Baumblatt5.04 months ago“Was in the area and stopped in just to take a look and ended up spending an hour talking to the awesome guys there! Honest, helpful and you can tell there hobbyists at heart! Will definitely be back when my tanks cycled”
— Michael Oliveira5.021 hours ago“great store great fish great. prices. very kind owner.”
— geovanni osbourne5.0a month ago“I saw great reviews for the shop so I just wanted to swing by to check it out. I ended up walking out with two amazing ruby red dragonets and an awesome looking mushroom. He had a great selection and very reasonable prices. Everyone was friendly and very helpful. Will definitely be back”
— Ryan Shores5.0a month ago“It's good to see a A familiar face still in the hobby. It's my first time into the shop .it was very clean Coral and fish great shape. I end up buying a few pieces to stock my 45 jbj Great customer service. I definitely will be back. Thanks, Nelson 💪🏾”
— Derrick Kennie5.0a month ago“Great purchases . Pakistani butterfly and copper band butterfly both in perfect condition”
— Victor Cinquemani5.02 months ago“Went in for a pair of clowns today. The shop is neat and clean. Will be back for more livestock and corals!”
— Roberto LICEA5.03 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (914) 202-7100 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aqua Reef Aquatics Inc.