New York Reef Aquatic

Walk into New York Reef Aquatic in Flushing and you'll immediately notice two things: the store is immaculately clean, and the coral selection is staggering. NYRA has built a devoted following among saltwater hobbyists across the entire East Coast — one reviewer drives from Massachusetts just to shop here, and another orders coral shipments all the way to Miami, raving about the careful packaging and the free frags included with every order. The heart of the operation is reef.

Frag tanks brim with healthy, vibrant corals at prices that undercut most competitors, and the livestock translates well to home systems — multiple reviewers report their NYRA corals thriving for months and years, a stark contrast to pieces that melted within days from other shops. Clownfish are a popular pick (more than one parent has come in to build a "Nemo tank" for their kids), and the store stocks seahorses, octopus, anglers, eels, and even small sharks for the more adventurous keeper. Freshwater isn't an afterthought either.

Bettas, guppies, goldfish, and koi fill dedicated tanks, and the staff — frequently named Calvin, Ben, Jenny, Karen, and Alvin — are well-versed in both disciplines. They'll test your home water before selling you fish, build you an acclimation drip on the spot, and troubleshoot a leaking overflow on a 125-gallon setup without missing a beat. 5 nano all the way up to a Red Sea Reefer 525 G2.

Beyond livestock, NYRA carries live rock, salt water, dry goods, and equipment — enough to function as a genuine one-stop reef shop. Their online store extends their reach nationally, with corals shipped with care and confidence. The staff's willingness to answer questions, offer honest advice, and follow up on problems keeps customers returning weekly, many describing the experience as more like visiting family than shopping at a pet store.