About
In a part of western North Carolina where saltwater hobbyists once had to drive to Greenville, Charlotte, or even Atlanta for quality reef supplies, Skip's Reef Supply in Hendersonville has become a destination worth the trip — and for many, the end of those long drives. This dedicated saltwater shop focuses exclusively on what reef keepers need: healthy marine fish, vibrant corals, invertebrates, dry goods, and fish foods. The first thing customers notice is how clean everything is.
Tanks are described as immaculate across nearly every review, and the livestock reflects that standard. Snowflake clownfish, blood red fire shrimp, snails — animals leave this shop healthy and thriving. Coral selection is diverse, with new arrivals coming in almost weekly, giving regulars a reason to keep stopping by.
The store also stocks a solid range of reef foods, including brands like Larry's Reef, alongside essential dry goods and supplies. Skip himself is the heart of the operation. He's the kind of owner who will sit down and help diagnose problems with your reef tank, walk a newcomer through their first setup, or source a replacement display tank overnight when disaster strikes.
Multiple reviewers emphasize his honesty — a trait that matters enormously in a hobby where bad advice can cost hundreds of dollars and months of effort. One longtime fishkeeper with over 55 years of experience called him "a straight shooter" and urged local reefers to support the business. The shop has been growing steadily, expanding its livestock offerings and dry goods inventory, and at the time of several reviews was preparing to move into a larger space.
Customers drive from Morganton, from across the Tennessee border, and from nearly two hours away to make Skip's their go-to store. For saltwater enthusiasts in the Hendersonville area and well beyond, this is the local reef shop they've been waiting for.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationTank Setup
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Immaculately clean tanks with healthy saltwater livestock
- Strong coral selection with new arrivals almost weekly
- Owner Skip provides hands-on reef tank diagnosis and setup help
- Expanding into a bigger shop with growing livestock and dry goods inventory
- Draws dedicated reefers from across western NC, SC, and beyond
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Our first visit to Skips did not disappoint. Excellent selection of fish, coral and supplies. Skip was also very helpful in helping us diagnose some issues we’ve been having with our reef tank.”
— Home Inspection Collective5.03 weeks ago“Very knowledgeable staff and helped me get set up with coral and some other supplies! Best shop in the area by far!”
— Carson Sluder5.0a month ago“Beautiful selection of salt water fish!”
— Michelle Sparrow5.011 months ago“They employees were very knowledgeable and helpful. Very clean place”
— Cheryl Szepanski5.0a year ago“This place is amazing, everything is kept in great condition, they know what they are talking about, they have always been extremely friendly, and I've not had as much of a snail die from them.”
— Austin Styles5.0a year ago“Awesome place and awesome people. I have been going here for a couple of years and have never had a problem with anything I've bought. Happy and healthy coral and fish!”
— Jon Johnson5.02 years ago“Been keeping a reef tank for four plus years...been keeping fish for over 55 years. This place is great. The owner knows his stuff and is a straight shooter. Been driving to Greenville SC and Charlotte NC and Atlanta Ga to get my stuff. This is a local guy...finally...who tells the truth...let's Reefers support this business.”
— Steve Hamilton5.02 years ago“I enjoy seeing all the different salt fish they have and also learning about them . Will be back there soon .”
— Carolyn Bailey5.02 years ago“Fish died after 2 days. Very malnourished. Low selection of corals. Not worth the trip and will not be back.”
— Megan Halloran1.02 years ago“Skip’s is the place to go for healthy vibrant saltwater fish. Their tanks are immaculate and they offer a great selection of fish foods.”
— L Dutra5.02 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (828) 378-6467 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Skip’s Reef Supply.