About
Rusty's Reefs in West Bountiful, Utah has built a loyal following across the Wasatch Front, drawing hobbyists who willingly drive 30 to 40 minutes past closer shops because the quality justifies the trip. Despite the name suggesting a saltwater-only operation, the store stocks a strong lineup of both freshwater and saltwater livestock — a pleasant surprise for first-time visitors. The saltwater side is where Rusty's truly shines.
Reviewers consistently call it one of the best reef stores in Utah, praising the diversity and affordability of corals, the rotating selection of unique saltwater fish, and standout invertebrates like anemones and cleaner shrimp. Owner Rusty and his staff have guided countless customers through their first saltwater tank setups, patiently fielding endless questions without a hint of condescension. The store also sells reverse osmosis water and premixed saltwater by the gallon — bring your own container.
On the freshwater side, you'll find healthy-looking fish and shrimp, live plants, quality hardscape materials like rocks and driftwood, and ethical betta tanks that keep individual fish in proper conditions rather than sad little cups. The livestock visibly benefits from clean, well-maintained display tanks — customers regularly note the active, vibrant appearance of the animals compared to big-box alternatives. The supply side covers medications, fish food (including Benereef, which regulars swear by for reef tanks), and essential equipment, though some visitors wish the tank and hardware selection were broader.
Special orders for livestock and supplies are available for those seeking something specific. Staff knowledge runs deep here. Multiple reviewers describe walking in confused after hours of internet research, only to have their questions answered clearly in ten minutes.
Henry and Rusty receive particular praise for their patience and expertise. The store also offers deals on used aquariums for hobbyists just starting out. For anyone in northern Utah building a reef or freshwater community tank, Rusty's Reefs delivers the combination of healthy livestock, fair pricing, and genuine expertise that keeps people coming back.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationWater Testing
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Widely regarded as one of the best reef and coral shops in Utah
- Sells RO water and premixed saltwater by the gallon (bring your own container)
- Ethical betta tanks with properly housed individual fish
- Strong freshwater selection including live plants, shrimp, and quality hardscape
- Staff led by owner Rusty provides patient, in-depth consultation for new and experienced hobbyists
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Super helpful and knowledgeable staff, never not a great experiences! I bought a bunch of fish and all of them look beautiful!”
— Blake Becker5.0a week ago“This is a really good place to get some fish. I'll be shopping again soon! edit: These guys really helped me out finding a fish ive been wanting for a long time. I'm very happy I chose Rustys to get my fish.”
— Eonbree5.0Edited 2 weeks ago“Great selection of fresh and salt water fish. More unique varieties than you get at PetSmart or Petco and they have very knowledge and helpful employees. They have ethical Betta tanks which is so awesome to see, which makes for healthy Bettas.”
— Lindsey Erickson5.02 weeks ago“We love this place! Always helpful and friendly. Wonderful people and wonderful pets/products.”
— Kristi Eakle (Kristi Torsak)5.02 weeks ago“Unfortunately I've only had several bad experiences here. The staff are friendly but their fish, expertise, and policies are disappointing. Here they have boraras naevus (strawberry rasbora) mislabeled as boraras brigittae (chilli rasbora) which was disappointing after I had already purchased what I thought was my dream fish. A school of cherry barbs all passed away after only 2 days of purchase, per their return policy I brought them in with water samples to test. Even after finding nothing wrong with the water, and the rest of the tank inhabitants were thriving, they refused to refund and told me it was my fault since they "failed to thrive." Um, what? As annoyed as I was I still gave them more chances as they're the nearest fish store and have a good selection. My final straws were when they sold me a wild type neo shrimp as an "amano" shrimp, a harlequin rasbora brought cottonmouth which I had to treat an entire tank for, and now my new endlers have completely broken out in ich/epistylis after a few days of having them. Attached are photos of the poor things in their hospital tank. Maybe I'm just unlucky with my purchases but I buy fish from 4 different stores and I've only had issues/illness from this store. Everything is overpriced and it feels like they just want your money, which I've spent a lot here. I'm definitely never returning. There are far better fish stores in other counties that I'd rather travel to.”
— Rochelle Ye1.0a month ago“They have a great variety of both freshwater and saltwater fish. Their fish all appear healthy and the tanks are well maintained. Super friendly employees as well”
— Bella H.5.0a month ago“I love this store. I had a silly idea for my first SW tank and they helped me with 0 judgement! Good selection, nice people. 10/10 will be back”
— P N5.0a month ago“Love this place. Always clean tanks and helpful staff”
— Trevor Johnson5.0Edited a month ago“I wish I had found this place earlier, the name is somewhat deceptive. The staff is fantastic! Very knowledgeable and friendly. Service was great, and the stock selection is as much or more than what you’d find in a big box store, and way more healthy too! A little pricey, but if you consider you’re paying for quality, fantastic customer service, and well maintained stock, it’s totally worth it! I will be back for sure.”
— Stephen Mobley5.02 months ago“Great store! Fish look great! Coral are affordable! Willing to special order you live things or supplies”
— Eric Lombardi5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (801) 992-3554 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Rusty's Reefs.