About
Tucked in Daleville, Virginia, Ultimate Aquariums is a saltwater-focused shop that has earned a devoted following across the Roanoke Valley and well beyond. Owner Justin runs the operation with an infectious passion for reef keeping that reviewers mention again and again — and it's not just talk. The coral selection here is routinely described as the best in the region: vibrant, healthy, and diverse enough to satisfy collectors who've shopped stores from Northern Virginia to Florida.
Customers have walked out with armloads of corals (one reviewer came home with five in a single trip), pink urchins that settled right in, and saltwater fish that arrive in their home tanks thriving. What sets Ultimate Aquariums apart is Justin's willingness to invest serious time with each customer. Multiple reviewers describe 30-minute consultations about reef tank issues, honest advice about cycling timelines, and frank guidance on fish compatibility — even when the answers aren't what people want to hear.
He'll tell you straight: "At the end of the day, it's ultimately your decision," but not before explaining exactly why patience will save you time and money. He's helped an 11-year-old build and maintain his first saltwater tank over the course of a year, and he remembers regulars by name. The store itself is clean and well-maintained, with display tanks that double as proof of concept — Justin has named many of the resident fish and has even started training some of them, a spectacle that has genuinely astonished visitors.
Some fish in the shop are permanent residents rather than inventory, and he's transparent about that, happily ordering specific species on request. For anyone running a reef tank in the Shenandoah Valley or greater Roanoke area, Ultimate Aquariums is the kind of shop that turns a solo hobby into a supported one. Customers drive over an hour each way just to browse, and many say they'd make the trip even with nothing on their shopping list.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Consultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Largest coral selection in the Roanoke Valley with vibrant, healthy specimens
- Owner Justin provides in-depth one-on-one saltwater consultations
- Will order specific fish and corals on request if not currently in stock
- Impeccably maintained display tanks with named resident fish
- Draws loyal customers from over an hour away across Virginia
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Absolutely one of the most genuine hobby stores that specializes in saltwater around! Justin, the owner, hands down one of the most knowledgeable and passionate professionals I have ever experienced. My forever spot!”
— Alexander Dean5.02 months ago“A hidden gem for saltwater enthusiasts! Justin is knowledgeable and friendly. Every time I leave, I can’t wait to come back!”
— Katie O'Donnell5.03 months ago“Best store ever”
— Steven Stovall5.03 months ago“Justin was awesome as always great store for your local salt needs”
— Jeremy Beiler5.05 months ago“Owner talked to me about my reef tank issues for 30 minutes and helped me get things figured out. Very knowledgeable, nice guy.”
— Wayne Kees5.05 months ago“I know this is for sure, I'm a better person after leaving this place, because of the guy that runs it. Justin was EXTREMELY knowledgeable about everything in there and had no problem answering my questions and providing information where he saw I obviously lacked it. I've never considered having an aquarium that was purely salt water until speaking with him. He makes it seem so much easier than I know it probably is, but that's just because he is a flawless expert in his field. I don't think anyone else would be able to work in that place and pull it off as flawlessly in expertly as he can and did. He has named the fish, and they all have the greatest little personalities. He was even talking about training one of the fish, and I could see how that could be a possibility because of how the fish would already react to some of the things that Justin would do. It was astonishing and I wouldn't have believed it had I not seen it. I also noticed another fish copying the one fish that Justin was training, because of the reward that he noticed that fish getting.wouldn't have believed it had I not seen it, I cannot stress that enough. This was the most unexpected and wonderful experience that I will cherish forever, which sounds so weird because it's a fish store. However, I'll stand by that statement because of the amazing feeling that I walked out with that I didn't come in with. That alone was priceless. Justin, thank you again for all of your help, knowledge, and for including your customers into your everyday routine in your store. You really close the gap between human and fish and prove that bonding is possible and unavoidable for anyone that meets any of your fish. Thank you for everything.”
— Victoria U (Tori)5.08 months ago“This is the best reef shop around the owner is a super nice guy and very knowledgeable. Haven’t been to this nice of a reef store since I lived in Florida.”
— Matthew H5.08 months ago“Justin is very knowledgeable and has the best variety of corals in the area. Our pink urchin has settled in nicely and is eating plenty algae. All of the corals we bought are doing great!! We will be repeat customers. Ty Justin.”
— Raymond BUTTERWORTH5.08 months ago“Great customer service. Good selection of corals. Justin is very knowledgeable and can help with selection of pets that work or don't work well together.”
— Ben Mercer5.011 months ago“This place is the BOMB! Justin is super knowledgeable and friendly. He actually remembers my name and greets me every time I come in. He is always willing to answer my newbie questions and points me in the right direction for things to get for my tank. He tries to post when he is freshly stocked on Facebook and will answer questions there if i ask them. The store is well kept and pretty easy to find. I recommend this place!”
— Samantha Wagner5.011 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (540) 580-7755 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Ultimate Aquariums.