About
Supreme Reefs is the kind of aquarium store that stops reef hobbyists in their tracks the moment they walk in the door in Fairfax, VA. A towering display tank anchors the room, its coral colonies grown out to remarkable size, with show-stopping fish like a Gem tang and a striking black Koi tang gliding through the rockwork. It reads like a living portfolio, telling you immediately that the people here know how to keep coral thriving.
Owner Ben Scarlett, working alongside his longtime crew, has built one of the most devoted followings in the DMV. Recent visitors keep returning to the same theme: unlimited, top-quality coral paired with the kind of in-person advice you simply cannot get from a screen. One March guest called it "hands down the best reef store I've visited in the DMV area," while another drove in from out of state to make Supreme Reefs their regular coral supplier.
The selection of saltwater fish, corals, and invertebrates for sale in Fairfax, VA runs deep, and the color spectrum on the frag racks is what regulars rave about most. Beyond the reef side, the shop stocks live plants, freshwater fish, filters, fish food, RO/DI water, and a solid wall of dry goods and tank supplies, including Red Sea gear that often lands on these shelves ahead of many larger retailers, and it's local. The store is meticulously clean and the livestock looks healthy across the board, a sign of the careful husbandry behind the scenes.
A few specimens are kept as not-for-sale while their lineage is traced, a detail serious reefers genuinely appreciate. What truly sets the place apart is Ben himself. Whether someone is cycling a first tank or growing out an established reef, he takes time to answer every question and tailor suggestions to the specific tank in front of them.
Parking in the Fairfax shopping center can be a duel, but regulars agree the extra steps are worth it for a shop that reminds you why visiting in person still matters.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Supreme Reefs in Fairfax, VA
Supreme Reefs stocks corals, reef fish, invertebrates, tangs, aquarium plants and saltwater & freshwater fish for sale in Fairfax, VA. As an aquarium store serving Fairfax, VA, it also carries aquarium equipment, dry goods and fish food and offers aquarium consultations, tank maintenance and aquarium setup.
- Livestock & products
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Massive display tank showcasing grown-out coral colonies, a Gem tang, and a black Koi tang
- Owner Ben Scarlett praised by name for deep reef expertise and personalized, in-person advice
- Deep selection of healthy corals, saltwater fish, and invertebrates with a standout color spectrum
- Stocks live plants, freshwater fish, filters, fish food, RO/DI water, dry goods, and Red Sea equipment
- Near-perfect 4.9-star rating across 300+ reviews; draws hobbyists from across the DMV
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Amazing. By far the best saltwater aquarium store for fish, coral, and dry goods in the DMV area. Worth the drive from DC!”
— Nicholas Albanese5.0a month ago“10/10 service, hands down the best reef store I’ve visited in the DMV area! Unlimited QUALITY coral selections that come along with great advice. If you’re looking for a store that’ll tend to your reef tanks needs for a great price, supreme reefs is the place to visit. Such an amazing store ! Thanks a lot Ben for the help!”
— Ronjai5.03 months ago“I love this place ❤️ I got greeted as soon as i walked in Ben was a great help very kind ...”
— Maria Echevarria5.03 months ago“Awesome setup amazing variety of fish and coral and supplies as well super friendly and knowledgeable you guys got to check this store out and speak to the owner Ben”
— M.I.T Angel5.03 months ago“Ben was very helpful. Took his time to answer any and all questions about different corals. Will be buying our stock here from now!”
— Jared Mercer5.03 months ago“We visited for the first time today from out of state, trying to find our favorite coral supplier. Ben was so nice very educational. We enjoyed every second of being there. We plan to only stock our coral here!”
— Marissa Rash5.03 months ago“Entered the store and wasn't greeted, thought that was strange considering the guy was surfing on his phone in an empty store. It is a nice fancy place, but there was a lack of acropora ready to sell. Prices on everything were highly inflated when I inquired, and of course no prices were visible to the consumer, so I do believe the guy just made them up on the fly depending on customer profile. Not sure how the place does much business, and I wouldn't go back simply because of the high price gouging. Turn on the main aquarium lights during business hours, no one wants to see windex blue tanks while shopping for coral. The excuse that it's for coral health is hot garbage. Change your day light cycle so it coincides with business hours.”
— Davileet T2.04 months ago“Great store, clean, friendly staff! Best store I seen in DMV!”
— Mo Ko5.0a month ago“No offense to anyone there; they are very friendly and knowledgeable. However, I purchased 40 gallons of fresh water (RO/DI) from them. They are selling 1 gallon for $2.50, which is truly unheard of. I had to buy the most expensive fish tank water ever. I didn’t ask for the price, but they should have informed me since I carried 40 gallons of empty jugs. No RODI water should cost this much. I’ve been in the hobby long enough to know that no water worth that money exists, even saltwater.”
— Saylo OZKOK2.0a month ago“Great experience. Super knowledgeable staff and very helpful. Will def be back again as my tank grows! Thanks!”
— Daniel Sheehan5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (703) 261-6406 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Supreme Reefs.