About
Walk into Supreme Reefs in Fairfax, Virginia, and the first thing that stops you in your tracks is the massive display tank — towering coral colonies grown out to jaw-dropping size, with show-stopping fish like a Gem tang and what appears to be a black Koi tang gliding through the reef. It's a living portfolio that tells you immediately: the people running this shop know how to keep coral thriving. Owned and operated by Ben Scarlett alongside staff member Mo, Supreme Reefs has built a devoted following across the DMV area for its curated selection of healthy corals, saltwater fish, and invertebrates.
The coral inventory is deep and colorful — reviewers consistently rave about the richness of the color spectrum on display — and the shop even maintains NFS (not-for-sale) specimens while tracing back their lineage, a level of dedication that reef hobbyists genuinely appreciate. Beyond the saltwater focus, Supreme Reefs stocks live plants, freshwater fish, tank supplies, filters, and RO/DI water. The shop is meticulously clean, and the livestock looks healthy across the board, which speaks to rigorous husbandry practices behind the scenes.
What sets Supreme Reefs apart is the in-person expertise. Ben is frequently praised by name for his deep knowledge — offering on-the-spot advice tailored to individual tanks that you simply can't replicate through online vendors. Whether someone is setting up their first aquarium or growing out an established reef, the staff takes time to answer questions and make thoughtful suggestions rather than just pushing product.
The shop's reputation has spread partly through community engagement; Ben attends local frag swaps and personally invites hobbyists to visit. 9-star rating from over 300 reviews. Parking in the Fairfax shopping area can be competitive, but regulars say the extra walk is worth it.
For reef enthusiasts in Northern Virginia, Supreme Reefs delivers stunning livestock, genuine expertise, and a shop experience that reminds you why visiting in person still matters.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationTank Maintenance
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Massive display tank featuring grown-out coral colonies, Gem tang, and rare black Koi tang
- NFS coral specimens with traced lineage showcasing breeding dedication
- Owner Ben Scarlett known for deep expertise and personalized reef advice
- Wide selection of vibrant, healthy corals and saltwater fish
- Immaculately clean shop with near-perfect 4.9-star rating across 300+ reviews
From keepers
Customer reviews
“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“This was my first time at the store. I met Ben a week earlier at a frag swap. He invited me to come out and check out the store since it was local for me. The first thing I noticed was this huge display tank with giant coral colonies. You know the owners know what they are doing when they can grow out a tank like that and they have several. I can't stop thinking about that tank there was the most beautiful Gem tang and what looked like a black Koi Tang. They have so many corals for sale and a nice selection of fish and invertebrates. The staff member who helped me was very nice and answered all of my questions. I will definitely be back soon.”
— Michael Jones5.03 months ago“First time at this spot and I was blown away! The staff was super helpful and clearly takes care of this shop to the highest standard. The place was clean, had a wide range of available options for coral and there were great tank supplies ready to take home. They also had some excellent NFS coral that they’re tracing back the lineage and it was cool to see it before it’s ready for sale. They offered excellent suggestions for my existing tank and I’m very pleased with the coral I left with. Highly recommend! As for parking, it’s a duel to find a spot but it’s worth the extra steps if you have to park further away.”
— Andrea Kuoni5.04 months ago“Just got out of Supreme Reefs! And I must say, the variety of species and richness in color spectrum is simply Stunning! This is why you go in-store! Ben, is a wealth of expertise that you just cant match with on-the-spot advise that you can't always get when you go to online vendors. Unmatched professionalism! 10 out of 10 satisfaction.”
— Samson wosu5.05 months ago“Supreme Reefs is super awesome! Ben Scarlett and Mo are always so welcoming and helpful. We just got started with our aquarium and they’ve helped us every step of the way.”
— taylor huynh5.08 months ago“Ben has some of the healthiest corals and fish you will ever see, as well some of the most unique.”
— Greg Sproles5.0Edited 9 months ago“Great customer service! Always helpful and friendly”
— Santana Ros5.09 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.