About
Walking into Aquariums Unlimited in Virginia Beach feels less like shopping and more like visiting a private aquarium. Spread across nearly 10,000 square feet, the store features stunning display tanks — several exceeding 500 gallons — showcasing sharks, puffer fish, and magnificent coral formations that draw gasps from first-time visitors. The space itself is unexpectedly elegant, with polished floors and chandeliers that give it an atmosphere far removed from the typical pet shop.
The livestock selection is genuinely impressive on both sides of the salinity spectrum. Freshwater hobbyists will find everything from fancy guppies and tropical community fish to aquatic plants like salvinia, spider wood for aquascaping, and shrimp for nano setups. The saltwater section is where Aquariums Unlimited really flexes, with a coral collection that dedicated reef keepers drive from as far as Newport News to browse.
Tanks are notably clean, fish appear healthy, and multiple reviewers report zero losses after purchase — a stark contrast to big-box store experiences. Owner Mark and staff members like Sam and Liam have built loyal followings for their willingness to walk customers through tank setup decisions, stocking choices, and equipment needs. The store stocks a solid range of tanks, stands, RO water, décor, and dry goods, making it genuinely possible to walk out with a complete setup in one trip.
A 75-gallon tank, stand, and RO water at competitive prices? That's a real transaction that happened here. Beyond fish, there's a substantial reptile department with bearded dragons, geckos, turtles, snakes, feeder insects, and terrarium supplies.
And yes — there's a resident sloth, which is exactly the kind of detail that makes this place memorable. Service can be inconsistent during busy periods; a few visitors have struggled to flag down staff. But when you connect with the right person, the guidance is detailed and judgment-free.
For Virginia Beach aquarists building their next freshwater planted tank or saltwater reef, Aquariums Unlimited is the local heavyweight.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationTank Setup
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Nearly 10,000 sq ft facility with 500+ gallon display tanks featuring sharks, puffers, and coral
- Extensive coral collection attracting saltwater reef hobbyists from across Hampton Roads
- Complete tank setup shopping — tanks, stands, RO water, décor, and livestock in one trip
- Healthy fish with clean tanks and strong customer survival rates post-purchase
- Full reptile department with bearded dragons, geckos, snakes, and feeder insects
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I had met someone in the area to purchase heat pads for my reptile babies and he had mentioned this place...SO HAPPY I STOPPED BY! One special employee LIAM in the reptile department was extremely kind and helpful. I was able to get everything else needed to properly set up the new two additions to my family. I also snapped a few pics if their amazing well put together store. I'll be taking that hour drive monthly to get my reptilian family needs! THANKS LIAM YOU WE'RE A GREAT HELP!!!”
— Anika Greene5.04 days ago“Amazing store with great owners! Nearly 10,000 square feet of fish, Reptiles and more. AU has everything you need in one stop. You want a new tank, walk out with it and have everything you need to go with it. Have questions about setting up said tank. Well between 1 of the 5 people on the floor you'll walk out with all the answers to questions and concerned you had. Furthermore, this store is a spectacle. Several 500+ gallon tanks full of beautiful coral, sharks, puffer fish and more. Did I mention they have a sloth....”
— Patrick David5.0a week ago“Went to look for corals.”
— Myrna Linzy4.0a week ago“It was beautiful store but the young adult working had absolutely know knowledge of reptiles what's so ever , that made me never want to return . Maybe in a few years .”
— Samantha Standfuss1.02 weeks ago“Great place to buy feeder insects for your lizard, very reasonable prices.”
— jason deem5.0a month ago“Such nice & helpful folks here! Thank you.”
— Trish Schechtman5.0a month ago“This store is amazing. The people that work at the store are extremely knowledgeable very friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend if you need anything aquarium related. They also have a big reptile section that I have not been it yet. I have not gone back there yet because I don't care for those animals but if it is anything like the store it would be great as well”
— James Quinn5.0a month ago“Great selection and helpful staff!”
— Chris Holland5.0a month ago“Very knowledgeable staff! Helped me learn a lot of what my bearded dragon and corn snake need to thrive!”
— Kimmy5.02 months ago“We found this place while searching for stores to buy fancy guppies. Impressive to say the absolute least. The staff were everywhere making efforts to ensure you were assisted. The fish looked very healthy and the tanks were so clean. I didn't see a single deceased fish .. no ich... Just beautiful healthy fish. The selection of decor and other aquarium needs were great and the prices were very reasonable. They also have reptiles and all the goodies to care for them. Oh .. they have a SLOTH🦥!!! How cool is that. I felt like I was in an aquarium or zoo... So many neat things to look at. And ladies... You have got to see the gorgeous floors and chandeliers lol completely irrelevant to the animals but it was stunningly beautiful! One of the owners was very enthusiastic and was so friendly from the moment we walked in till the moment we left. This will definitely be our new fish store. Hands down. By the way... All the fish we bought are doing well. No casualties 😊 We're used to losing fish from box stores but this place seems to genuinely care about their animals and their health.”
— LENA PRIEST5.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (757) 280-5781 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquariums Unlimited LLC.