Best reef shops in Phoenix?

[Jari]

Going to be visiting Phoenix on November all the way from northern Europe. Any recommendations which shops to visit in the area?

 

[felda001]

Where in Phoenix? Anything in particular you are looking for? We're a pretty spread out area I don't want to make you drive 45 minutes just to visit.

 

[Jari]

We are actually staying at Scottsdale so there will be some driving anyways. Preferably somewhere close :) I found Kona Reef webpages, so I guess that would be one option.

 

[felda001]

We are actually staying at Scottsdale so there will be some driving anyways. Preferably somewhere close :) I found Kona Reef webpages, so I guess that would be one option.

3 Kona options. All are nice but I think the one in Chandler is the nicest looking one.

I like
The Ocean Floor www.oceanfloorstore.com and LE Coral www.lecorals.com as well. We do have a pretty good number though. Several others here who might chime in

 

[noonelikesadrytang]

The best selection of corals is going to be at Limited Edition Corals. Hands down the nicest store in Phoenix for corals.

Kona stores are nice, and fish are usually pretty healthy, but their coral prices are really high. They do have nice display tanks though.

A nice no frills store is Aquarium Arts. They’ve been in business here for 30+ years. They’re usually my go to if I’m looking for fish, but corals are hit and miss.

The other one that’s worth checking out, is Reef Monsters in Mesa. Usually a pretty good selection of fish and corals. James and Ash (the owners) are great.

 

[fish_collector]

Yep I’d agree with Limited Edition Corals (LE Corals), Aquarium Arts and Reef Monster.

Kona reef in Chandler is ok, but when we go LFS shopping it’s not high on the list. It’s usually LE, Aquarium Arts and Reef Monster. LE is hands down the best store in town, they know what they’re talking about and have a pretty big selection of SPS and gear.

 

[Jari]

Thanks for the suggestions. Corals and fish are of course nice to see, but pretty much impossible to shop in hopes of bringing them to flight back home. Probably end up looking for some dips, accessories or other stuff which we do not have available in Europe.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Depending on the time you're here and how obsessed you are with reefing, the local club has a monthly meeting which is always a fun time.

 

[noonelikesadrytang]

Thanks for the suggestions. Corals and fish are of course nice to see, but pretty much impossible to shop in hopes of bringing them to flight back home. Probably end up looking for some dips, accessories or other stuff which we do not have available in Europe.

Your best bets for this would be The Ocean Floor (it’s a huge store, albeit in a less desirable area) and Limited Edition Corals. If you know something specific you’re looking for, they may be able to get it in a day or two, even if they don’t have it in stock. The Phoenix metro has multiple wholesalers here that sell to stores across the country.

Also, if you’re in town and free November 16th, you should definitely check out the Arizona FRAG meeting. It’ll be at @Vivid Creative Aquatics shop. Definitely worth seeing his operation.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

@Jari - it would be awesome if you could make it to the AZFRAG club meeting we are holding at our facility. Where not far from Scottsdale and it would be mostly freeway , so the drive would be quick.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/LdPod96gxEpFZ9Qu7
https://vividcreativeaquatics.com/
All the stores listed above are good choices - there ae a few others to check out too such as Aquaholics, The Big Fish Store, and OnlyFins Aquatics

 

[Jari]

@Jari - it would be awesome if you could make it to the AZFRAG club meeting we are holding at our facility. Where not far from Scottsdale and it would be mostly freeway , so the drive would be quick.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/LdPod96gxEpFZ9Qu7
https://vividcreativeaquatics.com/
All the stores listed above are good choices - there ae a few others to check out too such as Aquaholics, The Big Fish Store, and OnlyFins Aquatics

Thank you for the invite, what time do you have the meeting? I have to see if I can make it (traveling for work). If I cannot make it, I try to visit some other day :)

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Thank you for the invite, what time do you have the meeting? I have to see if I can make it (traveling for work). If I cannot make it, I try to visit some other day :)

The meeting at vca will be November 16th 2-4pm.

Next months is tricky because it's in someone's home and is usually only open to members.

Even if your schedule doesn't line up, it's definitely a treat to visit vca. Antonio opens up his doors for a meeting at least once a year, this next meeting will be welcomed because the last few times he hosted in the summer months and with all those people in the building, it definitely got warm. Hehe

When are you planning to be here?

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

Thank you for the invite, what time do you have the meeting? I have to see if I can make it (traveling for work). If I cannot make it, I try to visit some other day :)

The club meeting is 2-4PM on Saturday, November 16th. They usually run a bit longer than 4pm though.
https://www.azfrag.org/meeting-dates
Last year's meeting at our place was a blast - we had a great turnout and amazing raffle prizes. It would be great if you could make it. Then we could say we had an international club meeting - LOL

 

[Doctorgori]

Aquarium Arts

Pardon me Just eavesdropping …
Aquarium Arts?
they are still around? …wow Kingsley got me started back in 86 when he was on Camelback, then later on Alma School & US60 or thereabouts ….

WOW, that’s longevity

 

[Jari]

The meeting at vca will be November 16th 2-4pm.

Next months is tricky because it's in someone's home and is usually only open to members.

Even if your schedule doesn't line up, it's definitely a treat to visit vca. Antonio opens up his doors for a meeting at least once a year, this next meeting will be welcomed because the last few times he hosted in the summer months and with all those people in the building, it definitely got warm. Hehe

When are you planning to be here?

We will be there November 13-17th, so it might be possible. I have to check if the schedule lines up :)

 

[fish_collector]

Theres about 100 years of reefing experience with the good folks in the photo.