Is ReefaPalooza worth going to?

JustJax · Apr 20, 2026

I live about 2 hours away from orlando. Have never been before, I was curious if its worth going to. From the videos I have watched it seems like a majority of the corals are super expensive. How are the raffles?

I'd only be able to attend Sunday, im assuming most of the deals/raffles are drawn on saturday? Thanks for your input.

Opus · Apr 20, 2026

JustJax said:
I live about 2 hours away from orlando. Have never been before, I was curious if its worth going to. From the videos I have watched it seems like a majority of the corals are super expensive. How are the raffles?

I'd only be able to attend Sunday, im assuming most of the deals/raffles are drawn on saturday? Thanks for your input.

Take a look at the floor plan on their site and see if they have vendors you would be interested in. Should have some good ones on your side of the US. I went to the one in Dallas and they have prices from real cheap to over the top expensive. Just depends on your taste. Unfortunately DFW just doesn't show support for reef swaps and RAP only lasted a couple of years here. I can't speak for the raffles, not something I participate in.

ndrwater · Apr 20, 2026

Go. Worth it.. there will be prices all over the map as mentioned above.
Sundays are the days for deals, bit you kay be limited to whatever is left over. That said, mist aellers have LOTS of great atuff available..

steveschuerger · Apr 21, 2026

I haven’t been to a RAP before but have gone twice to Frag Farmers Marketplace which is similar in concept. Would love to to a RAP someday. Go is my opinion. I guarantee that it’ll be a fun filled day and you very well may find corals for a steal.

fish_collector · Apr 21, 2026

We went to the Anaheim show a few years ago, we were largely disappointed. We paid $30 to park our car at a remote lot, $50 to get in, it was shoulder to shoulder crowded, we had to stand in line just to look at vendor's frag tanks, most acros we saw were 3/4" fresh cuts for $100+, an hour and a half and we had walked the floor twice. If this is everyone's vision of a fun day then by all means go to RAP lol.

I could have sat on my couch for free and spent the money at BattleCorals instead.

DSC reef · Apr 21, 2026

In my opinion, definitely worth it. Just meeting so many good people that share the same passion for a hobby I love was well worth it to me. I made friends with so many reps, awesome deals on corals and products, its a really good time. I remember the Carib sea rep told my then "wife" that whatever she can catch from the clownfish display in one minute we could keep, it was a fun wager, after she caught 2 withing 20 seconds he pulled the net from her

So many good people and fun times at reefapalooza.

Gumbies R Us · Apr 21, 2026

I might be biased, as I work with the R2R booth there, but I would say if you are able to go, it is 100% worth going to. There are tons of vendors to shop from, learn from the various speakers at the show, get to meet a whole bunch of people, and participate in raffles if you are into those. As others have stated, I would take a look at the floor plan so you can get a rough idea of all the people that are going to be there.

Reefapalooza Orlando | America's Largest Saltwater Aquarium Show

Reefapalooza Orlando is the mecca of the saltwater aquarium hobby! America's Largest Saltwater Aquarium show is the place to find the leading industry retailers, the hottest corals, stunning saltwater fish, and MORE!

reefapaloozashow.com

get-salty · Apr 21, 2026

"I live about 2 hours away from orlando. Have never been before"

i stopped reading after 2 sec !

If you've NEVER been to any of RAP - YOU MUST (if you call yourself a reefer)

Its super fun, you and the fam will def enjoy it ; p

revhtree · Apr 21, 2026

YES IT IS and come see us at the R2R booth early in the day for some swag before it’s all gone!

Shawn H! · Apr 21, 2026

JustJax said:
I live about 2 hours away from orlando. Have never been before, I was curious if its worth going to. From the videos I have watched it seems like a majority of the corals are super expensive. How are the raffles?

I'd only be able to attend Sunday, im assuming most of the deals/raffles are drawn on saturday? Thanks for your input.

The deals are better on Sunday.

TANKED LIFE · Apr 22, 2026

Shawn H! said:
The deals are better on Sunday.

im going for my first time as well and im not sure what to expect. my birthday was yesterday and im going for my birthday. im going to visit both days and I wanted to know what I should bring to make sure that I can keep the corals alive for the 2 days. for the people who have been... what do u guys bring??

Shawn H! · Apr 22, 2026

TANKED LIFE said:
im going for my first time as well and im not sure what to expect. my birthday was yesterday and im going for my birthday. im going to visit both days and I wanted to know what I should bring to make sure that I can keep the corals alive for the 2 days. for the people who have been... what do u guys bring??

I use the avid aqua frag travelers to fly back home with. If you are driving you can take a small cooler with you. Saltwateraquarium.com had the frag travelers for sale last year at the show. A lot of times the vendor will put them back for you and you pick up Sunday before the show ends.

jermzisurmom · Apr 22, 2026

TANKED LIFE said:
im going for my first time as well and im not sure what to expect. my birthday was yesterday and im going for my birthday. im going to visit both days and I wanted to know what I should bring to make sure that I can keep the corals alive for the 2 days. for the people who have been... what do u guys bring??

Mine is on the 28th and I will be staying both days for my birthday. Happy birthday to u!!!

TANKED LIFE · Apr 22, 2026

Shawn H! said:
I use the avid aqua frag travelers to fly back home with. If you are driving you can take a small cooler with you. Saltwateraquarium.com had the frag travelers for sale last year at the show. A lot of times the vendor will put them back for you and you pick up Sunday before the show ends.

ok thanks