Real Reef Aquatics

Real Reef Aquatics and the owner Ethan exemplify an extraordinary level of knowledge in the realm of aquatic life. Their expertise is unmatched, and it's evident that they possess a deep understanding of various species, their requirements, and how they interact within an aquarium environment. Ethan's passion and commitment to educating and assisting both beginners and experienced aquarists are commendable. He patiently listens to customers' needs, offering tailored recommendations and ensuring their satisfaction. The website is a treasure trove of high-quality livestock and coral, carefully maintained for optimal health. With Ethan and Real Reef Aquatics, you can trust that you're receiving guidance from a true professional who genuinely cares about creating thriving and harmonious aquatic ecosystems.

WOW! I HAVE NOTHING BUT POSITIVE THINGS TO SAY!!! Definitely the best quality-and deals I have come across in Wilmington thus far. First off, don't let the other reviews or the address fool you. I have gone to so many shops and know first hand; if the shop offers "emergency services" and it's a small business *call first* they could be out on an emergency call. I call first, shop was open! I arrived 5 minutes later and purchased 80 callous of salt water for only $1 per gallon!!! WHAT AN ABSOLUTE DEAL! You can purchase even more at any given time without pressure order, RO and testing available too. Owner was super nice, and so helpful. Being new in town I was shocked being this close to the beach more people aren't in the hobby, and few stores. The display tanks here by far are healthier, cleaner, and offer far more Coral variety then the other local big stores. The vibrant Coral here just screams quality, healthy, quality, and the cost just makes you want to buy it all up.

***IF you need to buy a quick heater, little water pump, or air stone; run into Walmart, home depot, pet smart, or petco...they are all less than 5 min from here.
****IF YOU NEED; quality personalized custome services, beautiful Coral, water, salt, testing, babysitting, tank builds, maintenance, literally anything a big box store wouldn't do and would do- COME HERE! YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!

It was even cleaner then other local shops.

Real Reef (Ethan) is very professional and knowledgeable. He got me some hard to find fish and did a wonderful job programming my Apex. Ethan has a very bright future in this business.

Quality fish, quality coral, quality owner. Ethan is the go to person for all aquatic needs in Wilmington!

Incredible service. So professional and knowledgeable. Ethan truly performed a miracle on our tank.

Great prices and service, Ethan is very knowledgeable!

Woke up to all my fish dying this morning because apparently my Heater went out. I scrambled to make it to the closest fish store that was open which Google showed was Real Reef Aquatics. This store is listed as being open (7am to 7pm) and had the box for Instore Shopping checked off so I thought it would be an actual tangible brick and mortar business. It is not.

No one answered the phone and the address led me to a residential apartment building that doesn't appear to have any commercial retail space available.

Short version: All my fish died today and while I may not have been able to save them there was still a chance if I had just made it back with a heater in time. I get to some people they may just be fish but man they really did have personalities and were apart of my life.

Highly suggest editing Google business info so this doesn't happen to anyone else. No one should be left sitting in a parking lot wasting time while their pets die.

It's places like this that draw the hobby down. This is just another guy working out of his house, places like this hurt the real local stores that have invested all they have to do this type of work.