The Mad Reefer

Fantastic experience: Guy was ok i seen bad reviews but from me it's was nice he turned me on to some apitasa stuff that I didn't no about he had some nice corals

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love this place. Since little reef closed down this has been our go to. Have found beautiful corals and the prices are fair.

Fantastic experience: This shop is filled with knowledgeable and extremely kind and patient staff! They don’t make me feel dumb for asking dumb questions! Keep up the great work! Oh and they have a cool selection at good prices!

Fantastic experience: Great customer service on the phone or in person.

Fantastic experience: This shop is well stocked! They had the digital salinity checker I needed and a plethora of items I may need in the future. Corals are in no short supply and fish from beginner to expert level. I got 2 clown fish that now have became a mated pair and a watchman goby, none of which had any sickness or issues whatsoever.

Fantastic experience: I love this reef store. The guys that run it are very knowledgeable and nice. The prices are reasonable for this hobby.

Fantastic experience: Great selection of saltwater fish!

Fantastic experience: Great service, quality livestock and very knowledgeable staff always offering quality solutions and advice for successful reefing. Cares about the customer and marine life as well. Prices are fantastic if they don't have it they will quickly get it. Corals, fish, Inverts and dry goods! No need to shop online as they carry all of the top notch industry goods!

Fantastic experience: Great selection, better prices. Acknowledged me as soon as I walked in. I had a million beginner's questions and he was very helpful, informative, and patient. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: First time here and not the last! Received all the advice I was looking for, the service is amazing, we are highly satisfied, and we will be back next week (with the dog). This is where you need to go for real tank help, especially for us beginners!

Fantastic experience: Great selection of fish and corals.. Friendly owner and store helper.. Great prices..

Fantastic experience: We would love to leave a review. We felt very welcomed and we loved the beautiful creatures they had on display. The staff was very attentive and kind towards children. They even allowed us to pet one the star fish! The store was very clean and I would recommend everyone to stop by and support this business!

Negative experience: This place has good prices, but the guy that is usually there is rude. I certainly don't know a lot, I'm a beginner fish keeper. I asked if a fish I liked would be ok in my 24 gallon tank. He literally laughed at me and walked away. I'll go somewhere else, even if I pay more.

Fantastic experience: Always have a great experience going there. The staff is always friendly and helpful with tips and suggestions.

Fantastic experience: Excellent service every single time that I visited and shopped there.

Negative experience: Mad awkward environment. No one cared to offer help. The just stared awkwardly while holding Covo with others about the randomness of things. I’ll stick to driving to Orlando until we get a good saltwater supply store here in Melbourne. Response to the response: I’m not interrupting peoples personal conversations to ask for help. Plus, how was I suppose to know who the actual employees were? A simple “welcome in” or “let me know if you need any help” would have been great! At any rate. I got what I needed for I’m another place. You all have been around for years and I wish you all continued success!

Fantastic experience: Stopped by this place for the first time today and it is awesome! Guy who was there was a lot of help and they had exactly what I wanted. Def recommend this place and I’ll be back for sure.

Fantastic experience: Nice store and friendly staff

Fantastic experience: The Sunday staff is so hopefully and knowledgeable

Fantastic experience: Best prices around and always very helpful

Fantastic experience: We were very happy with the care and knowledge we received, even making sure from the beginning to let him know we wouldn't be able to purchase from this store due to a flight. Traveling from Cincinnati and we were interested to see how different fish stores were around here. They weren't much different but the guy we talked to was the best! He answered all of our questions and then some. When he realized we were taking notes, he started repeating the important parts, making sure I didn't miss anything and spelling out the product names. Prices for live rock are much more affordable here. Oh! And they have a huge, goregous display of corals. My picture was only part of 1 out of the about 5 tanks they have.

Fantastic experience: Whenever I visit Melbourne Beach on vacation, I make sure to stop by and grab some corals before I head back home. They seem very knowledgeable and the owner is a cool guy with a great sense of humor.

Fantastic experience: Excellent selection of salt water fish, and coral

Fantastic experience: Great place to find unique pieces. Has a good selection. Usually easy to get stuff in when ordered. Shop owner up front about things. Rather it be that way anyways. Usually easy to talk to.

Negative experience: Went yesterday for the first time, clean environment. Fish selection was small. The only employee I saw was getting upset with a customer, when he changed his mind on a fish she had already put in the plastic container, she aggressivley dumped the fish back in the tank and said she had to walk away. You gotta figure the fish is already stressed but watching her dump it back in we decided to go elsewhere.

Fantastic experience: Watched the team from Mad Reefer clean a large aquarium style fish tank in Cocoa Beach. They were very thorough, professional and mindful of the sea life the entire time they worked. The tank they were working on was filthy and they did an incredible job cleaning the reef, the glass and all the items to keep the ecosystem thriving while looking beautiful for all to admire. I would highly recommend them!

Negative experience: Not what I expected at all. Decided to stop in west Melbourne at the Mad Reefer shop on my way back from Miami, was so hoping to grab some coral! However the shopkeepers were the weirdest, most awkward people I had ever met (not like shy, like ‘you are beneath me awkward’). The lady asked if I needed help which I said yea, I have a question. She proceeded to keep walking and continue stocking items, I just stood there like uh?? So when I finally got her attention again I told her I’d like to look at 2 corals in the back tank and I’d like to know their prices. She estimated the 1st one just fine, but when I asked about the plate coral and whether it was the $90 or the $150 one like specified on the glass she said “she’d have to call someone.” I said “okay that’s fine please call.” She then kept reiterating she’d “have to phone someone to find out the price,” (4times) I continued to say “okay, that’s fine please call.” Finally she said, “look if you’re not 100% interested in it I don’t want to call and wake someone up for this.” (Mind you it’s 1pm). I had the most dumbfounded look on my face, the complete rudeness in her tone was nuts. That combined with the whole experience made me go look, I was gonna buy both the plate and the $140 mushroom rock but now, nope not spending my hard earned money here. I have plenty better vendors to buy from, terrible customer service I will NEVER be back! Disappointed is an understatement.

Negative experience: The owner is probably the meanest man in Melbourne, FL. I asked about the type of filtration he had for the filtered water he sold at the store. His reaction was cussing and yelling at me, as if I accused him of having substandard filtered water for the marine invertebrate pet trade, which I did not. He said over the phone his water was deionized water, when in fact his water is deionized and reverse osmosis water. When breeding rare and delicate corals, this distinction between water types is critical for proper care. In addition, there are levels of deionized water, such as Type I, Type II, and so on. Yelling at a new customer for asking legitimate questions about the quality of a product is not only unprofessional, it is bad for the industry itself. I suggest to avoid this establishment at all costs.

Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable owner, nice and friendly as well. Will answer any concerns or questions you have

Fantastic experience: Been going here since I started in the hobby, always helpful and always have new stock every time I go. Check them out.

Fantastic experience: From the very first moment I walked into this place I was surprised by the variety of fish. Not even the big stores in Orlando have the selection Mad Reefer offers. In addition to that the sizes of the available fish are bigger than average or what you can find in other stores. And just when I thought I could not get any better than that, the PRICES are incredible. In summary if you want the most competitive selection, great size and lowest prices in the industry that will make you feel like a dummy for going some place else go and visit The Mad Reefer. You will also get that one on one, old school ma and pa shop where you are family type of experience from the owner him self. You will not be just another dale like in the other retailers. Here you will walk out like you made a new friend. You will find anything and everything you need for your saltwater fish hobby, from salt, foods, equipment, I mean everything you need. We need more of these shops back in our society. The Mad Reefer is Definitely one of those very few left retail jewels still available today. I highly recommend it.

Fantastic experience: Open every day and has good selection of fish, and corals

Fantastic experience: Great selection of fish and invertebrates.

Fantastic experience: Amazing store!!! Great selection friendly prices!! I came in their with my girlfriend we had a small tank and were looking to get our first corals and they were super helpful!

Fantastic experience: knowledgeable helpful and friendly place

Fantastic experience: I love this place! The best place in town for marine fish and corals, and the prices are what you would find online if not better.

Fantastic experience: Good selection of coral, and it changes every time I'm there. Love the variety

Negative experience: Not for the inquisitive shopper. Asked a few questions to verify the habit and behavior of a few different species— was not only wrong, but super wrong. Lighting and bottom conditions of many of the fish only tanks were very poor (if not complete darkness) - certainly not encouraging stressless transitions from supplier to tank. Finally, many many, pricing inconsistencies from tank to tank — X fish is 25 here & X fish is 36 here. Wishing the best for every local business; this is one that did not earn my money. Great reef tank - would have benefited from a “do you have any questions” customer service moment. All the best.

Fantastic experience: We went on a Saturday and it was extremely busy (not a very large place) and so we left. Went back a week later and it was empty so we got to speak to someone. They were extremely knowledgeable and very friendly! Their selection is great and so are the prices! We will definitely be going back!

Fantastic experience: Always a pleasure going here. Staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Worth coming down to for the wide variety of saltwater corals and fish.

Fantastic experience: The best aquarium store in Melbourne. Prices are very fair staff very knowledgeable and selection is on point. Large selection of dry goods in stock. Lots of frags

Positive experience: It's alright it's fish tanks and things that go into a fishtank. I like the name of store though.

Fantastic experience: Always helpful and knowledgeable. These folks treat you like family.

Fantastic experience: Great service and nice coral and fish selection

Fantastic experience: Excellent fish store in Melbourne. The array of corals was beautiful with great price. Will definitely be visiting again.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend! These guys know fish and aquariums: had them move a 60 gallon from Satellite Beach, FL an hour south. Lots of fish, rock, live plants, etc. and they did it right from A to Z. Trustworthy, knowledgeable, and efficient. Thanks a million for great service--all my fish are happy in their new location!

Negative experience: Called And Asked If They Had Oscar's And She Rudely Said This Is A Salt Water Store And I Have People Waiting At The Door And Hung Up. Probably Wouldn't Be Going Here For My Salt Water Fish Either.

Fantastic experience: Yes! Just relocated to Merritt Island and have been visiting every local store for miles! This was the very first store with happy fish in clean aquariums that I've seen. The staff member was friendly AND helpful. They also carry a variety of Brightwell Aquatics products which my tank loves. I was so happy to find a local shop that practices safe husbandry and who obviously care about this hobby. I will definitely be back!

Fantastic experience: This place is awesome! I used to drive to Orlando for good corals until I found this store. Jordan is awesome and very friendly and knowledgeable. I like that she gives you space and time to look at the corals without hovering over you and making you feel rushed. She is is very helpful when you have questions and provides awesome advice on coral placement, flow & lighting. The owner is also a great guy. He took the time to provide me with feedback on one of my corals (not purchased here) that was dying off and his advice absolutely saved it. His knowledge is encyclopedic and he is very willing to share it. He doesn’t try to push you to more expensive corals and instead takes the time to understand what you have and the corals that may compliment them. He is also very honest in his pricing. When I inquired about a coral that wasn’t marked yet, I suggested a price of $700 when making my inquiry. He could have easily said yes, it’s $700 as I had suggested. Instead, and as an example of his ethics, he said I’d love to take that much for it, but I had planned to list it for $500 and wouldn’t charge you more than that. That was all I needed to know about his integrity and ethics and it made me a customer for life! Beyond the corals, they also have an awesome selection of crabs, fish & etc. They even had a very large mantis shrimp, which was very cool to see! In my opinion, if you are looking for a friendly and knowledgeable staff, great prices and an awesome selection, you definitely need to check this place out!

Fantastic experience: My nail tech (at queen nails) told me about this place. As new aquarium owners we stopped by to check it out and purchase a few corals. They have a much bigger selection in corals than the other local fish place off us1.

Fantastic experience: highly knowledgeable in salt water fish experts in care and priced fairly a blessing to all

Negative experience: Really dissapointed, we just got out saltwater tank going again. First I tried to open the door at 12:05 pm sunday it was locked, the lady looked annoyed when she unlock the door. Anyways were looking to buy a damsel for our kids cause they are super excited and the woman worker was super rude. We were looking a some fish and she literally told us to get out of the way in a rude way. I understand she needed to get by but there's a way to say it to customers. We left never going back there....Super dissapointed... to another place qe go.

Positive experience: Friendly and helpful staff. Nice selection of corals,fish and the like. R/O and Salt water available. As well as dry and live rock. Great place for the amateur enthusiast like me and the experienced alike. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I love this store. I have a waterbox 220, I’ve been having a PH issue for awhile. I haven’t been able to figure it out and other LFS have only been interested in trying to mask the issue with chemicals. I’ve basically been throwing money at the issue. Matt and his team really dug in to find out not only why this is happening but how to fix it naturally. We quickly fixed the problem for minimal cost. Very happy customer. Stand up LFS. They have earned my business for all my aquarium needs. This is a LFS you can trust.

Fantastic experience: Man, this place is awesome. I live in Tampa and make the drive to get to this store. The corals prices are insane. Nice healthy corals for a great price. LFS in Tampa are easily double the cost. Make the drive people!!!!

Fantastic experience: AWESOME CORALS & HEALTHY FISH!!! This is the BEST LFS around. I’ve been into saltwater tanks for 10 years and this is the first time I have felt supported after the sale. When you spend the kind of money this hobby requires you want it to be spent with people you can trust. Any store can sell you anything but to support you after you spent your hard earned money is everything!!! I highly recommend The Mad reefer to any saltwater hobbyist. FIVE STARS FOR SURE!!!!! You won’t be disappointed.

Negative experience: The lady at this store was no help at all!!!!

Fantastic experience: If your looking for a one stop shop for everything saltwater. Look no further, I highly recommended The Mad Reefer. Matt is great and full of knowledge and the best part is that he is willing to share it. I had a sick Yellow tang and no one could or would take the time to figure it out. Well, John did. Honestly the whole team at Mad Reefer is FIVE STARS. Jordan is the sweetest and knows a lot about corals. I highly recommend checking this store out. You won’t be disappointed or price gouged. I’m so happy to have found a store that will support me and my hobby after the sale.

Fantastic experience: Thank u john and jordan for always treating like family threw all the years . I know I have came in there with some very hard headed questions and situations. You guys always provide a great shopping and general friend experience . Anyone who says different is either making things up or it was a simple misunderstanding. You guys are an asset to the reefing community and we appreciate it

Fantastic experience: Always an wonderful experience shopping here. John is always a great go-to guy for those specific requests and he bends over backwards to make sure you’re satisfied.

Negative experience: Customer service is sad the lady that was in the store has vary little knowledge of the hobby and it seems like every question you have for her she has to call someone first time I went to the store a gentleman helped me and was great to deal with sad to say me and a friend bought fish from the store all are dead I know we can not hold a store responsible for fish because they don’t know but I will take my business elsewhere

Negative experience: I think I know which person at the store everyone seems to have a problem with. I went in for the first time and was mostly ignored by the woman that was working. She kept talking about just closing and going home even though customers were coming and mostly going. As a response to the owner. I stopped into the store based on all of the positive reviews of the store. I was hesitant due to the negative reviews. I know others who have shopped there with similar responses to the one my wife and I had. I asked about a few of the fish and discussed with my wife about what we wanted. We eventually decided on corals instead of fish. I asked about getting a couple pieces of the cheaper coral and started to discuss what we had in our tank when the young lady sat back in her chair and started reading her book. My wife commented that she seemed to be ignoring us so we left. I went out of my way to go to your shop.

Fantastic experience: Mad reefer is one of two places I go for my fish tank needs. I don't like going anywhere else in the area mostly because the owners are down to earth, professional, and care about their customers. The last time I went in there, John the owner must of had about 9 people there, all patiently waiting their turn, because that's what normal customers do. He was clearly busy, we all understood he was doing the best he can to get us all out quickly and he did just that! I hate seeing such sour reviews from people who don't know these two owners and how hard they work to provide the coral, and live aquaria they do. So i just wanted to say Thank you for all the hard work you guys put in, it is truly appreciated!

Fantastic experience: This place is awesome, john is always available for help.

Fantastic experience: Awesome variety of fish and coral

Fantastic experience: This is the no nonsense LFS, they get beautiful specimens at a good price but they go quick so when you see the list on Facebook PM and reserve it.

Fantastic experience: Great selection and they care about the tanks. Good prices too!

Fantastic experience: Best fish store in the area. Always my go to.

Negative experience: Last night went here for the first time and had a great experience, spoke to the Gentlemen with the long hair he was very informative very welcoming the place is great. I even bought salt water and R/O water. BUT, I went there today there was this lady that at first i just thought she was letting my wife and i take a look around and never approached us about anything, so i went over to say hello and asked for a water test she does the test and i was really catching a vibe that she didn't want us there until we said we were there for just the test because last night my Scopes Tang died. Well she went on stating we should purchase a test kit and showed us a few and i said well i cant right now but will get one eventually. She then said “you know its not our job to test your water” with this attitude. She seemed to not want us in the store from the beginning when she ignored us until i said hello. She was helping another customer who was clearly american and ignored us. It felt very discriminating. Ive never had to deal with feeling discriminated against because of my race until today. Im never spending money there again.

Fantastic experience: Love John and the Mad Reefer! We have a 55 gallon salt water tank and go there for almost all our supplies and fish. He is knowledgeable and tells us which fish will work for our size tank and most likely get along. And he doesn't always try to sell us the most expensive fish he has!

Fantastic experience: One of my favorite fish stores. Not overpriced like some of the other local stores. Great for new and experienced hobbyists. Will educate you rather than just sell you anything! Really happy with everything we have bought here.

Fantastic experience: Great selection of salt water fish and great service

Fantastic experience: Not only great fish corals plants and inverts. John has the experience to help you be successful

Fantastic experience: If you have a question they have a answer. So helpful to beginners and individual who had salt tanks for a long time.. my daughter loves our weekend times to the store

Fantastic experience: Great corals great information and very friendly staff

Fantastic experience: Love this place great selection better prices

Fantastic experience: Great spot. The owner is super nice and they have great prices. Highly recommend heading here if you have a tank.

Fantastic experience: Best spot in brevard imo great livestock, great dry goods, loads is experience, and always helpful. I'm there so much I should move nextdoor

Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable... Healthy fish and corals

Fantastic experience: Love this place.

Fantastic experience: Great shop. Super friendly and helpful. Excellent prices on coral frags.

Fantastic experience: Super clean and very friendly. I can't stress enough on how clean everything was. I have been to a few competitors and have been less than impressed. I will be buying all my living things from them for sure. Thanks guys

Fantastic experience: The best in saltwater.

Fantastic experience: The best saltwater-centric fish store around... No freswater fish or supplies here. But if saltwater is what you are looking for, you will find it.

Fantastic experience: First visit to this store, really liked the layout of the tanks. Plenty of available inventory to choose from. The owner was very helpful and informative. Will definitely visit again the the future.

Fantastic experience: Awesome prices and customer service. Great selection. If they don't have they can get it..

Fantastic experience: John has been great, no pushy sales just honest and informative. Best prices around and convenient location. Only local stores I use are mad reefer west and Indian harbor beach!

Fantastic experience: Very helpful and knowledgeable I enjoy working with John and they always have a good selection of frags and fish