World Wide Corals — Attraction in Dr. Phillips

Used to be the go to for all my saltwater needs. The store looks completely bare unlike what it used to. The store used to be wall to wall with colonies and fish. This time when I went it was almost bare with very small frags. Now... WWC is known for corals being wildly overpriced. But $17 for a xynia? And a small plug...out of this world. I would say that WWC is in financial distress if I didn't know any better. After seeing the condition of the store I think it's best to go to a more local fish store. Like I said I've been known to bash them on pricing because WWC does charge top tier tank tax. But, the other off putting part you have sales people all over the floor and I had to physically chase one down to bag up some clean up crew. This used to be a friendly place where the floor guys would come talk to you about your tank get to know what you're working on then make some stellar recommendations. I go in... No small talk no tank questions just here's your bags now go away. Don't get me wrong that wasn't the exact conversation but definitely was the feel.

EDIT after owners response*

The only reason I'll come in is when I am in between my regular orders with a wholesaler and I have no other choice..... Not that this is any of their business but now you know. I used to spend a boat load of money at WWC until tommy acted to high and mighty to have my business.

The reason that we know that they are overpriced is because anyone can look up wholesale 1x1 frags. They typically go for $3-8 depending on the volume you purchase

Clowns are a loss leader they typically go for $10-15/ea retail $19-$30 each depending on retail.

Chromies go for roughly $3-8/ea

Tangs about $10-15/ea possibly more depending on the size.

Colonies are typically about $30-80/ea again depends on what you get and the mix.

So the live stock is wildly tank taxed especially if you look at the competition that they duely mentioned.

Top shelf Living reefs ect

The only thing that they are priced amazingly on because of their partnership with BRS is drygoods.

All of the dry goods are amazing.

Also as I noted stock levels have decreased immensely. There were very few fish in the tanks everything was in their display tanks. Maybe 1-2 fish per breeder.

Coral racks were very bare as compared to 2 years ago. Do they have an assortment? Yes... Was it vast where I could see myself walking in and doing a haul like I wouldve back in the day....NO. now there's a couple reasons for this which the owner decided to smooth over in his reply. Which was the sales reps. I shouldn't have to come and get you to sell me corals or fish. They used to greet you upon walking in the door. That's not done anymore. There was a line out the door of people waiting for water to be filled. There's 3 sales guys talking at the testing station where there's only one person needed. No one was bagging no one was testing. So 3 people standing there talking to each other like there isn't anything to do. I looked around the corals for 30 minutes again no one walked up no one asked did I like what I saw nothing... So again you have more of an internal issue than what you would like to admit. So to answer your question am I happy with WWC no... Who would it's not like going in 2-3 years ago. Now it's more of a get your stuff and go store. As soon AMAZINGLY put by the owners...

I live about 600 miles from World Wide Corals (WWC). Ever since seeing a tour of the store on youtube (Joey from - The King of DIY) I have planned to visit in person. While visiting some family about an hour north of Orlando, I broke away to check out the store. Where to start....

The store is incredibly clean and well organized. The display tanks and frag tanks are especially well organized. Most aquarium stores struggle to develop a neat way to clearly price each coral. WWC has arranged their coral in a way that makes the pricing for each individual piece easy to find. I was never guessing what an individual piece would cost.

WWC also has the greatest variety of coral I have seen under a single storefront. In addition to having a great variety of different types of coral, they have a great size variety of each coral. It was nice to have the option to purchase the same type of coral in almost any size. No matter your budget or what type of coral you want, they probably have something to fit your shopping needs.

However, the area where WWC really shined is the staff. I called a couple days prior to my visit to make sure there would be no surprises. During this call I spoke with Ricardo who took the time to answer all my questions in an informative, friendly, and polite manner. At the conclusion of the phone call he told me to ask for him when I arrived at the store several days later. When I did physically arrive at the store (2 days later), I asked for Ricardo. He actually remembered our phone call and immediately picked up our conversation where the phone call left off.

After looking around the store for awhile I asked another employee, Hunter, a few questions. Hunter was also friendly and very helpful. He was able to help me understand exactly which corals my lighting would support and he also gave me advice on coral placement in my tank.

Additionally, I had a couple family members with me who know absolutely nothing about saltwater aquariums or coral. They were amazed and overwhelmed with the entire experience, they were asking different staff members questions like, “do these tanks take special water?” and “There is a snail upside down in the tank, will you flip him over so he doesn’t die?”. The staff treated my family (who was obviously not going to buy anything) with patience and respect. The point is, WWC is also a great place for folks who are new to the hobby to go ask questions and learn.

I was on the fence about actually making a purchase (I live 600 miles away), but the corals were so beautiful and the prices were so reasonable that I could not help myself. Without reservation, I would recommend WWC to anyone. I think the staff at WWC make all the difference in the world. It is very obvious that they take their jobs seriously. It shows in the condition of the coral, the cleanliness of the store, and the customer service provided. Do yourself a favor and give...

Just had a consult with Alex. I am new to the area, just moved from Miami to Orlando and lost a few of my guys. I requested a consult for service and to get things back on track.

Alex communicated with me within 5 minutes of me sending my inquiry, which was around 10pm so definitely loved the quick response especially at the hour.

We made the appointment for today at 12, he showed up early - another plus.

Went through everything that needs to be done, went through some specials that WWC is having for it's Anniversary and is setting everything up.

While there, we were able to realize that we grew up not too far from each other in the Bronx, and so that was good to know I was dealing with someone from the block, even thought his was our first meet.

Why am I writing this review so soon - because I am sure that there are others who need to have service done, or are contemplating it. Go for it. They have the name to back up everything they do. I had heard of them from watching BRStV and am glad that I get to finally work with them on my tank.

I will post some pictures as the services go on to help with your decisions in the future.

Update 7/26/19 Matt came out for the first service. Fixed my Protein Skimmer Changed out my Medium Repipe Cable Management Reorganized the sump Even mounted my power supplies so they were not on the floor. Left me 10 gallons of RO Tested levels Got some new equipment 2 New Power Heads Auto Top Off

-7/29/2019 Alex came by just to see how things were going with the tank, get a visual and answer any questions that I may have had. Also brought over a test kit that just came in and tested my magnesium levels.

-8/3/2019 Stopped by the shop and what a difference from other shops. Who ever is in the area should definitely check it out and get addicted. The staff overly helpful and when I mentioned I was a new customer, they were happy to see me stop by. Was not blown off at any point of time. Very impressed. Can't wait til the new shop opens up.

-8/5/2019 Routine Clean up and things are looking 10000% better than when we started, Have not forgotten about the pics, I will post them today or tomorrow

12/18/2020 Got an early Christmas present, my Waterbox 220.6 was delivered and set up today. I thought 75 Gallons was alot. I'm about to be mesmerized.

7/18/2021 Everything has been moved over to the new tank and running for the last 7 months. Adding some new fish and Corals

When you stop by the shop make sure to ask for Xavier and Carlos awesome team, they know their stuff and are what pros should be. Got a bunch of new guys for the tank and ready to have fun with my little ocean.

WWC has finally gotten me to where I have always wanted...