Love The Reef — Local services in Wilmington

I DEFINITELY “LOVED THE REEF” AT LOVE THE REEF. Very happy I decided to check this place out last night and gave it a chance. I took my parents old 75 gallon tank and decided to take the plunge into doing a saltwater reef tank. I have plenty of experience with fresh water and by no means am I an expert fish keeper when it comes to saltwater, definitely a novice reefer with a lot of experience to gain and knowledge to learn. I’ve been in to a few different fish shops and my experience has been “do you know what you’re looking for” and you’ll say no you’re just browsing to see what you might like and some places don’t like that and will try to pressure you into buying something or hurry you out the door, definitely not the case with Love the Reef. It was my first time checking the place out last night and I wasn’t sure what to expect. My fiancée and I thought this place was absolutely beyond awesome. I walked in, talked to Dre, super super friendly and helpful, I told him about my tank, what I went through to set it up, and he took the time to help us and guide me on my specific goals with my tank and gave me some awesome advice when it came to what livestock or coral I should start with and even some overall tips in general. After giving us some advice, we took our time checking everything out and you just cannot go wrong with Love the Reef. I ended up getting some fish and coral frags and they are doing awesome in their new tank. They have a variety of corals, livestock, equipment, tubs of live rock, pretty much everything you could be looking for. You can see the passion they have in what they’re selling, all their tanks are pristine, and their prices are excellent for the quality you get. Dre and the rest of the staff are super friendly and helpful, you could talk to anyone there and you don’t feel like you’re talking to someone who’s just trying to sell you something, you feel like you’re talking to a friend. This place will definitely be my first stop for anything I need before going to other places. I look forward to my next visit and I hope to incorporate Love the Reef into my hobby as much as I can. You won’t be disappointed in this...

recently purchased Frogspawn from the Euphyllia tank. Flow was very high, too high for Frogspawn and Hammer, in the tank and when I got the coral into my tank and it was able to open up I notice a white fuzz on the coral. Turns out it is a serious disease that resists dipping that is slowly killing the coral. There is not really any cure for it.

I was saw their great colored Acans on the website and social media and was excited to pick some up. The frag tank the Acans are in has several large aiptasia all over the tank and on other corals. You do not buy corals from a tank with aiptasia. I also did not see any Clean Up Crew in the frag tank to handle the aiptasia.

This was my second trip. My first trip I picked up mainly fish. One of which had Flukes and ended up taking out almost all the other fish in the my tank. Its on me for not quarantining the fish properly. But, this last trip I pick up a fish, and asked to see them eat. To see if they are at least slightly healthy. The staff obliged. When some of the fish I was looking at didn't eat they expressed that they had just eaten and weren't hungry. These were Blennies, which are famous for gorging themselves so much they can swim as well.

I do not plan on making a third trip. If you are wondering why they have so many 5 star reviews, they give you a free coral if you give them a 5...

I make the 1 hour and 15 minute drive to this reef fish store pretty regularly—and every single time, it’s worth it.

What keeps me coming back isn’t just the healthy, vibrant selection of fish and corals (which is impressive on its own), but the care and attention I receive as a customer. The staff consistently go above and beyond, whether I’m asking questions, browsing new additions, or looking for something specific for my tank. They treat me like more than just another transaction—there’s a genuine respect and friendliness that sets this place apart.

It’s rare to find a store that combines deep knowledge with such a personal touch. They remember me, take the time to chat, and I never feel rushed. It’s clear they take pride in what they do, and it shows in the quality of their livestock and the way they treat their customers.

If you’re into reef tanks and want a shop that values you as much as your hobby, this is the place. I’ll happily keep making the trip—it’s...