Best local stores to get everything saltwater around Worcester and Framingham.

[Mary Carmen]

Hi all!
I am new to this forum and also to saltwater aquariums. I live in Worcester and I would like to know about local pet stores that have good healthy corals and fish and can help you with aquarium issues.
Thank you!

 

[Kimmi2413]

Hi all!
I am new to this forum and also to saltwater aquariums. I live in Worcester and I would like to know about local pet stores that have good healthy corals and fish and can help you with aquarium issues.
Thank you!

Hi! I’m new as well. There’s a store in Wilmington ma called love the reef that sell good stuff and are very helpful.

 

[Mary Carmen]

Thank you

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I've not been there recently, but Tropic Isle in Framingham has been the largest around for a long time,.

 

[Mary Carmen]

Hi Randy,
Someone at work told me about that place. I have to go check it out.
Thank you!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Happy reefing.

 

[fish farmer]

I think Tropic Isle can be a miss when it comes to corals, but I haven't been there in a while. They do have a lot of fish to chose from though and I have had great luck with their fish. I bought a regal tang from them in 2001, it is still swimming 17 years later. They are one of the only places that I have shopped where they bag your fish with oxygen. They also have a lot of product. I would question their advice though. I was in there once and a shopper asked me advice about moving freshwater fish across the state to a new home. I told her the basics about tempering, etc, bring water, etc, shouldn't have a problem. One of the employees overheard me and her and basically said her fish was going to die due to pH shock or something along the lines that the water was going to be different. It was a weird situation...I did make a sale for the store though, the lady was looking for a bigger filter.

 

[Mary Carmen]

I found a new place in Auburn, Ma. Route 12. It is called Reef Junkees. They have an amazing variety and the people are really nice.

 

[RudeReefNano20]

A new store popped up in Malden, MA this year called European Aquatics. Owner is friendly and really cares about the industry. He is always willing to help out a fellow reefer.

 

[Skydvr]

Reef Junkeez is pretty decent. They have a good mix of coral and are priced fairly.

About 17 minutes up the road in Charlton is Fishy Frags. He’s just getting things up and running and should be putting in some newer tanks.

Worth hitting up both shops.

 

[marxman]

+1 on Tropic Isle, they have a lot of Fish, Inverts, and Equipment. As stated a little light on the corals, but they are always getting new stuff in weekly. Staff is knowledgeable, especially Katie.

 

[mcdrichj]

I want to Tropic Isle not too long ago in their new location and it was a mess. The tanks didn't look as well kept as they used to and it smelled pretty bad in there. Does anyone know if they are under new ownership? I think they are. I have always liked the store and had no issues with any fish I got there, but i'm a little leery about it now due to what I saw last time.

 

[Righteous]

Used to live in MA and have been to both Tropic Isle and Love the Reef. @LoveTheReef
is by far the best reef store I found in the area. Archit is also an awesome guy and super helpful.

 

[chadg]

I want to Tropic Isle not too long ago in their new location and it was a mess. The tanks didn't look as well kept as they used to and it smelled pretty bad in there. Does anyone know if they are under new ownership? I think they are. I have always liked the store and had no issues with any fish I got there, but i'm a little leery about it now due to what I saw last time.

Same ownership. Sounds like you went there when they first moved. They seem to be of same quality as before. You probably just saw some moving break in... It is smaller though.....

 

[Jmc534]

I've not been there recently, but Tropic Isle in Framingham has been the largest around for a long time,.

I used to be a regular at Tropic but they seem to have gone way down hill as far as fish and inverts are concerned, can’t speak of the corals but the fish look sickly and colorless. I go to European Aquatics in Malden and Love The Reef in Wilmington. Both excellent stores

 

[Jmc534]

A new store popped up in Malden, MA this year called European Aquatics. Owner is friendly and really cares about the industry. He is always willing to help out a fellow reefer.

Marty and his wife are the best!

 

[Jmc534]

I want to Tropic Isle not too long ago in their new location and it was a mess. The tanks didn't look as well kept as they used to and it smelled pretty bad in there. Does anyone know if they are under new ownership? I think they are. I have always liked the store and had no issues with any fish I got there, but i'm a little leery about it now due to what I saw last time.

100% agree, still same ownership but new employees. I go there rarely now

 

[Mary Carmen]

In case you live close to Auburn.... new store alert!!!
Fishy Frags.
Location- 809 Southbridge St Unit 3, Auburn, MA 01501.
I went two days ago and it was a great experience. The owner is really nice and knowledgeable.
I got 3 new soft corals (GSP, Xenia, and Clove Polyp) for my 29 Gallon Biocube, and they all opened up a couple of hours after I acclimated to my tank. I also got nassarius snails.
I hope this info helps.

 

[PhishMonger84]

Near Foxboro there is all things aquatic.

honestly the best place for frags is a short drive to Salem NH. Jays' aquatics.

katie@ tropic Isle is awesome and is now the owner, they moved again much better than the intermediary location.

 

[rogersb]

I'll be in Essex the next few days, any places within 20-30 minutes of there?