InsideReef Introduce
Welcome to InsideReef, a true "treasure" for aquatic enthusiasts, proudly serving the Colorado Springs area and beyond. For residents across the Centennial State who are captivated by the intricate beauty of underwater worlds, whether freshwater or saltwater, InsideReef offers a specialized and exceptional experience. This isn't just another pet store; it's a dedicated haven for aquarists, providing a vast selection of healthy fish, vibrant corals, intriguing invertebrates, and all the essential equipment and knowledge needed to cultivate thriving aquatic ecosystems.
What truly sets InsideReef apart, as lauded by countless local customers, is its impressive inventory and the profound expertise of its staff, particularly the owner, Ray. Customers are consistently amazed by the "big beautiful store with tons of fish, snails, shrimp, sharks, plants, etc…" and commend the "very well maintained" tanks. Ray himself is described as a "wealth of knowledge" and "super welcoming," providing invaluable guidance for everything from starting a new nano tank to understanding complex quarantine setups. InsideReef is more than a retail space; it’s a passionate community hub where your aquatic dreams can truly come to life with healthy, beautiful livestock and unparalleled support.
InsideReef is conveniently located at 1820 Dominion Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA. This accessible address places it within a well-trafficked area of Colorado Springs, making it easily reachable for aquatic hobbyists from various parts of the city and surrounding communities. Dominion Way is an established route, ensuring straightforward navigation whether you're coming from northern, central, or eastern Colorado Springs.
Its presence in a commercial zone typically means ample parking is available, contributing to a convenient and stress-free visit. For Colorado locals dedicated to their aquariums, the ease of access to InsideReef allows for regular visits to acquire new inhabitants, replenish supplies, or simply immerse themselves in the mesmerizing displays. This convenient location solidifies InsideReef's role as a premier, local destination for all serious aquatics enthusiasts.
InsideReef provides a specialized and comprehensive array of products and services, catering specifically to the nuanced needs of both freshwater and saltwater aquarium hobbyists.
Diverse Livestock Sales: Offers a wide and healthy selection of aquatic life, including a "ton of fish" (both freshwater and saltwater), various species of snails, shrimp, and even specialized items like loaches, other freshwater fish, and potentially small sharks, as highlighted by customer reviews. They are known for providing healthy specimens.
Live Coral Selection: A significant highlight is their offering of live corals, particularly noted for helping customers "get started with my first corals for my new nano tank." This indicates a strong focus on reef aquariums and the expertise to guide beginners.
Aquatic Plants: Provides a selection of live aquatic plants, crucial for creating natural and healthy freshwater environments, as mentioned by a satisfied customer who picked up plants.
Comprehensive Aquarium Supplies & Equipment: While specific inventory details would require a visit, a store of this caliber would stock a full range of aquarium essentials. This includes tanks (from nano to larger setups), filtration systems, lighting (including advanced LED units like Radion XR30 G6 Blue), heaters, water pumps (e.g., VorTech MP10mQD), automatic water change systems (as shown by Ray), and various other accessories and maintenance tools crucial for both freshwater and saltwater tanks.
Expert Knowledge and Consultation: Ray, the owner, is consistently praised as a "wealth of knowledge" and a "huge help." This implies personalized consultation and advice on tank setup, water parameters, fish compatibility, coral care, and advanced techniques like quarantine procedures and automatic systems, which he reportedly demonstrates.
Well-Maintained Tanks: The fact that "the tanks are all very well maintained" signifies their commitment to the health of their livestock, giving customers confidence in the quality of the animals they purchase.
Quarantine Tank Operations: Ray's willingness to show customers his "full set up of Quarantine Tanks" indicates a strong emphasis on disease prevention and healthy animal acclimatization, a critical practice for responsible aquarists.
InsideReef stands out in the Colorado Springs aquatic scene due to its remarkable features and the dedication evident in its operations:
Vast and Healthy Inventory: A primary highlight is the sheer size and quality of their selection, described as a "big beautiful store with tons of fish, snails, shrimp, sharks, plants, etc." Crucially, customers note the "healthy fish" and "well maintained" tanks, assuring buyers of robust livestock.
Owner's Expertise (Ray): Ray, the owner, is consistently celebrated as a "wealth of knowledge" and "super welcoming." His willingness to share insights, even showing "automatic water changes and full set up of Quarantine Tanks," provides invaluable educational value and builds strong trust with customers.
Specialization in Reef & Saltwater: While also offering freshwater options, the explicit mention of corals and nano tanks indicates a strong specialization in the more complex marine and reefkeeping aspects of the hobby, catering to advanced aquarists.
Smooth Operation: The "operation over there is run super smooth" suggests efficiency, organization, and a professional approach to managing a large and diverse aquatic inventory.
Hidden Gem Discovery: The sentiment "Had no idea this treasure even existed here in the Springs" highlights its unique and valued presence for those who discover it, suggesting it offers something truly special that other stores might not.
Community-Oriented Approach: Ray's welcoming nature and willingness to engage with customers about their setups foster a sense of community and support, which is highly appreciated by hobbyists.
For Colorado residents in Colorado Springs looking to dive into the world of aquatics or enhance their existing tanks, here's how to connect with InsideReef:
Address: 1820 Dominion Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA
Phone: (719) 338-7519
It is highly recommended to call ahead for specific inventory inquiries, particularly for rare or specialized species, or to confirm current business hours and speak with their knowledgeable staff.
For residents of Colorado Springs and indeed, any dedicated aquarist across the broader Colorado region, InsideReef stands as an exceptionally suitable and indispensable local resource. Its highly specialized focus, combined with the unparalleled expertise and welcoming nature of its owner, Ray, makes it a premier destination for both seasoned hobbyists and those looking to seriously embark on an aquatic journey.
One of the most compelling reasons for Colorado locals to choose InsideReef is the sheer quality and diversity of its livestock. Descriptions like "big beautiful store with tons of fish, snails, shrimp, sharks, plants" and repeated affirmations of "healthy fish" are critical for aquarists, as the health of aquatic life is paramount to a successful tank. This means Colorado residents can confidently purchase vibrant and robust specimens, reducing the risks often associated with less reputable sources. The well-maintained tanks further underscore their commitment to animal welfare, setting a high standard for the local aquatic scene.
Furthermore, the profound knowledge and willingness of Ray, the owner, to share his expertise are invaluable assets for the community. For a complex hobby like aquatics, having direct access to someone who is a "wealth of knowledge" and "a huge help getting me started" or showing advanced setups like "automatic water changes and full set up of Quarantine Tanks" is a significant advantage. This level of personalized guidance and transparency fosters responsible pet ownership and helps hobbyists navigate the challenges of maintaining aquatic environments, enhancing their long-term enjoyment of the hobby.
Finally, supporting a local, specialized business like InsideReef contributes significantly to the Colorado Springs community. It provides a unique retail experience and a vital resource for a niche interest that might otherwise require online orders or distant travel. By choosing InsideReef, Colorado residents ensure that a dedicated hub for aquatic excellence continues to thrive in their backyard, enriching the local hobbyist scene and providing a reliable source for all their underwater aspirations.
InsideReef Photos










InsideReef Location
InsideReef
1820 Dominion Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA
InsideReef Reviews
Had no idea this treasure even existed here in the Springs. Inside Reef is a big beautiful store with tons of fish, snails, shrimp, sharks, plants, etc… the tanks are all very well maintained, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Ray the owner is knowledgeable on so many things and super welcoming. We picked up some loaches, plants, snail and other fish and we are so happy we did! Thank you Ray and I side Reef staff!!!
May 31, 2025 · Adam RogersRay (The owner) is a wealth of knowledge and was a huge help getting me started with my first corals for my new nano tank. The operation over there is run super smooth, and ray even showed us his automatic water changes and full set up of Quarantine Tanks! Really cool to see, he was great and the store is awesome.
Apr 30, 2025 · Chris MooneyI started my reefing journey here, and it has been the best! Ray has been incredible. He maintains my tank on a weekly to biweekly basis and has become a friend. Very knowledgable and most of my tank has come from this store. Thank you InsideReef. I love my tank and highly recommend anyone looking to get into the hobby to start here. You won't go wrong.One year later....My tank is strong and absolutely beautiful thanks to this incredible store and Ray.I couldn't recommend this place enough.
Feb 16, 2025 · Scott McCreeryMy family and I are new to the hobby and we are very fortunate to have started our journey at InsideReef. Ray and his team are extremely helpful and take the time to not only help but also teach. Excellent experience so far and I will continue to go back. Cant recommend more.
Jan 30, 2025 · Daniel RudolphRay is really amazing and kind about answering total noobie questions. A lot of shops around here aren’t available by phone- but he is and will try to call back if he misses you. I came in and got some great deals.The shop is super friendly and he has customers who know him well. His fish are so lovely. They’re healthy and colorful, happy to see people and have personalities you can see in store.Ray also got my tank cycling right away and watching it grow has been awesome. I’m very excited to have it mature and turn into Shrimp City.Thank you Ray!!
Jan 17, 2025 · SamAndRan Jo
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