Pacific East Aquaculture

For saltwater aquarium enthusiasts and aspiring reef keepers throughout Maryland, the quest for healthy, vibrant corals and marine life often leads to a specialized destination that stands out from typical pet stores. Pacific East Aquaculture, nestled in Mardela Springs, is precisely that place. Led by the highly respected "Dr. Mac," this facility is renowned as a premier source for aquacultured corals, diverse saltwater fish, and essential invertebrates. This article aims to guide local Marylanders through the unique world of Pacific East Aquaculture, highlighting why it's the go-to expert for establishing and maintaining thriving reef aquariums.

In the intricate and captivating hobby of reef keeping, the health and origin of your livestock are paramount. Pacific East Aquaculture is not just a retailer; it's a dedicated aquaculture facility, meaning many of their corals are grown on-site, ensuring robust health and sustainability. For Maryland residents, this translates to direct access to some of the finest, most acclimated marine specimens available. Whether you're building your first nano reef or expanding an established system, understanding the depth of expertise and commitment to quality at Pacific East Aquaculture is key to success in this rewarding hobby.

Pacific East Aquaculture is located at 107 School St, Mardela Springs, MD 21837, USA. Situated on Maryland's idyllic Delmarva Peninsula, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, Mardela Springs offers a scenic drive for visitors from various parts of Maryland. While it might be a bit of a journey for those on the western shore, customers consistently state that the quality and expertise make the drive "worth it every time!"

The facility itself is a Maryland-certified and licensed coral aquaculture operation, featuring large raceways and numerous systems filled with thousands of corals, fish, and invertebrates. They operate a greenhouse with natural sunlight and a large indoor coral farming facility with LED lighting. While their primary business involves extensive online sales with robust shipping policies, they also welcome retail customers. Please note that while they traditionally have retail hours, their facility may have specific walk-in hours (e.g., Saturdays only) due to ongoing remodeling. It is always best to check their website or call ahead for the most current retail hours or to arrange order pickups. The location is easily accessible by car, and the journey offers a pleasant drive through a quiet, relaxing part of Maryland, abundant with farms, wetlands, and waterways.

Pacific East Aquaculture specializes in offering a comprehensive range of products and services tailored specifically for the saltwater aquarium and reef-keeping hobby. Their offerings are rooted in their extensive aquaculture operations:

• Aquacultured Corals: Their primary focus, offering a vast selection of healthy and thriving corals including Acropora, Euphyllia (Torch, Hammer, Frogspawn), Blastomussa, various polyps, 'shrooms (mushroom corals), and soft corals (like Kenya Tree, Green Star Polyps). They offer WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) coral frags, small colonies, and larger specimens.

• Saltwater Fish: A diverse selection of healthy saltwater fish suitable for reef aquariums, all carefully cared for in their state-licensed facility.

• Invertebrates: Various invertebrates crucial for a balanced reef ecosystem, such as cleaner shrimp, snails (e.g., Nassarius, Trochus, Bumble Bee), crabs (e.g., Pom Pom), starfish, and sea hares (algae eaters).

• Clams: High-quality live clams, including Super Ultra Maxima clams, for adding vibrant life and filtration to reef tanks.

• Dry Goods and Supplies: While their emphasis is on livestock, they likely offer essential dry goods such as glues, tools, and potentially other general reefing supplies necessary for maintaining a healthy aquarium.

• Wholesale and Retail Sales: They sell both wholesale to other stores and directly retail to hobbyists, both online and through their physical retail outlet (when open for walk-ins).

• Expert Guidance and Acclimation Instructions: Dr. Mac, a board-certified veterinary pathologist with over 45 years of marine aquarium hobby experience, along with his staff, provides invaluable assistance with reef tank related issues and detailed acclimation instructions for all specimens.

• Shipping Services: Offering robust and reliable shipping methods with a "100% worry-free live arrival guarantee" for nationwide delivery, ensuring livestock arrives safely and timely.

Pacific East Aquaculture's dedication to the reef-keeping hobby is evident in its numerous distinguishing features and highlights:

• Maryland-Certified and Licensed Aquaculture Facility: This is a key differentiator, signifying their commitment to sustainable coral propagation and healthy livestock. They are "the only state inspected and licensed coral aquaculture facility" in Maryland, growing thousands of frags annually.

• Unparalleled Expertise ("Dr. Mac's Place"): Founded and owned by Dr. Mac, a board-certified veterinary pathologist with decades of hands-on experience, the business offers an exceptional level of knowledge. Customers trust his expertise, calling it "Dr. Mac's place" and valuing his assistance with "any reef tank related issues."

• Superior Livestock Health and Quality: Customers consistently praise the "healthy animals" and the "well packaged" and "arrived as described" condition of their live arrivals. This commitment to animal welfare and robust packing methods is a huge draw.

• Exceptional Customer Service and Shipping Policies: Repeatedly highlighted as having "the best customer service" and "shipping policies." They personally deliver orders to UPS to minimize handling, and offer a transparent live arrival guarantee, demonstrating a strong commitment to customer satisfaction even after the sale.

• Sustainable Practices: Their focus on aquaculture and mariculture means they are actively involved in growing corals sustainably, contributing to the preservation of natural reef ecosystems.

• Inspiring Facility: With extensive raceways and numerous systems full of thriving corals, fish, and inverts, the physical facility (including a greenhouse) is a sight to behold for visitors, showcasing the beauty and potential of reef aquariums.

• Retail and Wholesale Capabilities: Their dual approach of selling to both hobbyists and other stores positions them as a major player in the marine aquarium industry.

• Long-Standing Reputation: With operations since 2000 and Dr. Mac's hobby experience dating back to 1965, they have a deep-rooted history and trusted reputation within the marine aquarium community.

To connect with Pacific East Aquaculture for their expert services, to inquire about specific livestock, or to arrange a visit (if applicable under current retail hours), Maryland residents can use the following contact details:

Address: 107 School St, Mardela Springs, MD 21837, USA

Phone: (410) 912-2300

Mobile Phone: +1 410-912-2300

It is always recommended to check their official website or call ahead for the most current retail hours, as they may operate on specific schedules (e.g., Saturdays only for walk-ins).

In conclusion, for locals in Maryland with a passion for saltwater aquariums and reef keeping, Pacific East Aquaculture in Mardela Springs is an unparalleled resource. It is far more than a typical pet store; it is a dedicated aquaculture facility backed by decades of experience, spearheaded by the highly respected "Dr. Mac." Its suitability for Marylanders stems from the superior health and quality of its aquacultured corals and marine life, which are known for their resilience and vibrant beauty, ensuring a greater chance of success for any aquarist.

The commitment to exceptional customer service, combined with transparent and reliable shipping policies, provides immense peace of mind, even for those who travel a significant distance or order online. For anyone in Maryland serious about creating or maintaining a thriving reef aquarium, Pacific East Aquaculture offers the expertise, sustainable livestock, and genuine passion that are essential for success. It is truly a gem on the Eastern Shore, solidifying its position as the premier choice for marine aquarium enthusiasts across the state.

Pacific East Aquaculture

107 School St, Mardela Springs, MD 21837, USA