Reefs and Rainforests Introduce
For exotic pet enthusiasts and aquarium hobbyists across Apopka, Orlando, and the wider Florida region, finding a truly specialized and knowledgeable supplier for unique habitat needs can be a challenging quest. Reefs and Rainforests, located in Apopka, has distinguished itself as a premier destination, offering not just products, but unparalleled expertise and dedicated support for complex aquatic and terrestrial setups. This article delves into what makes Reefs and Rainforests a highly recommended choice for local users, highlighting its convenient location, the specialized services it offers, and the exceptional features that have built its strong reputation.
Reefs and Rainforests, often associated with its owner Ernie, is far more than a typical pet store; it's a hub for specialized, high-quality solutions for unique pet environments. While its name might suggest a focus on coral reefs and tropical rainforest vivariums, the business's expertise extends broadly to encompass a variety of intricate ecosystems, including desert-style terrariums for reptiles like bearded dragons, as highlighted by a delighted customer. This specialization fills a critical niche in the Florida pet market, providing custom solutions and hard-to-find items that are often unavailable elsewhere.
The core of Reefs and Rainforests' appeal lies in its commitment to exceptional customer service and in-depth knowledge. Customers consistently praise Ernie for his professionalism, respectful demeanor, and willingness to go above and beyond to meet unique requirements. This level of personalized care, combined with an understanding of complex pet habitat needs, makes Reefs and Rainforests an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about creating the perfect "little underworld wonderland" or a thriving desert landscape for their exotic pets in Central Florida.
Reefs and Rainforests is conveniently situated at 2538 Jmt Industrial Dr, Apopka, FL 32703, USA. This address places it within a strategically accessible industrial area of Apopka, a location that, while perhaps not on a main retail thoroughfare, is easily reachable for dedicated hobbyists and pet owners from Apopka, Orlando, and the surrounding Central Florida communities.
The industrial drive location implies easy parking and dedicated access, which can be particularly advantageous when picking up large or specialized items like custom-ordered terrariums, as noted by a grateful customer. Its placement within Apopka ensures that it serves both local residents and those willing to travel for its unique expertise and product offerings. The ease of access, combined with clear communication for pickup and delivery, contributes to a smooth and efficient customer experience.
Reefs and Rainforests offers highly specialized services catering to complex aquatic and exotic terrestrial pet habitats, going far beyond typical pet store offerings:
- Custom Terrarium and Aquarium Sourcing: As highlighted by a customer, the owner "not only offered to special order one for me, but cut me a deal on it and gave me a really reasonable timetable." This indicates a strong capability for sourcing large, specialized, or hard-to-find enclosures, such as a "75 gal equivalent for a glass, front opening, screen toped style terrarium" for a bearded dragon. They are willing to assist with "something out of the ordinary." Public data further indicates they specialize in custom installations for both residential and commercial aquariums.
- Expert Consultation and Advice: The owner's deep knowledge is a key service. Customers report receiving ongoing support, with Ernie consistently answering questions and helping ensure "everything is going great in my little underworld wonderland." This advisory service is invaluable for maintaining complex ecosystems, whether for reefs, rainforests, or desert terrariums.
- Saltwater and Freshwater Aquarium Supplies: Public information indicates they provide "quality salt and fresh water fish, supplies, information, maintenance and installation." This includes products necessary for both types of aquatic systems.
- Custom Aquarium Design and Installation: For over 25 years, under the name Ernie's Seven Seas (likely associated with Reefs and Rainforests), they have offered "design, installation and maintenance services for residential and commercial aquariums." This covers creating "customized aquarium to suit your needs," no matter "how large or specific the environment."
- Aquarium Maintenance Services: Beyond installation, they provide "maintenance services that are second to none," ensuring the ongoing health and vibrancy of aquatic systems.
- Custom Cabinetry and Decor: Their service provisions "above and beyond the basic needs of this industry include: Custom Installs, Custom Cabinetry, Water Delivery, Custom Decor and Livestock Delivery as well." This suggests a holistic approach to creating complete, aesthetic, and functional habitats.
- Communication and Updates: A highly valued service, as noted by a customer, is consistent communication through "several phone, email and text conversations, always keeping me updated on everything" regarding special orders.
Reefs and Rainforests distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that emphasize its unique value proposition in the pet industry:
- Unrivaled Owner Expertise and Dedication: The most prominent feature is the direct involvement and profound knowledge of the owner, Ernie. Customers consistently praise his expertise and willingness to assist, even with highly specific or unusual requests. His "demeanor was so professional and respectful," and he "does care a lot and his ongoing support is beyond compare." This personal touch and depth of knowledge are rare and invaluable.
- Specialization in Complex Habitats: Unlike general pet stores, Reefs and Rainforests excels in providing solutions for "reefs," "rainforests," and even "desert style terrariums." This specialization means they understand the intricate needs of these ecosystems and can source appropriate, high-quality components.
- Ability to Fulfill Custom and Unique Orders: The capability to "special order one for me" and help when "no one in town had this or would help me order one" for a huge terrarium is a significant highlight. This demonstrates their commitment to going above and beyond to meet specific customer demands, even for "something out of the ordinary."
- Exceptional Customer Experience: Customers consistently describe their interactions as "awesome experience" and rave about having "had a customer experience like this" for a long time. The owner's willingness to assist with heavy lifting ("put it in my car for me") further exemplifies their dedication to convenience and service.
- Problem-Solving and Customer Advocacy: The owner's willingness to "cut me a deal" and provide a "reasonable timetable" for a challenging special order, even when other stores "actually argued with me about the size," shows a strong customer-centric approach and a desire to help resolve complex issues.
- Long-Term Support: The "ongoing support is beyond compare," with Ernie continuing to answer questions and help ensure customers' "little underworld wonderland" is thriving. This post-purchase dedication builds significant customer loyalty.
For specialized aquatic and exotic pet habitat needs, you can connect with Reefs and Rainforests using the following contact details:
Address: 2538 Jmt Industrial Dr, Apopka, FL 32703, USA
Phone: (407) 375-8600
Mobile Phone: +1 407-375-8600
In conclusion, Reefs and Rainforests in Apopka is an outstanding and highly suitable choice for locals throughout the Florida region, particularly those with a passion for aquatic and exotic pets. Its strategic location, while industrial, is easily accessible, ensuring that even complex pickups are manageable. What truly sets this business apart, however, is the unparalleled level of expertise, dedication, and personalized service offered by its owner, Ernie.
The glowing customer reviews highlight his exceptional knowledge, willingness to undertake challenging special orders (like a huge bearded dragon terrarium), and the consistent, "beyond compare" ongoing support he provides. For pet owners who are serious about creating and maintaining thriving, specialized habitats, the guidance and resources available at Reefs and Rainforests are invaluable. Unlike general pet stores, this establishment understands the intricacies of unique ecosystems, offering custom solutions, reliable sourcing, and a genuine commitment to ensuring the long-term success and enjoyment of your "little underworld wonderland." For Floridians seeking expert advice and unparalleled support for their aquatic and exotic companions, Reefs and Rainforests is undoubtedly the go-to destination, promising an exceptional customer experience.
Reefs and Rainforests Photos



Reefs and Rainforests Location
Reefs and Rainforests
2538 Jmt Industrial Dr, Apopka, FL 32703, USA
Reefs and Rainforests Reviews
Awesome experience with the owner. This review is long overdue, I thought I had submitted it already! I can't say enough good things about this guy. I came to him for neither reefs nor rainforests, but a desert style terrarium for my soon to be bearded dragon. I was looking for a large (huge really) 75 gal equivalent for a glass, front opening, screen toped style terrarium, like the minimum recommended comfortable size for an adult. No one in town had this or would help me order one, some reptile places actually argued with me about the size (I'm an LVT so I like to think I know what I'm doing but thanks) seriously, and with online shipping being what it is these days, expensive and likely to be broken upon arrival, I was feeling pretty hopeless until I gave this dude a call. He not only offered to special order one for me, but cut me a deal on it and gave me a really reasonable timetable of like a week since it had to be shipped in from out west I think. We had several phone, email and text conversations, always keeping me updated on everything. When it came time for pick up, he put it in my car for me, which I didn't even ask for and was so grateful for since I have undisclosed back problems and had a sleeping 3 year old in the back seat. His demeanor was so professional and respectful. It's been a long time since I have had a customer experience like this. I'd gladly give this guy my future business and I recommend you give this dude a shout if you need something out of the ordinary. 👍
May 22, 2022 · Stephanie DeFrayneCan't really say enough about this place. Sure he's busy and has a lot going on. But he does care a lot and his ongoing support is beyond compare. Time and time again he answers my questions and helps me make sure everything is going great in my little underworld wonderland, Thanks Ernie!
Apr 16, 2024 · Peter ShowalterI would not recommend this company. He started out very well. He communicated via e mail and texts to provide a proposal and to answer my questions and promise to build, install and instruct me on how to care for my first salt water tank. There were a lot of delays but finally tank was installed. They rushed the install, said on their next visit they would go over all the equipment and promised to get me fish that could go right into the tank without quarantine. They came several days later to install a part they had forgotten, still in a rush and not explaining anything. They were due back in a month to bring fish, do a water change and go over the equipment. I texted a list of fish to him as asked and then followed up a week later to see if he was having any luck getting the fish. I received a text advising me to buy my fish at local stores since shopping for fish was not like the supermarket and he only got fish in every few months even though his invoices say "check our livestock new every 2 weeks." I told him I was very disappointed. He responded he would fix our top off system then we would be done. I reminded him I had text him that that system was working fine. He never responded again. He is a Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde. He bailed on me without providing the instruction and support he promised. As a result I lost over $100 in fish and several hundred in costs to a local aquarium store to set things right.
Dec 15, 2017 · David TaylorI've been dealing with Ernie for over 20 years and have to say he is my number one go to. For the guy that was sad he didn't see what he wanted just remember quality live stock is not abundant.
May 14, 2023 · Russell wI have never had a salt water tank. I found this business on the Internet and called to make an appt. to come and see him to talk about installing a salt water reef tank. I had already spoken to 3 other stores, but he had a 5 star rating. I met with him and was impressed with his knowledge. He told me he had previously worked at Sea World. I decided to give him the job of designing and installing a 150 gallon tank because he promised he would be there to explain everything I needed to know to operate all the equipment and explain what it does and everything I needed to do to the aquarium to keep the wildlife healthy. He installed a beautiful aquarium, but then he abandoned me. He did not explain the equipment or maintenance of the tank or quarantine tank (I found out from a local fish store I should have been doing water changes in both tanks before the month was up.) a He said he would come back in a month to service the tank and then he would explain everything. Before that date arrived he texted he would not get the fish he promised me and when I expressed my disappointment he texted back he was done. I definitely would not recommend this person to install or service your aquarium.
Jan 12, 2018 · Beverly Brown
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