The Marine Scene

I recently started a nano reef tank and had been looking for a place in the DC area to build a good rapport for advice, equipment, livestock, etc. The staff here is knowledgable, patient, and incredibly helpful. They have a huge quantity of livestock and coral with plenty of variety. The livestock goes through an extensive quarantine process so while the prices may be high you are paying for quality. After visiting a handful of stores in the area this is now my go-​to. It should be yours too.

Amazing place. Great livestock and the store is pristine and a great experience. THey have probably the nicest in store display tank that I have ever seen, it is simply stunning and an inspiration for anyone thinking of coming into this hobby. The people that work there can be a bit snooty, but I just dish it right back. For the most part everyone is very helpful and they do a fantastic job bagging and packaging livestock. I would give this place 4.5 if I could just based on some of the sales people’s attitudes, but I’ll go with a 5 because it is just that good.

Great salt-​water fish store, tucked away in an industrial park off ffx pkwy. They have a great selection of corals and some fish. Like other Unilocalers have said, and I agree, the staff are really great. Helpful, smart and willing to take the time to answer questions and make suggestions. Their prices are more than other places, but the quality is great.

The staff are helpful and not egomaniacs like some fish stores. They will listen to you and offer suggestions /​advice without treating you like an idiot because you are not a marine biologist. I have purchased several fish and they are always healthy and vibrant. They occasionally have nice corals, but I’ve never been «wow’ed» by the corals. The store is clean, well lit, and generally well stocked. The only complaint is the prices are a bit high, but you have to pay for quality in the marine hobby. I have no problem recommending this store to my friends.
If you see a fish online and want to reserve it, they honor the reservation. I’ve done this twice and arrived to find my fish still available and ready to go. Quite convenient.
This the best marine fish store I’ve found in the Washington Metro Area.

A beautiful display tank is propped right at the entrance when you walk in. Very friendly and knowledable staff!
This is one of the better outlet where I can find most/​all of my saltwater needs. I comes here frequently to restock on my supplies and critters. Many of their livestocks were healthy and often individually quarantined in their own tanks and not overcrowded with other species as frequently seen in other stores. They also have a pretty good selection of corals. Not as exclusive as other online stores, but you can easily have them order it for you. They also sometime carry live rocks. Much cheaper to get it from them than ordering it online and pay a hefty shipping charge.
A great store if you are looking for any saltwater needs!

We have been getting supplies and critters here since 2005. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful plus the quality and volume of the stock has always been very good! Worth the trip if you are not local.
We love The Marine Scene!
The Cooks

This business is tucked halfway back from the main road in a retail business complex near Fairfax County Parkway. A former coworker of mine is a serious aquarium hobbyist, and he goes here religiously. I tagged along on one of his trips and found myself impressed despite anticipated apathy. Staff came across as friendly, the rows of tanks were clean and well-​kept, and there was a great variety of fish and supplies stocked. I even had passing fantasies about maintaining a tank of coral. Seemed like everything I would need to build my own aquarium was available here.

Great store and staff!
This store has it ALL for your saltwater needs. The store itself is very inviting. While walking in you are met by a large Reef Display that is beautiful. All of their tanks are clean and immaculate. Their Fish and Animals were all healthy. They were well stocked in hardware and other items (lights, books, food, chemicals. etc)
This is a great store and a must visit for anyone who’s in the hobby. I travel the region visiting Aquarium stores and this is one of the better ones if not THE best. Their prices can be beat (on fish and hardware) though! In saying that, I didn’t mind paying a few extra $$ because the service was great and they had the item in stock that I needed and wanted immediately instead of waiting for shipping from an online store because none of the Aquarium stores in the DC area had the item in stock. Although the Staff was working hard when I arrived, they were eager and ready to assist with a smile without me approaching them.
This store is definitely a weekly visit for me even if I just go in and look around.
This is a must visit!