After years of navigating Austin’s reef keeping community and connecting with local businesses, I’ve compiled the most comprehensive, fact-checked directory of marine aquarium resources in Central Texas. This isn’t just a list of businesses – it’s an insider’s guide to the Austin reef ecosystem, complete with verified hours, specialized services, and community insights you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether you’re setting up your first saltwater tank or looking for specialized breeding services, this guide will save you time, money, and frustration by connecting you with the right resources in our local community.

Austin’s Thriving Marine Ecosystem

The vast majority of Austin’s marine aquarium businesses remain actively operating with current contact information, though several notable discoveries emerged during my verification process. Nine of ten businesses are confirmed open and operational, while the Austin reef community has largely migrated from traditional forums to Facebook-based groups for daily interaction.

Austin Aqua Dome – The Community Leader

Austin Aqua Dome leads the pack with verified hours Tuesday-Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm at 1604 Fortview Road. Recent reviews confirm active operations, competitive pricing, and specialties in marine fish, corals, and invertebrates. The established business maintains a functional website at austinaquadome.com and strong community reputation.

River City Aquatics – Partnership Hub

River City Aquatics operates with confirmed owner Jake Wand at 12108 Roxie Drive Suite A, with verified Tuesday-Saturday 10am-7pm hours. The business maintains an active partnership with Black Label Aquatics and offers comprehensive services including tank maintenance. They also host regular “First Friday of the Month” social events, serving as consistent community meetup locations for reef hobbyists. You can find out more at the website rivercitytropicalfish.com.

Aquatek Tropical Fish – The Largest Operation

Aquatek Tropical Fish dominates as Austin’s largest aquarium store at 2521 Rutland Drive Suite 500, employing approximately 20+ staff members. Operating Monday-Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm, the North Austin location maintains a 4.6-star rating from over 1,000 reviews and serves as a major community hub for both fresh and saltwater hobbyists.

Specialized Coral Operations

Austin’s coral scene is dominated by several specialized operations that focus exclusively on high-quality, aquacultured specimens. These businesses represent the cutting edge of local reef keeping.

Black Label Aquatics – High-End Specialists

Black Label Aquatics owner Ty Ta (Farmer Ty) operates a functional website at blacklabelaquatics.com featuring high-end aquacultured corals priced $37-$699+. Ta holds a degree in Ocean & Coastal Resources from Texas A&M University and maintains active partnerships within the local reef community.

Reefworks Corals – Farm-Direct Operation

Reefworks Corals owner John Yull maintains verified contact at (512) 413-0617 with functional websites at both reefworks.net and reefworkscorals.com. The operation specializes in 100% aquacultured corals from their farm outside Austin, with recent Facebook activity confirming ongoing business.

Austin Aqua Farms – Weekend-Only Specialty

Austin Aqua Farms operates specialized coral-only sales at 8711 Burnet Road Suite F-60 with unique Saturday-only hours 1pm-4pm (weekdays by appointment only). Recent Facebook activity and verified website austinaquafarms.com confirm this niche coral specialty operation remains active.

Hidden Gems: Specialized Breeding Services

Beyond the traditional retail stores, Austin has a thriving network of specialized breeders and service providers who operate primarily through community connections rather than traditional storefronts.

Ben Roman – Facebook-Based Wholesale Breeding

Ben Roman operates as a clownfish breeding specialist primarily through Austin’s Facebook reef groups and wholesale distribution networks. Rather than maintaining a traditional retail storefront or e-commerce website, Roman focuses on supplying local aquarium shops and connecting with customers through community-based Facebook groups like Austin Reefers and ATX Reefer Crew.

This wholesale-focused model is increasingly common among specialized breeders who prioritize direct relationships with local fish stores and reef community members over broad online marketing. For potential customers interested in Roman’s breeding services, direct inquiries through active Austin reef Facebook groups provide the most reliable contact method.

Business Updates You Need to Know

A couple of businesses require updated information that might affect your shopping plans:

TUNZE USA Relocation

TUNZE USA headquarters relocated from the listed 305 Victor Street Austin address to 2121 Cole Springs Road, Buda, TX 78610. The wholesale aquarium equipment company remains actively operating at the new location near Austin, with verified phone (512) 833-7546.

Central Texas Corals – Verification Pending

Central Texas Corals exists but remains unverifiable – the business appears in local directory searches with a functioning website at centraltexascorals.com, but content accessibility issues prevent confirmation of operational status or service details. It’s likely best to inquire with them via Facebook.

Active Community Groups & Networking

The Austin reef community has largely migrated to Facebook-based engagement with high activity levels. Understanding these groups is essential for accessing specialized services, rare livestock, and community support.

Primary Facebook Groups

• Austin Reefers Facebook Group – Active membership requiring approval access
• ATX Reefer Crew – Primary destination where “most folks have moved to” from traditional forums

Traditional Forums Still Active

Austin Reef Club maintains dual presence with operational website austinreefclub.com and Facebook page (986 likes), though forum activity has decreased as members migrate to Facebook groups. The traditional forum still features buy/sell/trade sections and tank journals.

Greater Austin Aquarium Society – Major Discovery

Greater Austin Aquarium Society emerged as major discovery – this 501(c)3 non-profit established in 2018 operates highly active programs with 70+ official members and 700+ Facebook group participants. Monthly public meetups and 2-3 annual events including vendor expos serve the broader aquarium community, with both freshwater and marine focus.

Local Annual Events

Coral Farmers Market maintains annual Texas presence with established Round Rock events typically held in April at Holiday Inn Austin North. The 2024 event featured $10 adult admission, thousands of captive-grown coral fragments, and partnerships with Austin-based Happy Reefing Products. No 2025 date announced yet.

Making the Most of Austin’s Reef Community

Austin’s marine aquarium ecosystem demonstrates remarkable resilience and growth, with nearly universal business verification success and thriving community engagement through modern social media platforms. Ben Roman’s Facebook-based wholesale breeding operation exemplifies the community-centered approach that characterizes much of Austin’s specialized reef services. You can often find similar community members with offerings from one-off breeding attempts, or successful coral propagations via community groups. As well as amazing deals on lightly used equipment.

Event opportunities abound within driving distance, with San Antonio Reef Fest offering the closest major gathering and ReefAPalooza providing the most comprehensive experience. Business owners maintain strong interconnections and partnerships, creating a supportive network for Central Texas reef keeping enthusiasts.

Key takeaway: Austin’s reef community operates differently than coastal cities. Success here depends on Facebook group participation, personal relationships, and understanding the interconnected nature of local businesses. Don’t just shop – become part of the community, and you’ll discover resources and opportunities that aren’t advertised anywhere else.

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Need help navigating Austin’s reef community or setting up your marine aquarium system? I offer consultation services covering everything from equipment selection to livestock planning, with specific expertise in Central Texas water conditions and local supplier relationships.