Who is reefing in SWVA?

muzikalmatt · Feb 17, 2023

Great to see another local reefer and a fellow Hokie at that! I went to Tech as well (class of 2007)! Go Hokies!

Finallysalty80 · Jan 3, 2024

Wow, excited to see this thread! I moved to Smyth County a couple years ago from Richmond and was beginning to think (based on the lack of saltwater stores etc) that I was the only person in SWVA with a reef tank lol.

I had planted freshwater tanks since I was about 15 years old but only about 3 years ago finally started a reef tank. It's just a 40 gallon mixed but always planning the next upgrade!

Any advice on fish stores that are worth the drive? Any active clubs around?

muzikalmatt · Jan 5, 2024

Finallysalty80 said:
Wow, excited to see this thread! I moved to Smyth County a couple years ago from Richmond and was beginning to think (based on the lack of saltwater stores etc) that I was the only person in SWVA with a reef tank lol.

I had planted freshwater tanks since I was about 15 years old but only about 3 years ago finally started a reef tank. It's just a 40 gallon mixed but always planning the next upgrade!

Any advice on fish stores that are worth the drive? Any active clubs around?

It's a bit of a haul from Smyth County but we have a few good reef stores here in the greater Roanoke area.

Ultimate Aquariums in Daleville is a solid spot. Justin the owner is a super nice guy and he has a pretty diverse stock of fish, corals, inverts, tanks, dry goods, etc.

Alien Aquatics is another good store that does both saltwater and freshwater.

I highly recommend checking out both if you're ever in the area. Unfortunately, I don't think there are any active reef clubs in the area. I tried getting one going a while back but it's tough to get enough interest.

Finallysalty80 · Jan 5, 2024

muzikalmatt said:
It's a bit of a haul from Smyth County but we have a few good reef stores here in the greater Roanoke area.

Ultimate Aquariums in Daleville is a solid spot. Justin the owner is a super nice guy and he has a pretty diverse stock of fish, corals, inverts, tanks, dry goods, etc.

Alien Aquatics is another good store that does both saltwater and freshwater.

I highly recommend checking out both if you're ever in the area. Unfortunately, I don't think there are any active reef clubs in the area. I tried getting one going a while back but it's tough to get enough interest.