Coral Theory

Good selection, healthy animals, staff is knowledgeable. I’ve come several times during «open hours» only to find the shades drawn and door locked without explanation, which is frustrating because although it is in a good neighborhood, it’s not the easiest to get to.

Great service and quality livestock. It’s a small place, but they are adding more tanks. Looking forward to the extra section! I’ve only been a couple of times but I’ve always feat with the owner. He know his stuff and very willing to share. Highly recommended!!!

Knowledgeable staff: Check
Varied selection of healthy corals, fishes, and inverts: Check
Beautiful frag tanks filled with SPS, LPS, and some softies: Check
Non-​existent parking: Check
Maxing out your card for some eye candy you couldn’t walk away from: Priceless
There are some things money can buy, for everything else there’s your SO credit card. (Just kidding of course.)
But this is a great, albeit small saltwater store that caters to some higher end specimens. The prices on the acanthestrea aka «acans» (my favorite LPS) are reasonable however once you get into the multi-​colored/​rainbow acans the higher the price tag. They are typically purchased «per head» ex. if an acan frag has 3 heads and it is $ 29.99 per head then expect to pay $ 90 for the frag. For the high-​end aka designer zoanthids, expect to pay per head versus paying for the frag at a set price. Occasionally you can find some good deals on corals here.
I remember my first visit here when I first started in this saltwater hobby: the staff gave me some helpful tips on the new tank and stocking recommendations came a long way. The staff at Coral Theory consistently provides exceptional service that I’ve come to expect time and time again.

I love this place!
They have the best selection of Live Coral in NYC. Everything is healthy and beautiful. Fish and Invert selection is decent as well. The staff is very helpful and will spend time to answer your questions. Just beware, this place is addicting!

Why is no one here and it’s 12:00pm in the afternoon. This is the third time in 2 months I came here and the door is locked and no one is around but the store is open… Call ahead, or you’ll be wasting your time.

Friendly staff, LOTS of stuff. Just an all around great place to be if your into the hobby.
Pros:
Prices are good, especially considering the location
2 big frag tanks
Nice staff who treat this as a hobby, not just their job
cons:
Parking in the area sucks A LOT and public transportation is not exactly abundant

Good selection of healthy saltwater fish and corals that are well priced. Also staff is very helpful!