The Coral Crib

TheNitroJoe

2023-08

Went on a whim and was shocked at what a killer operation the owner has going. Beautiful selection of corals and quite decent salt water fish too. Water is crystal clear. Prices are competitive for sure. Level of expertise is high and both gentlemen working there know their craft and are quite personable. I will be a frequent flyer for sure! Highly recommend!

Kacie Brown

2022-05

Both of the guys were super helpful and patient with my questions as a new reef keeper! They helped me pick out some great new fish for my tank. I’ll definitely be back in to get more stuff once I upgrade some of my equipment!

Courtney Johnson

2022-05

It took me a while to get around to writing a review but that means this place is definitely worth keeping in mind for all your coral and fish needs. I had the opportunity to have Luke help us out it was myself, my wife with our four-year-old and three-year-old and needless to say they were like kids in a candy store. Luke made sure with us being beginners at the salt water tank and insured us with all the information we would need to know about the purchases we made I will definitely be back and if it tells you anything I drive from Champaign and avoid the store that we have here! This place is awesome and plan on definitely being back in another couple of weeks thanks again for having an awesome atmosphere and being very knowledgeable about everything. You guys rock!

Toula F

2023-05

They are so friendly and helpful here. We've bought a few fish and they have all been healthy. No issues except for a diamondback goby that jumped out of our tank (not the store's fault). They are very knowledgeable and have a great selection of fish, food and nutrients. Last time we were there we noticed they had some live rock for sale which is awesome! Will always choose this place for all our saltwater tank needs!Update: We had to bring back 2 of our fish that were bullying their tankmates. We ended up getting a few other fish that were better fits. We found out that they also offer a tank cleaning service! How amazing that would be for us if we didn't live so far away. If you live in the area and need help maintaining your saltwater tank, you're lucky to have this place to call!

Angel Cummings

2022-05

They have all kinds of fish, coral and other stuff needed for fish tanks.

scott teske

2021-05

Great place...update; purchased two new fish, very pretty and healthy. Ate right away and seem very happy.

Zack Peterson

2023-05

Absolutely wonderful business! Drove over 2 hours to come and visit today and recieved exceptional service and high quality coral all for a very reasonable price! Would highly recommend these folks for your tank stocking needs from $10 frags up to the exceptional specialty pieces. Definately makes the top 5 list for me :)

Maya Decker

2021-05

Got to see beautiful coral and make friends with the fish! I can't wait to go again and see more.

lucas w

2023-05

Amazing service and knowledge from the owner. I'm sure his employees are equal but the owner was amazing to talk to and he helped me choosing coral that my light could grow and didn't just try to sell me something to get it out of the door. 11/10!!

Val H

2021-05

Great customer service! Very knowledgeable. We drive from Decatur and will continue to do so.

Rick E Fox Jr

2022-05

I can't say enough about this place.If you're doing saltwater, come here first.The young man who took care of me was ridiculously professional. Shocking, really, the level of knowledge.This operation is growing it's own corals, breeding fish as well as culturing their own live rock.The prices of their livestock is competitive and their tanks are impeccably well maintained.

Chip Moore

2023-05

Luke is very knowledgeable and the store and all of the tanks were VERY clean and organized. Well worth the 1+ hour drive to get there. We will definitely be back!

Dai Lam

2022-05

I love coming here! They have a wonderful selection of fish and corals to choose from! Great prices, especially during their special sales! I drive an hour and a half just to get there everytime I go, that's how much I love this place! Highly recommended and the staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful with any questions you have!

Steve leskovisek

2023-05

This place has the best selection of coral anywhere in the Midwest! They grow most of their coral in house! Amazing store, a must see, even if you don't have a fish tank, it is worth a visit

Ann Albert-Ellis

2023-05

Real friendly, knowledgeable, great service. They take extra steps for the customer to be successful in the hobby. Not only did we gain a new hobby but we gained new friends

farm boy

2023-05

It's a great store with a great selection of fish and corals. The prices are fair and on par with other shops. They have an amazing shop tank. It's dedicated to saltwater aquariums. Bought my wife a very cool feather duster and a clown fish.

Rob Coley

2021-05

Luke and his staff are very friendly and they have a HUGE selection of fish and corals in all price ranges.. Definitely worth the drive as i will keep coming back!! Good job guy's, you won my business with many year's to come!!

Phebe Bell

2023-06

Fantastic service and help. Beautiful store and very healthy stock! I finally found a store that I will be confident in purchasing corals and anemones!!

Jason Harlow

2023-05

Really awesome store with an excellent selection of all things reef related. They saved my butt during a sudden forced relocation. They housed my livestock while I moved and got the tank back up and running. I can't say enough good things about this establishment who puts its customers first and foremost!

David Beebe

2021-05

The coral crib is awesome. Luke and Braden are extremely helpful and answer all my questions without hesitation. Prices are very reasonable and fish are healthy. If you dare try a saltwater tank, I highly recommend shopping here. Lukes setup in store makes me wish I had a bigger tank. I absolutely love the coral crib.

J Kuenstler

2021-05

I could hang out here all day! Awesome store that always has something new for me and my family to check out! Luke and Brayden are great resources and I appreciate all the assistance they have given us! So, if your looking for healthy marine fish (FYI they will quarantine for you), inverts, corals, supplies, or just need a place to relieve some stress then go check out the Coral Crib!

logan kreitzer

2021-05

Quality reef store that is well thoughtout and has a very clean look. Their display tank is absolutely amazing, these guy know their stuff. My girlfriend loved going there and she doesn't really like going to reef store. We will be back as much as we can.

Macie Sinn

2022-05

By far our favorite store! The set up is amazing and the owner is patient, knowledgeable and so helpful! They have such a variety of options for tanks. Highly recommend checking them out!!

Shanon Cole

2021-05

Very excited to find blue legged hermit crab. Very helpful and patient with all my questions. They have a nice assortment of fish, coral, and tank materials (food, conditioner, etc) Will definitely be returning.

Justin Zoeller

2021-05

My kids and I have always discussed bringing home fish for them, as a new “pet”. 6 months ago, we started doing research and decided we were going to run a saltwater tank. We went to Petco and were quickly disappointed. After more research, I realized that keeping fish, is a science in itself..especially saltwater. There was quite a bit more to it than I originally thought but the challenge to learn was also motivating. I started to look for places locally other than Petco, to help get a better understanding of how to do it right and learn every ounce of information I could, to be successful from the beginning.I came across a link to “The Coral Crib”, located here in Bloomington, IL. I never knew there was a place in town!! We went and checked it out and while looking around, I was asking some very basic, rookie questions to one of the employees and not ONCE did he cast judgement on my ignorance to starting up a new tank. He was the utmost professional the entire time (THANK YOU BRAYDEN). As I continued asking questions, a customer chimed into the conversation and also helped answer some of my questions. You could tell the passion he had for the hobby, as he was also knowledgeable and eager to help out anyway he could. At this point, I was sold! These guys were extremely helpful, courteous, not pushy to buy anything and I knew I had come to the right place.As I picked out a few items to get my first tank cycled, another employee arrived and I dragged him into our conversation to pick his brain. Again, he was awesome with answering basic questions and helping me get going (THANK YOU LUKE). Come to find out later on, these 2 employees run the business and I cannot speak highly enough about them. If you want saltwater fish or have any questions on getting started, GO TO THE CORAL CRIB! They have a clean, captivating store with a great selection of fish, invertebrates, anemones, corals, tanks and everything you need to update or even get started with your first setup. My kids and I go there weekly now to look at the newest fish in stock and socialize with awesome ownership, who really have a passion for this hobby. I could not be any happier to support this local business and I hope them all nothing but the best as they continue to grow this business.

Kevin Valera

2023-06

Constantly evolving but still the best game in town. We love the store and the staff. Best wishes for Braden on his newest adventure!

Grafton Hoffmeister

2021-05

The Coral Crib is an awesome to place to get stuff for your marine tank, whether it be livestock or general supplies. The employees here don't try to make quick buck off of someone( unlike some chain stores) and are extremely helpful. This is my go to store for everything marine :).

Bryan Hurst

2021-05

Lucas is the best! We drive 40.mins to see him, he knows what we have and won't sell if he dosent like how it looks. Looking at reef set up and he quoted us a fair price and said he could work on a better price within reason. Definitely would refer anyone there.

Pamela Dawes

2022-05

Love stopping here when I'm in the area! Beautiful tanks, high quality coral, and friendly staff make this place worth the visit!

Brandon Bradford

2022-05

Best place to get Coral or fish for saltwater I've spent a lot of money there and will continue to spend money there very clean tanks very healthy fish very friendly staff on busy days they can definitely use another person but if you're into this hobby you already know patience is everything **update still the best place around and ive even travel quite the ways to other shops and never ended up spending any money because I still get the best deals at the coral crib and their staff and tanks are friendlier and cleaner than anywhere else I've been I'd say easily the best saltwater shop and at least a hundred mile radius