Beyond Impressed
May 20, 2011 by Anonomous Aquarist

I have been dealing with the other aquaria store on 34th Street for a few years, but have seen it go down hill and always feel like I am bothering them when I have a question. It's almost like hurry up and buy something and get out of my store mentality.
I just found out about this store and went in not expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised. The owners and staff initiated engaging conversation and wanted to know about my system and the direction I am trying to head with my system. They made several recommendations and I learned more from them in the hour I spent in the store today; than I have the entire past 2 years from the other place. They have 100% of my business from here on out. This is the place to go and I will recommend everyone to take their business there.

Best place to go in town
August 21, 2010 by Anonomous Aquarist

They moved store locations earlier in the year, so the address on Archer road is incorrect. Their new store location is near Alley Katz bowling and the address is:
3709 SW 42nd Ave. Suite 10 Gainesville, FL 32608. It's over near the cell tower in the area and may be a little bit harder to find, but I think it's well worth your trip.

As far as Gainesville goes, there isn't much selection when it comes to salt water stores. However, I was more than thrilled when I discovered Ocean Exotics! This really is the place to go in town for all of your salt water needs. The owners and staff are always very friendly when you go into the store and are more than willing to discuss reef keeping or answer any questions you may have. They even have benches in the store and invite you to sit down and talk if you'd like that way they get to know you and your system. The fish always look healthy and well taken care of. This is NOT the type of store where you walk in and see multiple dead fish in the tanks.

Quality, and service with a smile
October 27, 2008 by Anonomous Aquarist

This place is well worth the trip. I normally go to the place on 34th, for once I walked into a store that I didn't see multiple dead fish in the tanks, incompatible fish together, or tangs in itty bitty tanks. Plus, I wasn't chased around the store by some kid trying to sell me everything I didn't need, plus the kitchen sink.
I talked to Brie for a long time, she didn't try to push me into anything, and even advised me against a fish that caught my eye (wasn't compatible with my current inhabitants). She was really personable, and seemed happy to help. It really impressed me that she was willing to explain the store's maintenance and testing schedule, as well as show me their filtration systems. The obvious care they put into their tanks, and above all their knowledgeable employees make all the difference. They seem to be selling QUALITY, with a real service attitude.

Best place in Gainesville
April 9, 2007 by Anonomous Aquarist

Ok. There aren't many places in Gainesville when it comes down to saltwater aquaria.

However, even though some of the competition have better location & advertising Ocean Exotics REALLY know their stuff.

The difference is in the staff/owners. They are knowledgeable and I don't feel as though they are out for my money. I do a lot of research online and what they were telling me matched up nearly 100% whereas "that other place" on 34th was totally different. They recommend BIO BALLS for filtration. NOT live rock rubble. BIO BALLS!

When I first started this hobby I trusted them. I was stupid.

Ocean Exotics may be 15 minutes further down the road, but it's well worth it. They will go to extreme ends to help you out. They'll sit down with you and go over stuff.

Completely AWESOME!

Love it
January 10, 2007 by InvaderJim

Excellent knowledgeable staff
Clean store
Good variety of fish
Decent supply of dry goods
Not much for corals though

I've been in Ocean Exotics numerous times and enjoy it a lot. The staff are really friendly, helpful and know what they are talking about unlike a lot of other stores. Paul and Nicole do a wonderful job and I really enjoy doing business with them. If they don't have something in the store they will special order it for you.