If you're thinking about a saltwater aquarium, do yourself a favor and go to this store. My kids convinced me to repurpose our old fresh water aquarium to salt. We went to a bunch of stores in the process. Some were very good and some were not quite so good. We passed by this one a few times even though it's literally down the street from us because it was kind of non-descript on the outside. BIG mistake. Do not judge a book by its cover! This place is AMAZING. The owner (?) is remarkably knowledgeable and helpful and is not judgmental about us newbies, like some other places we went to. He actually engages with my kids every time we go and educates them and actually gives them simple assignments to look up or do before they come back. This guy clearly knows and loves what he does. He has stayed open after hours for my kid and has even taken cell phone calls from my kid to help with the setup/ maintenance of the tank, fishes and corals. Earned himself customers for life. This is an example of what ALL businesses should strive to be. Did I mention we love this place? read more

i've been to a lot of local fish stores, lemme tell you. i don't think i've ever received service as good as i have at this place. they make you feel like family right away. extremely reasonable pricing and the selection of livestock is awesome. read more

Amazing place! The staff is so friendly you'd think you're in another world. Seriously. The shop is small but they have a big selection of sea life. They quarantine their fish and will be glad to show you their set up. Prices are as good, if not better, than any other LFS. BB was the associate that helped me. She walked and talked with me for a half hour. Didn't rush me, just chatted. Perfect. Quality time. This shop is far from home but it will be my new shop for my livestock needs. read more

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OMG talk about first impressions. They were friendly, approachable, and well knowledgeable about marine life. They were patient with us answered all of our questions and were honest. Their main concern was not about making money but making sure we are doing the right thing to keep our newly started tank on the right track. They know if our tank survive then we will be a continuing customer. They have so many options of marine life. Also said if they didn't have it they would look for it. The big plus is they guarantee their fish because they quarantine their marine life. Prices are very reasonable and affordable. Our son is 4 years old and knows so much about marine life and it's because of him we are doing this. He can't wait to get his first resident for his tank. read more

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We happened upon this GEM yesterday and boy were they helpful! From the moment you walk in the store is just captivating and you feel like a kid in a candy store. The showroom is amazing and the I left with a lot of knowledge. Hermando* answered all of my questions and welcomed us to bring our son back to learn more. After our first visit we are 'hooked'. We are just starting out with a small tank for our son and can't wait for our next visit. read more

You honestly won't find a better store than this. ALL of the livestock here is in great condition. Tanks are in great condition. These people care about what they do. The staff are extremely knowledgeable, super friendly and will take the time to discuss and advise on anything. Great selection of frags and they will special order anything you request. read more

Went in to buy some fish food for my saltwater aquarium. No one would check me out waiting for 15 minutes. Got fed up and left. Worst customer service ever.. read more

The best of the best. The owners and the employee are fantastic. They get it! They know the passion for fish. They educate every time I go there. As an owner of a reef tank, I need to trust those I talk to. And I certainly trust them!!! Fantastic. Oh, and there dog is cute Also!!!!! read more

Elite Marinelife is hands down the best local fish store for all your reef and marine fish needs! This store easily has some of the most knowledgeable staff who goes out of there way to ensure your aquarium is taken care of. The owners have saved my reef multiple times and they are the only store down here with a proper isolation process for all there fish.As far as in house salt and RO water I personally tested them with my own tds meter and the readings always come back perfect.All in all this place is heaven for reefers and aquarist of all skill levels. read more

So I am a new hobbyist to the aquarium world. And with any new hobby it's good to look around this is probably the most professional place I have gone to, and I've probably gone to about 15 aquarium stores in the area. This place is clean, polite they're super knowledgeable. If you have a question pick them up and give them a ring and they'll answer your question right over the phone no muss no fuss. If you buy a fish or coral and it's either sick or dying they will work with you on either discounting the price or simply replacing the fish this is something that no other place in this area will do they also quarantine there fish and invertebrates for almost a week before hand. I work customer service for A***e (sorry I can't write it) and I have to admit this is amazing customer service. read more

Really nice store. I talked to the lady the first time I went there and she was really knowledgeable and nice. Really clean tanks with reasonably priced corals. Wish they had more selection of fish but the fish they had looked really healthy. read more

June 28, 2015 UPDATE: Got a new filtration system for our tank and Lance ordered the items we needed eg refugium, protein skimmer, etc. Before even finalizing the order he came to the house to assess the tank and make proper adjustments as needed. The shipment came early which was awesome. Lance installed the system for us today and even gave us a complementary tank cleaning and water change. Elite MarineLife does not disappoint when it comes to customer service. Five stars across the board. Lance is amazing. He goes to great lengths to please his customers and he is very passionate about salt water tank husbandry. His dedication and passion translates in his work. Watching him set up the system today was a pleasure. He is a master in his craft. He turned a pile of live rocks into a masterpiece with ease. We are very happy and satisfied with his live rock aquascaping :D Along with providing excellent service, he generously gave us some freebies like the algae plants for the refugium and the Copepods and Phytoplanktons to jump start our new filtration system. We are so thankful for everything Lance and Mikki have done for us in turning our tank around. Elite MarineLife is the best, they foster good relationships with their customers and treat them as family. If you have any questions or concerns, they are always a call away. Can't wait to add corals and upgrade our lights later on. Elite MarineLife is the only shop we will exclusively go to for any future salt water tank needs. Please go and check them out! read more

Elite Marine Life are truly the best in the area, their store is the cleanest and most organized that I've been to. They are very attentive and most importantly very passionate and knowledgeable about the hobby, and put an extreme amount of care into all of their creatures. They are the only place I would trust to put fish in my aquarium without quarantining them. I am beyond satisfied and would definitely recommend this place to everyone. read more

What a gem! Elite MarineLife by Captive Seas is exactly what a true reef hobbyist wants to see. This small yet stocked store is very clean and always has impeccable displays. They always seem to have a stunning selection of designer clownfish. The fish and inverts always look really healthy and their frag and coral selection is extremely affordable. In fact, all of their pricing is very good considering the extra care they have with every fish they carry. They quarantine their fish separate from their display tanks for a minimum of 2 weeks. I have seen many stores claim they quarantine, but I've never seen the quality of care for fish like I've seen at this store - it's unreal. The owners are extremely passionate about their craft and have over 40 years in the business. If you have a question, Lance, Micki or Matt are always wanting to help. I will definitely stock my tank with confidence at this store. You're welcome for sharing this place! Believe me...I thought about keeping this secret to myself ;) read more

Absolutely amazing experience. From the initial phone call I made about issues with my tank, the staff were beylnd professional and helpful. When I walked into their place, I was warmly welcomed, given a tour and offered above par help with my fish. Lance is extremely knowledgeable and was extremely thorough with his testing, which, coupled with very specific and detailed instructions for my at home care, made him an absolute pleasure to sit with for help. I recommend this place for any aquarium needs, and from now on when needed will be only coming here for service. 10/10!!! read more

Whether you are new to the hobby or a veteran, you will appreciate the sincerity, professionalism and warmth that is exuded at Elite MarineLife in Pompano Beach. I recently dealt with a bout of high nitrates and needed a massive water change for my 125 gallon reef. From the minute I called and Mikki answered, she listened attentively, asked great questions and reassured me by promising she'd do everything possible to get my nitrate issue resolved. This happened during the 4th of July pre-weekend celebrations. I had already called several other local fish stores before calling Elite. In hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise that everyone else was too busy or not interested in hearing me out since I'm now a customer of Elite MarineLife. I went in to their store and meeting Mikki and Lance in person (the owners) was such a pleasure. They are so incredibly knowledgeable yet easy going and down to earth. Things are explained in a way that makes sense and makes you feel like this hobby is attainable so long as you follow well-informed sound advice. I had the privilege of having Lance come over and perform the large water change the same day I called in with my issue. It's not often you have someone as knowledgeable as him in your living room handling your reef aquarium so I took full advantage and asked many questions. I feel more confident now having Elite MarineLife as an incredibly valuable resource that I can count on for my aquarium needs. read more