The Coral Reef is Changing Locations in Stratford

[Masedaddy]

So as the title states, The Coral Reef is changing locations in Stratford. I spoke to the owners (Jonathan and Donna) and got the inside scoop on the new digs. They are hoping to open the NEW store at the end of August/Early Sept at the latest. The new store will be located in StationHouse Square across from the train station in Stratford. It will be in the suite location with the train caboose. I guess it was a restaurant before.... The new location will be more than 2000 sq ft of salty excitement!! Jonathan said it will include a lagoon that will house various sharks and rays, which from what he said, will also be like a touch tank.... Very cool idea, IMO!! It is supposed to be very nicely setup with a fragging station, multiple frag tanks as well as other tanks to house larger colonies. As well as, a whole wall of nothing but fish on display/purchase.

I expect great things from Jonathan and Donna!! If its like their original store, I'm sure it will be great!! Jonathan said they just outgrew the store they are in now and wanted to create more of a destination location instead of the run of the mill LFS.

The original location will remain OPEN during the transition per Jonathan and Donna.

I don't know if my bank account or my wife is going to appreciate the new store... I'm thinking I need a bigger tank!!!!:rollface:

I can't wait to see this new place!! :thumbsup:

[Chriskid]

Jonathan said it will include a lagoon that will house various sharks and rays, which from what he said, will also be like a touch tank.... Very cool idea, IMO :thumbsup:

ya my T^**&^( idea!!!!

[Masedaddy]

I forgot to add to that statement that it will be completely harmless sharks and rays (tail spike removed or clipped) ......

I'm sure they would not add anything dangerous....

[Tweaked]

Yep, Kris gave me the info a couple weeks ago when he stopped by, but wanted to wait for the official word from John and Donna. Should be sweet.

[saltychick]

ya my T^**&^( idea!!!!

Thanks a lot Chris. I didn't buy a big enough tank for these!!!!

[Marc11]

I cant wait!!!!! Good luck John and Donna.

[GaryLCrouch]

I forgot they had told me this a while back when I was there. They are going to house birds as well. John was showing me the layout and it looks like its gonna be really cool when its done.

[gmate]

Gonna be a good amount of work to migrate the store but with their dedication I know it will be a smooth transition.

Very glad to hear that they're doing well.

[Collinrb]

they say September they hope to transition fully. ive got a couple pics to post as well

[Tweaked]

Kris stopped by last night and we were discussing the new store and the setup/layout. This store is going to be the destination for us shoreline folk if all goes well, and is right on track to make that a reality.

The old order counter will house a large tank as well as a viewale large fuge full of macros with prices scribed on the glass.

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/null_zps1248c591.jpg (http://s1240.photobucket.com/user/TweakedS10/media/null_zps1248c591.jpg.html)

Nothing like some clean facilities for those 3 hour coral viewings lol.

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/null_zps69568fa6.jpg (http://s1240.photobucket.com/user/TweakedS10/media/null_zps69568fa6.jpg.html)

And the tank stock up in preperation for assembly.

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/null_zpseccc4f66.jpg (http://s1240.photobucket.com/user/TweakedS10/media/null_zpseccc4f66.jpg.html)

[Collinrb]

ah thats right I was supposed to post those pics haha

[bansawbandit]

Looks like its gonna be a great upgrade!

[saltychick]

Looks like its gonna be a great upgrade!

Agreed :)

[Masedaddy]

I looked in the windows the other day and the floor is all finished... It looks great!! Can't wait to see it up and running!!

[Tweaked]

I looked in the windows the other day and the floor is all finished... It looks great!! Can't wait to see it up and running!!

That's great Mason. Next time you go and steam up the glass, snap a pic of what you are seeing. Kris said he just finished the floors, but being you are in town, you can keep us updated. Like I said, we should meet there and bug Kris,Jon and Donna for a couple hours lol. I am due in there this Saturday around noon.

[Masedaddy]

Ok took some pics...

[Masedaddy]

For some reason that 1st one wants to turn sideways...... Any who, You can see the new floor and the beginnings of the frag system and acro tank. The two 60 gallon frag tanks will accompany the large frag tank set up at the other store. The I believe its a 240 (?) will be the Acro/SPS tank. The far wall will have the fish system. Looks good!!!

[firstlight10]

I know its already been said but wow what a store they have. I stopped in to check it out and spent almost an hour looking at corals.

[Masedaddy]

Pat, I will try to be there on Sat at noon. It would be good to see you and the Missus again!

[Tweaked]

Chugging right along :dance:

Fish section are u shaped areas for viewing pleasure

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/null_zps813c4c43.jpg

New 210g sps tank and 60g LPS and clam tanks

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/null_zps09a3e5b5.jpg

More 60g frag tanks

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/null_zps682f42bc.jpg

Sump room

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/null_zps54e0f79f.jpg

Now picture all the other tanks with their massive frag tank being added from the current store.

[Masedaddy]

Stopped by again today.... I know I'm crazy....... It's just so close to my house, I can't help myself.... Anyways, the fish system tanks are up for the most part.

[Masedaddy]

Hahaha Pat, I see you are looking forward to this as much as I am :beer:

[Tweaked]

Stopped in yesterday and more being moved from the current store to the new. So exciting. If you haven't seen the current store, suggest you do so.

[Masedaddy]

Shelving from other store are in place.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/22/a7a5aba6.jpg

New frag tanks up and running!!

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/22/eda6uvuv.jpg

Fish system painted and ready to be plumbed.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/22/ubuty9yh.jpg

Acro tank and other frag tanks should be up and running soon!

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/22/3a3y9ara.jpg

Fragging station set up in back room with glass tabletop. Electrical work finishing up, it's coming along nicely!!

[Tweaked]

Shout out to JustinBT as well for his help with the new setup. Keep it coming guys.

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/null_zpsfdedfa3d.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/null_zpsd65b9b71.jpg

[pjb9166]

Can't wait until it's all done and your open. It's going to be a long hall down there but by the way it's sounds and everything looks it's going to be worth it.
I'm subscribing to this thread so I can hopefully know when your open.
I will be down with the family.

Paul

[Tweaked]

Grand opening is next Wednesday, Sept 4th.

[BfishLpond78]

Yea this is right down the road from me at Sikorsky. Gonna be a good lunch time trip!!!

[fltt]

Yea this is right down the road from me at Sikorsky. Gonna be a good lunch time trip!!!

Sorry to high jack.
What do you do at Sikorsky?
I also work there (Flight Hangar West)

[BfishLpond78]

Sorry to high jack.
What do you do at Sikorsky?
I also work there (Flight Hangar West)

Lol, I think we chatted a few times through the threads here.

I work in Configuration Management for the Navy Program. They moved me off to Far Mill though so I'm not longer on site at the main plant.

[Masedaddy]

They got the fish system all ready for water today. Also, started bringing over water from old site to get everything up and going. Invertebrate system is up and running, Several frag tanks are up and running, Acro tank up and running. Fish system not too far behind. Things are looking great!!! :bounce1:

[pjb9166]

Grand opening is next Wednesday, Sept 4th.

Can't promise but might take a ride down that weekend but probably the next.
Can someone leave a link or address so I can refer to Google maps for directions

Thanks
Paul

[Masedaddy]

2505 Main St. Stratford CT 06615 Its in Station House Square across from the train station. When you go in the complex just look for the Caboose and that's where you will find the New Store. The Caboose is attached to the store.

[pjb9166]

2505 Main St. Stratford CT 06615 Its in Station House Square across from the train station. When you go in the complex just look for the Caboose and that's where you will find the New Store. The Caboose is attached to the store.

How cool is that. Some people get into old cars. I love old plains and trains.
Can't wait to stop by.

[sdheath]

moved me off to Far Mill though so I'm not longer on site at the main plant.

Hey, neighbor! I'm at 100 Beard Sawmill. (Or I am for the next week, anyway. On 9/6 I start a new job in E. Hartford and trade in my 60 mile one-way commute for 11 miles.)

[saltychick]

Just spent the entire day helping Donna and john move! What a day! Shop is looking good!

[Vaiodude]

Can't wait to see the new shop! Wish we were able to go help out today (no one to watch the kids) It would have been fun.

[Marc11]

Took a ride over to the new store and all I can say is WOW!!! Great layout. Can't wait to see it completely set up.

[mcpiii1124]

Worked there today- everything looks awsome!

[anthonyjmorale]

so did they open the new location today?

[Masedaddy]

Yes today was the soft opening... Grand Reopening at new location on Sat. Sept 7th...

[Tweaked]

Yes today was the soft opening... Grand Reopening at new location on Sat. Sept 7th...

Yep talked to Kris today. Saturday. Be there or be square lol

[Collinrb]

Yep talked to Kris today. Saturday. Be there or be square lol

psh Sunday afternoon is the real party haha

[Tweaked]

psh Sunday afternoon is the real party haha

Figures

[Vaiodude]

We are going to try an get down there on Saturday....excited to see the new store!

[mcpiii1124]

are they not opening till saturday or is saturday just the "grand opening"

[Masedaddy]

No they are open all week... Just the official Grand Reopening in the new location is on Sat but Collin says its Sun now?? IDK?

[Tweaked]

Don't listen to Collin or you'll miss some of the new sweet pieces: chalice, hammers, favias, scolys, and more gold torches for those looking. See you Saturday.

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/null_zps1b7f2985.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/null_zps06005ac3.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/null_zps2c44afe2.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/null_zpsb0c386d1.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg485/TweakedS10/null_zpsbfa0056e.jpg

[Collinrb]

Yeah don't listen to me haha. The "grand opening" is going to be Saturday for sure.

The reptile show in White PLains is Sunday, and if any of ya know Kris, THAT"S the party haha

[AquaMama13]

We just checked out the store, it looks awesome!! Great job!

[sassAwrasse]

Capt and I were supposed to go, but he had to work..... So I took the trip by myself, and of course spent more than I may have if Capt was there...lol.

New location is pretty neat looking. Clean, spacious, nice flow to the store.

Shout out to Kris for spending so much time answering my questions and just shooting the breeze. I appreciate it, and it's what makes me want to come back to the store.

They have a very nice selection of corals. I'd say a few more bigger pieces than smaller, but was told fragging was possible on some things.

Picked up a Jebo40...we'll see how it goes...yeeehaww

[pjb9166]

I so want to go. I spent the day with one son having football the other having leadership training for scouts and the best thing of all. Changing the alternator in my van.
We will make it down there.
My tank is missing something.

[Tweaked]

We got there at 9:30 lol and helped with balloons and banner outsider, had coffee and donuts too for all! When you walk in, you are met with the cool blue color of the walls and LEDs everywhere. Such a sweet sweet place. Ended up grabbing another scoly (war paint) and an awesome Red Sea Purple Tang for a great price.