Big Ideas, Real Impact
Meet Tyler and Nick, the founders of The Coral Reef Company and where it all started
Our Story
The Coral Reef Company was built from a shared frustration and a long-standing passion for doing things better.
Tyler had already spent over a decade immersed in the aquarium industry, building and maintaining systems across Central Oregon. Through that experience, he saw firsthand how difficult it was for hobbyists to access high-quality, healthy coral without paying inflated retail prices. The local market had limited options, and pricing often didn’t reflect the true value of what customers were getting.
Nick entered the picture first as a customer, but it didn’t take long for conversations about aquariums to turn into something bigger. The two quickly realized they shared the same vision: create a reliable source of premium coral that was both affordable and sustainably grown.
After years of planning, learning, and refining their approach, they launched The Coral Reef Company in early 2026. Starting from a private grow facility, their focus has been simple—grow healthy, vibrant coral and make it accessible to all hobbyists at every level.
What began as an idea between two passionate aquarists is now the foundation for something much bigger, with plans to expand into a full storefront in the future.
Nick
Founder and Aquaculture Technician
Nick’s journey into the reef world is rooted in both passion and perspective.
After serving in the Marines, Nick faced the challenges of severe PTSD and began searching for something that brought a sense of calm and focus back into his life. He found that in aquariums. What started as a simple interest quickly became a deep passion, providing both peace and purpose through the care and growth of living ecosystems.
Nick has always had a strong love for animals—he shares his life with seven dogs—and that same care extends into his approach to reef keeping. Over time, he built and maintained multiple large saltwater aquariums, becoming deeply invested in understanding system design, coral health, and long-term sustainability.
As a hobbyist and customer, Nick experienced firsthand the frustration of inflated coral prices and limited access to truly healthy, high-quality pieces. He believed the reefing community deserved better—fair pricing, transparency, and coral that was grown with care.
Through his connection with Tyler, that belief turned into action. Together, they built The Coral Reef Company with a shared mission: to provide healthy, sustainably grown coral and help hobbyists succeed long-term.
Nick brings a strong sense of purpose to the company, driven by his respect for all living things and his commitment to helping others experience the same sense of peace and fulfillment that reef keeping has given him.
Meet Tyler
Founder and Aquaculture Technician
Tyler’s journey into aquariums started small, eight freshwater tanks in a one-bedroom apartment, with the goal of becoming a cichlid breeder. But everything changed the moment he saw his first coral reef tank.
That single experience sparked a complete shift. He traded in all of his freshwater setups for a saltwater system and dove headfirst into learning everything he could about reef aquariums. Countless late nights studying equipment, water chemistry, and coral care eventually led him into the professional side of the industry.
Tyler began working for a local aquarium maintenance company, where he developed hands-on experience managing a wide range of systems. Over time, that role turned into ownership. Today, he runs The Reef, servicing over 60 aquariums throughout Central Oregon, with a specialization in saltwater systems.
His work can be seen in homes and businesses across the region, including St. Charles Hospital, Touchmark, Fyre, and more. If you see a reef tank in Central Oregon, there’s a good chance Tyler is behind it.
Even with a successful maintenance company, Tyler always knew he wanted to build something more. The Coral Reef Company is the next step bringing his experience full circle into growing and supplying high-quality coral directly to the community.
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