✦
Beginner Reef Setup
Patient, step-by-step guidance—from your first plan to a healthy, thriving reef.
Explore this service →Serving DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV)
Real support for
reef keepers.
Friendly, hands-on guidance for setting up, caring for, and troubleshooting saltwater aquariums—right in your home.
✓ Veteran-Owned✓ Registered & Insured✓ In-Home Reef Care
A HEALTHIER REEF STARTS HERE
We meet you—and your reef—right where you are.
No confusing lectures. No one-size-fits-all answers. Just careful observation, honest guidance, and a practical plan that works for your home.
- We listen first.We learn your goals, concerns, and what is happening in your tank.
- We look at the whole reef.Livestock, water, equipment, routine—every piece matters.
- We build a clear plan.You leave knowing exactly what to do next and why.
THE REEFMD DIFFERENCE
Reef keeping should be
relaxing and enjoyable—not overwhelming.
Whether you are dreaming of your first saltwater aquarium, facing an emergency, or simply need a trusted hand, ReefMD brings knowledgeable, judgment-free care to you.
1-on-1Personal guidance
In-homeHands-on service
Every stepFrom setup to success
HOW WE CAN HELP
Complete care for
your underwater world.
Real support for reef keepers—built around your aquarium, your experience, and your goals.
⌂
Aquarium Set Up
A complete aquarium setup designed around your home, goals, budget, and experience.
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Damage Control
Calm, practical help when fish, coral, equipment, or water parameters are in trouble.
Explore this service →◎
Reef Consultations
In-home eyes on your system, clear answers, and a plan you can feel confident following.
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Maintenance & Diagnostics
Reliable maintenance, careful system checks, and practical guidance that keep your reef healthy.
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Vacation Reef Care
Experienced check-ins while you are away, so your reef is never left to chance.
Explore this service →SIMPLE, HONEST PRICING
Helpful care at a
clear starting price.
Every reef is different. These starting prices give you a helpful guide, and ReefMD will always provide a personalized quote before work begins.
Introductory Call
FreeA friendly phone conversation for up to 15 minutes to hear what is happening and help you choose the right service.
Schedule your free call →In-Home Consultation
Starting at$50Up to 75 minutes of hands-on guidance in your home.
Damage Control
Starting at$125Calm, practical help for an aquarium in trouble.
Beginner Reef Guidance
Starting at$50Patient, step-by-step help for new reef keepers.
Aquarium Set Up
Starting at$85/hrTwo-hour minimum. Customers purchase all equipment and supplies directly.
Vacation Reef Care
Starting at$55Per visit, based on distance and your reef’s needs.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Regular care based on tank size
Up to 75 gallons$50 / visit76–150 gallons$75 / visit151–250 gallons$100 / visitOver 250 gallonsCustom quote
EXPERT CARE FOR THRIVING REEFS
About Bernie
Reef Keeper. Educator. Problem Solver.
Hi, I’m Bernie — the founder of ReefMD. My passion for reef aquariums goes beyond beautiful tanks; it’s about creating healthy, thriving ecosystems and helping people feel confident in their reefing journey. Whether you’re just getting started or need expert help with a challenging tank, I’m here to provide trusted guidance, hands-on support, and real solutions.
- Passion
driven - Education
focused - Solution
oriented - Stronger
reefing community
BernieFOUNDER REEFMD LLC
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THE STORY BEHIND REEFMD
From Hawaii’s reefs
to ReefMD.
I’m Bernie, founder of ReefMD and a military veteran with more than 20 years of personal saltwater-aquarium experience. Long before ReefMD began, my love for the ocean started in Hawaii. As a child, I spent countless hours snorkeling over Hawaiian reefs and watching colorful fish move through the coral. Among my favorites were the yellow tang, Achilles tang, and the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa—Hawaii’s state fish.
I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by the beauty of the islands. Some of my favorite memories include swimming alongside sea turtles. Watching dolphins swim near by. I was able to assist in delivering six baby sharks from a dying pregnant hammerhead shark. It was sad, but being part of that experience taught me so much about ocean life.
After joining the military, life took me far away from Hawaii and the reefs I loved. Missing that connection to the ocean, I decided to bring a small piece of it into my home. In 2005, I started my first saltwater aquarium.
When I first entered the saltwater hobby, I had very little direction. It was frustrating to discover that there was no hands-on assistance and no company that I knew of to come into my home, look at my aquarium, and help me understand what to do.
That experience became the inspiration for ReefMD. I created the kind of service I wished I had when I was beginning—patient, practical, judgment-free support delivered right in the reef keeper’s home. Today, I share what I’ve learned so anyone with a passion for a reef tank can feel confident caring for it.
My approach is friendly, practical, and judgment-free. I don’t sell equipment, parts, chemicals, or livestock—my focus is helping you understand your reef, make informed decisions, and feel confident caring for it.
Since 2005Caring for saltwater aquariums with patience and heart
↑ Back to first pageLET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR TANK
Ready to help your
reef thrive?
ReefMD provides in-home aquarium care throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Tell us a little about your aquarium. Your first consultation is free, friendly, and focused on what you need.
CALL(301) 461-5410TEXT(301) 461-5410EMAILreefmdcare@gmail.com
↑ Back to first pageSERVICE AREADC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV)
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Helpful details before
we care for your reef.
Business Hours
Tuesday–Saturday 6:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sunday–Monday Closed
Response Time
Calls, texts, and emails are normally answered within 24 hours.
We appreciate your patience while we give every reef careful attention.Emergency Assistance
Emergency and after-hours help may be available for existing customers, depending on availability.
Please call or text ReefMD for support.Cancellation Policy
Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice when canceling or rescheduling.