Our Story · Est. 1975
About.
Erie's saltwater aquarium store since 1975 — family-run by Steve and Colleen Firman since 1999. Still at the same address, still focused on the long game.
50+
Years
1975
Est.
1999
Family-run
On‑site
Coral farm
Our shop
A livestock-first
saltwater store.
We've been in the saltwater business since 1975. When Steve and Colleen Firman took over in 1999, we set out to build an aquarium store that puts livestock quality, honest advice, and your long-term success first.
Fifty years on, we carry saltwater fish, captive-bred coral, invertebrates, and freshwater species, alongside a full line of reef equipment for builds of every size.
Our captive-bred coral farming program produces frags that are already acclimated to aquarium conditions, and better for the ocean.
Inside the shop
Two sides to the shop —
saltwater and fresh.
Saltwater
Freshwater
Journey
Fifty years,
one obsession.
1975
Founded
We open in Erie, in the saltwater business from the very beginning.
1999
The Firmans take over
Steve and Colleen Firman buy the store, then close it for a four-month, top-to-bottom renovation.
2000
Servicing & coral propagation
We reopen with a new tank servicing department and an on-site captive-bred coral program.
Today
Fifty years in
Still family-run. Still on East 14th Street. Fifty years of trust — earned the slow way.
Why Sea Cave
A shop measured in decades, not quarters.
01
Saltwater expertise
Decades of hands-on experience with marine fish, coral, and reef systems. We help you succeed — not just stock your tank.
02
Captive-bred coral
Our propagation facility produces frags that are hardier, more sustainable, and already acclimated to aquarium conditions.
03
Earned trust
Customers drive in from across the region because they trust our livestock and our advice — a reputation earned the slow way, one healthy tank at a time.
Visit
660 East 14th Street,
Erie, PA.
Hours
Mon–Fri · 12–6 pm
Saturday · 11 am – 4 pm
Sunday · Closed