Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

I will be having the opportunity to go to the Mainland this long weekend. I know where J & L Aquatics are... but that is about it.
Can anyone tell me of another good place to check out? I would need the address & tel# as well, please.

thanks!
Jeanna

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

Hi,

Animal house in Chilliwack is a good lfs with good advice.

- Victor.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

thanks ReefBurnaby, but I would be taking the bus from PoCo. Last time I took the bus from Pitt Meadows to Abbotsford, it took me forever!<g>
I've heard of them, but I just won't be able to make it out to there.
Thanks anyway!

jeanna

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

Usually when I drive out to the Coquitlam area, I visit J&L Aquatics, King Ed Pets, and Big Al's.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

and I can find these people in the local phone book? I was just going to scour the phone book under PET STORES, call up a couple LFS and head out to see them. But I am not limiting myself just to the Coq area. ô¿ô

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

Hi,

Unfortunately, I think your best bet is J&L. Most of the other stores tend to push products than provided you with good solid advice. Unless you already know what exactly you want to buy, it is best not to trust their advice.

- Victor.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

Ditto what Victor said :D

[ 16 May 2002, 10:55: Message edited by: Ron101 ]

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

CoralOcean gets some unusual things sometimes, they are in Burnaby.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

hey chris,
you go to coral ocean often?
last time i talked to him, he said he was beginning to steer away from sps, cuz his system wasnt ideal conditions for them(if they didnt sell right away).
FWIW, i never see sps there, cuz people always buy them upon arrival. oh well, JL is alot closer for me anyway.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

He has been saying this for years. I gave up going there because they never had any stock.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

Another place to have a look at is Perkys Pets in New West. He has a lot of xenia, frags, hard and soft corals. Prices are quite reasonable.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

Hello,

Actually I suspect buddy from Coral Ocean is running the store b/c he's immigrated to Canada under the terms that he'll be investing in a business here. I find many Chinese to be doing business not because there are money but because that's a requirement for them.

Anyway, personally I find the store owner to be quite nice. If you have nothing to do, no girl/boy friends, no job, no life, etc lol, then go by and see if the store is open. If the store is open and he is actually available, chat with him. He doen't mind company.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

BC Grl did you get to King Ed’s on the weekend? I did for the 1st time. All I can say is holly cripes hope they don’t ever get a fire in there. I’m surprised they are still open.

Now they had some nice corals there and I picked up a Yellow Devil’s Finger and a Blue sponge all for $35.00.

Picked up a new light but 6500 K – what a difference on the tank. Now I know what the difference new bulbs are.

Well I hope everyone had a great weekend. Go Caines Go.

Cheers,
Patrick

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

can someone tell the address and telephone number for this King Ed's place

Thanks,

Ken

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

I believe you are wrong about Coral Ocean. I used to frequent it when it was on West Broadway back went I went to UBC (about 10 years ago). It was owned by another fellow at that time and Colin (the guy that runs it now) worked for him. The other guy got out of the business and sold the store to Colin.

This is based on my observations and talking to Colin over the past few years. I used to buy most of my stuff from there since it was near UBC and I had no car at the time.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

My $.02, having been a frequent visitor of the LFS in this region for over a decade (remember Aquaworld? Cambie Aquarium with its original owner?)....J&L is currently the best source IMO (service, quality, most prices), but their product range is not as extensive as King Ed or Big Al's....King Ed is a good inexpensive source for some hardware not available at J&L and will negotiate on most items including livestock, even going so far as to show you the wholesale cost sheets (or what they allege are the wholesale costs sheets)....but be careful of livestock from King Ed, especially if they are willing to reduce the price too much too easily....a good deal on livestock that has little chance of long term survival is obviously not a good deal....and while Big Al's has a large product line, I find them expensive and (not to be offensive) but I would never buy livestock from them....Coral Ocean? I thought this was simply a front for some other illigal activities....the tank inhabitants never seem to change....I have not visted Perky Pets or Animal House....

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

Welcome TRFOW, I'd disagree with you on the selection of dry goods. J&Ls carry way more reef/saltwater related product than the rest of the stores put together. I can't think of one worth while item that King Ed's or Big Al's have that J&L's don't have.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">How about the Salt Water Fish Shop on Willingdon and E. Hastings? That was my favorite about 15 years ago. Talking about decades ago, my first job was at Newton's Pet World, then I worked at Kramer's Pet World, and then I worked at Pet Habitat in Scottsdale Mall.

[ 21 May 2002, 19:24: Message edited by: Sam W ]

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

Titus,I know its a little off topic,but im having trouble with your avatar.
I would definatly consider that subliminal advertising ;) .

J/K with ya,Marc.

[ 21 May 2002, 20:01: Message edited by: Superfudge ]

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I wouldn't go so far to say that J&L has more reef products than Big Al's and King Ed's though.

When I was looking for Hagen Powerheads during Christmas, they didn't have it. They do now. They don't carry Hagen Fish tanks nor Hagen Canopies nor Eclipse Tanks nor All-Glass Compact Fluorescent canopies nor Coralife bulbs, nor Hagen Testkits nor Tetra products (foods, additives, testkits, etc), nor other heaters besides Ebo Jager, etc. These are just some examples off the top of my head.

I agree that they probably carry most of the quality stuff that reefers want or can special order them, and they are getting new products every day as the business grows, which is excellent.

I like King Ed's because they give me a second source for livestock and drygoods. If there's something that J&L doesn't stock, there's a good chance that I can get it at King Ed's. They also haven't pushed anything at all towards me which I know is contrary to some people's experience (except for 1 time when I was buying Chemipure and they told me that if I buy 2, the second one is half price. Hey, that was actually to my advantage so I did buy 2.)

There are some really specialty stuff such DT Phytoplankton that these other stores don't have. But the big drawback about King Ed's for me, is that they DON'T guarantee ANY of their salt water animals. Whereas J&L fortunately does.

[ 21 May 2002, 20:01: Message edited by: Sam W ]

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I don't know if there is any relationship between the store I worked at and this store though. I think I remember that they only sold fish (freshwater only) so maybe the store was Newton Aquariums??? When I started working there in oh...1984 or so, it was owned by Mike and Calvin and it was located near the Newton Wave Pool (Previously, they operated another shop in Coquitlam around Como Lake). I think they closed the Newton store around 1985 and opened up another one on King George Hwy and 104th St. I have lost contact with them and don't know what they are up to now.

[ 21 May 2002, 20:24: Message edited by: Sam W ]

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Blue Sponge... Now that's something I haven't seen yet (Except for photos) but want to get. Can you post a pic sometime?

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

Sam I meant to say quality items. I should have been more specific.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

If you've done your homework and you know what you want then King Ed is not too bad. If not be prepared for some questionable info. Kind Ed also frequently stocks specimens that should be left in the ocean; others may not but I have a personal issue with that.

BTW why would anyone want a Hagen test kit for a reef tank?

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You're probably right that Hagen test kits for reefs might not be the best choice. The thing is that they carry just about everything J&L carries and then some.

Considering that King Ed's isn't a reef specialty store (They sell all different kinds of pet products: dog, cat, rodent, bird, fresh water fish, reptiles, amphibians, etc), the fact that they are even compared to reef specialty stores is probably flattering in itself. Their salt water section is just a tiny portion of their inventory. A better comparison might be between King Ed's and Petectera or Pet Habitat.

Yes, they might sometimes stock fish that ideally some people don't like to see but I have 3 species of animals right now in that category and 2 of them are from J&L Aquatics and the other is from Big Al's. One is the Sebae Anemone from J&L that I've had for 4 months. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 22 May 2002, 23:30: Message edited by: Sam W ]

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

As an FYI J&L does not order in Anemones. They recieved that one by the shipper adding it in without them asking for it. Ask them anytime if they carry them. They will tell you no.

J&L is one of the most conciencious stores I have ever seen. They won't order many types of fish due to the needs required of them, they won't sell you something that your tank can't handle. ie an emperor angel in a 20 gallon tank. As for corals if your tank isn't set up for what you want, often times they will tell you straight out it won't live. I have seen it in person and watched customers walk out after not getting what they wanted.

You can't tell me King Ed's or any of the other stores other than maybe Animal House that do this.

As for what they carry.. I don't think they don't carry everything that J&L has and more. J&L carries products that you can't get anywhere else in Canada. Well except maybe Hagen test kits. ;)

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I really didn't want to mention this but they did (Not the Sebae but something else). I'll send you a private message about what they ordered because they told me ahead of time what was coming in and it arrived just as expected. I was very excited to see it but knew I couldn't keep one.

As for keeping a regular inventory of anemones (perhaps the hardy species), they did say to me that they were looking at the possibility of stocking some in the future. I'm sure they're doing the research and will make an educated decision whether that means stocking them or not.

I agree J&L is #1. They told me straight up that those gorgeous feather stars won't live. [img]smile.gif[/img] I didn't buy one.

King Ed might be less conscientious but I haven't found them to lie to me yet.

[ 23 May 2002, 00:49: Message edited by: Sam W ]

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

>The thing is that they carry just about everything J&L carries and then some.<

Sam, I don't know how you can say this [img]smile.gif[/img] . It isn't even close :eek: . Find me a Bullet Skimmer, Gen X pump or PFO lighting at King Ed's. How about rare earth magnets, ca reactors or mh bulb selection? The list is long [img]tongue.gif[/img] .

One thing I will say is that saving money isn't my number one priority. I like to deal with a store that has some morals. The stores I've chosen to deal with are honest with me. Buying from certain stores that don't give honest advice and import impossible to keep species hurts the hobby and the environment.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

I began my reefkeeping hobby at King Ed Pets. The staff there walked me through the whole setup process and most of my initial setup and first corals were purchased there. I still go back there to say hi and buy stuff for my other animals, and I know they don't carry the kind of stuff that J&L does. I don't go to King Ed for any reefkeeping stuff anymore. Yes, I have 2 Hagen test kits at home and no, neither of them work [img]tongue.gif[/img]

I really like J&L for the prices and selection...but they're service just plain sucks. EVERY time I go there (around 2-3 times a month) they seem just too busy to care that I'm in the store, and more often than not, I'm the ONLY customer in the store. They never say hi and simply ignore me. I have to flag 2 of the staff down just to get a price, and as soon as they tell me the price they take off and go back to ignoring me. Sometimes they tell me that they'll get someone else to help me and that help never comes. They're alright if you can actually get them to stop and manage to start talking to them, but sometimes I wish that there was another store of their caliber around so I can jump ship. I work in a customer service environment and I find the service there to be the worst I've ever seen in a pet store. They're not bad people and they don't have bad attitudes, but they simply have bad customer service....but I'll still go back, again and again, until someone else comes along.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Alright, you have a point. I actually never looked for those things at King Ed. They don't carry any of things? That would suck. I thought they would carry MH since they use them in all their tanks. I thought I've seen CA reactors, could be wrong. What's a rare earth magnet for? [img]smile.gif[/img] Just a guess that some of those specialty things they can't get at the wholesaler and need to contact the smaller individual manufacturers (Precision Marine, Canreef, etc).

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

When I last lived in Vancouver in 1976 (1330 Harwood ST.) I used to hang around a fish store in Burnaby I think. In those days all we had was airpumps, undergravel filters and eheims. We had no corals. I had an Imperator (and more) in a 20 gallon high. I have pictures still. I still remember we got a coral snake in a shipment from the Philipines. When the bag he came in was opened he moved from tank to tank, and then onto the floor. It scared the H*** out of us, so we swept him under a passing bus. :eek:

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

Mason, you are entitled to your opinion but since you posted your experience I think it only fair to post mine.

This past weekend, with a crowded store of paying customers, John took the time to help me with bulkhead that I was having trouble getting sealed on a skimmer he didn't sell me (and if you knew the history on that one you'd be real impressed with John).

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

Mason,

I hope you aren't counting that day I was talking to you and Steve as one of the days they ignored you. John and Allan saw I was answering yout lighting questions and figured I wouldn't steer you wrong.

You won't find many stores that will offer a hand as much as they will. Keep in mind they run the store with the two of them for 7 days a week. Come in late at night to unpack fish and corals then work a full day on top of it. As well the store is a very busy and successful mail order company. Tho they may be at the counter there is always a lot going on. They don't have a staff to handle the little things. They do it all. If you want some help go up to them and say hi. That is all it takes.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

I hate to poke my head out here (and hopefully I don't get it chopped off ;) but...

J&L Aquatics has got to be my absolute favorite store. I find with the customer service you have to just say hi or ask, as Darren said they are very busy. I mean, you should know what you want and have already done SOME research before you buy... I'm sure they don't have time to sit down and have a cup of tea with EVERYONE. I always talk to John and he is very friendly over the phone when ordering things (my RO/DI, figi rock, etc.)

They don't know how much experience, knowlege, etc you have so they just play it basic and plain tell you if your system is not ready or sufficeint. I like those morals and I find them really respectable. I also like how they don't sell/keep things that should be left in the ocean.

And the prices alone cannot scare you away... that's why people keep comming back time after time.... just like everyone else. I find it funny how some people bad mouth J&L but go back time after time :D Crazy how that works, eh? Must be a "horrible" store then. Haha.

Just my two cents, nothing commented was personal or directed at anyone in particular.

Thanks

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

I have to agree with Darren and Troy. I have had nothing but great service from J&L. Both John and Allen have taken time to answer the stupidest questions and they've always been honest and upfront. They're a 5 star outfit as far as I'm concerned.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">No problem. Its cool. I hope that I've made it clear that J&L is my favorite shop too and I go there more than anywhere else.

The more discussed issue here probably has more to do with who would be your 2nd source of livestock and equipment. Some people like King Ed as a 2nd source and some people wouldn't step foot in there for various reasons.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

mason, sorry to hear about your bad experiences at JL. i suppose 1st impressions are very lasting and weighed upon heavily.

i too, have been in customer service for a long time, and i hold it as a major factor in where i spend my $$.

all i can say is that i have had nothing but good experiences with JL.

King eds...i go there for dog food. and to browse the saltwater section in case they have some thing interesting to buy. plus you can haggle with them. but from my experience, i would not ask them for advice, nor would i listen to what they have to say. if they did have some thing i was interested in, i wouldnt buy it until i've gone home and researched it myself. those guys are like used car salesmen.

aquarium services...a bit pricey...but i have a long history with them. sometimes you can get some nice deals there. most of the staff are newbies...tho there are a few people there who actually know stuff. if you see grant...talk to him...he knows his stuff.

perkys...uh...umm...nice display...they were starting to stock nice corals and stuff, but the last time i went there it looked like he doesnt have the clientelle needed to justify stocking what he was. perhaps he was trying to compete with JL. dont think it worked.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

One must also think of who they are supporting when they make purchases for their little slices of ocean. Many stores around town, such as King Ed and Big Al's, DO NOT make a conscious effort to avoid bringing in livestock that are unsuitible for aquarium life. Many of the fish they bring in have been proven many, many times to not succeed in captivity. It is a different story if fish happen to have been thrown into the shipment by the supplier of course.

We all want to be responsible reef and fish only keepers right? We must purchase responsibly in order to do so.

How do I know this? Well anyone can look at the tanks and see what they contain. Nudibranchs at Kind Ed, certain Parrotfish... Moorish Idol's at Big Al's. Oh and how about how the companies treat the fish while they have them. I have seen JL aquatics adding Selcon to the food they add many times, and doing extensive drips to the fish when they come in.

I never saw Big Al's do that (enriching their food) even while I worked there! [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Just my 0.02

Cheers!

[ 23 May 2002, 20:47: Message edited by: Achilles ]

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

Damn Trigger, that post is cold. I didn't take it as a flame but the backstabbing kind of stuff is way offside.

Store gives good advice: important.

Store has good pricing: important.

Store carries quality product: important.

Store shows ethics when dealing with livestock: important.

Store operator takes you into confidence and you spread it on the internet: cheese, cheese, cheese.

Good LFS in Vancouver??
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">True, but unfortunately I'm not speaking on first impressions alone. Like I said, I've been going there often over the past few months and it has ALWAYS been the same. I never leave there feeling good about giving them my money. They're not mean and nasty, but they just don't seem to give a damn that I'm there, and they don't have the time to help me with anything. I don't think they've ever stopped for more than 10 seconds to answer any of my questions. They're alright when I'm paying for my stuff and they have no choice but to talk to me, and the lady there even said hi to me once...yes, once, but overall you all know how I feel.

Yes, I understand what everyone is saying about ethics, quality, knowledge..etc. J&L is great with all of that, but that's not what my concern is. It's customer service. Something they don't have. I used to work for Pet Habitat and I've actually seen people fired for showing the kind of poor service that all of the people do at J&L.