Why is reefing so big in Alberta?

[Lance]

Im sure other West Coasters have noticed that Alberta, (Calgary in particular), seems to have considerably more reefers. (There are many more postings on this forum from Albertans). I don't know for sure, but I'd guess that Calgary has more SW outlets than Vancouver, even though Van is considerably larger. Aside from a half dozen shops in Van City there isn't really much else in BC. A few on the Island and in the interior and that's about it. Add Edmonton's SW shops to Calgary's and I'm sure there are twice as many as in BC. (And soon you're getting a huge Big Al's)
Is it because many people in BC live near the ocean and take it for granted, or maybe Alberta's standard of living is higher and more people can afford the hobby? Any thoughts on this?
If I wasn't such a "whiner" about the climate; my ocean view; and the Canucks I'd move to Calgary and shop my A$$ off.
Lance (SW deprived)

[motokorth]

Maybe because we are land locked and it gives us something better than grass to look at, or snow during winter. :P

[Aquattro]

First thing I said after reading "Calgary stores get 120 SPS colonies" was "Honey, what do you think about moving to Calgary??"
Although, I spent the afternoon at the ocean at Jordan river with the dogs swimming and chasing sea otters, think I'll stay here.....

[Lance]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

First thing I said after reading "Calgary stores get 120 SPS colonies" was "Honey, what do you think about moving to Calgary??"
Although, I spent the afternoon at the ocean at Jordan river with the dogs swimming and chasing sea otters, think I'll stay here.....

Yeah, I know what you mean. It's pretty hard to beat a Sunday afternoon out in the boat, beer in hand, salmon & prawns in the ice chest, feeding the eagles and watching the Killer Whales go by.

[Delphinus]

There are times all the good reef stuff is in BC. The pendulum swings one way, then it swings the other. I don't know if standard of living really has that much to do with it - there might be some folks who are living high off the hog right now but for the most part, I don't really think that applies to the average family living in Calgary. There are times all the good deals and all the good shwag is on the coast. Lower Mainland anyhow..

[fishoholic]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

There are times all the good reef stuff is in BC. The pendulum swings one way, then it swings the other. I don't know if standard of living really has that much to do with it - there might be some folks who are living high off the hog right now but for the most part, I don't really think that applies to the average family living in Calgary. There are times all the good deals and all the good shwag is on the coast. Lower Mainland anyhow..

I have to agree. I know I'm more so living in debt then high off the hog! I admit there is a good selection of stores and people to trade/buy things from, but there has been many times when the one thing I really wanted (at the time) was for sale in BC.

[bassman]

Originally Posted by Lance

Im sure other West Coasters have noticed that Alberta, (Calgary in particular), seems to have considerably more reefers. (There are many more postings on this forum from Albertans). I don't know for sure, but I'd guess that Calgary has more SW outlets than Vancouver, even though Van is considerably larger. Aside from a half dozen shops in Van City there isn't really much else in BC. A few on the Island and in the interior and that's about it. Add Edmonton's SW shops to Calgary's and I'm sure there are twice as many as in BC.

Being that I just moved from Calgary 1 yr ago to BC I have asked myself this question on numerous occassions. Here is what I think it might be.

First off people on the coast are surrounded by oceanic reminders, fish, fish, fish, the novelty has long since worn off, for most. The ocean is fascinating but it's always been there.

Then there is the fact that Alberta is such a rich province. For a person wanting to open a new pet store Alberta clearly offers the best chance of success.

So now there are more stores in Alberta. Due to this the "the more you put things in peoples faces the more they have to have them" logic comes in. With more exposure comes the desire for more. Your freinds see your anemone, now they HAVE TO have one. Where 1 week prior they had never even heard a anemone.

This hobby then fuels it's own engine, too a point. It's just like crack, LOL Once you get one fish or coral you just have to have another one. Then you need better equipment and food, additives, snake oil, etc...

Finally you end up with demand, the more people screaming SW the more shops you are going to see opening up.


That is my take on it anyways.

[Red Coral Aquariums]

Originally Posted by Lance

Im sure other West Coasters have noticed that Alberta, (Calgary in particular), seems to have considerably more reefers. (There are many more postings on this forum from Albertans). I don't know for sure, but I'd guess that Calgary has more SW outlets than Vancouver, even though Van is considerably larger. Aside from a half dozen shops in Van City there isn't really much else in BC. A few on the Island and in the interior and that's about it. Add Edmonton's SW shops to Calgary's and I'm sure there are twice as many as in BC. (And soon you're getting a huge Big Al's)
Is it because many people in BC live near the ocean and take it for granted, or maybe Alberta's standard of living is higher and more people can afford the hobby? Any thoughts on this?
If I wasn't such a "whiner" about the climate; my ocean view; and the Canucks I'd move to Calgary and shop my A$$ off.
Lance (SW deprived)

Lance
As a hobbiest for many years in Calgary I visited many great SW stores here. One thing I found was there was always a lacking compared to the BC coast stores. Many Calgarians including myself has ordered goods, hardware, livestock from BC whereas, how many people from BC has ordered product from Calgary? Huge disparity.
As a new SW store owner here in Calgary I aspire to compete with the well managed and well stocked competitors on the West Coast. If they were in Calgary I would not have considered my purchase of Red Coral. That could be the reason for the fewer amount of stores in your area.
For myself I found it was nice to have a little piece of the ocean in my home and only wish I had an Ocean View. (I could never be a Cannuck fan though)
Kevin

[lorenz0]

In all honesty I like having fish around, and this is all new to me with the care of SW

Out of all the animals I have ever kept, nothing compares to SW. Dart frogs are cool but like another member said to me, you always find something new in your tank each day.

I think alot of people in alberta do it cause we need an out from our jobs. Besides going to the mountains on weekend or whenever we have nothing that compares to living by an ocean. I feel sorry for my roomate when I go on my dive trip later this year cause by than I plan on having both nano's softy tanks and my project up and running. But swimming with hammerhead sharks is going to be awsome.

[atcguy]

because you all live in Alberta, enough said.. YOU cant beat the coast.. We have it all ... Sorry!! when are canucks lose we look on the bright side.... when the flames or oilers lose,, you cry cry cry cause you have nothing else!!! HAHAHAHAH

just jokin'''' or am I


BC RULES!!!!!