Market Research: Buying local vs. online. Please help!

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1. Availability (I don't want to wait too long for it)
2. Perishibility
3. Fragility
4. Shipment
5. Technical

Overall I can tell you this:

1.) All livestock does come usually from one place in Calgary. I don't buy livestock online as I do wish to see it first, watch it eat and know where it is coming from. With the LFS I use, I know their acclimation process, quarantine procedures and so on, so I know I am going to get a fish that is healthy once it is given to me.

2.) Corals are like point #1, I deal with LFS and fellow reefers, for the same points above.

3.) Suppliments and Dosing Stuff I get online from JL Aquatics, as they are the cheapest overall, with free shipping over $100 and I have it in Calgary within 2 business days. I ordered 2 seperat orders last week and I already received both. For salt because of weight and extra shipping costs on this item, I do buy from the LFS.

All I can say is do your research on your LFS and what you buy. Don't assume you are just getting the best or best deal. I did, and got taken many times from one LFS, I can say I don't step foot in there anymore.

It's a fun hobby, take your time and you will enjoy it! YOU MAY BE BROKE, but you will enjoy it.