LFS worth a visit across the border?

[Samw]

Barrier Reef is worth a visit.

http://www.barrierreefaquariums.com/

Remember, you can't bring back stuff that are on Cites. This includes most corals that have skeletons (SPS, LPS) and some other endangered animals. Check the list to be sure.

[Ron99]

Barrier Reef and Oceans by Design are both great but in Seattle. If you are looking in Bellingham there's only Crystal Reef Aquatics. They are small (they are in one quarter of a larger store dedicated to hydroponics) but good. If you stop in tell them Ron said hello

[gobytron]

Wouldn't you be visiting for the better selection rather than better pricing where livestock is concerned?

I've never shopped for aquaria in the states, but I always just assumed they have a better offering overall...

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Originally Posted by gobytron

Wouldn't you be visiting for the better selection rather than better pricing where livestock is concerned?

I've never shopped for aquaria in the states, but I always just assumed they have a better offering overall...

Normally this would be true but he's only going to be hitting smaller towns/small urban centers where the number of LFS & the selection will be a lot more limited compared to a major US city.

[gobytron]

I would still think with US importation laws and better locally bred offerings, even at a smaller, rural aquatic store you've got a pretty good chance of seeing something you might not on this side of the border.

Would a store have stock more similar to Canada's just because it's in a smaller town?

I would think that anywhere close to the border would try to have SOME unique livestock for those making the trip across the border...

Disappointing if not the case.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I think it would really depend on whether the LFS has a person who is very dedicated to ordering unique species or someone who generally orders the "bread & butter" fish like clowns, damsels & yellow tangs.

Just found ad on CL for:

Crystal Reef Aquatics in Bellingham. Maybe check that one out and let us know if its any good.

[jhj0112]

you can also try Clark's feed and seed in Old bellingham downtown. they have some salwater fishes/corals..

[Ron99]

Clark's is terrible. Not much in terms of decent dry goods. just low end stuff. I wasn't super impressed with their livestock either. Julian and Colin at Crystal Reef are enthusiasts. They had some nice stuff when i was in there last and could probably order in anything you needed.

[rishu_pepper]

Originally Posted by gobytron

Wouldn't you be visiting for the better selection rather than better pricing where livestock is concerned?

I've never shopped for aquaria in the states, but I always just assumed they have a better offering overall...

Can't buy any livestock across the border anyway so it's a moot point...? I don't have a CITES.

Crystal Reef will be on the agenda, it's got the Ron approval

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I think you only need a CITES permit for corals and certain fish, like seahorses. Otherwise marine tropical fish are non-CITES.