Hi there! Just found out about this site by accident. I'm not new to the hobby but just the same, I'm glad to come across a local bull board. I do not have a reef aquarium for the main reason that I love big, showy angels. Anyway, I thought I'd share my opinions on our LFS:
1. Wai's: I still shop here but his prices tend to be on the high side. He does have a lot of selection but it is usually hit and miss when it comes to success in keeping them alive for a long period of time. I always haggle with the owner (Daniel) and I usually end up getting $20 - $30 off his prices with no GST, so some of them can be good deals;
2. Pisces: Not really impressed with their stock and their dry goods appear to be over priced; I have not purchased any livestock from them in the 20 years I've kept marine fish;
3. Ocean's: I have not bought anything here, but the odd times I've been to this place, their animals appear stressed and diseased for most part;
4. Gold: Great prices on livestock - if you're lucky enough to be there on a Friday morning to get first dibs on his fish. I have had not much luck with my last acquisitions from this place - I'm starting to fear that some of his stock may have been caught with cyanide (JMHO). I think that for most part, stress has a lot to do with it. His stocks arrive Thursday and by Friday AM, most of them are gone --- not much time for the fish to get acclimated to his tanks, and they get stuffed in plastic bags again to get into the hobbyists' tanks in less than 24 hours. His dry goods are reasonably priced. I continue to buy stuff from this store;
5. Big Al's: I bought my 500 gallon system from this store and got a great deal (including a very sturdy stand and 90-gal sump). Some of the things I acquired from them have been matched using J&L's prices. However, I have stopped shopping at this store for 4 months now since I believe that I know more than they do and I have gotten some poor advice from them in the past. I get the feeling that they will sell you whatever fish you want even if it means the species you want to purchase are incompatible with your current stock. Most of their prices seem overpriced.
6. Animal House: This place used to carry a good selection of marine livestock, but it has gotten down hill. Now their tanks are empty - populated only by mollies.
7. Tails and Scales: This used to be a home-based operation and I have gotten to know the owners --- very nice couple. I got some great deals on livestock from them in the past, but they have essentially stopped operation for the time being;
8. Riverfront: I don't have much of an opinion on this store. Prices seem overpriced, even with the 20% discount you get if you buy their membership card;
9. J&L (Vancouver area): Great internet shop. I have been impressed with their livestock and the way they ship them. All animals I have purchased from them have arrived in good health and eating. Prices are great if you can maximize your order (i.e. multiple orders on fish to save on shipping cost). I would definitely buy from them again.
10. Saltwater Fantasies (Edmonton): Good prices on fish, but can not recommend the place. Most of his livestock are brought in from the Philippines and Indonesia --- 2 countries notorious for their cyanide method of collecting fish. I bought an adult Emperor Angel -- in apparent good health, but died in my QT the next day after having eaten for the first time. It may be coincidence and it's just my opinion.
Sorry for the long post.
07-09-2003, 12:38 AM
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