LFS vs. online stores

Corriebh · 02/05/2015, 05:26 PM

Hi Guys

I am just wondering what everyone's experience has been buying fish, invertebrates and corals at the LFS vs. online? I have always bought fish in a store and now I am thinking about buying a few online. It is a little scary to order online without seeing the fish but I like the larger selection.

And if you have had good experience buying online what sites were you successful with.

Thanks

gone fishin · 02/05/2015, 05:28 PM

Live Aquaria/ Divers Den is my online go to place. I have not been disappointed yet.

Dmorty217 · 02/05/2015, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corriebh

Hi Guys

I am just wondering what everyone's experience has been buying fish, invertebrates and corals at the LFS vs. online? I have always bought fish in a store and now I am thinking about buying a few online. It is a little scary to order online without seeing the fish but I like the larger selection.

And if you have had good experience buying online what sites were you successful with.

Thanks

This can go both ways. One plus to LFS over online sources is you can see the fish eat and observe behaviors for signs of disease/overall health. LiveAquaria/DD and NYAquatics are the only two online sources worth looking at, don't waste your time with any other places

Mrs. Music · 02/05/2015, 05:33 PM

I am lucky to have a great LFS Pampered Pets in Toledo Ohio. But if your LFS can not get you what you want most people agree that Live Aquaria is great. The one time I ordered from them I got the wrong fish, but they gave me a credit to order a different fish very little fus, and great customer service.

Nina51 · 02/05/2015, 05:40 PM

LA/DD here, too. the closest lfs to me is an hour away. they rarely have much other than the usual tangs and clownfish. their tanks are full of ich. once in a blue moon, i will find a decent coral there but it doesn't happen often.

Corriebh · 02/05/2015, 05:43 PM

Just one other quick question.....I live in Wisconsin and currently it is 10 degrees outside. Does LA give you a window as far as when they will be delivered. I don't want fish ice cubes

jrr98002 · 02/05/2015, 05:45 PM

+1 to Live Aquaria/Diver's Den here too although I've also ordered a few times from Vivid Aquariums with nice results. I always made sure to personally call Dave though so that could be why...not sure if just went straight website what it'd be like TBH. Just remember if you go online about not keeping the fish in the bags too long after opening them due to ammonium>ammonia conversion.

NTP66 · 02/05/2015, 05:45 PM

I've had good luck with both LA and saltwaterfish.com, personally. I've recently started added some mushrooms to my FOWLR, and have been using my LFS for that since he frags a lot of stuff and sells it cheap. As far as cleanup crews go, I don't bother looking anywhere other than reefcleaners. John's the best.

Dmorty217 · 02/05/2015, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corriebh

Just one other quick question.....I live in Wisconsin and currently it is 10 degrees outside. Does LA give you a window as far as when they will be delivered. I don't want fish ice cubes

They use UPS now so overnight priority is guaranteed by 1030am but be sure and check the fine print on UPS to make sure you don't live in a area that delivers later than that

Brando457 · 02/05/2015, 05:48 PM

Live Aquaria/ Divers Den is my online go to place. I just got a pbt/hippo from DD in today, as Dmorty said it came by 10:30 AM. They included 3 heat packs and the box was VERY warm inside when I opened it.

Both fish are fat and happy in my QT.

alf1096 · 02/05/2015, 07:07 PM

I just ordered some fish by mail and it was my first time. Out of 9 fish one was DOA and I have a Flame Angel that was active and looked good for about 6 hour now laying on its side at the bottom of the tank, only time will tell but I bet he is a goner. It was from one of the places listed above and not live aquaria.

Nina51 · 02/05/2015, 07:23 PM

alf, how did you acclimate? did you add all of these fish to your dt at the same time?

alf1096 · 02/05/2015, 07:30 PM

They are all small fish. I have a 15 gal and 20 gal qt going.

ajespo85 · 02/05/2015, 07:41 PM

I do like to buy and support my LFS. Most owners will do what they can to order you what fish you want. In my case, they will even special order tanks/stands and other dry goods for you. Yes, you can order online, but I like the personal customer service and you can actually watch the fish eat at a LFS. I like walking into mine and the people know you, and know your tank set up, so they can help you better.

jason10012 · 02/05/2015, 07:56 PM

If your going to order online I have to agree with everyone with using live aquaria, but I prefer to go to my lfs so I know exactly what fish or coral I'm getting and if it's healthy.

Fogvalley · 02/05/2015, 08:03 PM

La switched to ups, no winter orders for me, 5-8pm garentted. I have to go online or drive 4 hours to the closest actual Lfs. Which occasionally happens

Patchmty · 02/06/2015, 01:07 AM

I used reefs2go when I lived in the States and never had a problem, always great fish and corals.

snorvich · 02/06/2015, 06:39 AM

If you are buying from an LFS, it would be best to find out if they run copper in their system. If they do, inspection for health won't work out reliably since copper masks many parasites.

firemountain · 02/06/2015, 06:47 AM

I am in my LFS frequently to see what they get in, and try to support them as much as possible. But there are those few instances when LA/DD will get fish in, that are just "gems" that you gave to buy.

For me...buying my Gold Assessor Basslet from LA /DD was one of those instances. The coloring and behavior is just awesome.

phenom5 · 02/06/2015, 07:09 AM

For fish and inverts, LA/ DD is by far the best online vendor I've dealt with.

For Corals, DD, Vivid, Yourreef, Unique, Battlecorals.
FWIW, with Vivid, they call you once they get your order ready to confirm the order, confirm the shipping, and make any substitutions if anything you order is out of stock. Nice touch.

brittonv · 02/06/2015, 07:16 AM

Have many/any of you had experience getting corals from vividaquariums.com? I have seen some NICE frags in a buddies tanks but as I am still gearing up haven't ordered yet myself.

phenom5 · 02/06/2015, 07:30 AM

I've bought corals from Vivid several times. Always good sized, healthy, colorful frags. Definitely recommend.

toothybugs · 02/06/2015, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NTP66

I've had good luck with both LA and saltwaterfish.com, personally. I've recently started added some mushrooms to my FOWLR, and have been using my LFS for that since he frags a lot of stuff and sells it cheap. As far as cleanup crews go, I don't bother looking anywhere other than reefcleaners. John's the best.

Same here - SWF and LA have never done me wrong.

coffee_snob · 02/06/2015, 08:10 AM

I prefer LFS. I must be one of the lucky ones to have good local source.

Prices are good were I go. Fish and corals I have bought have been very healthy. Equipment prices are semi-competitive with online and I don't have to wait for them.

I like to observe what I'm buying beforehand, and that they will be in my tank within an hour, verses 12+ hours in a box.

gone fishin · 02/06/2015, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corriebh

Just one other quick question.....I live in Wisconsin and currently it is 10 degrees outside. Does LA give you a window as far as when they will be delivered. I don't want fish ice cubes

I am in Wisconsin I usually get orders by 10:30. That being said do watch the weather and order accordingly. IF you are near Madison I can give you a decent LFS name.

02/05/2015, 05:26 PM	#1
Corriebh Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 47	LFS vs. online stores Hi Guys I am just wondering what everyone's experience has been buying fish, invertebrates and corals at the LFS vs. online? I have always bought fish in a store and now I am thinking about buying a few online. It is a little scary to order online without seeing the fish but I like the larger selection. And if you have had good experience buying online what sites were you successful with. Thanks

02/05/2015, 05:28 PM	#2
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	Live Aquaria/ Divers Den is my online go to place. I have not been disappointed yet. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

02/05/2015, 05:40 PM	#5
Nina51 biggliest cofveve champ Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: 5th floor, Illinois, gewgaw expert Posts: 3,506	LA/DD here, too. the closest lfs to me is an hour away. they rarely have much other than the usual tangs and clownfish. their tanks are full of ich. once in a blue moon, i will find a decent coral there but it doesn't happen often. __________________ of all the things i've lost, i miss my gary the most. Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine into your brain, and that is where crappy ideas come from. Current Tank Info: i gave my reef away and i feel like a bird out of a cage!!

02/05/2015, 05:45 PM	#8
NTP66 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: PA Posts: 975	I've had good luck with both LA and saltwaterfish.com, personally. I've recently started added some mushrooms to my FOWLR, and have been using my LFS for that since he frags a lot of stuff and sells it cheap. As far as cleanup crews go, I don't bother looking anywhere other than reefcleaners. John's the best. __________________ Nick Current Tank Info: 90g FOWLR, Reef Octopus NWB-150 skimmer, MP40wES x2, Eheim 1260 return, BuildMyLED 20,000k XB LEDs, Apex Jr.

02/05/2015, 05:48 PM	#10
Brando457 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Caldwell, NJ Posts: 1,281	Live Aquaria/ Divers Den is my online go to place. I just got a pbt/hippo from DD in today, as Dmorty said it came by 10:30 AM. They included 3 heat packs and the box was VERY warm inside when I opened it. Both fish are fat and happy in my QT. __________________ My Build Thread: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2259598 Current Tank Info: 180 gallon in wall w/ 75g sump & 40 breeder fuge

02/05/2015, 05:33 PM	#4
Mrs. Music Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Sylvania, OH Posts: 636	I am lucky to have a great LFS Pampered Pets in Toledo Ohio. But if your LFS can not get you what you want most people agree that Live Aquaria is great. The one time I ordered from them I got the wrong fish, but they gave me a credit to order a different fish very little fus, and great customer service.

02/05/2015, 05:43 PM	#6
Corriebh Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 47	Just one other quick question.....I live in Wisconsin and currently it is 10 degrees outside. Does LA give you a window as far as when they will be delivered. I don't want fish ice cubes

02/05/2015, 05:45 PM	#7
jrr98002 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Little Rock Posts: 235	+1 to Live Aquaria/Diver's Den here too although I've also ordered a few times from Vivid Aquariums with nice results. I always made sure to personally call Dave though so that could be why...not sure if just went straight website what it'd be like TBH. Just remember if you go online about not keeping the fish in the bags too long after opening them due to ammonium>ammonia conversion.

02/05/2015, 07:07 PM	#11
alf1096 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 399	I just ordered some fish by mail and it was my first time. Out of 9 fish one was DOA and I have a Flame Angel that was active and looked good for about 6 hour now laying on its side at the bottom of the tank, only time will tell but I bet he is a goner. It was from one of the places listed above and not live aquaria.

02/05/2015, 07:23 PM	#12
Nina51 biggliest cofveve champ Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: 5th floor, Illinois, gewgaw expert Posts: 3,506	alf, how did you acclimate? did you add all of these fish to your dt at the same time? __________________ of all the things i've lost, i miss my gary the most. Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine into your brain, and that is where crappy ideas come from. Current Tank Info: i gave my reef away and i feel like a bird out of a cage!!

02/05/2015, 07:30 PM	#13
alf1096 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 399	They are all small fish. I have a 15 gal and 20 gal qt going. __________________ 125 gal DT with 30 Sump, ReefBreeders LEDs, Mixed Reef

02/05/2015, 07:41 PM	#14
ajespo85 Espo Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Akron, ohio Posts: 447	I do like to buy and support my LFS. Most owners will do what they can to order you what fish you want. In my case, they will even special order tanks/stands and other dry goods for you. Yes, you can order online, but I like the personal customer service and you can actually watch the fish eat at a LFS. I like walking into mine and the people know you, and know your tank set up, so they can help you better.

02/05/2015, 07:56 PM	#15
jason10012 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Murray, UT. Posts: 22	If your going to order online I have to agree with everyone with using live aquaria, but I prefer to go to my lfs so I know exactly what fish or coral I'm getting and if it's healthy.

02/05/2015, 08:03 PM	#16
Fogvalley Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: NW Kanas Posts: 107	La switched to ups, no winter orders for me, 5-8pm garentted. I have to go online or drive 4 hours to the closest actual Lfs. Which occasionally happens

02/06/2015, 01:07 AM	#17
Patchmty Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Monterrey, Mexico Posts: 77	I used reefs2go when I lived in the States and never had a problem, always great fish and corals.

02/06/2015, 06:39 AM	#18
snorvich Team RC member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Outlander Posts: 40,953 Blog Entries: 46	If you are buying from an LFS, it would be best to find out if they run copper in their system. If they do, inspection for health won't work out reliably since copper masks many parasites. __________________ Warmest regards, ~Steve~

02/06/2015, 06:47 AM	#19
firemountain Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Bergen County, NJ Posts: 1,033	I am in my LFS frequently to see what they get in, and try to support them as much as possible. But there are those few instances when LA/DD will get fish in, that are just "gems" that you gave to buy. For me...buying my Gold Assessor Basslet from LA /DD was one of those instances. The coloring and behavior is just awesome. __________________ Eshopps RS100 sump, Eheim 1262 return,Kessil 360WE w/controller, Avast ATO w Litermeter 3, RO Regal 170sss Skimmer, Sicce XStream-e pumps /dc controlled, Spectrapure Dual Reactor Current Tank Info: 65g mixed reef

02/06/2015, 07:09 AM	#20
phenom5 Unregistered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,096	For fish and inverts, LA/ DD is by far the best online vendor I've dealt with. For Corals, DD, Vivid, Yourreef, Unique, Battlecorals. FWIW, with Vivid, they call you once they get your order ready to confirm the order, confirm the shipping, and make any substitutions if anything you order is out of stock. Nice touch. __________________ Rob Current Tank Info: DSA 155 Pro \| ATI Sunpower \| ATB 840 v2 \| Apex \| Wav

02/06/2015, 07:16 AM	#21
brittonv Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 227	Have many/any of you had experience getting corals from vividaquariums.com? I have seen some NICE frags in a buddies tanks but as I am still gearing up haven't ordered yet myself.

02/06/2015, 07:30 AM	#22
phenom5 Unregistered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,096	I've bought corals from Vivid several times. Always good sized, healthy, colorful frags. Definitely recommend. __________________ Rob Current Tank Info: DSA 155 Pro \| ATI Sunpower \| ATB 840 v2 \| Apex \| Wav

02/06/2015, 08:10 AM	#24
coffee_snob Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 296	I prefer LFS. I must be one of the lucky ones to have good local source. Prices are good were I go. Fish and corals I have bought have been very healthy. Equipment prices are semi-competitive with online and I don't have to wait for them. I like to observe what I'm buying beforehand, and that they will be in my tank within an hour, verses 12+ hours in a box. __________________ Webcam: http://myreeftank.weebly.com/