No saltwater tanks at LFS

[JustTIMMY]

Can you believe this?? I drove around to every 'pet store' in Columbia, MO, yesterday only to find out that no one did a saltwater tank. One store attendant even went as far to say as "We are Anti-saltwater." I've not even started my tank yet, but it's not very encouraging not having a fish store that supports saltwater aquariums, specially in a college town with a population over 100,000. (I'm sure this is small for most on the boards)

I'm interested in doing a reef tank with a few fish. I have a 55G that will serve as the display, and will be building a sump for a fuge, skimmer, pump and heater. Still unsure if i want a DSB in the sump-still researching.

I'd really like to talk with someone about my aquarium venture I'm about to start on, but it seems no one in the area has the experience. Any ideas, suggestions? maybe start buying lots of books? Thanks!

//Timmy

[keeganpsp]

im sorry to hear about your adventure. trust me i know how it is, i work a LPS and the only thing we sell relative to a reef tank is a hydrometer, ocean salt, and a crappy protein skimmer its pretty bad when the pet supplies store that i work at and can get a discount for has absolutely nothing of major importance. im starting a 55 gal as well at the moment and the only thing i can recommend is to READ! not even kidding read till your eyes bleed and ask alot of questions. check this link out http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1031074 its the first thing i read and its helped me out a ton. also check out melevsreef.com out they offer alot of help with sump/fuge, how to build your own which i chose to do, and also how to build your own overflow which im also choosing to do. it also describes how a sump works and where everything is placed and what not.

i wish i could be of more help but someone will come along that knows alot more about reef setups than i do. best of luck to the both of us.

[Palting]

Good news is that there are a lot of on-line stores that are reliable. Shipping heavy items can be an issue, especially reccurring stuff, like salt. One thing I've found is that most LFS can order things in for you, and it will cost them less to ship since they ship in bulk along with their other supplies. Just make sure to check the on-line price, add the shipping, and then compare them to the lfs price and add the tax. Once the lfs know they are competing with an on-line store, you may be pleasantly surprised how much more accomodating and competitive your lfs can be.

[JustTIMMY]

Thanks for your input guys, I really appreciate it. I've been tearing this forum up over the past couple weeks in terms of reading, but some info is hard to find.

I do plan on building my overflow as well, and so far I really like the way Beananimal did his overflow. His design seems very safe, and not hard to put together.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1310585

My biggest fear right now is drilling my glass in the 55G. the aquarium is every bit of 12 years old, and i'm not sure if the glass is tempered or not. If anyone has more info about drilling thru glass, it would be much appreciated.

//Timmy

[LifeAquatic]

Sounds like a good time to open a salt water fish store = )

[James404]

I feel bad for you guys, I literally have about 15 pet stores within a 20 min drive, I would say about 5-10 of them carry saltwater stuff.

[rdog]

I'm in the same boat, just a Petco about 40 min away but i do have Dr Foster and Smith 2 hrs away so a plus!!!

[phenom5]

Here's a good place to find people in your area...

MidWest Reef Clubs

Otherwise, here's a great link to a site that has tons of information about reef tanks.

Great reefkeeping info site

[Monkeyfish]

Originally Posted by JustTIMMY

My biggest fear right now is drilling my glass in the 55G. the aquarium is every bit of 12 years old, and i'm not sure if the glass is tempered or not.//Timmy

If you're not sure do NOT drill it. Drilling tempered glass can cause a really nice shattering accompanied by glass fragments flying everywhere. You're better off buying a new tank.

[JustTIMMY]

Originally Posted by Monkeyfish

If you're not sure do NOT drill it. Drilling tempered glass can cause a really nice shattering accompanied by glass fragments flying everywhere. You're better off buying a new tank.

Probably the best advice I've got so far. On the other hand, if i'm going to be buying another tank, 55G just doesn't seem big enough......

EDIT: Thanks for the links Phenom5, it'll keep me occupied for the evening

[cewoodall3]

Salt-city.org has folks from columbia on it. I'm down in springfield so at least we have three stores. Salt-city is more kansas city and surrounding areas but they can point you in the right direction forLFS. Probably worth a trip to KC

[guppy74]

I don’t know if I should be sad or happy for you not having a Petco close with saltwater stuff. The employee’s there are of no help they will give you bad advice time and time again. I am VERY LUCKY however to have Elmer’s Aquarium about 35 to 45 minutes away. Its worth the drive those guys down there are A++++ when it comes to advice and they are not there just to make a sale I wanted to buy a fish and after telling them what its tank mates would be they advised me against it. They are GREAT. So keep looking you will find one. Drs Foster and Smith online have shipping for $8.99 flat rate I believe. Check them out they are reasonable. Good Luck

[funkejj]

Carousel Pets in Jeff City have a large salt setup and are very friendly just 30 minutes away.

[Jennifier615]

I have to travel about 70 miles to my local saltwater fish store. Underwater Worlds
Springfield, MO 65803 (417) 840-6243 and another called Cichlids & Salt Tropical Fish
2246 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807 » Map (417) 8874849.

[oceancrawler]

55g is plenty big enough and why dont u just run a canister instead of a sump a canister is my preferred method even though there are many here who would argue that point

[jelisoner]

theres 3 store in columbia that have salt

noahs pets is my favorite
amandas pet connection
and fins and feathers (way over priced)

theres lots of reefers in this area and frags swaps often

[orion251]

Originally Posted by oceancrawler

55g is plenty big enough and why dont u just run a canister instead of a sump a canister is my preferred method even though there are many here who would argue that point

You can't put a heater, skimmer, fuge, etc in a canister filter. They also help increase nitrates if they are not cleaned often.