Best place to live in US for Reefing? - Page 2

snorvich · 02/21/2011, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IndyReefMan

Oh, did I mention that we have the Indianapolis Colts?

Were they in the Super Bowl this year?

thebanker · 02/21/2011, 07:29 PM

So Cal is pretty good, but I think FL has to be better. It HAS to be. You can collect stuff yourself. Imagine going for a swim and coming back with Rics and zoanthids. Incredible.

Compared with Hawaii, California, Florida, Mexico, and French West Indies, the Bahamas had the best snorkeling and diving, and it isn't far off of Florida.

SpencerG · 02/21/2011, 08:14 PM

It's all good down here in the Crescent City. I've got to give a shout out to all my fellow NOLA reefers.

We have some very good stores and a community of reefers who are helpful and supportive. I'm sure you might find some better places, but NOLA is a good spot for sure.

tmgrash · 02/21/2011, 08:48 PM

Gotta be So Cal, or S. Florida. Well actually H town is smack dab in the middle of the two, must be the best then.

RebelReef · 02/22/2011, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RcToners

I would have to say florida keys

Not only do we have FMAS, we also have 100's of saltwater stores throughout the area. I can also LEGALLY collect numerous items for my tank with the purchase of a fishing license including: zoanthids, ricordea, clean up crew, the list goes on. I can also go right in my backyard and snorkel/dive some of the best reefs in the world.

Agreed, I live in NE FL and I have a TON of reefers and LFS' in my immediate area. I frequently travel to south Fl and it's like I'm a kid in a candy shop. So many reef shops and clubs it's rediculous. And it's pretty much all over Fl, you can't forget about WWC in Orlando.

And for the record, I was born and raised in Cali to an aquarist. Some of my earliest memories are driving to aquaium stores all over socal.

In my opinion, which is better for reefing... cali or fl? I think it comes down to personal preference. Both states have a GREAT reefing community, you really couldn't go wrong with either.

tom obrecht · 02/22/2011, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pimp4cheddar

California...seriously

Florida probably comes in a distant second.

I'd hate to live in places like Nebraska and Iowa...

Careful now...I've lived in both and I can tell you our reef clubs are just as inviting...perhaps not as large as on the coast but just as friendly.

I lived in Nebraska for a good many years was a past president of a local club and can honestly say some of the nicest people I have met are from the midwest. I even fly back there from time to time just to see some of the "world renowned" speakers come in and speak. Also keep in mind MACNA is in Des Moines this year...you don't get that for being lame.

travis32 · 02/22/2011, 07:24 AM

Sorry, but North Dakota has everyone beat. :P.

There's a relatively strong reefing presence here. and as someone mentioned, nothing like coming home on a day where the temp hit 40 degrees below zero and enjoying a tropical reef.

Plus electricity prices are the lowest in the nation, making reefing more affordable. BRS ships from Minneapolis so everything arrives next day even if it's shipped "ground".

Crusinjimbo · 02/22/2011, 10:19 AM

Los Angeles!! Outstanding quality and selection in LFS.

Noobeef · 02/22/2011, 11:13 AM

I can only speak to where I live, but So Cal makes it REAL easy to be a reefer. There are countless LFS, and for your equipment needs, Marinedepot is located in Anaheim (Disneyland's home). So as long as they have it in stock, you can get the equipment you need within 2 days. Real helpful when a vital piece of equipment breaks.

Another issue that I believe gives So Cal a leg up is the temperature remains fairly constant around causing temps within the home to remain fairly consistent. That helps with the temp of the tank.

karsseboom · 02/22/2011, 11:31 AM

CALIFORNIA all the way. come on people can you name a place that has more very nice high end lfs than califonia? name one state? the support is over there is crazy.

pitbulllover · 02/22/2011, 12:19 PM

CALI most def

mwladdicted · 02/22/2011, 02:02 PM

I could argue about how FL is the best all day. Hands down! Great reefing community, local collection, and 100's of awesome lfs. no contest.

eja99 · 02/22/2011, 02:27 PM

+1 on CA. NorCal has some great LFS, clubs, reefers, etc. So Cal was also a great place to find fish and interesting coral.

dublo8 · 02/22/2011, 04:36 PM

Wow none of my AZ peeps representing? Az is a pretty good spot as well. So what, we cant go swim in the ocean unless CA falls off the map in the next big earthquake, were not anywhere near the ocean and it's hotter the heck here. We have some awesome LFS's here. Look up reef culture, they are even on the AI home page. The entire store is lit by AI LED products. Best store around for sure. However, our tank temps rise into the low 80's sometimes with our halides, but you know what? were a tight nit group of reefers. We all know each other, we all trade amongst the group and are generally always willing to help move a tank, or clip off a frag for somebody and to me that beats having the best product availability and the best diving and the best whatever. It's all about the friends we make in this hobby and the knowledge that we share.

Dino · 02/22/2011, 05:26 PM

I can honestly say that it ain't here.

jeff@zina.com · 02/22/2011, 05:27 PM

Gotta throw in my vote for Florida as well. Mostly because it's closer to me than California.

Seriously, 95% of the freshwater industry is here, 60% of the saltwater importers and half the saltwater aquaculture facilities. Plus we have real reefs with real reef inhabitants. Most are free for the taking. Though the beaches in California still have better eye candy.

Jeff

myaerica · 02/22/2011, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eskymick

For reefing only, you would be hard pressed to top Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Between Drs. Foster & Smith and LiveAquaria Diver's Den, what more would one need?

I agree its an awesome place.Not not to mention fosters open house is this weekend free run of the coral farm.

danielmiller82 · 02/22/2011, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pimp4cheddar

How does Florida beat California?

What am I missing? I must be in the crappy area (central florida)...

Everyone I know who lives in the Orlando area is there either for the theme parks or something to do with Nasa.

I guess with those two things, there isn't much time for reefing!

BTW, I will be in orlando tomorrow, going to see STS-133 launch, and hopefully get to go to Universal on Fri.

BamBam17 · 02/22/2011, 11:57 PM

I'm relatively new, but having so many resources...SoCal aint no slouch...minus the taxes and high cost of living, but some can afford...

popwin · 02/23/2011, 03:17 PM

I am in Reno too, and always need to drive 4 hours round trip to CA to buy corals. that's sucks

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenoR1

So I am a little curious on what everyone feels is the best area to live in the US in regards to the communities friendliness to reefers.

As for Reno, the community is virtually non-existent. Yes, we have the small handful of dedicated reefers, but not like other places I have seen.

I obviously don't want to start a turf war, but how friendly and reef-savvy is your area of the country?

chimmike · 02/23/2011, 03:19 PM

I have some very nice stores within an hour and a half of me, one in orlando that I've been to, probably more up there, but several nice ones in Tampa.

I think the best for coral availability right off the docks is SoCal for sure. That's not to say we're not getting good stuff here, because we certainly are.

keywestcoralboy · 02/23/2011, 07:09 PM

Goin out for Ricordia, Zoos, and snails for my new tank on friday... 5 mile boat trip its 75 degrees water temp too bad im not in cali or i could get some good stuff lol...

MedRed · 02/23/2011, 07:19 PM

Take a look at the classified sections... You'll see a disproportionate amount of things being sold out of CA. I've noticed this before I moved here. It was irksome to want a tank that almost always seemed to be local pickup only in CA.

The regional forums here show over 44k threads in the Southern CA section. The next closest is Chicago with 34K. The numbers drop off dramatically after that.

California(Southern Cal specifically) has to be the #1 hotspot for reefing in the country.

Bamm Bamm · 02/23/2011, 08:32 PM

California there are hundreds of Reef dedicated store everywhere in our state!!

Luiz Rocha · 02/23/2011, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bamm Bamm

California there are hundreds of Reef dedicated store everywhere in our state!!

Interesting that so many people are saying Cali is best, how do you guys deal with earthquakes? If I lived there I would be so scared of power outages and just plain tank breaks with the quakes...

02/21/2011, 08:14 PM	#28
SpencerG Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New Orleans Posts: 356	It's all good down here in the Crescent City. I've got to give a shout out to all my fellow NOLA reefers. We have some very good stores and a community of reefers who are helpful and supportive. I'm sure you might find some better places, but NOLA is a good spot for sure. Last edited by SpencerG; 02/21/2011 at 08:36 PM.

02/21/2011, 08:48 PM	#29
tmgrash Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 580	Gotta be So Cal, or S. Florida. Well actually H town is smack dab in the middle of the two, must be the best then. __________________ Travis Grasha 240 gal with Aquaillumination LED's

02/22/2011, 02:02 PM	#37
mwladdicted Post Count D-M-S Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sharon, CT Posts: 896	I could argue about how FL is the best all day. Hands down! Great reefing community, local collection, and 100's of awesome lfs. no contest. __________________ Tom Armstrong

02/22/2011, 04:36 PM	#39
dublo8 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Morgan Hill, Ca Posts: 3,225	Wow none of my AZ peeps representing? Az is a pretty good spot as well. So what, we cant go swim in the ocean unless CA falls off the map in the next big earthquake, were not anywhere near the ocean and it's hotter the heck here. We have some awesome LFS's here. Look up reef culture, they are even on the AI home page. The entire store is lit by AI LED products. Best store around for sure. However, our tank temps rise into the low 80's sometimes with our halides, but you know what? were a tight nit group of reefers. We all know each other, we all trade amongst the group and are generally always willing to help move a tank, or clip off a frag for somebody and to me that beats having the best product availability and the best diving and the best whatever. It's all about the friends we make in this hobby and the knowledge that we share. __________________ 10g IM fusion. Zoa and SPS dominant, Apex monitored, Ai Prime, MP10, sicce return.

02/22/2011, 05:26 PM	#40
Dino Freak of Nature Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Finding my way back to the boondocks Posts: 11,048	I can honestly say that it ain't here. __________________ Cody I will love and miss you until the last beat of my heart Harley & Rusty.

02/21/2011, 07:29 PM	#27
thebanker Moved On Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 2,315	So Cal is pretty good, but I think FL has to be better. It HAS to be. You can collect stuff yourself. Imagine going for a swim and coming back with Rics and zoanthids. Incredible. Compared with Hawaii, California, Florida, Mexico, and French West Indies, the Bahamas had the best snorkeling and diving, and it isn't far off of Florida.

02/22/2011, 07:24 AM	#32
travis32 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: West Fargo, ND Posts: 2,161	Sorry, but North Dakota has everyone beat. :P. There's a relatively strong reefing presence here. and as someone mentioned, nothing like coming home on a day where the temp hit 40 degrees below zero and enjoying a tropical reef. Plus electricity prices are the lowest in the nation, making reefing more affordable. BRS ships from Minneapolis so everything arrives next day even if it's shipped "ground".

02/22/2011, 10:19 AM	#33
Crusinjimbo Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel FL Posts: 751	Los Angeles!! Outstanding quality and selection in LFS.

02/22/2011, 11:13 AM	#34
Noobeef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 60	I can only speak to where I live, but So Cal makes it REAL easy to be a reefer. There are countless LFS, and for your equipment needs, Marinedepot is located in Anaheim (Disneyland's home). So as long as they have it in stock, you can get the equipment you need within 2 days. Real helpful when a vital piece of equipment breaks. Another issue that I believe gives So Cal a leg up is the temperature remains fairly constant around causing temps within the home to remain fairly consistent. That helps with the temp of the tank.

02/22/2011, 11:31 AM	#35
karsseboom Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 2,183	CALIFORNIA all the way. come on people can you name a place that has more very nice high end lfs than califonia? name one state? the support is over there is crazy.

02/22/2011, 12:19 PM	#36
pitbulllover Moved On Join Date: May 2010 Location: killa kali Posts: 245	CALI most def

02/22/2011, 02:27 PM	#38
eja99 HI Monk Seal Poipu Kauai Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Northern CA Posts: 224	+1 on CA. NorCal has some great LFS, clubs, reefers, etc. So Cal was also a great place to find fish and interesting coral.

02/22/2011, 05:27 PM	#41
jeff@zina.com Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 3,345	Gotta throw in my vote for Florida as well. Mostly because it's closer to me than California. Seriously, 95% of the freshwater industry is here, 60% of the saltwater importers and half the saltwater aquaculture facilities. Plus we have real reefs with real reef inhabitants. Most are free for the taking. Though the beaches in California still have better eye candy. Jeff

02/22/2011, 11:57 PM	#44
BamBam17 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Mission Viejo, CA Posts: 170	I'm relatively new, but having so many resources...SoCal aint no slouch...minus the taxes and high cost of living, but some can afford...

02/23/2011, 03:19 PM	#46
chimmike oxygen abuser Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Parrish, FL Posts: 5,089 Blog Entries: 2	I have some very nice stores within an hour and a half of me, one in orlando that I've been to, probably more up there, but several nice ones in Tampa. I think the best for coral availability right off the docks is SoCal for sure. That's not to say we're not getting good stuff here, because we certainly are. __________________ -Mike Tankless wonder Geaux Noles!

02/23/2011, 07:09 PM	#47
keywestcoralboy Executive water changer Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 214	Goin out for Ricordia, Zoos, and snails for my new tank on friday... 5 mile boat trip its 75 degrees water temp too bad im not in cali or i could get some good stuff lol... __________________ 70 nm commute to Tortuga, but whose stopping at Tortuga? Current Tank Info: 150 gal reef, 65 gal reef, 8 gal bio cube reef.... dedication to the game

02/23/2011, 07:19 PM	#48
MedRed Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,035	Take a look at the classified sections... You'll see a disproportionate amount of things being sold out of CA. I've noticed this before I moved here. It was irksome to want a tank that almost always seemed to be local pickup only in CA. The regional forums here show over 44k threads in the Southern CA section. The next closest is Chicago with 34K. The numbers drop off dramatically after that. California(Southern Cal specifically) has to be the #1 hotspot for reefing in the country. __________________ 60 Gallon Current Solana XL 24x24x24 Cube: SPS/LPS/NPS/Softie/Invert Reef Candy Basslet Pair Showcase \| Minimalist Aquascape

02/23/2011, 08:32 PM	#49
Bamm Bamm Saltwater Guru Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Brentwood, NOR CAL Posts: 9,309	California there are hundreds of Reef dedicated store everywhere in our state!! __________________ 25g rimless cube in the works Current Tank Info: 60g cube

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