Your Ideal LFS

Pacific Reefs · 05/30/2009, 08:18 AM

What makes your favorite LFS your favorite? What would you change if you could?

For me I would like to actually see some kind of QT tank or know they have one in the back. It really is sad to see some sick fish next to the one I want to purchase.

My favorite store just simply has the best service and that's why I keep coming back.

scottallert · 05/30/2009, 08:28 AM

my favorite is clean, i have never seen a sick fish there, and they give me free stuff
but its far

snorvich · 05/30/2009, 09:47 AM

Ah, my favorite LFS is Drs. Foster and Smith. While they are not local, that is the only place I would buy fish/coral/invert. I use various online vendors for dry goods including: Premium Aquatics, Drs F + S, Ebay. I know you want LOCAL, but I am simply unwilling to patronize LFS because of selection and quality.

reefkoi · 05/30/2009, 10:02 AM

My favorite/ideal store already exists.........its called amazing reefs and aquariums in California, Ali has the coolest shop ever, awesome rimless displays, comfy couches to sit an stare at the tanks.........nothing but amazing corals.........I only wish i didn't live 900 miles away from there, I suppose that takes the "L" out of "LFS" though

C

Pacific Reefs · 05/30/2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefkoi
My favorite/ideal store already exists.........its called amazing reefs and aquariums in California, Ali has the coolest shop ever, awesome rimless displays, comfy couches to sit an stare at the tanks.........nothing but amazing corals.........I only wish i didn't live 900 miles away from there, I suppose that takes the "L" out of "LFS" though

C

That's interesting that you mentioned that store because I just finished watching a youtube video of his japanese style softie tank...very cool!

Freed · 05/30/2009, 11:03 AM

One that has employees that are actually helpful and know what they are talking about, not just saying what you want to hear to make a quick sale.

One that doesn't have snake oils for eradicating diseases in tanks or that advocates the use of EcoAqualizers.

One that actually QTs their fish, corals and inverts.

One that doesn't have dead fish laying on the bottom.

One that doesn't have dead corals in their displays.

P7269 · 05/30/2009, 01:05 PM

Service, Service, and Friendly Service...I was really sold on Jeff's exotic fish in Gardena, California. I was a loyal customer for years. It was a large warehouse with a huge selection. I believe Jeff was a direct importer and had family in Tonga. Unfortunately times have changed. He sold the warehouse which went out of business soon after ( the new owner knew nothing about the hobby). Jeff opened a couple of small LFS and one was ran by his brother. Jeff's is now only one store. Its run by his brother and it is clear that business is not good. He hustles you and is totally inconsistent with pricing. The store is now neglected and dirty. The fish are ill and the display tanks are unkept. Its Very Very sad............ Im following along and hoping to hear about some good So. California locations. I need one!

xJake · 05/30/2009, 01:50 PM

My "ideal" LFS would include the following...

1)Knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and HONEST staff/employees - this would include not having teenagers that don't know a thing about what they're selling, as well as employees not recommending "snake oil" treatments for problems that can be solved with much more practical, sensible solutions that are scientifically proven to work. Also, this would include not pushing certain brands/products simply as a way to earn a profit because a company has made some sort of business deal with you.

2)Low overhead and fair prices, a.k.a. I don't want to pay your 50% mark-up because you decided to use unnecessarily pricey equipment on your display tanks or because you decided to put crown molding throughout the entire store. Also, this would include actually buying equipment from wholesalers instead of buying equipment from online retailers and then tacking on your mark-up to make a profit (I know of several stores in my area that do this regularly as part of their business practices).

3)Safe,sanitary, and environmentally sustainable livestock management - quarantine system, or at the very least, the sensibility and honesty to mark which animals are being treated and/or quarantined. This would also include the fortitude to refuse a sale on a sick/new-arrival fish, as well as a preference for selling tank bred/raised fish as well as captive-grown/cultured corals and tridacnid clams.

4)Aesthetically pleasing store - I don't want to have to pay markup for extravagant interior decorating, but I also don't want to go to some shack out in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of 10-gallons setup on plywood shelving. Make it simple, clean, and sensible, just make sure it doesn't look too shady, or "ghetto". Show off your philosophy for keeping fish without going overboard - you don't need a solid cherrywood stand and canopy for a display tank, all I want to see is the equipment you run and how healthy your livestock looks. This includes making sure that your tanks are regularly maintained - a display that is in noticeably poor health never bodes well with the public.

On a side note, and this goes for all businesses actually, keep your religious beliefs to yourself. Two examples I can give of this are U.S. Plastics (who proudly publish Christian idealogy in their print catalog; claiming to be a "different kind of business" - like I really care) and a LFS in my area that was run out of business here about 2 years ago. I don't want to shop somewhere that has a sign out front that says, "Christ is the answer." Keep it to yourself... if I wanted to support your religion then I would go to a church. It's just inappropriate, unnecessary and not to mention annoying. Just because you own your own business and you can promote your religious beliefs doesn't mean that you should or that you wouldn't be driving away potential customers by doing so.

Haha, sorry for the rant, and I meant no offense to anyone who is religious, but I felt like I had to say something.

Alaskan Reefer · 05/30/2009, 03:50 PM

Ideal LFS for me would have a complete variety of corals and frags to choose from, clean, healthy tanks with no diseased or dead fish or corals in the displays, a back room full of quarantine and hospital tanks that were always in use, and knowledgeable employees. We have a store that gets close on most of them, and I freely and gladly pay an extra $20 per bucket of salt over the cruddier stores just a mile away to do my part to keep them in business. The reality, though, is that most LFS can't cater to the top end of the hobby and stay in business, at least not in Alaska. There's just not enough demand, and most people will never understand the logic and importance of buying dry goods at the store they want to succeed, even at a higher price.

snorvich · 05/30/2009, 05:57 PM

+1 and not just in Alaska

Pacific Reefs · 05/30/2009, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Freed
One that has employees that are actually helpful and know what they are talking about, not just saying what you want to hear to make a quick sale.

One that doesn't have snake oils for eradicating diseases in tanks or that advocates the use of EcoAqualizers.

One that actually QTs their fish, corals and inverts.

One that doesn't have dead fish laying on the bottom.

One that doesn't have dead corals in their displays.

The funny thing is that those points you made don't really sound like something so hard to do....but somehow it just doesn't happen.

Pacific Reefs · 05/30/2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefkoi
My favorite/ideal store already exists.........its called amazing reefs and aquariums in California, Ali has the coolest shop ever, awesome rimless displays, comfy couches to sit an stare at the tanks.........nothing but amazing corals.........I only wish i didn't live 900 miles away from there, I suppose that takes the "L" out of "LFS" though

C

Hopefully I can post this link with Ali's tank:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pl82HUpUtU

mflamb · 05/30/2009, 07:42 PM

The good stuff you are describing sounds a lot like my favorite LFS. It's called FAOIS, Fish and Other Ichthy Stuff, in Oldsmar, Florida.

Pacific Reefs · 05/30/2009, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mflamb
The good stuff you are describing sounds a lot like my favorite LFS. It's called FAOIS, Fish and Other Ichthy Stuff, in Oldsmar, Florida.

Mike!

Yes I've been there and that place is awesome hands down...just soo far from me. I always purchase something from their because their selection is amazing.

Paramecium · 05/30/2009, 09:43 PM

Eye Candy Aquariums in So Cal. The store is spotless and you never see sick fish. Also Allen the owner is very cool and doesn't try to sell you stuff just to make a buck. He asks about your system before selling you equipment or livestock and will tell you if you shouldn't buy a coral or fish etc.

Amazing is also very nice. Ali has a clean well kept store as well. More high end Acans and such at his shop. Very nice setup though.

05/30/2009, 08:18 AM	#1
Pacific Reefs Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 2,768	Your Ideal LFS What makes your favorite LFS your favorite? What would you change if you could? For me I would like to actually see some kind of QT tank or know they have one in the back. It really is sad to see some sick fish next to the one I want to purchase. My favorite store just simply has the best service and that's why I keep coming back.

05/30/2009, 09:47 AM	#3
snorvich Team RC member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Outlander Posts: 40,953 Blog Entries: 46	Ah, my favorite LFS is Drs. Foster and Smith. While they are not local, that is the only place I would buy fish/coral/invert. I use various online vendors for dry goods including: Premium Aquatics, Drs F + S, Ebay. I know you want LOCAL, but I am simply unwilling to patronize LFS because of selection and quality. __________________ Warmest regards, ~Steve~

05/30/2009, 10:02 AM	#4
reefkoi Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 3,983	My favorite/ideal store already exists.........its called amazing reefs and aquariums in California, Ali has the coolest shop ever, awesome rimless displays, comfy couches to sit an stare at the tanks.........nothing but amazing corals.........I only wish i didn't live 900 miles away from there, I suppose that takes the "L" out of "LFS" though C __________________ 1Kw bulb club Current Tank Info: A 600gal. on Zeovit & a 240gal.

05/30/2009, 11:03 AM	#6
Freed It's what it's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: 41° 2' 45" N 85° 8' 43" W Posts: 7,579	One that has employees that are actually helpful and know what they are talking about, not just saying what you want to hear to make a quick sale. One that doesn't have snake oils for eradicating diseases in tanks or that advocates the use of EcoAqualizers. One that actually QTs their fish, corals and inverts. One that doesn't have dead fish laying on the bottom. One that doesn't have dead corals in their displays. __________________ Freed Current Tank Info: 180gal(1120 watts of MH/VHO light), 60gal "sump", Deltec 601 calcium reactor, Euro Reef CS8-3+ skimmer, 20 gallon QT

05/30/2009, 03:50 PM	#9
Alaskan Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Eagle River, Alaska Posts: 2,360	Ideal LFS for me would have a complete variety of corals and frags to choose from, clean, healthy tanks with no diseased or dead fish or corals in the displays, a back room full of quarantine and hospital tanks that were always in use, and knowledgeable employees. We have a store that gets close on most of them, and I freely and gladly pay an extra $20 per bucket of salt over the cruddier stores just a mile away to do my part to keep them in business. The reality, though, is that most LFS can't cater to the top end of the hobby and stay in business, at least not in Alaska. There's just not enough demand, and most people will never understand the logic and importance of buying dry goods at the store they want to succeed, even at a higher price. __________________ Unattended children will be given double shot espresso and a free puppy. Current Tank Info: 125g FOWLR -- Conversion Back To SPS In Progress

05/30/2009, 08:28 AM	#2
scottallert Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: south florida Posts: 571	my favorite is clean, i have never seen a sick fish there, and they give me free stuff but its far

05/30/2009, 01:05 PM	#7
P7269 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: So California Posts: 10	Service, Service, and Friendly Service...I was really sold on Jeff's exotic fish in Gardena, California. I was a loyal customer for years. It was a large warehouse with a huge selection. I believe Jeff was a direct importer and had family in Tonga. Unfortunately times have changed. He sold the warehouse which went out of business soon after ( the new owner knew nothing about the hobby). Jeff opened a couple of small LFS and one was ran by his brother. Jeff's is now only one store. Its run by his brother and it is clear that business is not good. He hustles you and is totally inconsistent with pricing. The store is now neglected and dirty. The fish are ill and the display tanks are unkept. Its Very Very sad............ Im following along and hoping to hear about some good So. California locations. I need one!

05/30/2009, 01:50 PM	#8
xJake Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,385	My "ideal" LFS would include the following... 1)Knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and HONEST staff/employees - this would include not having teenagers that don't know a thing about what they're selling, as well as employees not recommending "snake oil" treatments for problems that can be solved with much more practical, sensible solutions that are scientifically proven to work. Also, this would include not pushing certain brands/products simply as a way to earn a profit because a company has made some sort of business deal with you. 2)Low overhead and fair prices, a.k.a. I don't want to pay your 50% mark-up because you decided to use unnecessarily pricey equipment on your display tanks or because you decided to put crown molding throughout the entire store. Also, this would include actually buying equipment from wholesalers instead of buying equipment from online retailers and then tacking on your mark-up to make a profit (I know of several stores in my area that do this regularly as part of their business practices). 3)Safe,sanitary, and environmentally sustainable livestock management - quarantine system, or at the very least, the sensibility and honesty to mark which animals are being treated and/or quarantined. This would also include the fortitude to refuse a sale on a sick/new-arrival fish, as well as a preference for selling tank bred/raised fish as well as captive-grown/cultured corals and tridacnid clams. 4)Aesthetically pleasing store - I don't want to have to pay markup for extravagant interior decorating, but I also don't want to go to some shack out in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of 10-gallons setup on plywood shelving. Make it simple, clean, and sensible, just make sure it doesn't look too shady, or "ghetto". Show off your philosophy for keeping fish without going overboard - you don't need a solid cherrywood stand and canopy for a display tank, all I want to see is the equipment you run and how healthy your livestock looks. This includes making sure that your tanks are regularly maintained - a display that is in noticeably poor health never bodes well with the public. On a side note, and this goes for all businesses actually, keep your religious beliefs to yourself. Two examples I can give of this are U.S. Plastics (who proudly publish Christian idealogy in their print catalog; claiming to be a "different kind of business" - like I really care) and a LFS in my area that was run out of business here about 2 years ago. I don't want to shop somewhere that has a sign out front that says, "Christ is the answer." Keep it to yourself... if I wanted to support your religion then I would go to a church. It's just inappropriate, unnecessary and not to mention annoying. Just because you own your own business and you can promote your religious beliefs doesn't mean that you should or that you wouldn't be driving away potential customers by doing so. Haha, sorry for the rant, and I meant no offense to anyone who is religious, but I felt like I had to say something.

05/30/2009, 05:57 PM	#10
snorvich Team RC member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Outlander Posts: 40,953 Blog Entries: 46	+1 and not just in Alaska __________________ Warmest regards, ~Steve~

05/30/2009, 07:42 PM	#13
mflamb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pasadena, Texas Posts: 8,422	The good stuff you are describing sounds a lot like my favorite LFS. It's called FAOIS, Fish and Other Ichthy Stuff, in Oldsmar, Florida. __________________ Click on my red house to see my 390 and 300 build thread. Those are my last 2 tanks in Tampa. Now in Pasadena waiting to buy a house to set up my next tank....anemones and clowns...probably a 3x3 150 gallon.

05/30/2009, 09:43 PM	#15
Paramecium One man wolf pack Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 755	Eye Candy Aquariums in So Cal. The store is spotless and you never see sick fish. Also Allen the owner is very cool and doesn't try to sell you stuff just to make a buck. He asks about your system before selling you equipment or livestock and will tell you if you shouldn't buy a coral or fish etc. Amazing is also very nice. Ali has a clean well kept store as well. More high end Acans and such at his shop. Very nice setup though. __________________ ~Danny Current tank info: 70 Gal Oceanic Tech Tank. Mixed reef. 36" 6 bulb ATI Sunpower.