Ordering fish online

mtiknoles · 01/25/2006, 08:42 PM

Has anyone ever ordered fish from themarinecenter.com or marinedepotlive.com?

Tonya

ZC · 01/25/2006, 09:57 PM

I acctually just got in a order from the marine center, great service and packing, however shipping is something like 35 bucks, but they have a lot more stuff than you can find at the lfs. The eel I got from them was packed very well, and looked very healthy, and was eating the day after he was intoduced. I will prolly use them again in the future.

lawboy888 · 01/26/2006, 12:55 AM

i ordered a lot on line. but i find you can get most things you want from the local fish stores. not only does the fish you get is less stressed but you are supporting local stores. I know Gary of ART can get most species and the prices are very competitive with online stores. Marine Center is pretty good but you can get better pricing at other sites

theishkid · 01/26/2006, 01:04 AM

Obviously some of these stores like marinedepot have to be doing something right or they wouldn't still be in business. But I am officially against ordering livestock online now. I ordered some things, mainly snails from one particular site, and over half of them were dead or dying. I'm sure most people have great experiences getting things online, but I would just rather see what I am taking home.

Youngsilver · 01/26/2006, 04:02 AM

I ordered a regal tang of all things from vividaquariums online, and it arrived without a single spot of ich. Its meaner than heck, but thats not their fault ;D (chuckle)

Snprhed · 01/26/2006, 07:25 AM

I have never ordered from marindepot, but have heard great things about their livestock. Their drygoods side has excellent customer service and pricing and I would expect the same from the live side. Don't pay any attention to that crap about "buying local" we all get 85% (or more) of our stuff locally anyway.

See if you can get a few people to go in with you to reduce the shipping charges.

Korndog · 01/26/2006, 09:55 AM

>85% ???? I think that might be a bit high if you consider 'everyone'. I know that when I first got started I purchased almost everything online.

Everyone has difference experiences with online vendors, so itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s a give and take relationship. Remember, though, with all the LFS's showing up over the last year, itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s as simple as going into one, telling them what youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re after, and showing them the online price. MOST of them will get very close to the price and will even save you $$$ since you don't have to pay for shipping ( or order a bunch of stuff you donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t need just to hit the free shipping mark ).

I ordered from marinedepotlive.com a while back and the order was overall good, had a few DOA's .. but that is expected. Unless your needing a LOT of livestock, I would go to the LFS's and barter with them, I know of at least one store that will match (and beat) what it would cost to order things online... plus if you order from a LFS, you get to see it when it comes in .... and if its not to your satisfaction .. you donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have to buy it ... so that is a plus. So, without getting into the LFS/OFS debate, most of the online stores have great quality and can sometimes provide a better deal. Just be sure and call up the LFS's in this area ... IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m sure you can find a 'better' deal somewhere locally.... business is hard to get with all this competition.

Gwalker · 01/26/2006, 10:06 AM

Also without going into a long debate about online vendors...

I agree that most online prices are easy to beat on marine fish. Especially when considering the quality and other numerous advantages to buying from your LFS. I generally priortize any requested animals when I do any livestock ordering, all you have to do is ask....

For those that want to do a debate on online vs. LFS heres one of many threads that covers that popular topic.....

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=727703

My 2 cts

Gary

Travis L. Stevens · 01/26/2006, 11:36 AM

Oh yes, I remember that thread..

... and many more that are similar to it that are on other various forums and boards.

mtiknoles · 01/26/2006, 06:26 PM

Gary I sent you a PM.

Tonya

Gwalker · 01/26/2006, 06:58 PM

All PM's answered.

Thanks,

Gary

janderson8 · 01/26/2006, 07:04 PM

All I have to say is I go into a fish store and give them the first opertunity and if the price is withing a reasonible amount I buy it but when one fish store charges $465 local for a skimmer and you can find the same one for $289 on line you better go on line. But beleave me when I say we will al miss they day there is no local fish store!!!

Snprhed · 01/27/2006, 08:00 AM

Agree totally J

ZC · 01/27/2006, 08:23 AM

it's funny to see how fast a thread can get off subject. Start off asking about online fish vendors and ends of debating and arguing the costs of skimmers in LFS.............

This subject is obviously touchy to quite a few ppl.

Korndog · 01/27/2006, 12:51 PM

well, buying drygoods is a completely different subject than buying livestock online.

Rascal · 01/28/2006, 08:18 AM

What's really funny is the question itself...like it hasn't been addressed a hundred times before.

mtiknoles · 01/28/2006, 06:47 PM

Gary your mailbox is full.

Gwalker · 01/28/2006, 07:13 PM

Sorry, that happens a lot. I have numerous PMs a day and sometimes I lose track of it.

Gary

kpk · 02/25/2006, 11:52 PM

Tonya yhpm

_Sooner_2 · 02/26/2006, 03:23 PM

LOL at "we all get 85% (or more) of our stuff locally anyway."

Back on subject, I've never ordered live goods online. When it comes to live stuff, I want to see what I'm getting. Maybe some sites show actual pictures of the item you're purchasing?

zoomfish1 · 02/27/2006, 08:32 PM

You really don't have to knock the OFS. All you have to do is use them properly. Browse all the neat stuff they have online, decide what you want to have in your tank. You can even print a pic of it, take to you LFS and have them order it for you, cause we all want our favs to stay in business.

Just remember, these stores serve a useful purpose in the overall spectrum of our reefs. Find what you want and spend you money at home. Period, and that's all I have to say about that. (Forrest Gump on cable this weekend).

kpk · 02/27/2006, 08:45 PM

you get my pm zoom?

01/25/2006, 08:42 PM	#1
mtiknoles Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 500	Ordering fish online Has anyone ever ordered fish from themarinecenter.com or marinedepotlive.com? Tonya

01/25/2006, 09:57 PM	#2
ZC Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Overland Park, KS Posts: 1,132	I acctually just got in a order from the marine center, great service and packing, however shipping is something like 35 bucks, but they have a lot more stuff than you can find at the lfs. The eel I got from them was packed very well, and looked very healthy, and was eating the day after he was intoduced. I will prolly use them again in the future. __________________ "Friends don't let friends put xenia in their tanks" Current Tank Info: 2 yr old 160g: mixed reef

01/26/2006, 12:55 AM	#3
lawboy888 Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: OKC Posts: 625	i ordered a lot on line. but i find you can get most things you want from the local fish stores. not only does the fish you get is less stressed but you are supporting local stores. I know Gary of ART can get most species and the prices are very competitive with online stores. Marine Center is pretty good but you can get better pricing at other sites __________________ 240 mix reef. 4 vortech 40. 5 250's double ended, LED supplement "I am Sulu damn it"

01/26/2006, 01:04 AM	#4
theishkid Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moore, OK Posts: 844	Obviously some of these stores like marinedepot have to be doing something right or they wouldn't still be in business. But I am officially against ordering livestock online now. I ordered some things, mainly snails from one particular site, and over half of them were dead or dying. I'm sure most people have great experiences getting things online, but I would just rather see what I am taking home. __________________ Brad Benefield Current Tank Info: 34G Nano

01/26/2006, 11:36 AM	#9
Travis L. Stevens Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Perry, OK Posts: 13,946	Oh yes, I remember that thread.. ... and many more that are similar to it that are on other various forums and boards. __________________ Travis Stevens Current Tank Info: Restarting 28g Bowfront

01/26/2006, 04:02 AM	#5
Youngsilver C'est un touche-à-tout Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Shreveport / Dallas / OKC Posts: 423	I ordered a regal tang of all things from vividaquariums online, and it arrived without a single spot of ich. Its meaner than heck, but thats not their fault ;D (chuckle)

01/26/2006, 07:25 AM	#6
Snprhed Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Branson, Mo Posts: 712	I have never ordered from marindepot, but have heard great things about their livestock. Their drygoods side has excellent customer service and pricing and I would expect the same from the live side. Don't pay any attention to that crap about "buying local" we all get 85% (or more) of our stuff locally anyway. See if you can get a few people to go in with you to reduce the shipping charges.

01/26/2006, 09:55 AM	#7
Korndog Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Norman, OK Posts: 280	>85% ???? I think that might be a bit high if you consider 'everyone'. I know that when I first got started I purchased almost everything online. Everyone has difference experiences with online vendors, so itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s a give and take relationship. Remember, though, with all the LFS's showing up over the last year, itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s as simple as going into one, telling them what youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re after, and showing them the online price. MOST of them will get very close to the price and will even save you $$$ since you don't have to pay for shipping ( or order a bunch of stuff you donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t need just to hit the free shipping mark ). I ordered from marinedepotlive.com a while back and the order was overall good, had a few DOA's .. but that is expected. Unless your needing a LOT of livestock, I would go to the LFS's and barter with them, I know of at least one store that will match (and beat) what it would cost to order things online... plus if you order from a LFS, you get to see it when it comes in .... and if its not to your satisfaction .. you donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have to buy it ... so that is a plus. So, without getting into the LFS/OFS debate, most of the online stores have great quality and can sometimes provide a better deal. Just be sure and call up the LFS's in this area ... IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m sure you can find a 'better' deal somewhere locally.... business is hard to get with all this competition.

01/26/2006, 10:06 AM	#8
Gwalker Moved On Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 478	Also without going into a long debate about online vendors... I agree that most online prices are easy to beat on marine fish. Especially when considering the quality and other numerous advantages to buying from your LFS. I generally priortize any requested animals when I do any livestock ordering, all you have to do is ask.... For those that want to do a debate on online vs. LFS heres one of many threads that covers that popular topic..... http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=727703 My 2 cts Gary

01/26/2006, 06:26 PM	#10
mtiknoles Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 500	Gary I sent you a PM. Tonya __________________ Tonya I. Knoles President, Central Oklahoma Marine Aquarium Society I ♥ zoas Current Tank Info: 180g zoanthid and palythoa tank, upgrading to a 240g cube

01/26/2006, 06:58 PM	#11
Gwalker Moved On Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 478	All PM's answered. Thanks, Gary

01/26/2006, 07:04 PM	#12
janderson8 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 949	All I have to say is I go into a fish store and give them the first opertunity and if the price is withing a reasonible amount I buy it but when one fish store charges $465 local for a skimmer and you can find the same one for $289 on line you better go on line. But beleave me when I say we will al miss they day there is no local fish store!!!

01/27/2006, 08:00 AM	#13
Snprhed Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Branson, Mo Posts: 712	Agree totally J

01/27/2006, 08:23 AM	#14
ZC Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Overland Park, KS Posts: 1,132	it's funny to see how fast a thread can get off subject. Start off asking about online fish vendors and ends of debating and arguing the costs of skimmers in LFS............. This subject is obviously touchy to quite a few ppl. __________________ "Friends don't let friends put xenia in their tanks" Current Tank Info: 2 yr old 160g: mixed reef

01/27/2006, 12:51 PM	#15
Korndog Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Norman, OK Posts: 280	well, buying drygoods is a completely different subject than buying livestock online.

01/28/2006, 08:18 AM	#16
Rascal Moved On Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Melbourne Beach, Florida Posts: 134	What's really funny is the question itself...like it hasn't been addressed a hundred times before.

01/28/2006, 06:47 PM	#17
mtiknoles Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 500	Gary your mailbox is full. __________________ Tonya I. Knoles President, Central Oklahoma Marine Aquarium Society I ♥ zoas Current Tank Info: 180g zoanthid and palythoa tank, upgrading to a 240g cube

01/28/2006, 07:13 PM	#18
Gwalker Moved On Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 478	Sorry, that happens a lot. I have numerous PMs a day and sometimes I lose track of it. Gary

02/25/2006, 11:52 PM	#19
kpk Been Reefin' Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Elk City, OK Posts: 2,306	Tonya yhpm __________________ Starting over!!! Rimless 90g 48.5x24.5x18 Planet Aquarium, PVC bottom, 1/2" glass, center external overflow, black back, barebottom, H&S skimmer, 40g sump, DIY stand, etc. http://www.reefcentral.com/ Current Tank Info: 90g Rimless in the works

02/26/2006, 03:23 PM	#20
_Sooner_2 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Blanchard, OK Posts: 474	LOL at "we all get 85% (or more) of our stuff locally anyway." Back on subject, I've never ordered live goods online. When it comes to live stuff, I want to see what I'm getting. Maybe some sites show actual pictures of the item you're purchasing?

02/27/2006, 08:32 PM	#21
zoomfish1 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Claremore, Oklahoma Posts: 1,659	You really don't have to knock the OFS. All you have to do is use them properly. Browse all the neat stuff they have online, decide what you want to have in your tank. You can even print a pic of it, take to you LFS and have them order it for you, cause we all want our favs to stay in business. Just remember, these stores serve a useful purpose in the overall spectrum of our reefs. Find what you want and spend you money at home. Period, and that's all I have to say about that. (Forrest Gump on cable this weekend). __________________ Zoomfish Current Tank Info: 75g RR, dsb w/90 lbs sand, 150 lb live rock, anemone & LPS tank

02/27/2006, 08:45 PM	#22
kpk Been Reefin' Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Elk City, OK Posts: 2,306	you get my pm zoom? __________________ Starting over!!! Rimless 90g 48.5x24.5x18 Planet Aquarium, PVC bottom, 1/2" glass, center external overflow, black back, barebottom, H&S skimmer, 40g sump, DIY stand, etc. http://www.reefcentral.com/ Current Tank Info: 90g Rimless in the works