I support all LFS..
My local LFS is crap. There is one guy who has a reef tank that runs it and he works about 20 hours a week and relies on the staff to support and trains them the best he can. I think of the 10-15 employees, 2 of them have reefing knowledge and the frag tank is full of aiptasia. Its a mess and I don't love it at all. Its a local business and its where I got my two dogs. Its flawed and I realize but its MY local fish store.
When I go in now there is an occasional find and the staff seem to like me. The thai place next door honestly is responsible for 50% of the business I have given them but onto the real point. If that place shuts down my only option will be a local petco (also run by a reefer and clearly the best in the area). If I have an emergency happens and I need a new light, pump, medicine or any critical item I have limited options. God forbid I need to do a massive massive water change on the fly... By supporting a LFS you are investing in the hobby, the local reef clubs and an emergency supplies store. I can handle misinformation and hiked prices, I simply don't trust anything except published/accepted methods and Randy. I don't think I can afford to be without a life line for items like carbon, meds, pumps and an opportunity to meet fellow hobbyists.
My local LFS is crap. There is one guy who has a reef tank that runs it and he works about 20 hours a week and relies on the staff to support and trains them the best he can. I think of the 10-15 employees, 2 of them have reefing knowledge and the frag tank is full of aiptasia. Its a mess and I don't love it at all. Its a local business and its where I got my two dogs. Its flawed and I realize but its MY local fish store.
When I go in now there is an occasional find and the staff seem to like me. The thai place next door honestly is responsible for 50% of the business I have given them but onto the real point. If that place shuts down my only option will be a local petco (also run by a reefer and clearly the best in the area). If I have an emergency happens and I need a new light, pump, medicine or any critical item I have limited options. God forbid I need to do a massive massive water change on the fly... By supporting a LFS you are investing in the hobby, the local reef clubs and an emergency supplies store. I can handle misinformation and hiked prices, I simply don't trust anything except published/accepted methods and Randy. I don't think I can afford to be without a life line for items like carbon, meds, pumps and an opportunity to meet fellow hobbyists.