!*!*!*!*!*!*! LFS or ONLINE STORE VISITS !*!*!*!*!*!*!

[Diesel]

I'll buy corals online or at shows but we have a fantastic relationship with my LFS. I would regularly trade in high end corals for credit towards dry goods(filter socks, Cal/Alk, pumps, tanks etc). This way I still support my LFS and I also make it possible for people to get high end corals at a decent deal.
I will say though that on Bird Road in Miami there are six stores+ and the one I frequent is the best IMO. I'll take trips to other ones for random stuff that my favorite doesnt have but I will always go back to that one. The customer service is great and I can go in there and talk to the guys about fish, corals, ideas I have, ask for advice, tell them their favorite sports team sucks(LOL sorry Dolphins) and just hang out. You cant get that online...

That's my girl.;)
I'll do the same here.
That give me a hint on a new question "do you trade your corals during your visit with the LFS for other corals"
I bet there are plenty of reefers out there that want to share their story in this topic.
But hold your horses as I will fire that thread up on Thursday :cool:

 

[Diesel]

Lol! Yea, Im working on it...too many choices, I need a whole row of avatar pics! Can't pick just one [emoji6]

Here's one...........

 

[bump3rb33tl3]

Lol!

 

[bump3rb33tl3]

Here's one...........

I will add it to my list [emoji3]

 

[Brew12]

For awhile I didn't think I had a good LFS as an option. Turns out there is a fantastic one about 25 minutes from me. I try to support his store as much as possible and that is where most of my fish have come from. However, he doesn't have a large SPS selection. Because of the limited selection of some corals I have ordered online from WWC and Battlecorals. Great experience with both vendors.

 

[Diesel]

I'll text you another one as well. ;)

 

[bump3rb33tl3]

I'll text you another one as well. ;)

Sounds good! In the meantime I used a shot from one of my tanks [emoji12]

 

[cracker]

Only equipment online for me, Concerning livestock, I have to look at what I'm buying 1st. After many years there is finally a decent shop not far from my home. Jason, at "Orange Park Aquatics" runs a really good shop. It's worth it to me to spend my money at his shop. I'll do my part to help keep his doors open . Where can You want to buy a coral and the seller says," sorry no sale you're not ready for that" ?

 

[Pugfishluv3]

Both but honestly mostly online I have a petco and an lfs (about 30 min. away) and they both have the same supplier. :( so I don't have many choices and there livestock are not any count. As far as corals unless you want an anemone don't bother :oops:

 

[Coastie Reefer]

Being from a small town in Louisiana my LFS options are slim, as in 1 locally and 1 about an hour and a half away... I check my LFS about once a week and if there's something I like I usually grab it up but that's not too often. I say that helps me with patience lol! Very reasonable prices on frags but the selection is slim. He's geared more towards maintenance and setup services. I've ordered from Adam at BC and it was the absolute best online ordering experience I've ever had. Can't wait to place another order.

 

[erinmegan85]

Our local LFS isn't very good, but I will by frozen food and dry goods there. The stores that I prefer to go to are two and a half hours away from where I live, so when I go I buy something. Even if it's not what I'm looking for. We have a mediocre one that is hit or miss on corals that's a little bit closer (about 45 minutes), so sometimes we go there. I definitely prefer to see the coral or fish in person to pick it out, but most of the time that isn't possible, so online ordering it is.

 

[bump3rb33tl3]

One thing I appreciate about my lfs is that if there is something specific that I'm looking for and he doesn't have it and I cant get it from any local club members, he will special order for me :-) that is something I enjoy about having a go-to lfs.

 

[Dramad1]

Both!
I frequent my lfs at least once a month. I just hate it when I head down there with something specific in mind or need something right away and get there to find, they don't have what I need. Then i travel the county in search many times coming up empty handed but not always. I always feel like I need to buy something no matter big or small every time I visit, just feel like I'm rude if I don't.
Online is an addiction, just so easy to hit that dang check out button. Plus i can always find what i need. Shipping aint so bad when buying multiple things or spending over x amount and getting it shipped free. Hahaha, I spend the next week or so shuffling around bills cause I over spent on that one thing I had to have but could have got by without. Hahaha worse than gambling that dang online

 

[Diesel]

One thing I appreciate about my lfs is that if there is something specific that I'm looking for and he doesn't have it and I cant get it from any local club members, he will special order for me :) that is something I enjoy about having a go-to lfs.

I know you guys in Houston have a awesome member that gives rare frags away if you feed him lunch :rolleyes:

 

[bump3rb33tl3]

I know you guys in Houston have a awesome member that gives rare frags away if you feed him lunch :rolleyes:

Yes, yes we do! He is a rare gem for sure [emoji6]

 

[Diesel]

Yes, yes we do! He is a rare gem for sure [emoji6]

Indeed :cool:

 

[Humblefish]

Speaking of Houston... I really enjoy my visits and trips to City Pets.

They are one of the few shops that carry my favorite salt (Oceanic), and I never know what kinda fish I'm gonna see in there. :p

 

[lolgranny]

I always go and buy some stuff at the LFS to keep them around, they have been there selling me things for 16 years when the online stores wernt around. Yes, i buy online, but i give them business when i can.

 

[Diesel]

Speaking of Houston... I really enjoy my visits and trips to City Pets.

They are one of the few shops that carry my favorite salt (Oceanic), and I never know what kinda fish I'm gonna see in there. :p

City pets is the oldest pet store in Houston I must say.
Next time you here I'll take you on a tour my friend.

 

[Diesel]

@Humblefish , pretty sure @bump3rb33tl3 will be happy to join as well, she always talks about you on the Houston forum :)