I don't mind paying more for a healthier fish. I mean, I'm not paying 5X as much, but I would probably pay 50-75% more. I spoke with Emiliano today. He said he that he will get the fish in, observe it for a few days to see it eat, then ship it to me. This makes me much more confident than "Ya, it should be OK."
Which is what most do. One of the places on here that everyone keeps recommending does exactly that. I know that because he personally told me he was going to ship a fish the next day after he got it in.
You know most that well? I’ve been doing this since 2004 and couldn’t make that claim to know that “most” shops are engaging that practice. In reality, MOST aren’t, because that’s patently ridiculous and the sign of a shop that is quite frankly inexperienced in regards to shipping aquatic livestock.
Most isn't all, correct? Are you telling me that a LFS wouldn't sell a fish that came in that day if someone wanted it? Are you saying that online retailers aren't putting fish up on the site the day it comes in?
No disrespect, but comparing Aquarium Solutions to Pete's, is hardly fair. Not trying to dis Pete either, I just don't think he has the passion for it any more. Aquarium Solutions, on the other hand, is a nice store with display tanks as well as actual coral and inverts for sale. I think it is critical that we have a legit Saltwater LFS in the area, after all these years. It brings other people in to the hobby and gives us a place to compare notes. Not to mention, it is nearly impossible to run an LFS these days and support a family. Yes, the Jersey and CT stores are nice, but come on... let's support our stores too, including Mikey's place.
not directly comparing them, but unfortunately the owner of aquarium solutions also stiffed me on a tank move he agreed to and caused a huge issue for me. That and seeing 10+ dead fish in his tanks on my first visit to the new location....personally i wont do business there anymore.
Wow. Sorry to hear that. Emiliano (if that is who you spoke with) has been very good to me thus far. No sick fish or deals gone bad. He is very much a business minded person, but that is what it takes to run an LFS. I am confident he'd cover it if I could prove the issue was NOT with my system. I generally find him to be quite knowledgeable, when it comes to fish and have had some good conversations over the past few years. I'm sure he was just as upset as you, when he lost those fish.
You're the 5th person who've i've seen with a really poor business relationship with this place. My friend built out his entire original store racking, and Emeliano stiffed him on the payment. The store experience itself was similar to mine on my last visit also.
My opinion, between HVFNR and 101, I believe we already have two good stores in the area… but if someone wishes to open a third, even BIGGER AND BETTER, I will happily support and shop at that LFS too! Would be really freaking cool to make the Hudson Valley a reef keeping destination, increase the number of local hobbyists and even better if everyone was willing to work together.
