Time for some aquarium retail therapy: What is the most common reason that you visit your local fish store (LFS)?

[Peace River]

Time for some aquarium retail therapy: What is the most common reason that you visit your local fish store (LFS)?

The obvious answers to the question “why do you visit your local fish store?” would seem to be “to buy fish!” While that is clearly one reason, there may be many reasons that you would go to the store. Sometimes you are looking to buy fish, coral, equipment, supplies, or other gear. Other times you may be collecting information, looking for something to catch your eye, finding a solution to a problem in your tank, or purely for entertainment. Many reef keepers buy many of their reef-related items online and turn to online sources for information, however local fish stores are still very important to the reefing community. Please tell us what is the most common reason that you visit your local fish store?

Photo by @WWC

This QOTD is sponsored by Nutramar: https://www.qualitymarine.com/nutramar/

“Nutramar’s 100% natural food products are used by public aquaria and breeders around the world. They offer superior nutrition to your most finicky and delicate fish and invertebrates.

 

[Timfish]

I intentionally buy stuff I could get online locally. In part to support local businesses, in part to socialize as I will see freinds, The main reason though is to see stuff that will jog my noggin to think how I might do something to keep something I don't have and perhaps most importantly, how I might do something differently than I am now.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

For me, it is to buy more stuff for my tank haha

 

[CRABDADDY]

Usually buying livestock for me. I also enjoy chatting with the owners of my preferred LFS.

 

[EricR]

To buy frozen foods (usually LRS) and cheap corals.
...but it's also fun to just walk around and look at stuff

 

[exnisstech]

I don't always buy local as my go to lfs is 50 minutes away but I try. I for sure make my large purchases there if it's an item they have or can get. I deal directly with the owner who still values cash vs credit card so it's usually worth the drive.

 

[Nano_Man]

Frozen foods, flake that's it for me

 

[AtlantiCat]

My LFS is vastly overpriced on virtually everything (welcome to Chicago's economy), but I still pick up a few things just to support a local business. Also, if I'm buying live, I can see what I'm getting, which is not always possible online. Plus I can check out new ideas and future corals, even if I'm not gonna pay $250 for a similar frag that I could find online for $50.

 

[fryman]

To buy fish food, most commonly.

 

[albano]

…even if I'm not gonna pay $250 for a similar frag that I could find online for $50.

Some times I wonder how these people expect to remain in business. Clueless!

 

[vanguard]

I go in to buy frozen food, I leave with frozen food and a new SPS.

 

[hexcolor reef]

I go to buy and to chat with the owners about my future plans and how to’s.
As my LFS are fairly priced and to be honest very cheap for what they offer high end everything. I support them 100%.
They sale salt that’s almost 20% and some times 50% below market value. I can tell you right now if you like Dr Timms salt you can pick up 200 gallon box for $40

 

[AtlantiCat]

Some times I wonder how these people expect to remain in business. Clueless!

I think they just don't have anybody who goes online to check the latest pricing for them frequently, so that if they paid $100 wholesale 6 months ago, they haven't realized the same coral is currently selling for $50 retail. If I'm buying ONE fish or frag, it's sometimes cheaper than paying shipping, but not always.

 

[Homebrewer]

Like many have already said, to buy frozen food, primarily.

On occasion, I’ll pick up a frag (if by my eye it is underpriced and/or worth it).

On rarer occasion, I might need a small part or testing reagent.

I haven’t bought fish from my LFS in over a decade. I’ve received much healthier specimens from online, which likely has led to greater success.

 

[CBonito]

I usually go to the fish store so I don't go to the exotic car dealership around the corner.
There's like 3 new porsche 911s there now that I saw out front and my new tank couldn't have come at a better time man...I have to stay away from that place.

My LFS is great. I think I've been going to them for about 22 years now.
Their prices aren't too much higher than one of these big box iNtArWeB joints, and they always have something in stock to help me out if I'm in a pinch. I think whenever you can support an LFS, you should.

 

[steveschuerger]

Since my local is PetCo, it’s mainly to more fro food although a majority of my fish are from them. I guesss I’m lucky in that the Aquarium manager is one of the knowledgeable ones and orders more unusual for PetCo marine fish like Leopard wrasses and will place an order for you if you ask.

 

[albano]

I guesss I’m lucky in that the Aquarium manager is one of the knowledgeable ones and orders more unusual for PetCo marine fish like Leopard wrasses and will place an order for you if you ask.

Similar experience… there are at least 10 Petcos within an hour drive… 2 of the managers will show me the weekly wholesale ordering lists (there are no listed prices) and let me order what I want, without obligation to purchase!

 

[jace]

To see what's new or worth buying and whatever else you may need. Plus you can't keep everything in your tank so it's nice to see it elsewhere.

 

[kevgib67]

I try to get everything I can there. I’m lucky to have a great lfs. The owners have been in business for decades. What they don’t have they will try to order for me. Great selection and great prices. They once talked me into waiting 2 months on a diamond watchman goby purchase that I was going to buy that day. Their systems are algae and aptasia free. All my fish and 75% of my corals and inverts are from there. Oh, and they give me great store credit for the frags I bring in.

 

[Kathy Floyd]

All of the above. I have become good friends with them and love the chats. Get good advice and get what I need also.