TSA quesetion?

[CHIEF_OF_THE_REEF]

I am planning a trip to go to TSA and WWC. Those folks who are in the area and frequent those stores all the time, are the prices online the same as what is in the store, or are there more discounted coral sales in store?

Chief

 

[jermzisurmom]

I am planning a trip to go to TSA and WWC. Those folks who are in the area and frequent those stores all the time, are the prices online the same as what is in the store, or are there more discounted coral sales in store?

Chief

Ur looking for discounted corals at TSA and wwc?


Pro tip: ur looking in the wrong spot!!!

 

[CHIEF_OF_THE_REEF]

Ur looking for discounted corals at TSA and wwc?


Pro tip: ur looking in the wrong spot!!!

I mean, you're not wrong! Some of those pieces, tho, look so nice, and that price tag that comes with them makes me a little hesitant. Just want to make sure that when I walk in there to buy, I am mentally prepared!

 

[jermzisurmom]

I mean, you're not wrong! Some of those pieces, tho, look so nice, and that price tag that comes with them makes me a little hesitant. Just want to make sure that when I walk in there to buy, I am mentally prepared!

Do urself a favor a go to some of the other shops before u lose ur marbles and money....

 

[Privateye]

I used to live in the area and have been to both many times. I've toured both farms too.

Don't expect big savings from WWC IME, but it's not like their $5-10 bin gets offered online. I've found some true gems there. I've also found zoanthid-eating nudibranchs, so keep your hydrogen peroxide handy. It's at least worth the trip to see some priceless fish and $5,000 frags.

I'm a big fan of TSA. I've had hitchhikers show up there too (sea spiders) but they didn't make it into my tank (iodine took care of them). TSA is also a major player in the hobby, but it feels closer to a mom and pop shop. You can chat with them, you can ask for a bulk deal, and they are just generally cool people. WWC is more of a "what do you want me to bag for you?" kind of place. They have little time for you beyond that.

Both offer top-notch coral options. Both have important places in the hobby. It's almost like what kind of doctor you prefer: the one who gives you what you ask for quickly, or the one that listens and has better bedside manner. At least that's my impression from 5-10 years ago.

 

[Utubereefer]

I’ve been to both WWC stores. The prices are pretty close to the website. Maybe a little higher. Ask to see the farm at the superstore! It’s phenomenal!

 

[CHIEF_OF_THE_REEF]

I’ve been to both WWC stores. The prices are pretty close to the website. Maybe a little higher. Ask to see the farm at the superstore! It’s phenomenal!

The farm is amazing for sure, from what I have seen online anyway. I have logged so many hours on YouTube checking it out!

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

TSA will have more realistic prices in store. They usually have a better selection of fish over WWC too. TSA will do tours of their aquaculture facility if they're not too busy and you ask nicely.

WWC is the most boutique LFS on Earth. It's as much of a tourist trap as it is a fish store. The bargain/scratch-and-dent corals are the main reason I would go much anymore, other to see how their giant display systems are doing. It's really neat though if you've never been. I usually grab a shirt or some stickers if I don't end up leaving with anything else.

FWIW, Living Reef Orlando is one of my favorite LFS stores and usually has some good deals going on that you won't find at TSA or WWC. They usually have the exact same stuff too since all of those "proprietary" coral varieties have been bought and traded all over the area for years now. I'd check them out too if you have the time.

 

[JumboShrimp]

At least double the selection of fish to choose from at TSA (unless the latest shipment hasn't arrived), but they are not 'shy' about their in-store fish prices. (But neither is WWC.) The comment someone made about TSA being a more personal, boutique experience is spot on. You can find some in-store specials at both places if you hit it right... like a 3 or 4 head Zoa frag for $10 or $15.

 

[jmcdona6]

Don't expect savings.

Its actually pretty common for the prices to be cheaper online vs in the store. They also do not price match in store (ive heard them decline first hand several times).

Now they may also have stock and deals in store that aren't online as well. And its a great experience either way. Both stores are clean, well organized and fun to look through. Plus several impressive display tanks.

 

[mmorrison55]

They do have some “deals” in store, but heads up that what you see online is way way more than you will see in store. Both stores have a coral farm that most of their online sales come from. WWCs farm is in an adjacent room off their main sales floor. Ive never seen it open to the public. TSAs farm is next door in a building that also is not open to the public.

Both may give you a tour of their farm if you ask the right person.

 

[Falcareef]

If you come to Orlando, I recommend Living Reef Orlando. WWC is beautiful, but their prices are higher, although they have some amazing pieces, just like TSA. I’ve compared prices for the same corals at all three stores, and LRO usually has the best prices.