What stuff do you buy from your LFS?

[lonelii]

I’ve always been a big supporter of my LFS, and all of my fish have come from them. I really enjoy stopping by to check out their fish and corals, and I love supporting a local business.


Lately, though, I’ve noticed that some reef equipment and supplies are priced a bit higher than what I’ve seen online. For example, I came across a Red Sea dosing kit that was around $70 at my LFS, while I had seen it online for closer to $40.


They’re also the only store carrying saltwater fish and supplies within a 100-mile radius of me, so I completely understand that running a specialty store comes with additional costs. I definitely don’t expect them to match online prices.


I’m not complaining at all, just genuinely curious about everyone else’s experience. Do you guys notice similar price differences at your LFS?


Either way, I really appreciate having a local saltwater store and always look forward to visiting, checking out the fish and corals, and supporting them whenever I can!

 

[exnisstech]

I try to buy as much as I can. My go to LFS will almost always beat online pricing so I always email and ask him before I make any equipment purchases. I've found many small businesses owners respond positively to cash deals. I don't think he ever failed to beat a online price unless I have a lot of points to use on one of the online sites, but I wouldn't expect him to match those.

PS. I want my guy to stay in business since he is the only person I have that will come and clear my tanks out if I die before my Gal. She'll have one heck of a mess to deal with other wise with 5 tanks running one that weighs over 600 lbs empty.

 

[joseph scott]

All livestock. I have tried buying livestock online in the past, I’ve never had much luck. The only other thing that i buy in store is frozen foods. I just don’t see how LFS can compete with online purchase options. I only make it to my LFS about 3 times a year as it’s a 2 hour drive in horrible traffic. Every time i go, i feel like i was lucky to make it there and home alive.

 

[Mike.]

everything!!! i love @TIACollectionCorals

 

[reef.leo]

Sal é indispensável

 

[BryanM]

If my LFS was actually good I'd buy more, but their prices are all over the map and I think the store is confusing by design.

 

[StartingATank]

My lfs has nice bargain section so I usually buy some corals from there. So far, every coral I have gotten from the has survived so they have nice products. However, everything is SUPER INFLATED in price. I mean like a regular $29 hammer with 4 heads or so, they sell it for $120 per head, so it would be $480!!! But other than that great products and such, just fairly expensive for euphyllia