Alternative Vendors to BRS!

[TastesLikeChicken]

So…with all that is going on with BRS, and for those of us who may be seeking alternative vendors to do business with, I thought this would be a good opportunity to list what company/companies you prefer to conduct business with so that we can all be in the know.

Currently my two go to vendors are saltwateraquariums.com (I LOVE the free shipping on everything) and aquacave (I’ve had really good experience with them). I am trying to limit shopping at BRS only to things that the others don’t carry (certain plumbing parts). I just don’t care for all the “corporate” changes.

 

[blaxsun]

 

[radav88]

Another suggestion would be premium aquatics. They've been around a while and I've never had any issues with them whatsoever.

 

[Oldreefer44]

Also endorse Premium. Great at resolving issues and quick, free shipping.

 

[Om84]

+1 on AquaCave

 

[mdb_talon]

Saltwateraquarium and premium aquatics have been my go-to places and will be even moreso going forward. RIP Marine Depot.

Will be interesting to see if there are many others not yet mentioned in this thread. I think the lack of options for stores that sell a wide variety of reefing products..."one-stop-shop" types of places just highlights why MD was bought and closed down. We only had a handful of options anyway that is now reduced by 1.

 

[Gtinnel]

You could always use marinedepot....oh wait nevermind.

The two that I use besides BRS are the two you mentioned. I use saltwater aquariums for small things because of the shipping, and aquacave for the big items. Although honestly I use BRS more than either of those. I'm a little concerned over how big they're becoming, but for now they still seem to be a reputable company. It's also hard to blame a company for trying to expand.

 

[madlos123]

I like going to premium aquatics since they don't charge tax and saltwateraquariums for other stuff that premium aquatics dont carry. Then I go to my LFS or local groups and local stores too.

 

[CuseReefer]

Premium Aquatics is my new go-to. I have found the majority of things I need now.

In addition if you have a business, Premium Aquatics does offer wholesale account (based on business type). I've heard margins are wayyyy better than BRS wholesale margins too. https://premiumaquatics.com/content/wholesale

 

[KStatefan]

Aquarium Specialty

 

[LiveFreeAndReef]

saltwateraquarium.com is awesome, support the "little guys"

 

[dvgyfresh]

Everything I’ve needed is off amazon lol and free shipping to, I did have to buy All for reef from brs but now going different route

 

[mdb_talon]

Everything I’ve needed is off amazon lol and free shipping to, I did have to buy All for reef from brs but now going different route

I am sure it depends on what you buy, but i have found for what i frequently purchase(test kits, regeants,frag plugs) amazon is often significantly more expensive that other places. Even if price is the same though i like the freebies and reward points with saltwateraquarium

 

[cwerner]

Just for my own curiosity, why is everyone concerned about buying from BRS? I get that they're growing and made some acquisitions, but I don't see that as a reason not to purchase unless there is other, shady stuff happening. Ya'll don't buy from Amazon or Walmart either? Maybe I'm just out of the loop?

 

[mdb_talon]

Just for my own curiosity, why is everyone concerned about buying from BRS? I get that they're growing and made some acquisitions, but I don't see that as a reason not to purchase unless there is other, shady stuff happening. Ya'll don't buy from Amazon or Walmart either? Maybe I'm just out of the loop?

I cant speak for others but personally i wont buy from a company controlled by private equity interests unless there are no other reasonable options. I wont support companies I personally believe are detrimental to the industry(again purely my opinion)

For the record i dont buy from walmart either for different reasons.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Just for my own curiosity, why is everyone concerned about buying from BRS? I get that they're growing and made some acquisitions, but I don't see that as a reason not to purchase unless there is other, shady stuff happening. Ya'll don't buy from Amazon or Walmart either? Maybe I'm just out of the loop?

I’ve seen what the corporate suits have done to other industries , including mine (healthcare) and it’s disgusting. So maybe this is a small way of sticking it to the man!

 

[billysprout]

bertram execs in this thread like

 

[DJF]

Marineandreef.com is good. AZ so tax is up to you to reconcile at the end of year & there is usually a 5% monthly coupon; not the variety of saltwateraquarium but a goto. Long live Mark (Mr. Saltwater). may your interests never become corporate.

 

[FishyFishFish]

I’ve just placed an order with Saltwater Aquarium this evening, and like Premium Aquatics as well. I will still buy from BRS, but only for things that I either can’t get elsewhere,or are absolutely unmissable deals (i.e. not just because it comes with a free promo card ).

 

[kados]

Just for my own curiosity, why is everyone concerned about buying from BRS? I get that they're growing and made some acquisitions, but I don't see that as a reason not to purchase unless there is other, shady stuff happening. Ya'll don't buy from Amazon or Walmart either? Maybe I'm just out

I'm with you on this. This is such a niche hobby. There may never be more than a few popular online retailers. I can totally understand wanting to support small business. Whats amusing is there are so many knee jerk reaction comments against businesses going "corporate" anytime this type of news is released. In this case BRS didn't even aquire another company. I mean look at the history of BRS.. From doing YouTube videos that looked like police confession videos from the 90s and selling fish food to becoming this powerhouse they are now. I think it's inspiring. I won't hate on success.