Best LFS' in Orlando area for fish

[Radman73]

Looking for healthy fish. I live on the west side so there's nothing near me and would like experiences/opinions on quality of fish at our LFS'. Any stores willing to order fish without gouging? Will they order and hold for a week or so before payment?

Thanks!

 

[dbl]

My friend Jeffrey @jsker might have a suggestion.

 

[jsker]

I really trust @WWC and they have always done me right with fish. You can request to order fish also. It may take a couple of weeks but they will work with you.

 

[ChrisOFL]

I only buy my fish from Top Shelf Aquatics. The quality/variety of their fish tank systems are above any other LFS in my opinion. I have yet to receive a fish from them with a disease as well, I believe they have their own quarantine process before selling any of the fish.

 

[Radman73]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I've been to WWC but will need to check out Top Shelf.

 

[Perry]

Go check out Stormborn in Debary, worth the trip. They have amazing handling practices with fish and corals. The prices are great, their customer service is awesome!!!

 

[bubbaque]

I only buy my fish from Top Shelf Aquatics. The quality/variety of their fish tank systems are above any other LFS in my opinion. I have yet to receive a fish from them with a disease as well, I believe they have their own quarantine process before selling any of the fish.

I love TSA also but they don't quarantine any fish before selling.

 

[dbl]

Hey Orlando guys, how does Living Reef up by UCF do with fish? I love the store but no experience with their fish.

 

[J Rog]

I am a big fan of WWC, living reef, and top shelf. I have heard great things about reefers direct but haven’t been able to make it out that way yet

 

[Radman73]

I am a big fan of WWC, living reef, and top shelf. I have heard great things about reefers direct but haven’t been able to make it out that way yet

Store in general or fish in particular?

 

[bubbaque]

Hey Orlando guys, how does Living Reef up by UCF do with fish? I love the store but no experience with their fish.

I go to Living reef at least once a week. I always ask them to feed the fish before I buy it and they gladly will. They don't quarantine either so it's always a risk no matter where you buy it but I haven't had anything die from them yet.

 

[bubbaque]

Also, Living Reef got new owners within the last year so if you haven't been there recently it's definitely run different then what it use to be like, a positive change!

 

[dbl]

Also, Living Reef got new owners within the last year so if you haven't been there recently it's definitely run different then what it use to be like, a positive change!

Both daughters graduated now so I don't get up there as often as I used to...but I'll definitely check it out next visit to the most magical place on earth...lol.

 

[Radman73]

Also, Living Reef got new owners within the last year so if you haven't been there recently it's definitely run different then what it use to be like, a positive change!

My only experience has been within the last couple of months with some coral purchases and then a visit on BF. Might have bought a fish or 3 if I'd had a spare QT available. I should add that both visits were pleasant. Very friendly crew and not pushy at all.

Disappointing that no local stores seem to do a basic QT before offering the fish for sale. In Atlanta, we had one that I know had a decent QT and another one that had at least a basic QT. Sadly, the better one closed due to issues with a relocation. Was hoping to find something similar down this way.

 

[dmunyon8]

I wouldn’t be too hard on fish stores that don’t quarantine fish. I heard that the profit margin on fish is pretty small, and gets even smaller with the cost of the extra medication and food from the quarantine. I’ve even heard that if a store doesn’t sell a fish within 10 days of its arrival than it starts costing the store more than the profit they will make on it... not to mention the room an entire quarantine system would take up in a store or aquaculture facility.

That being said, I love TSA. Knowledgeable staff and a overall great store (Very Clean). The prices are their fish are pretty standard. However, there prices on some of their coral is a lot higher than other stores in the area.