Buying Livestock - Online vs. Local

discoreefer · Dec 30, 2014

Hi there, newish member to the forum here. I had a reef tank several years back and took a break from the hobby to work on some other areas on life. (school, career, etc...) Things sure have changed since I last had a reef tank, one of the main things is the availability of online retailers for corals/fish.

When looking for new corals, do you prefer to shop online or in person at the fish store?

Shep · Dec 30, 2014

It really depends, I like shopping at my LFS (no shipping, can see stock with my own eyes and supports a local shop), the down side is that you can usually find a much wider selection online. It really comes down to what you are looking for and if you don't mind dropping $30-$60 on shipping.

LetItReef · Dec 30, 2014

Local; I can't stand the expensive shipping charges.

Rob Top1 · Dec 30, 2014

I wish there were more lfs like I used to have in a 60 mile circle 6ish years ago. Every other Saturday I would load the kids in the van and head out while the wife slept till noon. Finding Nemo and or Little Mermaids on the DVD player had a great time seeing friends hanging with the kiddies and getting something cool. I try to support the lfs wherever possible. Rather pay $2.50 a snail and support a local business than 50Â¢ to an online shop. But the truth be told a lot of those online guys are small businesses too. One maybe two man operations that will give deals on shipping, answer a trillion questions and provide great products and services. In the end selection online is endless but there are times I just want to look at a bunch of tanks, talk to a like minded reef geek and see my new whatever in person before I buy.

PSU4ME · Dec 30, 2014

If you buy in bulk from live aquaria or DD then you get a great deal, selection and some really nice fish. IMO it needs to be a good lfs to buy fish from because I haven't seen a lfs that doesn't have ich in their tanks and most use common sumps. If had much better luck online

Mtnbikedan01 · Dec 30, 2014

I buy a lot from liveaquira.com. most items have a live arrive stay alive 14 day guarantee. Plus free shipping when you spend over $225.

reefins · Dec 31, 2014

Forunately for me I live in an area where there are 5-6 LFS to nearby for me to all support.. Not only is it nice to see first hand what you're buying but you also get to know the owners/staff which becomes beneficial down the road when you have an emergency or just simply need advice. HOWEVER, I do enjoy shopping online at places like Cherry Corals or Unique Corals (who used to also be nearby but now moved to CA ..sadly.. but they do have cheap shipping) because they have a great selection and I've never had an issues with pests or parasites from them. I'm 50/50 on the matter.. really depends what's in stock at the time and how badly I want it!

143MPCo · Dec 31, 2014

I buy from both, most of what I look for from time to time is not available at my local fish store so online is the only place I can get my supplies and truthfully at a better price. I'm not opposed to supporting any of my local fish stores but when you do the research online and you go to a local fish store and you see that the price is marked up 200% higher than what it normally should be that's when I have a real problem. Over-head is over-head but, please don't take it on the local hobbyist that's helping to keep you in business, we understand the interdependence of "over-head", salaries, and total cost of ownership but all we ask for is a fair price!

Windy · Dec 31, 2014

I live in The Dalles and we don't have a LFS in about 100 miles. Most of what I need I get online. And when I am in town many stores are open in the afternoon and evening only and I am usually back up the Gorge by then. Last time I was in town I tried to stop at the store on Mississippi for a box of salt. I drove around the block 5 times trying to find parking and then decided I would need a dolly to bring the salt back to the car. I went home and ordered it online and it was delivered to my front door.

HM3105 · Dec 31, 2014

It depends, I've ordered online twice so far. One time was for fish and I tried every single LFS before I went online. the LFS wanted two or three times more and the quality wasn't there.

That being said, I try to buy as much locally as I can and a lot of my stuff comes from local reefers.

Gopi · Dec 31, 2014

There is a small coral farm that gets captive bred fish that I love to support. Its worth the 30-40 minute drive for me. The LFS is so-so. There don't seem to be many and I'm not super impressed with their corals or fish. Everything I've gotten from them dies...quickly.
I got a few pieces online from Gonzo and I'm super pleased with those. I've yet to order fish online though.

sukimu · Dec 31, 2014

Well, i live in Miami, within a radius of 100 Miles i'd say i got over 1000 LFS :der:, i also like to shop online and support local fish stores as well.

Shep · Dec 31, 2014

sukimu said:
Well, i live in Miami, within a radius of 100 Miles i'd say i got over 1000 LFS :der:, i also like to shop online and support local fish stores as well.

lol lucky you

I have like 3 of them and only two are any good.

3Twinklets · Dec 31, 2014

We have wonderful vendors right here on this site. I can find exactly what I need here.
Local vendors usually do not have what I want or need.

Yami Balayo · Jan 4, 2015

i live in the Philippines and we catch our own fish, get our own nsw, but that doesn't stop me from making me want to order fish online ... if only the fish will arrive alive

143MPCo · Jan 4, 2015

Yami Balayo said:
i live in the Philippines and we catch our own fish, get our own nsw, but that doesn't stop me from making me want to order fish online ... if only the fish will arrive alive

That's not fair!!!:cry::cry::cry::cry:

Yami Balayo · Jan 4, 2015

:wink: and that octopus seen in the pic, that's a mimic octopus ... very rare! ... and sadly, very fragile. If i had known then, i would throw it back to the sea.