Buying my first fish

[rainsong]

I am new to saltwater (many years planted freshwater). I have a 30 gallon QT tank that is progressing through cycling. I am researching buying a couple of clownfish for when the cycle is complete.

I would like to get good quality fish (as in healthy). I am not looking for particularly exotic or rare variants. What are my best options? Petco? Indy LFS? On-line? Other hobbyists? With freshwater, I had a lot of luck buying online from reputed stores.

Also, any preference between Ocellaris/Percula?

Thanks!

 

[Vested]

If your not planning on QT than I definatly would stay away from petco or any bigbox places. Your lsf is probably a good place to start, ask about their qt process. They could also special order from places like ORA where you are practically guarenteed a healthy fish.

 

[MarshallB]

I've had nothing but good things from Live-Aquaria. However, check your LFS first and see if they have anything you want. It's always better to be able to see what you are buying live and in person vs seeing a picture and hitting order now.

 

[rainsong]

I will definitely be quarantining the new fish. I would like to take this opportunity to learn the QT process ... especially on a relatively hardy fish. Also, the DT will not be ready rightaway.

 

[rainsong]

I've had nothing but good things from Live-Aquaria. However, check your LFS first and see if they have anything you want. It's always better to be able to see what you are buying live and in person vs seeing a picture and hitting order now.

I noticed LiveAquaria carries ORA fish. Are these fish drop shipped directly from ORA to customers?

 

[Sharkbait19]

The ora fish from Liveaquaria go to the liveaquaria facility, where they will be guaranteed to get sick...I did not have a good LA experience.
Lfs is the best imo, as it allows you to see the fish before buying it, or buying straight from Ora, biota, etc.
Petco should be a last resort if it’s the only place to find what you are looking for.

 

[rainsong]

The ora fish from Liveaquaria go to the liveaquaria facility, where they will be guaranteed to get sick...I did not have a good LA experience.
Lfs is the best imo, as it allows you to see the fish before buying it, or buying straight from Ora, biota, etc.
Petco should be a last resort if it’s the only place to find what you are looking for.

I emailed Liveaquaria to find out and here is their response:
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Thank you for your email. Yes, the ORA clownfish as long as you pick them for that area on our website will be shipped from their facility. If you are in the Diver's Den and choose an ORA item it is located here in Wisconsin and will ship from here.
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I have decided to make the purchase for a couple of ORA clownfish through Liveaquaria.

 

[Jekyl]

Check out drreefsquarantinedfish.com if you're looking for a reputable online dealer of pre-quarantined fish

 

[Sharkbait19]

I emailed Liveaquaria to find out and here is their response:
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Thank you for your email. Yes, the ORA clownfish as long as you pick them for that area on our website will be shipped from their facility. If you are in the Diver's Den and choose an ORA item it is located here in Wisconsin and will ship from here.
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I have decided to make the purchase for a couple of ORA clownfish through Liveaquaria.

Hmm, always thought they went to LA first. Should hopefully be nice and healthy then!