I need help with purchasing fish

[the bomb]

Is blue zoo aquatics a good place to buy fish online? I have zero experience buying fish online. Please help.

 

[OutColdCRNA]

While I can’t answer about blue zoo. I have had good experiences, and multiple orders with Dr. reef.

 

[jabberwock]

You have plenty of local options. Shipping = extra stress on livestock. Why not look around at your Local Fish Stores? I am in Woodstock, GA. I can help point you at LFS.

 

[littlefoxx]

Is blue zoo aquatics a good place to buy fish online? I have zero experience buying fish online. Please help.

Blue zoo is really good! I also use reef beauties, saltwaterfish.com, and violet aquarium. Stay the heck away from dr reef. Tried twice, all fish came in unhealthy, skinny and not eating. Wasnt able to get them eating and they passed. Like pinched belly and lethargic skinny.

 

[VintageReefer]

I bought fish twice from Detroit Reef Club and was impressed with the health and quality of the fish. I was nervous buying anthias online but both came healthy and active and no sickness.

Banana coris wrasse
Lemon damsel
M + F lyretail anthias

Sexy shrimp
Turbo snails
Astrea snails

All came perfect I didn’t need to qt. Right in the display and no issues

 

[steveschuerger]

I’ve bought from my local PetCo which is fortunately has an excellent aquarium section manager but also I’ve had good and healthy fish from Blue Zoo and Reef Beauties. Another vendor to steer clear of in general these days is LiveAquaria.com.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I’ve gotten fish both locally, and from tsa. My local fish stores fish have done great, so have the pair of clowns I got from tsa!

 

[Doctorgori]

I usually buy from LFS if I can help it,
But
I have gotten a lot of fish from KP Aquatics, you should quarantine them however
My sample with Dr.Reef was positive
Blue zoo also

 

[Dom]

Is blue zoo aquatics a good place to buy fish online? I have zero experience buying fish online. Please help.

The real issue with buying on line is that you are at the mercy of the shipping company.

Blue Zoo can do everything right on their end, but, that effort goes out the window when your order is delayed or gets lost for a week.

 

[EliMelly]

I strongly suggest Dr Reef

 

[vetteguy53081]

Most places are a good place to buy. Its the shipping process, handling and delays that impact fish the most. No matter where you buy and especially if you purchased quarantined fish, after the shipping delays and handling and stress, Assume fish has something and at minimum, quarantine the fish for 14-21 days and acclimate well .
I see too many plopping the fish in tank after a short drip and end up with complete tank issue/disease which was avoidable up front

Some good sources i've used or seen are:
Reef Beauties
Reef Pro
Dr Reef
Live Aquaria (Wi Facility Only)

 

[the bomb]

You have plenty of local options. Shipping = extra stress on livestock. Why not look around at your Local Fish Stores? I am in Woodstock, GA. I can help point you at LFS.

thanks that would be amazing I’m in Milton and I’ve gone to pure reef and southern aquatics but they haven’t had any flasher wrasses or a Christmas wrasse

 

[EliMelly]

Most places are a good place to buy. Its the shipping process, handling and delays that impact fish the most. No matter where you buy and especially if you purchased quarantined fish, after the shipping delays and handling and stress, Assume fish has something and at minimum, quarantine the fish for 14-21 days and acclimate well .
I see too many plopping the fish in tank after a short drip and end up with complete tank issue/disease which was avoidable up front

Some good sources i've used or seen are:
Reef Beauties
Reef Pro
Dr Reef
Live Aquaria (Wi Facility Only)

Are you saying even with the purchase of a quarantined fish?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Are you saying even with the purchase of a quarantined fish?

Yes. The worse regret is acquisition and something breaks out. While QT is of the lowest risk- there is risk especially when shipping is involved.

 

[Largeangels]

As jabberwock said find something local first. Especially if you are new as a local LFS can be a great source of help and knowledge, some better than others. Make sure to setup a QT tank.

 

[EliMelly]

Yes. The worse regret is acquisition and something breaks out. While QT is of the lowest risk- there is risk especially when shipping is involved.

Would observation be appropriate or an
Individual quarantine?

 

[the bomb]

I have look at Lfs in the area but they don’t have the fish I was looking for

 

[bob88884]

I have look at Lfs in the area but they don’t have the fish I was looking for

I use Elliott at Marine Collectors, both times, my fish were healthy and active, I do buy the 14 day quarantine.

 

[jabberwock]

I have look at Lfs in the area but they don’t have the fish I was looking for

Most LFS will look for what you want and order it for you. You may have to drive out of your way to get what you want. I have had excellent success with Optimum aquarium in Kennesaw. An hour long ride in your car is way better than 24 hours or more in a box.

If I get a special order, I like to either pick it up the same day of delivery (still in the bag), or let it get acclimated to the LFS and stay for three days, get it eating and then bring it home so it does not do multiple acclimations in a short period of time.

Also remember that certain fish are seasonal in their collection windows. Love my Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse. Was well worth the wait. It was mislabeled at the LFS as a Threadfin Fairy Wrasse. Probably because it was still juvenile.

 

[Fishguy1079]

Is blue zoo aquatics a good place to buy fish online? I have zero experience buying fish online. Please help.

Can't say I've ever used Blue Zoo. Thought about it a few times but they never seem to have what I'm looking for in stock. I have however used and had good luck with Dr. REEF'S QUARANTINED Fish or Reef Beauties. I'd avoid saltwater fish and live aquaria .