Is online shopping a bad idea?

[New&no clue]

I’m wondering what you guys think about buying fish, corals, and invertebrates online. So far I have bought everything from my LFS but they don’t have a huge selection. They have said if there is something I want they could order it for me, but just looking for options.

 

[WVNed]

I have bought inverts, fish, corals and macro algae from several places. Yes it feels a little creepy but so far I have been really pleased with what I got.

 

[Silver14SS]

Everything in my tank was ordered online. I've had good experiences with IPSF, Battlecorals, Coral Reef TN, ORA through Live Aquaria. Mixed results with Algaebarn, several DOAs.

Any specific livestock you are looking for?

 

[Peace River]

I’m wondering what you guys think about buying fish, corals, and invertebrates online. So far I have bought everything from my LFS but they don’t have a huge selection. They have said if there is something I want they could order it for me, but just looking for options.

Some people like the human interaction, to be able to see the item before they purchase it, and to receive the in-person service so there is definitely a place for LFSs (who can also provide many more services). I think that you will also find that there are a lot of really good online fish, coral, and hard good vendors in the R2R sponsor section. Additionally, you can also find items from local clubs, frag swaps, or expos. I have purchased items successfully in all venues, but it is like any type of purchase (and maybe even more so with livestock) you need to do your research about the vendor and the item.

To answer your specific question - online shopping is not a bad idea. Good luck!

 

[Turnage]

Alot of people shop online for fish an corals. The trick is to read the fine print. Some places will offer a live guarantee from 1 hour of delivery to up to 14 days. Look for a site that has WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get). That way you know what exactly your buying. Check reviews on eBay and as always ask the amazing people here at Reef2Reef for particular sites. Good Luck.

 

[Maacc]

There are definitely good ones out there, if you let us know more specifically about what you are looking for, we can point you in a few directions. If it's regular stuff and your lfs is any good, it might be worth getting it from them, both to support them and have a local source when you need something.

 

[smartwater101]

Depends on the vendor. I've always had great luck with LivevAquaria. Plus they don't photoshop the crap out of their photos.

Blue zoo should be avoided at all costs.

WWC does a bit too much photoshopping but the corals always seem to arrive very healthy. (Overpriced though)

Unique Corals always arrive healthy as well.

I've also had great experiences buying off of these R2R forums. MUCH more reasonably priced.

Any vendor can be hit or miss. But give one a try and you'll likely be pleasantly surprised. Price wise, stick to LFS for the basic/common stuff if they have it in stock.

 

[asting]

My LFS is 50-100% more for fish than liveaquaria, so i tend to get most of my livestock online. LA isn't even known for being cheap by online standards.

 

[tehmadreefer]

Liveaquaria for fish and wwc for corals. Cant go wrong with them and they have the best customer service/guarantee in the hobby, hands down.

 

[New&no clue]

Fish I feel pretty confident in my lfs, but their frag tank just doesn’t look good. I’ve just started my tank so I’m not ready for corals yet, but I’m just trying to do some research before. Also invertebrates and cuc they always seem to be low on. One thing my son really wants is a starfish, I’m thinking a sand sifting, but I’ve asked them for several weeks if they could get me some peppermint shrimp and still nothing so I was just going to order some and the starfish.

 

[rhdoug]

Unfortunately "traditional" - looking stars really don't do well in our tanks unless you get lucky. I like them too but don't buy them anymore due to their poor survival rate, in my tank anyway. However, brittle or sepent stars usually do much better, I have kept some for many years. I would avoid the green ones, they are voracious and will even trap and eat fish. Sand sifters eat small critters that live in the sand, (you most likey won't have any yet since your tank is new) but can sometimes be fed small pieces of frozen food, I haven't had much luck with keeping them. If your tank is new I would wait several months before adding any sea star. Good luck with your tank.

 

[road_runner]

I would say yes. I have got so many dead skeletons from very reputable online coral stors I gave up on ever buying online.

 

[nuke 208]

Fish I feel pretty confident in my lfs, but their frag tank just doesn’t look good. I’ve just started my tank so I’m not ready for corals yet, but I’m just trying to do some research before. Also invertebrates and cuc they always seem to be low on. One thing my son really wants is a starfish, I’m thinking a sand sifting, but I’ve asked them for several weeks if they could get me some peppermint shrimp and still nothing so I was just going to order some and the starfish.

Shipping isn't bad just can be a hassle hanging around waiting for a package. And a little tough in winter

 

[reaper0268]

My local LFS is not good. For 15 years I have bought everything online. Coral from a few reputable vendors and all of my fish from liveaquaria. Very rarely have I had any issues.