Livestock purchases
- Thread starter AJreefs
- Start date
- Tagged users None
Trex
Valuable Member
In my 40 breeder I have 6 fish, 3 online, 3 LFS.
In my 65 I have 5 fish, 5 online, 1 LFS.
In my 75 I have 8 fish, 5 online, 3 LFS.
All the online fish are from the Diver's Den section of LA.
In my 65 I have 5 fish, 5 online, 1 LFS.
In my 75 I have 8 fish, 5 online, 3 LFS.
All the online fish are from the Diver's Den section of LA.
buddythelion
2500 Club Member
This is a toughie.
The majority of my corals now are from online sites. But that's because I try to be picky about the coral morphs I have, and it's not very practical for stores to carry high end zoa/paly morphs since the majority of corals in LFS are wild colonies, which means once in a blue moon a very nice morph comes in. Purchasing online just gives a much greater variety to a reefer who wants a whole bunch of different corals.
I do however, go to LFS almost every week. Seeing what you're getting in person is something that can't be replaced with. Always fun to see other hobbyist too.
Local hobbyists, trades and sales, are a big one for me too. About 1/2 of my zoa/paly collection are from great local hobbyists who are just as passionate about z + p's as I am.
The majority of my corals now are from online sites. But that's because I try to be picky about the coral morphs I have, and it's not very practical for stores to carry high end zoa/paly morphs since the majority of corals in LFS are wild colonies, which means once in a blue moon a very nice morph comes in. Purchasing online just gives a much greater variety to a reefer who wants a whole bunch of different corals.
I do however, go to LFS almost every week. Seeing what you're getting in person is something that can't be replaced with. Always fun to see other hobbyist too.
Local hobbyists, trades and sales, are a big one for me too. About 1/2 of my zoa/paly collection are from great local hobbyists who are just as passionate about z + p's as I am.
Of the few LFS that I have had the time to visit, most were so bad I walked right back out the door. Online is my only choice at this point.
Steelerfan747
Valuable Member
I purchase both from lfs and online. it just depends where I find a fish or coral I am looking for. There is however always a plus side to purchasing from lfs I think as not only are you able to see it live but you also help out someone locally. The only good thing from purchasing online is you sometimes find things you don't normally find
PAK
Community Member
I try to purchase my live stock from My LFS. If I want something I have them order it in for me. This way I have the animals delivered there and they can deal with any issues if there are any..... also I wait at least a week before I bring them back to my tank.
SeahorseKeeper
Where's the mysis?
95% online. I do not go to any of my LFS anymore. They are always a disappointment and do not offer a guarantee. The vendors I order from offer a 2 week guarantee.
I usually buy stuff at local stores because shipping kills the deal normally unless if they're within the state. I end up driving 45 minutes just to get to a decent store but its worth it because they have fish I can't find anywhere else for really good prices. Only time I'll buy online is if its something that I've been looking for a while like that starburst cap.
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steamer51
Active Member
I do everything I can to support the LFS to keep them in business so I can visit locally. We have three excellent ones in our area with great prices and one has special ordered for me. Often I have found livestock less expensive than on line and I can observe before buying and don't have to pay shipping. I do go to alot of frag swaps and always come home with something and have participated in group buys for CUC with other club members but one of those was arranged by an LFS. When I set up more tanks and will be buying a lot of livestock at the same time to save on shipping. I have my eye on a few sponsors here but before I buy I'll check with my favorite LFS to see if they can get the same items for close to their price if I make a special order paid for in advance. Most LFS will discount their normal prices if they have a guaranteed sale and they don't have to feed and keep the stock alive until it sells perhaps months from when they get it.
Chameleon
Valuable Member
To date I have not purchased anything without seeing it in person first. Mostly I get mine from local hobbyist and frag swaps for coral. Fish come from a reputable LFS where occasionally I'll pick up a coral. Never done online as I'm always sketched about not seeing it first and I worry about shipping plus I dont like to pay shipping 
