I do want other reefer's options about LFS and more suggestions. I will post later on a more thorough review of all the places I go to. My 2c for some below:
I have been to most of the stores on my list (still need to go to hidden reef, fish factory and now sea gem ) a few times.
About Nemo's, a whole bunch of NOPE, not in my tank. I didn't know if it was just me or if other people also didn't like that place. Lots of aiptasia in empty tanks near the back. Empty Shark tank is a disgrace (nothing in it anymore) and should be cleaned and/or emptied. Fish medication I bought there a couple weeks ago to have on hand expired 6 months ago... the last time I will ever walk into that place unless someone informs me they have done an overhaul, I rather go to Petco.
Aquarium specialties is awesome! Mike gave me a lot of good advice (and he plays tool in his shop!). He cared more about what my tank needed that trying to make a sale! I remember when that place was Frazer Zoo. I got my first snail/copepods from Mike at Aquarium Specialties (ASR) and I do suggest everyone to check that place out! I will be going back for some frags.
Pet Place was great for dry goods and plants (they no longer do plant bundles) and I never had any of my (FW) fish die from that place, now I go to Reef to Rift/ Aquarium Center because they are closer to me. (If any of you remember World Wide, Jim is now at Reef to Rift!). I can't really judge Pet Place coral/salt water because I only ever went there for my planted tank. (Always look at all the FW tanks to make sure no ick outbreak, dead fish etc before buying anything). I did get my RO system there for like $75 a few years ago and it has done me well!
MiniReef is a tiny place that is more like a group of friends. I saw a couple of fish with Ich when I went in a few days ago, Sal was in the middle of swapping out he tanks to hold more fish but stopped started to take care of the Ich right away! Then told me of other fish stores in the area to visit! He is also another hobbyist, not a salesman! I feel terrible the "pet" (trigger fish I think) that ate out of your hand was spooked by a kid splashing in the pond area and got stuck and died
Sal will also order anything you want! He is the closest to me and I'll be stopping by for the $20 hammer frag and Reef Frenzy they stock!
Aquarium Center has great selection on corals, fish are healthy, inverts are nice and organized, live foods, great plants! Good prices too (from my little experience)! This is one of my top 3! (they have a sea hare there that I am fascinated with, and they don't mind when I just stand at the coral tank and stare at it for 2 hours lol!)
Reef to Rift is amazing! They have true Zebra plecos (FW fish that I love... not the $400 price tag but $100 cheaper than anywhere else!). I am partial to this place because of Jim, who helped me with my first tank when I was 13 and most of my other problems till world wide closed. Coral selection could be stocked more for the space they allow for it, but it is a GREAT place. They just like TSM also Quarantine all of their stuff before it goes up for sale. I did pick up another Bolivian Ram but she is very healthy and Jim was able to sex her correctly (very hard to do)!
! I'll let you know how it goes when I get back! Thanks again .
