So Do You Still Buy Anything From a Local Fish Store?

[fsu1dolfan]

So i am curious with the great prices that are found online does anyone actually buy supplies from LFSs anymore?

It's amazing the marketup on testing supplies, additives, dosing supplies etc.

 

[thewackyreefer]

Once in a while if I need something quick I'll buy from the LFS, if I've got time I'll usually try to order online. Marine Depot is pretty close to me so their regular shipping ends up being overnight more often than not, can't beat that.

 

[raymond]

i go to lfs and buy corals sometimes that they have gotten from some one tearing down their tanks and selling them to lfs. i think a store that specialized in used aquarium supplies would be awsome

 

[tangboy]

I usually go to the LFS because it is great and usually cuts the local reef club members deals etc. The staff are great and are a hoot to go and just chat with. Some of the other LFS aren't so... personal and are $$$$$ It's tough to get livestock online cause of the shipping costs unless you can get a couple guys together to order stuff up to a price that will get you free shipping!

 

[fsu1dolfan]

I usually go to the LFS because it is great and usually cuts the local reef club members deals etc. The staff are great and are a hoot to go and just chat with. Some of the other LFS aren't so... personal and are $$$$$ It's tough to get livestock online cause of the shipping costs unless you can get a couple guys together to order stuff up to a price that will get you free shipping!

That's awesome that you have a good rapport with a LFS. Most around here arent very personal and of course are pricey too. I have one that i like for livestock (corals and fish) and the guy there is pretty cool to talk to. But when it comes to supplies, unless it's an emergency, i try to buy everything online. The markup is so high that i wonder how they sell anything.

 

[mdb_talon]

I try to at a couple stores i like. It is hard though at times. I want to support them and keep them in business, but i cant pay 2x as much for equipment. More likely to pay for livestock as it eliminates some of my risk (shipping death, looks diff in person, etc).

 

[swannyson7]

I usually only buy general maintenance type stuff from the LFS like food and test kits. I like being able to see the corals in person before buying them, but the prices, quality, and selection of online vendors can't be beat!

 

[Bubbles_B]

My quote says it best. :angel:

 

[drainbamage]

its amazing the markup the stores use to pay silly things like employees and rent...

I make a point to buy from LFS's, it's what keeps them around. I know when I worked at them, how many folks would come in and pick your head for info for a half hour answering their questions, then tell you that your bulb was marked up $5 higher than Petco, so they were going to go buy it there. Well, that $5 is how they could afford to pay for a person who knew what they were talking about, instead of the minimum wage guy who didn't. Plus as much as I don't mind purchasing corals online, I'd hate to see the day when there weren't LFS's to go browse through, and so I don't mind picking up dry goods to help them stick around.
But I'm also one of those weirdos who doesn't buy from wal-mart because I prefer to support U.S. products, so I'm understandibly odd man out from the norm.

I do purchase many things online, but what I purchase online is things that LFS's don't carry, such as bulk supplies.

 

[brian.srock]

LFS. I like to see everything available and talk shop.

 

[jordan3548]

I always keep my money local once in a while ill buy online. Theres a lfs here that will beat anyones prices anywhere. I bought a 3in powder brown tang for $15 lawnower blennies are $6 Sailfin Tangs $18 Blue Hippos $23 all are very healthy and are 50 percent less than any store I have seen

 

[jordan3548]

Also I dont mind spending a little more at the lfs I understand they are a business and havebto pay that guy your talking to for a hour lol we complain about our personal electric bills you should see one of theres once lol its not cheap running all that equipment so I understand

 

[subdrive]

I like to buy corals from LFS.
Owner always gives me discounts and we became good friend.

 

[Captain Nemo]

I kind of mix my purchases to try and help everyone out.

 

[sprinklerdudes]

I buy most of my dry goods online, and live stock I either trade or buy local

 

[Troylee]

I support both.... My Lfs has what I need I will buy it there since I normally get a good guy price anyways and the stuff they don't have I get online..

 

[Uninja]

i have never really gotten anything online except for frag plugs. but i want to buy supplements online but i am not sure of good online stores that people trust. if anyone has any recommendations i would appreciate it :3. for the future i would probably only buy dry goods online. i dont think i am ready to get livestock. i would stress too much

 

[Captain Nemo]

bulk reef supply for sure!!! They are top notch!! Also dr.'s foster and smith are good also. Have heard good things about marine depot but I do not have personal experience with them.......

 

[youngtimothy]

as abd as I hate to say it I mostly buy supplies online, If I can trade frags for store credit I will get supplies! some stores have way to high of mark up.

 

[Wy Renegade]

I always make it a point to shop local whenever I can. I would really hate to have an emergency, and not be able to get what I need because the LFS is out of business, because nobody would support them. That said, I do shop around and keep my eye on prices. When the LFS starts bringing in coral, chopping them up, and charging the price of the whole coral for little frags, I stop shopping there.