What are the best LFS around?

[NYAquatic]

In an age where LFS are being squeezed by the online world (yes, I know, I'm part of that problem lol), I'm curious if there are still really good LFS out there?

In most industries that face economic pressure, it's the strongest that survive, ultimately making the particular industry better for the pressure.

I'm curious is we're seeing that in this industry?

Please chime in.

Are there great fish stores out there?
Have any great ones closed?
Have great ones survived while lesser ones in the same area closed?

 

[jschultzbass]

The best in MN is Saltwater Empire in Minneapolis. Other than that, there aren't too many in northern MN!

 

[homer1475]

Quite a few decent ones in western NY(Rochester, Buffalo area).

I personally like The Reef Shoppe in Rochester for CUC and fish, as well as ARC(A Reef Creation) in Buffalo. Just can't stand the 4+ hour drive to get there. lol

 

[Bhor217]

I am located in Chicago, and have had good experience with several fish stores. My personal favorite is Old Orchard Aquarium, located about 20-30 min outside of the city. The staff there is extremely knowledgeable, and very helpful. I have found that stores that are focused on service, and develop long lasting relationships with clients provide extremely healthy fish that are prepared for the long term, since they are focused on the individual relationship, rather than a quick sale.

I have been to stores where they are clearly trying to make a quick sale, and it comes off as pretty obvious to me.

To me, it is worth paying a premium to be able to see the fish in person, and make choices based on my eyeballs, and not potentially stock photographs. I can only speak to my own experiences, and from what I have read on this forum. It seems like shopping online is a bigger gamble than going to a LFS that you trust. This hobby has made me so happy, that I enjoy the face to face interactions with LFS employees and owners, and this is truly the first industry I have felt the need/desire to support small business owners over larger scale companies.

Just my 2 cents!

 

[Bouncingsoul39]

Vivid Aquariums in Canoga Park, CA is still a great LFS to visit, especially if you are into SPS corals. Ali's Amazing Aquariums and Reefs in Orange, CA is also awesome for LPS and softy lovers. Ali's store is small but packed with eye candy.

 

[gmneil]

A Reef Creation in buffalo NY, Hands down the best store in our area.

 

[JustAnt]

The Reef Shopee- Bronx, NY

 

[GoatmealJones]

Vivid Aquariums in Canoga Park, CA is still a great LFS to visit, especially if you are into SPS corals. Ali's Amazing Aquariums and Reefs in Orange, CA is also awesome for LPS and softy lovers. Ali's store is small but packed with eye candy.

Ever been to Unique Corals in Van Nuys? Unreal setup

 

[Bouncingsoul39]

Ever been to Unique Corals in Van Nuys? Unreal setup

Nah, thought they were online only? They allow walk-in without appointments?

 

[Michael Gilbreath]

Can only wish no LFS for over 150 miles I am in the middle of nowhere. Can not even get next day for online shopping here.

 

[Mjrenz]

Hands down the best in Virginia is Fish World in Richmond. The owner, Joe, has been in the same location for over 30 years, has a degree in marine biology, and is personal friends with Julian Sprung. I drive over an hour nearly every weekend to visit his store and usually spend at least 2 or 3 hours there

 

[WMR]

Unfortunately, the LFS in my area are ok, there’s a couple here, but they supply same fish & corals all the time. Living in a “big” city, this city has sticker shock for the most part. Sad That’s why I’ll order online from vendors on R2R such as yourself

 

[kjmsmith]

For those in or near Southern Ontario, Under The Sea in Fenwick (about 30 mins from Buffalo) has the best sw fish and coral I’ve seen in my area. I know they do a lot of wholesale but excellent walk-in service too!

 

[NYAquatic]

no other good stores?

 

[JustAnt]

no other good stores?

In Westchester, no. The last one, gills aquarium , closed a few months back. No others in Westchester that I know of

 

[Bhor217]

no other good stores?[/QUOTE
Deleted

 

[DibsOnMcRibs]

I’m a fan of Neptune’s Aquatics in San Jose.
San Diego has Aquatic Warehouse for fish and Aqua SD for corals

 

[JustAnt]

@NYAquatic do you carry coral and if so do you allow pick ups? I’m in White Plains so not far from Yonkers

 

[Anthony Kochevar]

In the age of $99+ for an online coral with $40 shipping, I'll take the $10 to $25 frag bin at my LFS any day.

 

[rogersb]

Something Fishy in Northampton has the largest selection of any stores around me in PA. There are a couple stores around Wilkes Barre but I don't travel up that way often.