Aqualife

[Justin74]

I know when I first joined this club I was pretty vocal with my discontentment of this store over a year ago. Which, was a build up over several years of less than desirable experiences. New things have happened and I think I should be just as vocal about it. It's great!

Same store, products waay different service than most of us have come to expect. A different floor plan and layout as well, which was VERY needed. No more 3 tanks fits all. No more burnt and bleached corals because of it either. There all grouped in there own "cubby" now, acans with acans, toadstools with toadstools etc. Corals are now on the left of the store where there lighting/equipment displays use to be.
The BIG difference I noticed was the friendly assertive service, emphasis on friendly and assertive

It now appears to be the store once again that kept me coming back and started me on my way. Do pay them a visit on your next LFS route, you wont be dissapointed :thumbsup:

-Justin

 

[funman1]

I have to agree with the new layout, MUCH nicer.
Although I never had a problem with service, in fact, I always got excellent service every time I went in.
But yes I agree do stop by and check out the new corals section. I bought some things there last week, and am very happy with them.

Way to go to all LFS's!! Thanks to all LFS's for simply being there for us, I hate the idea of buying fish and corals online, and love personal service, and instant gratification I can always get at your stores!

~Steve~

 

[Justin74]

Definately, IMO. Yourreef, Coral Reef Shop, Aqualife have all raised the bar from what we knew in this area and are a real asset. I too would like to thank all these owners and employees for there conviction and pride in there work, it shows!

-Justin

 

[Dave E]

Justin,is Aqualife the store in rocklin?

Went to Coral Reef Shop a couple of weeks ago and got some really nice stuff and the service was great.I have found Ost the best for supplies,and Coral Reef for the live stuff!!!!

Dave

 

[Justin74]

Yes, Rocklin

-Justin

 

[MrMikeB]

I have stayed away from AquaLife due to some mishaps and really unfriendly service, but maybe its time I give them another go? The couple of times I went in there a about a month ago, I was treated with a level of smugness and apathy that really turned me off to the whole place. I know I am relatively new, but I still do not think that sufficient reason to just assume all my questions are based out of sheer ignorance.

Thanks for the heads up on the possible turnaround!

 

[mpoletti]

Mike- I know exactly what you are talking about. I am not going to bash any particular business because the fish industry is a tough one to make it in. They have gone through some rough times and what I know about company change is that is get worse before it gets better. Maybe, like yourself, instead of getting off on Riverside, I need to go a few more exits up as well. I love our hobby and each store brings a different piece that we all need.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9034328#post9034328 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MrMikeB
I have stayed away from AquaLife due to some mishaps and really unfriendly service, but maybe its time I give them another go? The couple of times I went in there a about a month ago, I was treated with a level of smugness and apathy that really turned me off to the whole place. I know I am relatively new, but I still do not think that sufficient reason to just assume all my questions are based out of sheer ignorance.

Thanks for the heads up on the possible turnaround!

 

[kdblove_99]

Well,

I go there probably twice a week, since i live about 2 miles from there. I always have received good and friendly service there. I think they by far keep the best and most fish of any fish store in the area.

I can see in the past when Aaron was there i can see what you mean about the unfriendliness. He is just not a friendly guy. he does know alot though.

Kyle a young kid there really knows his stuff and is always friendly!

 

[Eclectic Taste]

I've browsed there on & off for 2-3 years, especially when I first moved to Rocklin from downtown. Got very poor service and generally got the impression they would rather focus on their tank service business rather than the retail side.

My last visit (last week) was very different, 3 different employees asked if I needed assistance or had questions. I ended up buying 5 rummynose tetras for my FW tank. I've been looking for them for a long time and not only did Aqualife have them, they had them for a really low price ($1.99 vs. $5.99 at Capitol when they had them).

I'm not experienced enough to know if their SW prices are high or low, but they do have a very big variety of fish, more than YourReef, Coral Reef, & maybe even O St.

 

[dots]

The dyed/beached anenomes in that corner tank is what caught my eye, hadn't seen a sky blue one in a while, always a fan of the radioactive yellow too, oh yeah that looks natural......it seems like that got rid of most the LPS and never really had much SPS.......so I don't frequent it much. Usually have some different fish and noticed the mangroves also. It seems there is a changing of the guard there.....I know of at least 3 that left so it will most likely change.

One thing is for sure, this business around Sacramento is getting very competitive which only means better stores, service, and selection will result......the rest will either adapt or go the way of the doo doo bird.

 

[Justin74]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9037407#post9037407 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dots
it seems like that got rid of most the LPS and never really had much SPS.......so I don't frequent it much. Usually have some different fish and noticed the mangroves also. It seems there is a changing of the guard there.....I know of at least 3 that left so it will most likely change.

Huh? When was the last time you were there? I was there about 3 weeks ago, and they had a pretty significant amount of LPS that was quite impressive and the same display tank they usually have for SPS filled with some nice heads, infact I picked up nice coral from there as well, which I wasnt suppose to do..

kdblove_99 pretty much nailed it, hence my reason for posting this thread. That in itself is a pretty significant change, and you can 'feel' the difference.

-Justin

 

[dots]

I was agreeing in my own wierd way, but also was saying that it hadn't changed much as a place I would frequent because of the coral I am looking for.

In conclusion.....ahem, ahem, I was saying that with the 3 people I had heard that left the store, the dynamic would most certainly change........but it seems to be that the majority feels that it is going better from a consumer standpoint, which led me to wonder if it could be also for the external threats of new stores that have come onto the scene lately.

I rarely go up there and was just up there last weekend..........did a whole fishstorin tour I did!!!!

This is exactly why when someone asks the "best store" question, the first answer should be "what are you looking for?".....they may have some super rare or cool LPS or zoo, but since Im mainly on colored stick patrol.......I often miss the "wavy" stuff. What caught my eye the most was how empty the old LPS tanks were...


I was tempted just to ramble on and on, but I have to say for once, "thats about all I have to say about that"