Best LFS in Pittsburgh area

[raynist]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9459658#post9459658 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bower23
Well I live in Jamestown, which is right between Erie and Pitt, right on the Ohio Pa line. I've been to Pitt drinking before, so I know how to get there, but never Cleveland. I could look it up on a map but only if it's worth going to. Most places around here have tons of brown corals!!! The brown corals are my favorite... not!

Salty Critter is definately worth the drive. They have tons of nice acros as well as a large selection of LPS. Their dry good prices are as cheap as most large internet stores. I have made several trips there over the last 1.5 years.

If you are in Pgh then I would check out some of the stores, however if you are going to drive 1.5-2 hours just to go to a fish store check out the places in cleveland.

 

[bower23]

thanks.. is there any pictures of there store displays or frag tanks. I can't find any.

 

[raynist]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9460110#post9460110 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bower23
thanks.. is there any pictures of there store displays or frag tanks. I can't find any.

try www.saltycritter.com but I am not sure if they have any pictures online.

You may try emailing them, they would probably take some for you.

--Ray

 

[raynist]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9460196#post9460196 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by raynist
try www.saltycritter.com but I am not sure if they have any pictures online.

You may try emailing them, they would probably take some for you.

--Ray

found some

http://www.saltycritter.com/aboutus.htm

 

[bower23]

ok, that make me want to take a trip!

 

[bower23]

sorry about the hijack... back to Pitts fish store. And thanks.

 

[lakwriter]

Just came home from Under the Sea in Cranberry...VERY nice! They get my vote!

 

[mvite]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9133493#post9133493 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BeanAnimal
My thoughts on Atlantis...

Admittedly I have not been there in 2 or so years:

But last time I was there:

(3) visits Gary was MIA a lady who knew nothing about aquariums but liked to smoke was holding down the fort (his mother?)

There was VERY little livestock. There was a small selection of dry goods scattered among a LOT of shelves.

NOTHING (livestock or dry goods) was priced and the lady did not know the prices.

I got the feeling that prices were determined at the time of sale and most "sales" were by appointment, as Gary was out doing client calls most of the time. In other words an aquarium maintenance company with a part time storefront, not an LFS.

My feelings have been verified by others who have had the same experience. Out of frustration, I never made a forth trip, and never will. There are simply too many other places that have much more livestock and actual daily store hours where you can purchase goods, not just window shop.

I am having a tough couple of weeks at our LFS--but I wanted to un-do my recommendation of Atlantis.

I was there about 2 months ago and inquired on the price of some zoanthids. When I came back a month later and asked---the price had been more than doubled.

No price tags = changing prices (and they ain't falling...)

 

[BeanAnimal]

Atlantis is NOT an LFS. Atlantis is a part time retail business that is run by a guy who does aquarium maintenance....

I suppose if your friends with him, then it may be worth the trip and an appointment. For the rest of us, the place is a total waste of time.

 

[raynist]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9513406#post9513406 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BeanAnimal
Atlantis is NOT an LFS. Atlantis is a part time retail business that is run by a guy who does aquarium maintenance....

I suppose if your friends with him, then it may be worth the trip and an appointment. For the rest of us, the place is a total waste of time.

I was there last weekend and they had a few nice corals, but not having prices listed is very aggrevating since you know you could go there 5 times and get quoted 5 different prices, plus just having to ask the price on 5 different things is annoying.

 

[mvite]

We should just get a swap together. We probably have better stuff in our tanks than ANYWHERE locally.

I'm in....

 

[raynist]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9530901#post9530901 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mvite
We should just get a swap together. We probably have better stuff in our tanks than ANYWHERE locally.

I'm in....

That would be a great idea. Maybe it could be part of a regular meeting.

 

[acer]

I'm In as well. That way you dont pay for shipping and you know that the item is better shape ( on a whole) than LFS . I am still trying to figure out photobucket stuff - getting there - that would be a great way to have a swap= via pictures of the home tanks with listings on what stuff is availalbe now or stuff that you are willing to frag. If someone is looking for something. They can start a thread asking for that item. If anyone has it, then they send them a PM or email along with a picture of the colony. If the person wants a frag, negociate the price on the phone, cut the frag, and then bring the frag to the next PMAS metting. I know there are lots of holes in this idea -" I dont have a digital picture, etc" , but it is a start.

 

[mvite]

I see the whole "I'm not a member" thing getting in my way...

But I do have a couple frags--and I would much rather trade than buy or sell.

 

[victorsmalls]

I think this frag/coral trading is a great idea. Considering I am just starting out I would not have any frags to trade. I would much rather buy from a local member than a online retailer or local store.

 

[pixburg-reefer]

wow! That's more than a COUPLE frags! Nice lay out. Too bad I'm moving now!

Kelly

 

[acer]

WOW - Mvite - where ya been!!!! YOU have a PM - why am I going to Cleveland this weekend????? Oh yea- I am selling some stuff.

 

[zzpw3x]

Mark (Mvite) sells each frag for $1. If you bring your giant eagle card it is BOGO on Saturday. lol

Seriously, he has some nice stuff and is too computer illiterate to use photoshop.

I am sorry to day I helped create the monster that is now mvite.

Dale

 

[carpenterwrasse]

mark,
I tried to get something started but i got no one willing to help get it started I got a hall all i need is the finer details as to organize it.
George

 

[mvite]

Hey All! I've been in my basement!

Dale--Muhahahahaha....You taught me how to frag--right in your kitchen!

George--I've been at your place too!! And got some rock and stuff from you.

I will help! I know of at least 2-3 others who would join in as well.

I was going to go to Cleveland this weekend but I can't make it.

added: acer--PM replied!