Coral Reef Keepers in Altoona?

Just called them and talked to the owner John. Seemed like a really nice and knowledgable guy. He is going to try to send pictures of the store this week.

Would anyone be up for a road trip?
 
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Hey Ray

The shop is worth the trip. I don't think it's as big as Salty Critters, But I haven't been there in a couple years. Just make sure you check the web site for opperating hours. He's only open Fri. ,Sat. & Sun.

If anyone is making the trip, let me know (pm) maybe I can hand off some aptasia to give to Anthony.

Nice to see everyone again last night
Bill
 
How would you compare it to the Pittsburgh reef shops (Elmer's, sea horse, wet pets, aquaworld)? More or less saltwater fish? More or less corals? Decent dry good selection?
 
Hello everyone,

I live right in the middle of the store and Pittsburgh (An hour to PGH for me, and an hour to Altoona area). I've been there twice since it has opened and I can say that its pretty good depending on your point of view. The two guys, that I believe own it, are knowledgeable and passionate about the hobby. All of the fish that they do have seemed healthy. The one guys breeds clowns for fun and sells them super cheap, $9.99 when i bought them. They have a decent coral selection but this also depends on when you stop in. Because of their really low prices corals seem to disappear fast. Surprisingly, the area seems to have a lot of saltwater hobbyists so I would call before making the trip. They can order anything you are looking for fish, or corals. When I was there last week they were dealing with the natural new tank algae. As far as hardware and supplies they have a limited selection because of the size of the store but like the livestock they are willing to order anything you would want.


I personally like the store and would recommend a visit. Altoona is just 5 minutes down the road and has all of the other stores imaginable including a decent mall. There is a petco, blah, and other pet supply stores but none with saltwater. Hope this helps a little.
 
Mitsuko, thanks for the update.

John the owner to call before coming as last week they almost sold out of everything

does it compare well to the Pittsburgh stores as far as number if tanks and amount if fish and corals?
 
Actually, when i googled this store, it came up with the old address. The new address is not 66 miles from me but 103 miles and 2 hours 4 minutes.

Paul, it says the best route is 376 and then 22 the rest of the way. Do you think the turnpike to I-99 is faster?
 
it seems that 22 looks faster. Turnpike from me was 30 more minutes. Google maps let you drag different routes also.
 
Ray, it takes me an hour and 20 minutes to get to your place. It takes me an hour to get to Coral Reef Keepers. I'm literally 30 seconds off of 22. There's been construction on 22 for years now. You could take the turnpike to the BEDFORD exit and the 99 to Duncansville.
 
Google didn't even have me going that way.

Where is rt 99? Is it an interstate? Where do you catch it?


You know what i just looked it up and the expressway doesn't start until Altoona from 220. I use it to go to State College for work. I thought I hopped on before Altoona but was wrong. 99 is 220 just the expressway part of it.
 
The shop is just a mile or so off Rt. 22. It takes me about 1hr. 45 min. to get to Elmers, depending on weather. Rt. 22 all the way. if this helps.
The Pa. turnpike takes you 30 mi. south of Altoona at the Bedford exit. Longer route but better speed & travel, no lights or construction, all interstste.

John's shop is all saltwater. He has a wall unit like Pet supplies pluss used to have. A couple larger tanks, & 2 large "frag tanks" with most of his coral in.

He lists his livestock & specials every week via e-mail so check out the website & sign up for that.

& let me know if anyone is coming over, it's lonely in Altoona.
Bill
 

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