flamehawkfish
New member
hi All
If there's already a thread about this, please point me to it...
I'm curious to learn your preferences for LFS (local fish stores) in the Bay Area. I live in San Rafael (about 30 minutes North of San Francisco), but will drive fair distances to get to these places:
- Ocean Treasures in San Francisco (on Dubose betw Mission & Valencia): I just discovered this place. They have some great SPS and LPS- along with a good selection of clams, softies, etc. Their prices are reasonable- esp for SPS. A great place to start stocking an SPS tank. The staff is pretty informed, patient, and nice.
- Aquarium Concepts in Dublin: The variety is amazing, and the fish & coral are in overall good health. They have some nice SPS and LPS regularly. Despite good selection & quality, the prices are annoyingly high. The staff is spotty- some experienced, some not.
- 6th Ave in San Francisco: I know, I know. This place is dirty, the tanks are over-crowded, and the staff is dismissive. I have issues w' the place. Nevertheless, their prices are unbeatable. Even their dry goods can be affordable (after shopping everywhere, I bought a 95g Wave-shaped glass tank & stand from them for literally 50% less than another store in Cotati). I also got some clams, and nice coral there. The trick is to time your visits right after their live shipments arrive (coral every other Friday, and clams, anemones, and exotics on Tuesdays). I don't like the 'grab-bag' Sunday wholesale prices; the fish are in dubious health, and the risk/reward to save a few bucks isn't worth it.
So, that's my two cents. Can anyone recommend other LFS in the Bay Area beyond these three? If so, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Flamehawk
If there's already a thread about this, please point me to it...
I'm curious to learn your preferences for LFS (local fish stores) in the Bay Area. I live in San Rafael (about 30 minutes North of San Francisco), but will drive fair distances to get to these places:
- Ocean Treasures in San Francisco (on Dubose betw Mission & Valencia): I just discovered this place. They have some great SPS and LPS- along with a good selection of clams, softies, etc. Their prices are reasonable- esp for SPS. A great place to start stocking an SPS tank. The staff is pretty informed, patient, and nice.
- Aquarium Concepts in Dublin: The variety is amazing, and the fish & coral are in overall good health. They have some nice SPS and LPS regularly. Despite good selection & quality, the prices are annoyingly high. The staff is spotty- some experienced, some not.
- 6th Ave in San Francisco: I know, I know. This place is dirty, the tanks are over-crowded, and the staff is dismissive. I have issues w' the place. Nevertheless, their prices are unbeatable. Even their dry goods can be affordable (after shopping everywhere, I bought a 95g Wave-shaped glass tank & stand from them for literally 50% less than another store in Cotati). I also got some clams, and nice coral there. The trick is to time your visits right after their live shipments arrive (coral every other Friday, and clams, anemones, and exotics on Tuesdays). I don't like the 'grab-bag' Sunday wholesale prices; the fish are in dubious health, and the risk/reward to save a few bucks isn't worth it.
So, that's my two cents. Can anyone recommend other LFS in the Bay Area beyond these three? If so, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Flamehawk