Fish online or locally?

[HUNTER1]

I don't have much confident buying my fish locally except if I only need to
buy one. I will need a few when I'm ready to stock, should I buy them online? can you recommend a vendor? thanks

 

[drukkosz]

If you dont have a trusted LFS buy online.

I did order from live aquaria and blue zoo aquatics. Both have 14 days guarantee and fish were super healthy.

 

[michael_cb_125]

Live Aquaria is by far the best online vendor in the US.

~Michael

 

[supermancrv]

Live Aquaria and Divers Den are great I have purchased from both. As I work in retail at a small business I try to support local as often as possible and I'm lucky enough to have a very good lfs near me. I guess my answer would be both if possible however online gives you a better selection from my experience.

 

[kv2wr1]

I have have bought from LA DD and like that they have a 14 day guarantee. Most of the LFS where I live don't take care of their fish and there is no guarantee.

 

[HUNTER1]

The only LFS for saltwater in my town, the employees don't care that much. I went there couple of times and when I said how's going just to see how enthus they are the best thing they come up with "it's going". Imagine if you need to ask them for help. I'll keep Live Aquaria in mind.

 

[rockytop47]

LFS is good if you trust them AND you can figure out where THEY get stock from. I have NEVER lost a fish from my LFS, because the saltwater manager doesn't mind telling you "no" if she feels like your too inexperienced or your tank isn't stable enough for your stocking list at the present. I agree with the above posts, find a place online that will back their fish with a guarentee. Hope this helps!

 

[CAPSLOK]

LFS are as good as they appear - some are fabulous and some are downright horrifying. I have 2 near me that I wouldn't buy a snail from, but one about 1.5hrs away that is great and has an incredible variety, and have had no problems with the good store.

But the prices reflect that. So for any large fish purchases, it would actually be cheaper to order online including shipping. I haven't done that yet and have had good luck with my "locally" purchased fish.

 

[29144u]

i have had great luck with reefs2go . much better $ than the vets foster n smith

 

[toromp]

Live aquaria has the 14day guarantee which is awesome! They have awesome customer service as well! Last time a brand new wrass jumped out, I called them/emailed pix and they replaced the fish! Imo worth the extra $$$$

 

[MrTuskfish]

Live Aquaria is by far the best online vendor in the US.

~Michael

I agree. they may be the best retailer, in any field, I've ever done business with. I've got many,many fish and haven't bought one at a LFS in years. Too bad, the LFS was once a great source of info--not anymore.