getting back into salt water.

C

CLAMM

New member
Considering getting back into the hobby. When I was in boston we had a great local club that really helped keep the costs down with group buys, and frag swaps, etc...

Is there a similar club in the pittsburgh area? I am from Washington, pa.

Any good stores that I should know about?

Good place to get used equipment?



When I first got in the hobby I was getting everything at wholesale because of my job...now...i am on the retail end and the cost is so much more then I remember.



Thanks!
 
hey welcome back!

there are quite a few local members here who i'm sure would be more than willing to help you get started back up. used equipment can be a roll of the dice as to whether or not you will find what you need, but there are always plenty of free frags floating around.

do you have any ideas as to what size/shape of tank you're thinking of putting together, or what you may ultimately be interested in keeping?

as far as stores, my favorites are Oddball in North Baldwin, and Reef Gallery up in Zelionople. Wet Pets is closer to you, and they're OK, but make sure you know your prices and what you need before you walk in there. they are more than happy to gouge you severely on equipment and some other items. Elmer's isn't too bad out in Monroeville, but they will happily sell you a load of crap you don't need for your tank (like the pricey canister filter they talked me in to when i was starting out), so just be wary.
 
If your just getting back in check out the "equipment/for sale area" here of Reef Central. you could also just make a thread on what equipment you are looking for in the Pittsburgh area of Reef central. Ya never know who has what sitting around not being used that you can pick up at a great discount and if you post something your looking for, it may jog somebodies memory that they have it in the shed/garage. Our local reef club "PMASI" is going thru some transitional "pangs" - but some of us are getting together once a month, until the official club gets itself together, for fun and to get to know each other. Here is the thread

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2515791
 
beachguy said:
Wet Pets and Saltwater Sanctuary (both in Canonsburg) would be the two closest store to Washington, PA.
Click to expand...

+1

Both stores are worth checking out. I noticed today they are putting a new pet store in really close to wet pets. I don't recall the name, but they had signs up so hopefully they will open soon (and have a reef section).

Used equipment can come from the typical sources (eBay, craigslist, etc.) but you may have to drive a little to find what you are looking for.
 
I was curious so I decided to stop up to Saltwater Sanctuary to grab some corals and food. On our way home stopped at the new pet store you mentioned. Called Valu-Pet. Chain store, not open yet. No fish or aquatic items at all. Dog and cat supplies only. Very nice looking place. Clerk at front door gave my wife free dog grooming card.
 
I'm kind of curious why I don't see Aqua World mentioned much in these threads when talking about stores in the area. I kind of like the store and owner, the only thing I could think of would be their price may be higher than some.
 
Consensus I seem to be finding across the boards. Only being back in the hobby for 2 years after a 5 year down period never heard of them till now.

Never got any bad info or product from them, and treated pretty good. But have read many different thoughts about them over the past year.

Most negative stuff seems to be form older days, wonder if things have changed in the recent years.

In the past year I have been in there things seem to be cleaner as well.
 
I've been there as recently as 6 months ago. It reinforced my desire not to patronize them. To each their own though.
 
Is Atlantis still open?
It was on Rt. 51 I think, I was there one time maybe 10 to 12 years ago.
Will have to check out Oddball in North Baldwin, always looking for new places.
any address for Oddball?
 
kevinl said:
Is Atlantis still open?
It was on Rt. 51 I think, I was there one time maybe 10 to 12 years ago.
Will have to check out Oddball in North Baldwin, always looking for new places.
any address for Oddball?
Click to expand...

Atlantis closed several years ago.

I am breaking down a 75 gallon tank and will have LED lights and a skimmer for sale.

I also have about 100 lbs of live sand with all sorts of critters in it including nassarius snails and cerith snails.

The sand is free to whoever wants it.

Oddball Aquatics is now Oddball Pets. They have a website.

--Ray
 
I support Aqua world,, great staff, they are cleaning up the store and have new frag tanks. They carry high end equipment. They will order anything you need. I know they have a bad rep from years ago, but you can't beat the knowledge of mark on fish and Jeff with corals and equipment.
 
Regardless of potential knowledge. The way they treat and sell their non aquatic (and in some cases) aquatic creatures is deplorable to say the least. Not to mention the fact they have no problem stocking and selling extremely irresponsible exotics to anybody who walks in such as baby alligators.... I honestly do not mnow how they are even permitted to be in business at all.
 
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