I definitely need to find some new LFS

[stixx]

Not trying to bash anyone, but I need to find a new LFS to buy my fish/corals. I had been going to Sea Escapes in Elgin, but in my opinion they have a few issues:

1) they dont really seem to care about the hobby - seems to be just a conduit to make a few bucks
2) they dont seem to have a very deep knowledge of anything except how to process a credit card transaction or give you your change
3) their customer service stinks - they will return a phone call with answers to your questions when THEY feel like it
4) their customer service stinks - THEY are never wrong..YOU can only be wrong
5) their customer service stinks (unless you like looking at blondes and dont use big words during a conversation - "it's all good" and "babe" are ok)

Sorry just had to rant - they are morons. They are close by, but thee must be other stores that have good variety at a decent price.

 

[jski711]

wow, if the blondes knew what they were talking about i might make the trip out there from arlington heights, they could have had a pretty good thing there. haha. seriously that sux, i hate getting that vibe from stores, it really makes me mad!

 

[aiko670]

You're not far from Rod's.... I wish I was as close as you!

 

[nmprisons]

Check out Dark Lord Coral, you won't be dissapointed.

 

[hansnfrans]

IMO, Sea Escapes is a freakin' joke. That lady doesn't even know what a scorpionfish is, their prices (typically) are ridiculous, and they have done some shady things to very good people (not gonna go into detail).

They are also setting a very bad example with that hex tank in the front of their shop. I feel so bad for those poor fish.

Like aiko said, Rod's is pretty darn close to you and would DEFINATELY worth the trip.

Rod is VERY knowledgable, experienced, great with customer service, and great prices.

 

[RobTop]

I stopped going to SE years ago, before they moved they were on Randall right by Rt 20. They sold me a mandrin goby as a great starter fish. What a joke is right.

 

[chaseracing]

I understand your comments on Sea Escapes. They do not really do Coral anymore either.

I have spent a lot of money there. I always get the membership because it pays for itself quickly. It is nice to have a shop close by to be able to get something quickly.

If you want Corals, Take Randall North and go see Dave at Oceans Floor. I still like Beyond the Reef for Fish.

Rods is a Quick Shot up Silver Glen. (Probably 30 minutes from Sea Escapes)

-=E=-

 

[SaraB]

stixx - I 100% agree with your points 1-5 and especially #4. My tank came from there and I have not gone back in the shop for well over a year. I can't stand the pompous attitudes of the owners.

There's plenty of other shops to give your business to. I second Rod's Reef and Oceans Floor! www.rods-reef.com and www.oceansfloor.net

 

[craftytony]

Stixx, i also agree, mostly due to the prices. I have been in there a few times and just window shopped. There are some great stores somewhat close to you...

Rod's - about 30 minutes away
Ocean's floor - about 30 minutes
Dark Lord - about 45 minutes (i've never been, but have heard good things)
Sea Schor - about 45 minutes
Sho Tank - about an hour
Coral Paradise - about 40 minutes

 

[steri]

Stixx, might I recommend Ocean's Floor in Lake in the Hills. I generally like that store and Dave knows his stuff. A couple of his erand boys could use a bit more training, a couple really seem to know their stuff, but the owner knows his stuff, and I like his store.

There's also Exotic Aquatics in Algonquin on Randall Road. That's a nice looking store, although their prices seem a bit high to me. They seem quite knowledgable, but I tend to have less luck with their fish.

I buy my LR and inverts from them though.

 

[drew55]

same here

same here

I also live in Geneva and have found my self board with the hobby because I have nowhere to go anymore since Splash of Life closed. There is Sea Escapes which i also stopped going to because of the morons their that I know more than, also because one time they wanted $60 for a 8 inch snowflake eel, they prices are about 3 times higher than what they should be. Also there is Reef Plus in North Aurora but his prices have gone up, and selection way down. He got this new 300 gallon show tank, and everything cool he gets he puts in there and doesnt want to sell it.
THEN THERES PETCO
evertime I go in there everything is either dead or covered in ick.

 

[stixx]

Well, at least Im not the only one

 

[craftytony]

Stixx, you should join the next "tour". You get to see new stores and have a great time with fellow reefers. I think the best part is listening to everyone's opinions and seeing their setups. You really learn a LOT from everyone...

 

[stixx]

Stixx, you should join the next "tour". You get to see new stores and have a great time with fellow reefers. I think the best part is listening to everyone's opinions and seeing their setups. You really learn a LOT from everyone...

Sounds like fun - how do I find out when the next one is?

 

[jeemann99]

Reef Plus is a good place. Steve (owner) would sell you anything in that 300g tank. Just tell him that Garrick said he would..

 

[aiko670]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9399177#post9399177 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by craftytony
Stixx, i also agree, mostly due to the prices. I have been in there a few times and just window shopped. There are some great stores somewhat close to you...

Rod's - about 30 minutes away
Ocean's floor - about 30 minutes
Dark Lord - about 45 minutes (i've never been, but have heard good things)
Sea Schor - about 45 minutes
Sho Tank - about an hour
Coral Paradise - about 40 minutes

For once I agree with Craftytonya.

 

[craftytony]

Thanks madam...

STIXX, we will post a thread regarding the next tour, it looks like it is planned for the far west burbs...then next will probably be the south side or city