Lfs in so cal

[dotcommer]

I just arrived into LA this evening and I am staying at Manhattan Beach. I want to check out a few of the LFS while here.

I want to check out the stores that have the best reef tanks on display.
Since my 300 Gallon build won't be done for several months, I am just going on a sight seeing tour.

I am definitely going to Vivid aquariums since I have been watching his videos on youtube and I want to see the 800 gallon display.

Are there any other LFS's in the area that have real nice reef tanks?

I would also like to stop by some of the wholesale shops like reef imports etc.. Would that be worth while?

 

[esc]

Check out Jims Exotics in El Segundo, pretty nice shop and very friendly staff

 

[dotcommer]

thanks

 

[chalicefreak]

I have been going to Socal Tropical Fish in Fullerton for about 3 months now since Mike at sexycorals has taken over the store. This has got to be one of the best store in southern California. He put in a huge 1200 gallon tank that is about to be filled up with corals. His 600 gal is already one of the sickest tanks and it's only half filled with his corals. His coral collection is insane, definitely a store you must see. I have been to every single store on the west side of the country and some all over the country. While you're there, vivid is nice as well and amazing aquariums is also close by.

 

[SantaMonica]

Wow I did not know sexycorals was that near to LA.

 

[FOSELONE]

crazy...Tom is no longer the owner @ SoCal Tropical Fish ???

 

[jeffmit]

Thank you for this thread - I will be visiting this area soon.

Q: WHERE is the best place to get good prices on custom built LEEMAR aquariums? I would like to purchase one while I am visiting and have it shipped to Seattle.

 

[Kanglee00]

Sadly the store Fish USA and Pets in Glendora is going out of business this month. This store is really small and only has 2 rows of SW tanks but Mark who has run this place forever is probably the nicest LFS owner I've ever known. This has been my local place for getting frozen foods for years.

Unfortunately this leaves me with no local store without having to drive 30+ miles round trip. Less than a mile away is Goldfish Plus but that place is disgustingly filthy and the owner is a total jerk to everyone. I refuse to give that place a penny.

+1 to Mark from Fish USA, I was sad to see his store close.

+1000000 to Goldfish Plus' owner being a jackass. That place feels like it should be on "Hoarders" it is so cluttered. I feel like I need to shower after leaving that place.

 

[Kanglee00]

I came across a new LFS in Glendora today called Ocean Marine Sales. The name sounds a bit commercial but this place is a true local and family owned shop. The two people who run this shop appear to have poured a lot of care into their place, very clean and nice looking tanks. They are still working on setting up some of the coral tanks so I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product. This place is located on Foothill in a semi-industrial area not too far from Citrus College.

The guy there made all of the steel stands and is also a cabinet maker. Both he and the lady working there (I forget their names already) were super friendly and eager to stock what customers are looking for. While the store is small it has an open clean look that I appreciated, especially after being in places that are cluttered. The fish they had all looked healthy and tanks were clean, another plus. I was tempted to buy a fish but I just don't have the room right now. The guy said they plan on expanding their coral selection very soon.

I really hope this place makes it. This area has been in dire need of a good LFS for a long time and the drives to OC or out to the SFV has grown old. If you are in this area be sure to check them out. I won't post their url (not sure if its allowed) but you can google their name.

Thanks for this info, I have been going to Pasadena Tropical Fish but now maybe I have another LFS option.

 

[J_looney4]

Brea tropical fish is my favorite. I agree tongs in whittier is pretty run down and I feel dirty in that place

 

[JGO66]

SPS coral store in La Canada is sick and aaron is a very helpful guy, very clean store and great products

 

[bighaig]

+1 on the SPS Coral Store. Aaron is cool. He is a reefer, not just a sales person trying to push stuff.

 

[yousifastar]

Sand Bar Pets, Mission Viejo - They have a good selection of corals and fish. They go pick fish and corals weekly and only get the best specimens possible. They are also very helpful and give great advice, I would not buy from anywhere else because I know these guys have the highest standard possible

 

[xmenx2dad]

Hey all, will be in San Diego for a couple of days next week and wanted to see if there were any good stores for corals or fish. I will be near the zoo and little italy area. thanks

 

[Six2seven]

Anyone near Inglewood area?

About 7 years ago or so I used to go to a huge warehouse style store in an industrial area near the airport. I can't remember the street it was on or what it was called. It was big like a wholesale place and they had tons of fish and a seperate dry goods room with a HUGE display tank that was loaded with fish. I don't think they had corals at all. Anyone know the place I'm talking about?

If so is it still there?

Aquarium World on Century Blvd.

It used to be on hindry north of century but moved to century blvd a few years ago. They use natural sea water, no sps, common easy corals, lots of fish but not very healthy. Lots of live rock always.

 

[Six2seven]

Great selection of healthy coral and good prices, quite a few fish too.

Tropical reef fish store is a nice little store with so much potential. Great area with no real competition but fails to stock a variety of fish and cannot handle sps. Zoas are more on the common side, Small but clean store.

 

[dotcommer]

Back in LA again, I was able to stop by and see Scott and Joe at Unique Corals in Van Nuys. They have some great corals and are very nice an accommodating. I picked up some great pieces and they are keeping them there for me until I am ready for them in my 300 Gallon Build.

 

[oceangurlz]

Can we make some sort of map showing the locations of these stores so we have an idea of which stores are close? some of us aren't really familiar with many areas. thanks!

 

[Percher]

Any recommendations around Newport Beach/Costa Mesa?

I just finished setting up my tank and went to a few places for dry goods and had mixed experiences.

Tong's in Fountain Valley seemed like a decent selection (no idea about the quality) but half the store looked like a complete dump. Also, the guy with tats on his arms behind the counter was a complete **** to me for no reason. I asked one question to the gal that works there and spent $200 and the guy acted like I was complete scum. Wont make the mistake of going back there again.

Pacific Reef is pretty cool when the owner is there. I've been in there three times total and when the owner is there it is a great experience. Brian(?) seems like a genuinely nice guy. When the owner isn't there the employees could care less about helping you. I went in recently to ask about ordering some specific equipment but the heavyset guy simply said 'yea, we can order it' before walking off and doing whatever so I ended up just ordering the stuff from Marine Depot. I like supporting LFS if I can, but I can't force Brian's employees to order something for me.

My 'frankeintank' is all set up and will be frag hunting from here on out. How is Seaside in HB these days? Pacific Reef has $5 frags but I haven't taken a close look at their quality.


Last time I was in the hobby (nearly 10 years ago) I lived around the corner from Strictly Fish in Lakewood and they got a majority of my business just because of the convenience. I used to dread going in there when it was just the one brother working there but the other two (taller) brothers were always pretty cool with me. I'd be interested to see what has changed since I was last in there in 2004.

 

[chalicefreak]

Definitely go hit up mike at Sexycorals/ Socaltropicalfish.com
He owns both and has lots of displays and rare corals. He is more of a hobbiest than a salesman. Him and his wife are very nice and have a great store. Try to go after 1 or 2pm cause they open up late most of the time. i got there on a weekly basis and always leave with something nice. :beer: