LFS or online?
- Thread starter Titus07
- Start date
artful-dodger
New member
I'm going to start with the other side of the argument. LFSs in general are hurting these days. summers are always slow. Right now, a lot people are putting money into necessities and not springing to start new hobbies or add another wonderful animal to their current aquariums.
If you have a good LFS that you would hate to lose, now would be a good time to give them some business.
(For the record, I have bought large cleanup crews online. I'm lucky to have two excellent LFSs nearby (was three until last month...) that quarantine their fish for two weeks before sale. They have earned my livestock purchases other than frags from other locals.)
If you have a good LFS that you would hate to lose, now would be a good time to give them some business.
(For the record, I have bought large cleanup crews online. I'm lucky to have two excellent LFSs nearby (was three until last month...) that quarantine their fish for two weeks before sale. They have earned my livestock purchases other than frags from other locals.)
chrissreef
New member
Titus, are you refering to livestock or drygoods?
lfs - strengthen this hobby in their own way... but also destroy it
i think it's best to find a good one and choose how you would like to support them vs buying cheap online. generally, i buy big ticket items and corals online (price/selection) and buy fish/food and small dry good products at the lfs.
lfs - strengthen this hobby in their own way... but also destroy it
i think it's best to find a good one and choose how you would like to support them vs buying cheap online. generally, i buy big ticket items and corals online (price/selection) and buy fish/food and small dry good products at the lfs.
I have ordered livestock online in the past, and had very mixed results. My last order was for cleanup crew critters. About half the crabs and snails arrived dead.
By the time you pay shipping the amount you save over a LFS may not be that much. By the time you factor in the risk of paying that price for dead critters, a LFS starts looking much better.
Also, I have found that if you get to know the LFS folks--especially if it is a non-chain, mom & pop store--they will work with you on what you need.
I still order hardware that my LFS doesn't stock but I try to work through the LFS to get everything else.
By the time you pay shipping the amount you save over a LFS may not be that much. By the time you factor in the risk of paying that price for dead critters, a LFS starts looking much better.
Also, I have found that if you get to know the LFS folks--especially if it is a non-chain, mom & pop store--they will work with you on what you need.
I still order hardware that my LFS doesn't stock but I try to work through the LFS to get everything else.
Lotus99
Active member
I generally get most of my corals at the LFS, or go to frag swaps (not so local, but worth the trip).
I did order from Live Aquaria for a few corals. They have a great reputation, and a guarantee on most of their livestock. I got aquacultured corals from them, because I prefer to get those if I can. There are certainly some shady dealers out there online (and in stores), so check out reviews before you choose a dealer.
Shipping is always the killer with online buying. It's just not worth it unless you're buying either lots of corals or expensive corals.
If you do choose to order online, make sure you're home to receive them. I had them sent to my office, as they deliver early in the day and the temperatues at the office are controlled. The last thing you want is corals sitting on your doorstep in the heat/cold all day.
I did order from Live Aquaria for a few corals. They have a great reputation, and a guarantee on most of their livestock. I got aquacultured corals from them, because I prefer to get those if I can. There are certainly some shady dealers out there online (and in stores), so check out reviews before you choose a dealer.
Shipping is always the killer with online buying. It's just not worth it unless you're buying either lots of corals or expensive corals.
If you do choose to order online, make sure you're home to receive them. I had them sent to my office, as they deliver early in the day and the temperatues at the office are controlled. The last thing you want is corals sitting on your doorstep in the heat/cold all day.
DetectiveTofu
New member
support the brick and mortar stores if it is only a matter of a dollar or two...
If you're talking about large ticket items, where savings could be HUGE, then order online.
If you're talking about large ticket items, where savings could be HUGE, then order online.
I would buy from LFS if they would have the equipment that I want. Most around here do not carry the premier brands but rather those brands that are lower quality and price. I have found that if I buy cheap, I end up replacing.
But LFS are hurting because of the online vendors. If we do not support them, they will go away.
But LFS are hurting because of the online vendors. If we do not support them, they will go away.
jadeguppy
New member
Here is my suggestion. Buy bulk online then take the savings and buy livestock from you lfs. Livestock may be slightly more locally, but you know what you are getting and you don't pay shipping. I have bought both ways and have begun to buy livestock locally. Save $20-30 on a tub of salt online and get a new coral locally with the $20-30. Win, Win!
Ricunger
New member
I am a big fan of getting live stock from lfs because i can put it on hold and keep an eye on it before i shell the money out. I have had some good times with online also. But you can't beat monitoring what you buy. Do your research and you will win with either choice you make.
AquariumPerson
New member
its all about the quality of the LFS... i have found that ordering from the LFS can actually SAVE money compared to ordering online...
lots of "hand picked" corals i see online are priced three times as much as larger, prettier species found at local fish stores IMO.
plus, if you buy your coral locally, you know that it will actually live once it gets home due to seeing it in the store etc. i have ordered online in the past and have found that it is really too much hassle, unless there is a specialty fish/coral you want. then perhaps online is the way to go.
lots of "hand picked" corals i see online are priced three times as much as larger, prettier species found at local fish stores IMO.
plus, if you buy your coral locally, you know that it will actually live once it gets home due to seeing it in the store etc. i have ordered online in the past and have found that it is really too much hassle, unless there is a specialty fish/coral you want. then perhaps online is the way to go.
