liveaquaria alternatives?

[doctorgori]

This is a timley thread....

I agree, I try to support the LFS around here, but they all seem to carry the same stuff at the same time...I'm guessing a common wholesaler

...our LFS's have different plus's and minuses and I will avoid bad mouthing anyone in particular, but sometimes you can't get price, quality and variety to all converge in one place....

 

[Dustin1300]

I previously had a smaller LFS where I lived and they'd gladly order any fish I wanted and have them within 1-2 weeks. That being said, I'd rather them take the hit if it is a DOA than myself and this small increase against reputable online dealers was worth the insignificance.

When they went out of business I started to go to Premium Aquatics and the staff blows away any typical LFS staff. I don't find that knowledge as important anymore as I typically know what fish I'm after when I pick it up though....I guess I'm supporting 'local' but want PA to stay around forever since they are now only ~25 minutes away.

 

[Lavoisier]

I have always had great success with LA. Their 14 day live guarantee attests to the healthy specimens they ship both fish and corals. Not everyone has room but I will quarantine several fish (in a 55g) and if any problem appears move fish or coral to a "hospital" tank 10g.

 

[Zappo]

I previously had a smaller LFS where I lived and they'd gladly order any fish I wanted and have them within 1-2 weeks. That being said, I'd rather them take the hit if it is a DOA than myself and this small increase against reputable online dealers was worth the insignificance.

This is the way to go when you're ordering something that's worth less than the shipping cost. Almost any LFS will order a fish for you if you ask. You just have to wait for them to place their next order, which is usually within a week or two. And if the LFS won't do it, find the nearest petco. They'll gladly order whatever you want and let you pick it up the morning it arrives while it's still in the shipping bag to avoid acclimating it twice.

 

[GPB]

I like the LFS and would try to use them whenever possible. But oftentimes the livestock just looks "not right".

I like to use Liveaquaria, and Dr Mac. I have never received anything but top quality livestock from both of them. If quality from LFS was nearly as good, I would rather use them just because they are local. They are nice to have around in, and I would hate for them to go out of business. Mine at least however do need to sharpen up their act.