Its your call folks. The feedback is both good and bad. The BetterBusiness Bureau ( www.bbb.org) under the search for saltwaterfish.com gives them a satisfactory rating. Maybe I'm doing the search incorrectly Spike.
jandlms
jandlms
Livestock order
- Thread starter jandlms
- Start date
Aquabucket
Premium Member
It might have changed. I looked into them about 6 months or so ago. It really is up to you guys though. My feelings are this ~ if they choose to screw over just a few of their customers that's enough for me to not support their business.
Here are some quotes from some unhappy customers:
"Its like flipping a coin. You may get a decent order or you may not. If your not satisfied the chances of getting any issues resolved are slim to none." ~ NiTr0x911
"If you have a problem with your order. Good luck contacting them by phone. Apparently this is their easy way out - not dealing with unhappy customers. I suppose you stand 50/50 chance of recieving a good order though." ~ Melody
"I have had good experiances and I also had a bad. They have NO number to call to speak to anyone. IMO you can find a much better vendor to buy from. I personally will not buy from them again. I had some inverts die, sent emails and got rude reply, then posted to their board. It was removed as from the board and the thread deleted." ~ Texas Dolly
"My experience with them has been terrible. I have threads in this forum describing my ordeal. They provide ZERO customer service if you have an issue. They went so far as blocking my ability to send them e-mail when I tried to resolve my problems with them. As you've probably noticed, they provide no phone number for contact. As was recommended above, do a search here and you will find many others with similar, bad experiences. Do your research on this place, you'll be glad you did." ~ Norm R
Check out this thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=567702&highlight=saltwaterfish
Here are some quotes from some unhappy customers:
"Its like flipping a coin. You may get a decent order or you may not. If your not satisfied the chances of getting any issues resolved are slim to none." ~ NiTr0x911
"If you have a problem with your order. Good luck contacting them by phone. Apparently this is their easy way out - not dealing with unhappy customers. I suppose you stand 50/50 chance of recieving a good order though." ~ Melody
"I have had good experiances and I also had a bad. They have NO number to call to speak to anyone. IMO you can find a much better vendor to buy from. I personally will not buy from them again. I had some inverts die, sent emails and got rude reply, then posted to their board. It was removed as from the board and the thread deleted." ~ Texas Dolly
"My experience with them has been terrible. I have threads in this forum describing my ordeal. They provide ZERO customer service if you have an issue. They went so far as blocking my ability to send them e-mail when I tried to resolve my problems with them. As you've probably noticed, they provide no phone number for contact. As was recommended above, do a search here and you will find many others with similar, bad experiences. Do your research on this place, you'll be glad you did." ~ Norm R
Check out this thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=567702&highlight=saltwaterfish
The Better Business Bureau rates them as satisfactory for the past year. There is no rating available beyond that. They also list approximately a dozen complaints that have gone through them that apparently aren't enough to raise a flag for the bbb. Maybe 13 complaints causes them to be unsatisfactroy. I don't know their criteria for ratins.
I think the main reasons for looking at saltwaterfish.com were.
1. Prices - A pygmy angel for swf costs 9.99 while LA charges 23.99.
2. Selection - they haev some things in stock that other organizations like reeftopia just don't stock.
3. The urge to try someplace different and see what their critters are like.
This has been a good discussion folks but it is time to fish or cut bait.
By the way RCS I have an email to SWF to see about your 5 nudis. In either case I believe that we can "sneak" your five through because we are a group.
I am slo checking on the "surcharge" and whatever games they are playing with shipping.
Do we go through with the order tomorrow? Reply ASAP.
jandlms
I think the main reasons for looking at saltwaterfish.com were.
1. Prices - A pygmy angel for swf costs 9.99 while LA charges 23.99.
2. Selection - they haev some things in stock that other organizations like reeftopia just don't stock.
3. The urge to try someplace different and see what their critters are like.
This has been a good discussion folks but it is time to fish or cut bait.
By the way RCS I have an email to SWF to see about your 5 nudis. In either case I believe that we can "sneak" your five through because we are a group.
I am slo checking on the "surcharge" and whatever games they are playing with shipping.
Do we go through with the order tomorrow? Reply ASAP.
jandlms
kiowascout
New member
the fees for the order are
$9.99 surcharge (I think this is like a box fee or something)
and a $6.99 fuel surcharge that the shipper has imposed upon them.
This is what they charged me on my last order which was only two weeks ago.
The stories about customer service are correct. it is impossible to contact them unless they want to be contacted. But, I think I alluded to that on the first page of this thread.
I'm along for the ride whatever the group decides collectively.
I am even willing to kick in a few extra bucks to help defray the $16.98 in costs.
$9.99 surcharge (I think this is like a box fee or something)
and a $6.99 fuel surcharge that the shipper has imposed upon them.
This is what they charged me on my last order which was only two weeks ago.
The stories about customer service are correct. it is impossible to contact them unless they want to be contacted. But, I think I alluded to that on the first page of this thread.
I'm along for the ride whatever the group decides collectively.
I am even willing to kick in a few extra bucks to help defray the $16.98 in costs.
My vote is that we table this for 7 days. During those 7 days, we look at other sites and costs, and if a new concenesus is reached by wednesday/thursday am this comming week, we change.
I am by no means "hurting" for livestock. I actually have a few things I could put into the trading ring... but I certainly could wait another week. The alternative is , sorry to say it, get burned. If anyone wants a site of a ebay user to buy from to feel what it's like to get burned, I certainly could provide a few.
I also have no desire to force a bad situation, for two primary reasons. First, I value Jons inititive and extended offer for running this thru his source of funds. though I have every intention of reimbursing him, I have no desire to force a bad situation. I think that the last couple buys have gone well. Second. I could wait a couple more days, as I have learned that a serious hobbiest once told me that nothing good ever happens fast in a reef tank. The fish WILL be available from someone next week. Lets take a step back, if only for 7 days.
Spike, I was being quite serous about a large quantities of each of those Angels and Grammas, but maybe not quite that many... I recently got the Angelfishes and Basseletts book, and have fallen in love with the idea that there will be NO damsels (excluding clowns) in the 300. The plan that I have for it, will increase the active water to well over 700 gallons, though the tank will be only 300. The final numbers of these two fish have not been decided yet, but will be high.
I noticed while diving in the Dominican Rep, that everywhere I looked on the coral heads, I saw Angels... lots of them. Then I noticed alot of Gramma like fish. Of course, a few gobies and jaw fish...
I have a really neat plan for the 300. I have completed phase 1 of the 5 part process, but have been temporarily distracted by upgrading my 30 gallon lifeboat reef, to a 75 gallon prop tank. I just laid the block for the stand this weekend. It will be 40" off the ground... and almost at optimal viewing height.
I have some great ideas for the 300, and still waiting for someone who has the patience to come over and listen to them, and offer suggestion and look for pitfalls with me. Your always welcome. (Open ended offer to spike and everyone...) I'm not ready for a meeting though.
EDITED - because it was so long, Dan snuck in something else for me to comment on...
I also offer the couple $ extra as the order isn't truely costing the cost of the livestock... there are hiden costs. I also offer a suggestion, that there be a nominal offer to the person doing the order, like .25 or .50 per item, to offset their costs, to make it worth thier while. This is something that I suggest the club "take up" at a meeting, and agree on a general suggestion... for me, I would have no problem, flipping Jon an extra 1.75 to 3.50 (purely as an example) for his trouble, maybe more... If you've ever seen the mess and the hoops you have to jump thru, or if you have done it, you quickly wonder how you got in the middle of it.
Dang, that added another paragraph.
Jason
I am by no means "hurting" for livestock. I actually have a few things I could put into the trading ring... but I certainly could wait another week. The alternative is , sorry to say it, get burned. If anyone wants a site of a ebay user to buy from to feel what it's like to get burned, I certainly could provide a few.
I also have no desire to force a bad situation, for two primary reasons. First, I value Jons inititive and extended offer for running this thru his source of funds. though I have every intention of reimbursing him, I have no desire to force a bad situation. I think that the last couple buys have gone well. Second. I could wait a couple more days, as I have learned that a serious hobbiest once told me that nothing good ever happens fast in a reef tank. The fish WILL be available from someone next week. Lets take a step back, if only for 7 days.
Spike, I was being quite serous about a large quantities of each of those Angels and Grammas, but maybe not quite that many... I recently got the Angelfishes and Basseletts book, and have fallen in love with the idea that there will be NO damsels (excluding clowns) in the 300. The plan that I have for it, will increase the active water to well over 700 gallons, though the tank will be only 300. The final numbers of these two fish have not been decided yet, but will be high.
I noticed while diving in the Dominican Rep, that everywhere I looked on the coral heads, I saw Angels... lots of them. Then I noticed alot of Gramma like fish. Of course, a few gobies and jaw fish...
I have a really neat plan for the 300. I have completed phase 1 of the 5 part process, but have been temporarily distracted by upgrading my 30 gallon lifeboat reef, to a 75 gallon prop tank. I just laid the block for the stand this weekend. It will be 40" off the ground... and almost at optimal viewing height.
I have some great ideas for the 300, and still waiting for someone who has the patience to come over and listen to them, and offer suggestion and look for pitfalls with me. Your always welcome. (Open ended offer to spike and everyone...) I'm not ready for a meeting though.
EDITED - because it was so long, Dan snuck in something else for me to comment on...
I also offer the couple $ extra as the order isn't truely costing the cost of the livestock... there are hiden costs. I also offer a suggestion, that there be a nominal offer to the person doing the order, like .25 or .50 per item, to offset their costs, to make it worth thier while. This is something that I suggest the club "take up" at a meeting, and agree on a general suggestion... for me, I would have no problem, flipping Jon an extra 1.75 to 3.50 (purely as an example) for his trouble, maybe more... If you've ever seen the mess and the hoops you have to jump thru, or if you have done it, you quickly wonder how you got in the middle of it.
Dang, that added another paragraph.
Jason
basicsafty
New member
I believe the fuel surcharge is 20% of their shipping cost, somewhat negating the low prices.
I have had only good service with live aquaria in the past, so I would be more than willing to order from them instead.
I have had only good service with live aquaria in the past, so I would be more than willing to order from them instead.
kiowascout
New member
I agree with tabling this for a week. Let's make the best decision for everyone involved.
Jason is right.
Nothing happens fast in a reef tank.
Jason is right.
Nothing happens fast in a reef tank.
Just a reality check. The same items I signed up for, that I could live without, from Saltwaterfish.com that came to 74$, come to the following...132$ from Liveaquaria.com
SW - Pygmy (Cherub) Angelfish (Caribbean) $ 23.99 X2
CN-71432 SW - Jawfish, Yellowhead (Caribbean) $ 22.99 X2
CN-78439 SW - Banded Coral Shrimp - Medium $ 8.99 X2
CN-80383 SW - Ricordea Mushroom, Blue/Green (Caribbean) $ 19.99
I am by no means suggesting that they are not worth the $. But I would need to re-evaluate my order. These dollar amounts do not include the charges that Kiowascout was just referring to.
Jason
SW - Pygmy (Cherub) Angelfish (Caribbean) $ 23.99 X2
CN-71432 SW - Jawfish, Yellowhead (Caribbean) $ 22.99 X2
CN-78439 SW - Banded Coral Shrimp - Medium $ 8.99 X2
CN-80383 SW - Ricordea Mushroom, Blue/Green (Caribbean) $ 19.99
I am by no means suggesting that they are not worth the $. But I would need to re-evaluate my order. These dollar amounts do not include the charges that Kiowascout was just referring to.
Jason
bluezooaquatics.com
FJAPE Pearly Jawfish â€"œ Opistognathus aurifrons $ 27.95 x2
FANCH Cherub Angelfish - Centropyge argi $ 31.95 x2
ISHCOS Coral Banded Shrimp â€"œ Stenopus hispidus Small $ 9.95 2x
IPOYU Ricordea Mushroom â€"œ Ricordea yuma small $ 36.00
total: 175.70
Only point on this one was that they do not sell individual Rics.. theirs are on rocks with 2-3 small mushrooms.
FJAPE Pearly Jawfish â€"œ Opistognathus aurifrons $ 27.95 x2
FANCH Cherub Angelfish - Centropyge argi $ 31.95 x2
ISHCOS Coral Banded Shrimp â€"œ Stenopus hispidus Small $ 9.95 2x
IPOYU Ricordea Mushroom â€"œ Ricordea yuma small $ 36.00
total: 175.70
Only point on this one was that they do not sell individual Rics.. theirs are on rocks with 2-3 small mushrooms.
I haven't heard from everyone that wished to order yet, but as the person doing the ordering, I feel that the time has come to grab the bull by the "you know whats".
THE ORDER IS TABLED FOR NOW.
Wewill try to get another order (maybe to saltwaterfish.com) by next Friday (not tomorrow) at noon. Start checking the web for alternatives. I will be very interested in seeing what the reply to my email to SWF says.
Good luck and Happy Hunting!
jandlms
THE ORDER IS TABLED FOR NOW.
Wewill try to get another order (maybe to saltwaterfish.com) by next Friday (not tomorrow) at noon. Start checking the web for alternatives. I will be very interested in seeing what the reply to my email to SWF says.
Good luck and Happy Hunting!
jandlms
DebsSisterFlo
New member
after reading all of the posts that have been made today I also agree on shelving this... "if it's too good to be true, it probably is" the negative feedback has put me on edge, and I'm for sure not ordering something as sensitive as a sea star from them if there's no way to contact them about a problem.
I'm thinking I'd rather order from and support our instate Dr's... even if it does cost me a few extra bucks, the peace of mind will be worth it.
I'm thinking I'd rather order from and support our instate Dr's... even if it does cost me a few extra bucks, the peace of mind will be worth it.
Aquabucket
Premium Member
You guys might want to check out http://www.reefhotspot.com. You are going to pay a bit more for some things but the selection and customer service is top notch. The owner makes sure all fish are feeding and have no visible damage to them. That's why you pay a little bit more. Many of the corals they have you won't see at liveaquaria. They also have a nice WYSIWYG section. I would consider joining in on the order if you guys went with them. Some of the larger LPS and other corals could be fragged and split up to cut down on the costs.
They have a Monastrea coral in the LPS section for $64 that is just amazing:
They have a Monastrea coral in the LPS section for $64 that is just amazing:
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Its too bad Live Aquaria wasn't in Rhindlander! Just my .02 but sounds like you guys have enough for 2 orders. So split your order it get your Common/Sensitive Fish and inverts from Live Aquaria and get your Rare/Hearty stuff from saltwater.com
Dont put all your egg.....blah whatever
Hope every thing turns out well for you.
Dont put all your egg.....blah whatever
Hope every thing turns out well for you.
DebsSisterFlo
New member
I just wish dr F&S carried more stuff at their store, and built another one in Green Bay!!! lol! Even when you go to the store you can't get much, not the stuff you want anyways, tho they do have a nice collection of corals from what I've seen.
If we did make an order to saltwaterfish I'd take a chance and order the shrimp from them just because the price is so good... too good?
If we did make an order to saltwaterfish I'd take a chance and order the shrimp from them just because the price is so good... too good?
The prices are hard to beat for saltwaterfish.com but its wise to hold off for a while and continue to shop around. Most of the stuff we seem to want is available at reeftopia.com and the prices are good there also. I jsut wish they had more of a selection. The site that Spike mentions has some nice prices on a few of the fish we were looking for and the corals are to die for, but the prices on some of the corals (maybe we could split a few pieces). That montastrea !WOW!
Keep up the search!
jandlms
Keep up the search!
jandlms
Aquabucket
Premium Member
Did you guys check out some of those clams?
nellie54914
New member
You could always do a couple different orders at different places like Bri guy suggested, one now and maybe wait a little while and another for fish & corals or something. I was looking through what you guys want and reeftopia has most of what peple are looking for (peppermint shrimp, nudibranches, royal gramma, ricordia, conchs, crabs, etc), and it comes pretty close to $120. ($120 is the magic free shipping number, plus $10 fuel charge).
Aquabucket
Premium Member
Another thing to consider is most places are not going to be stocked as much as they will be by September. August is probably one of the slowest months of the year in the industry.
EDIT ~ I forgot to add that Fragglereef.com is pretty good place for hard to find corals and might be a good place to consider in the future.
http://www.fragglereef.com/zen/
EDIT ~ I forgot to add that Fragglereef.com is pretty good place for hard to find corals and might be a good place to consider in the future.
http://www.fragglereef.com/zen/
Jessica,
The reason that the prices are so low on those Peppermint Shrimp
is that they are absolutely tiny, I know because just before the F&S frag swap I got some from them. When they arrived I though the bag was empty of livestock and just had a piece of plastic window screen in it (they ship shrimp with screen in the bag to give them something to hang onto during shipping). Upon a very closer look I did indeed find 5 shrimp in the bag. So small (1/4" or smaller) that if I would have put them in my big tank my Six Line Wrasse would have ate them for lunch. I put them into a small tank with no fish to grow them out and they are now of a decent size. In fact if you are looking for just one and are going to the Sept. meeting I can part with one if you want.
I have ordered from Saltwaterfish.com a few times but agreed in my head that if there was a problem with something I was going to take the loss. Luckily only things to die were small inverts that did not cost much.
Liveaquaria.com on the other hand I have always had above normal good customer service whenever there was a problem. They always took care of me and I have only good things to say about them. I am sure there are other good vendors out there but those are the only two I have ordered livestock from.
Ron
RCS
In Memoriam
Just to throw it out there, have we considered trying to work with a local store? We used to have one store in TN that would match online prices for us and the guarantee.
Spike, you have any thoughts on this? I'm sure it depends on the supplier, as prives vary widely. As it was, the store we worked with in TN ordered from the same supplier as LiveAquaria.
What about Coral Boy Farms up in Green Bay?
Spike, you have any thoughts on this? I'm sure it depends on the supplier, as prives vary widely. As it was, the store we worked with in TN ordered from the same supplier as LiveAquaria.
What about Coral Boy Farms up in Green Bay?
