I would also like to chime in on support the little LFS. I myself run a LFS out of my garage/showroom in Sioux Falls. It is very hard to keep doors open when you have the .com people selling items $2-3 over the cost wholesale. After I pay shipping I am losing $$. Yes I know cry me a river...not looking for that here. I am just stating that Huskerreef has a very good point, here in Sioux Falls there is nothing. IMO, when I moved back from my figure 8 around the nation playing in public aquariums, I tried to get a job at a LFS. They happily said not no but he!! no. They felt threatened. Oh well, they created there worst nightmare.
A guy that will try to sell as cheap but quality as he can. It has been a really rough and bumpy road. Some not selling to me becasue I do not have a street sigh and full on shop. I do however have quality livestock. All quartined 2 weeks, all Monti and Acro's treated for Nudi's, red bugs, and Acro Eating Flatworms...our other LFS have no clue what these are. It costs $$ and labor to do these 4 and 6 week long treatments. I am rambling on but a old dude once said over 100 years ago. SOmeone can always build something a little cheaper but you always get what you pay for. Me it is a little more $$, again a little, but the knowledge you get is priceless. I am a marine biologist with over 5 years experince in public aquaria...and even more as a hobbiest.
Just my long a$$ boring explantion...but you are right a little more $$ gives us a reason to stay open. I have not paid myelf in 3 months...summers are slow...I do this for the hobby/fun NOT for $$
Sorry if I hijacked the thread...just still be connected to Omaha...I was trained at Scott Aquarium by one of the best. Mitch
Thanks for the understanding.
Grant C. Anderson