OK, since this has gotten nice and nasty, I'll weigh in....
1. I got my start in the hobby via purchases and advice from Wet Pets. Gordon is a really nice guy, but only one person affiliated with that store has got any amount of modern reefkeeping knowledge. If you doubt me, check the lighting on their show tank. I happily shop there on occasion, but I would never go there seeking advice or a bargain. They stand behind the dry goods and equipment that they sell, but you will pay a premium.
2. I am aware of at least three situations (and was involved with one of them directly) in which Tien has not acted in accordance with his promises, agreements or (in my particular case) a signed contract. That is fact, not an attack. Tien's only concern in being involved with this hobby is Tien and making as much money as he can. The condition of the store right now pretty much proves that. Broreefer, since you are such great buddies with him, why don't you ask him how business is? Don't forget to ask him why he has let everything go to crap. And be sure to enquire about his partners. Oh, and all of the knowledgeable employees he used to have, too.
3. I've known Philip for a while as well. I know (because he told me) that he's always wanted to do what he's doing now - namely, set up an all captive-bred and propagated coral farm. My impression is that Philip did not exactly part on as amicable of terms as you seem to think that he did. Maybe you can ask Tien about that, too. I don't think you know anywhere near as much about this as you think you do, but I won't say any more (probably have already said too much).
4. The frag situation in the back of AD is not the same as it was when Philip was there. The selection is not as good, the animals are not as well cared for, and prices on many of the frags are slightly higher. You could also count on Philip's advice, time and generosity when selecting frags, both in making choices and the overall price you'd get. Try asking for a volume discount now. Let me know how that turns out.
5. I'm not defending Jim or his personality, as it can rub anyone the wrong way (myself included on occasion). So does mine, and believe me, so does yours. However, since you've only been doing the saltwater thing for a couple of years, I'll let you in on something you may not have noticed yet - a great many of the shopowners, writers, experts, etc. in this hobby do not get along well with each other or people in general. Egos tend to be large and they clash. Happens all the time. I don't think you'll find too many other shopowners in any kind of proximity to each other that will say too many kind things about each other. Fact of life. So Tien doesn't really like Jim, and Jim doesn't really like Tien. Big whoop. I'm not really liable to take either one's word about the other, thanks. I haven't yet met the owner or 'expert' (online or in person) that i haven't disagreed about at least a few things over. That happens, too, you know.
6. Since you seem to be so big on innuendo and conspiracy (guess it's that 'CIA' background, right?), I'll go ahead and tell you that I'm the one that donated the 20G, stand, lights, skimmer, etc. for twkenny's wife's classroom. So Jim wasn't under any obligation to donate anything himself, nor was he doing it in an effort to 'hook' anyone on anything. Whoops! There goes another ad hominem (look it up) attack up in smoke. Feel better now?
7. As many people as you cite on this thread as having problems with Jim, I expect that there are many more who have little or no complaint. Many, many more people shop there and have good experiences than would ever even see RC or this thread. You haven't proven anything with your tirades. As twkenny said, you obviously have an issue with Jim. I can pretty much promise you that he doesn't care, yet you seem to be incapable of letting it go. So who's the smaller person here?
8. Before you make the snide comment, Bro - I'm not 'Jimbo' either. Actually, I'm kind of p!ssed at him right now over something that I think he's pretty much out of his mind about. So I'm not being paid, encouraged or otherwise compensated for writing this - just to nip any of those comments or snipes in the bud.
So that's my $1.98 worth of comments. Feel free to flame me as much as you like - I don't care and am not likely to respond. It sounds like your new setup is killer - best of luck with it and all the critters you put in it.
