new to the area need lfs suggestions

[MadTownMax]

If you want to see a first-class operation, check out Exotic Aquatics - just north of Baltimore on the 695 Beltway - I've been to every place within an hour and a half of Newark, DE (Aquarium Center - both the one in NJ and the other in MD, both of the Fishman in DE before the one on Kirkwood closed, In Living Color in NJ, East Coast Aquatics in PA, The Frazer Zoo in PA, Williams Greenbank aquarium in DE, Newark Tropicals in DE, Just Fish in DE, Dr. Mac's in MD, The Hidden Reef (when it was still around) in PA) - and Exotic Aquatics is still my favorite.

They have the widest selection of corals, clams, and fish - incredible SPS pieces (which I appreciate, even though I don't have much SPS in my tank - personally I think they're just as good or better than Dr Mac's in this category) and a huge inventory of dry goods - which keeps prices low enough to justify me driving 1-hour and the tolls over ordering off the web.

The prices on their livestock is reasonable - some corals can be expensive at times - but you get what you pay for; not to mention if you're there at the right time you can get some really good deals on frags when they move stuff in the front display tank -

If you havent' seen it already - here's a fish store locator:

http://zoyzoy.com/aquarium/aquariumstoresmap.asp

- if those other places aren't on there - could someone add them? puleeze

 

[Shnabbles]

Though Milford is a growing area, I dont think right now that area is populated enough, and i dont think they have a nice enough store available.... So the new mall could be a possibility.

 

[bloopbloop]

Woolworths had the BEST grilled chz sammichez, hot fudge sundaes and vanilla Cokes. ~drool~

 

[hottuna]

schnabbles: there is a new development going up on every block around here...so maybe in a year or two with 1000+ new homes hitting the area...things will improve

 

[Shnabbles]

oh i know there are tons of developements going up... lower DE is really getting developed these days... and they are all big expensive houses lol... rich people like showing off, and pretty reefs are a great way to do it lol

 

[hottuna]

one of my first choices was smyrna....but then i found milford and my wife decided i liked it better.... LOL

 

[minethief]

Split the difference and move in next door to the fish bowl! On race day you can sell parking. Have you been in Dover on a race day? The population of Dover quadruples. Not for the weak of heart, but I'll be there!

 

[hottuna]

fish bowl will be called "toilet bowl" compared to what i would put up...

 

[minethief]

I'm guessing you visited there recently? Any question where your store should be now? Milford would be fine with meââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¦..Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ve been contemplating opening a golf store in Dover, we could be neighbors.

 

[hottuna]

maybe we should open right next to each other....the golf guys would get bored in the winter and start a reef tank...during the summer they would neglect their tanks while on the golf course and need to restock afterward...the perfect marriage of 2 hobbies !! LOL !!!

 

[Shnabbles]

I think the best place would probally be Middletown... population is growing through the roof, and there is some big bucks there now.. And if you put it in middle town there are no fish stores for a 30 minute drive in either direction.

 

[kaptken]

Now yous guys are talkin!! I hope something fruitful comes out of this idea and multiplies. there are plenty of local niches that need filling with saltwater stores. good ones, even better. I have to admit i have given the idea a passing thought now and then. just to see if my idea of the perfect store would be self supporting. its a tough business. working against the internet stores. but love of the hobby and a careful selection of the right equipment and supplies and livestock can make up for some of the hardship and disadvantages. and make it work.

Its a big endeavore, as any owner, past and present might admit. but it can work!! and of course you will want to call on the local hobbiests to provide some locally grown corals and fish. that's part of the fun and enticement. advantage for all.

keep working on the idea.

 

[minethief]

I think the way to establish a good lfs is combine it with an internet biz. Not a new idea, but new to this thread. Even just starting out with eBay auctions, develop into an eBay store, and then into a completely independent retail site. It allows you to start ordering inventory in some sort of bulk immediately. The difference will show in your prices and profit right away. You will have to take in account the space you need to warehouse goods. If your store takes over, and the internet sales go away, so be it.

 

[hottuna]

middletown....where is that in relation to milford schnabblles?

 

[hottuna]

went to see "fish bowl" today...you guys were right...not that good...talked to the owner a little bit...turns out he's from lomg island originally just like me...i got the feeling after talking to him he's about had it and wants to do something else.maybe he would sell it ???

 

[mmarine1976]

Hottuna - Middletown is about an hour north of milford. Straight shot up rt 1.

I live in middletown and would love to see a good lfs come to town. I haven't and wouldn't ever buy anything from the "fish bowl". If I do need something local, I usually end up at "Just Fish", but prefer to buy online or take the drive up to that fish place in lancaster.

How many member are usually at the monthly club meetings? I just found out that DE had its own forum and local meetings. Its surprising how many other people are into reefing.

 

[wds21921]

Middletown would be a great area to begin a business right now, especially a medium to large size fish store.
The growth in that area is huge and there's still a ton of potential left. Also it would be a great and easy to access mid-range trip for anyone traveling to or from Lancaster to Baltimore or Philly to Baltimore, etc etc.
For anyone seriously thinking about starting a fish business in this area (Middletown), you may want to get some good backing and wholesale connections to open up something larger than a mom & pop store. Nothing wrong with these type of stores of course but having something larger in the area would be a big boon to hobbyists as well as the owner(s). Just an idea.

 

[hottuna]

i dont want to travel an hour each day to work...maybe mr fishbowl will give it up and i could take over and revamp the whole store