Quick review: Jeff's Costa Mesa

[NicoleC]

I finally dropped by Jeff's in Costa Mesa today. The store is small, but well laid out. This afternoon, the tanks were packed with corals, including a VERY nice piece (but pricy), of what I think was an oxypora sp. in yellow, pink and teal. Their coral system appears to be free of bubble algae and some of the other pests that plague fish stores.

I only saw two sick fish, which is really good. One was a YWG with internal parasites; his stomach was so sunken he may not recover even with good care. The other was a gorgeous 2" A. percula with a funky misbar pattern that look just like a puzzle piece out of her middle bar. Unfortunately, in addition to internal parasites she had what looked like scarring from external flukes. If you are looking for a really nice adult perc, she should recover nicely with a little bit of TLC and meds.

They especially had some nice Solomon Perculas and small juvenile perc's and occ's that look very vibrant and healthy.

However, I was disappointed that they had almost no live rock, and what they had was $6-$7/pound. That's not the Jeff's prices I'm used to!

 

[SurfOnH20]

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[SurfOnH20]

The price you saw for live seems to be the growing trend. Thats why I stay away from most LFS. Their prices are very high on much of everything...I shouldn't say most, but a lot..

 

[sharkdude]

where in costa mesa?

 

[NicoleC]

On Harbor near Victoria -- in the little shopping center next to the Home Depot.

LR is expensive to ship, so with fuel prices the way they are the freight fees and surcharges must be nasty. Still, I was under the impression that the Jeff's group of stores moved enough rock to get bulk pricing. Or at least a couple of years ago they were selling at $2/pound when Pacific Reef, etc. was selling at $6-$8/pound... and PR is STILL selling at that price.

 

[jjirsa78]

The Orange store has more rock than the Costa Mesa store, and generally has a little bit better selection. Coming from Aliso Viejo, I'll go to Costa Mesa if the 5/55 is backed up - otherwise, it's worth a bit longer drive for the better selection.

 

[sps_addict]

Thanks for the info Nicole.

I'm probably wrong, but I remember something about them opening a Jeff's in Corona or something. Did that ever open up?

 

[NicoleC]

They haven't opened the Corona store, but I believe it is still planned.

I'm familiar with Jeff's in Orange. It's my "local" LFS! They do have more rock; same prices, though.

 

[cthetoy]

Jeff's main store in Gardena might have a better selection of rocks. You can call and ask them how many boxes they have sitting in their warehouse. Each box is around 50 pounds.

 

[Mchava]

Hey Nicole why not get some from BCH. I know he had a lot last time I was there and I think it was for 4-5/lb. It was nice marshal island. Also if you are looking for some LR I have some thats been cooking/curing in a 30g trash can. Let me know if you want some.

 

[NicoleC]

I forgot about BCH. I don't really want Marshall, but the price is better. Maybe for the base rocks? I need some Tonga shelf pieces and probably one large branch piece for my new design.

You know... I thought $2/lb for older rock with encrusting corals was a fair price. Apparently I sold all that rock for waaaaay to cheap!

 

[Mchava]

I might have some shelf peices in the bin. I need to check how many piece are you looking for?

 

[NicoleC]

Enough for my new 100g master plan, which is fairly light on the rockwork in favor of a sandy lagoon biotype. Pardon the cheesy graphics:

 

[Mchava]

may be. Let me take a look.

 

[laverda]

I was in BCH today and they had a fair bit of nice rock.

 

[NicoleC]

Thanks, Steve!

 

[SteveOhh]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7080763#post7080763 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by laverda
I was in BCH today and they had a fair bit of nice rock.

(While scratching my head)............What's BCH????:eek1:

 

[raskal311]

Black Coral HI

 

[SteveOhh]

Where are they located at??? In Hawaii?? :lol:

Steve

 

[sharkdude]

Nicole: I like the cheesy graphics!

I know exaclty where that shopping center is as I used to live around the corner. Isn't there a Pet City or something next to the Albertson's? I'm guessing Jeff's is out on an 'island', near chuck e chesse and BBQs Galore?

Black Coral Hawaii is in Santa Ana, near Fairview and Warner. they are a wholesaler that offers limited retail hours in exchange for a lifetime membership fee.