Stopped at Old Orchard today . . .

[jcm1229]

Stopped in at Old Orchard Aquarium today. I haven't been in there for about a year and a half. When I used to work in Skokie It was one of my favorites - Of course the staff back then was way more personable!

The prices are now competitive with Living Sea. $229 for a monti cap, 120-140 for other acros. The fiji live rock is 5.99/pound, but they have tonga and "premium" (looked just like fiji to me) rock for $12.99/pound.

When I mentioned that I've not seen any lfs in the area with rock over $10 the salesguy said "that's nothing - people who take rock out of our reef displays are paying 30-40/pound. Even LivingSea has better prices than them.

 

[Pufferpunk]

Thanks, saved me a trip! To bad...

 

[dohc97]

there are things you can find there that have decent prices, besides the staff was fine with me, all the times i have been there people have been nice to me. The one time i was there with Adam, the owner himself talked to us for a little bit even though they were super busy. Even if your not going to buy its worth the drive just to see their displays and the shark pond. Whenever i feel lazy i buy my saltwater from them too(only store i found closest to me that has reef crystals premixed water).

 

[jmcmahon66]

John you really like to punish yourself. After visiting quality aquarium stores like Oceans Floor, Sharkeys, Rods, and Coral Paradise, it defys logic to stop at Old Orchard. IME, their prices are high, their livestock is average to below (especially for corals), and their attitude is negative. Frankly, I'm surprised they are still in business. It used to be my favorite store back when Steve owned it. Times have changed.

 

[Sullyman]

I'm going to get rock for my new tank from them, lets see couple hundred pounds of $40 rock............................................................
.......................Honey, I think this tank is going to cost a little more than I expected..........

 

[jcm1229]

Only stopped in cause I was in the area . . . .

 

[Sullyman]

John, someone has to stop in those stores occasionaly and confirm that the greedy side of the force is still alive.
When I was spending a lot of time in Park Ridge, I'd go to living sea. Not to shop but to reassure myself that I'm not paying ridiculous prices at the stores I do spend money at.
John, here's a pic of the cap I got from you, back from the grave and about 9"x4" now.

 

[jcm1229]

Looks great!

 

[Rivenjim]

yea i havnt been there in years for that very same reason. they seem to prey on the people that just get into the hobby which is a shame because they should be enbraced.

 

[Pufferpunk]

they seem to prey on the people that just get into the hobby which is a shame because they should be enbraced.

I feel the same way about Living Sea. I can't believe when folks buy their whole set up there, when Coral Reef is just down the street & they coulda gotten it for 1/3 the price!