Tampa

[Reef18Keeper]

Well I am off to explore what Tampa has to offer. I have never been to any of Tampa's coral shops so it will be fun. I have planned on going to Coral Corral and Faios. So is there anything else worth seeing when I am up that way?

 

[SarasotaDiver]

when are you going to Faios???

 

[Reef18Keeper]

I went yesterday.. You missed out. It was very cool, loads of coral and fish.

 

[robthorn]

Glad you enjoyed your visit. Did you get to both ichthy and corral? My only 2 places to shop locally. Everything else gets a free pass.

 

[MrHarvard]

What did you think about FAOIS and Coral Corral? They are two of my favorite stores! Did you get a chance to meet John the owner of FAOIS?(super nice guy)

 

[Reef18Keeper]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15174006#post15174006 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MrHarvard
What did you think about FAOIS and Coral Corral? They are two of my favorite stores! Did you get a chance to meet John the owner of FAOIS?(super nice guy)

I think so there was two guys an olderguy and younger guy they were putting fish away

 

[MrHarvard]

Yeah that was probably him. What did you think about the prices and selections. What stores do you guys have there in Sarasota?

 

[Reef18Keeper]

Coral conection is the main coral shop. Then theres animal crackers, seascapes and sea clear

 

[robthorn]

Animal Crackers? Thats pretty funny.

 

[Reef18Keeper]

Hey they have coral and SWF

 

[robthorn]

Just thought the name was funny. I have never even heard of it so I don't mean anything negative about the store.

 

[BR12349]

Coral Connection and Underseas Paradise are great places.

 

[xxseawolf]

coral connection is a great store.

todd

 

[Maverickoffshor]

I was up at Animal Crackers on Friday talking to James (the aquatics manager) and he was telling me they just picked up a few new suppliers for coral. Tired of all the indo since the area is saturated with that. New suppliers are out of australia, tonga, and fiji and livestock is mostly aquacultured. Should be getting in a few boxes from them to see what they send on 6/23ish. They also have signs all over the place that they are having a sale on 6/27 of all reptiles, fish, coral and associated products. Might be worth checking out. I check in once or twice a week to see what they get in new, the store is right around the corner from my house and right next to my bank. They have pretty low prices and say they can get just about anything if they don't have it. I still frequent the other stores around town just to see if something interesting pops up but no one beats Animal Crackers prices.

 

[BR12349]

Stop by Underseas and check his prices, I have been going to lot of places and they seem to be doing the everyday low pricing instead of gimick sales. I have noticed the normal stuff i always buy to be $1-$2 cheaper, also compare his coral and fish prices to anyone i bet he is cheaper. But I am like you I like to go to other places to see what they have all I am saying it is worth to stop by. 6" RTA's 95.00-- for example.

Brad

 

[Maverickoffshor]

BR12349 - Just as a comparison, Underseas is selling a medium sized yellow tang for $50.00. Animal Crackers has them for $35-40. That is bread and butter saltwater right there. I believe they have the everyday low prices and are having a "gimmick" sale (as you put it) just to get some extra people through the doors with the economy the way it is. They make their money on dog food and birds and don't have to over price things so they can pay their bills.

As an update to my first post, Animal Crackers got in some nice zoas tuesday, some fire and ice, eagle eyes, pinks and a few others.

 

[BR12349]

I didn't say anything bad about Animal Crackers. I was just suggesting if you were in the area. That is only one example of one price. Medium size is pretty broad. I like to go to numerous stores and they all have their pros and cons.

 

[a2fire2i]

a price on any live animal is only as good as the thing is treated, care for and kept while at the store and on its way there. I do not know either stores QT process, water quality, chemicals they use (or dont), medicines they use (or dont). I would rather pay a little more for a better quality fish than get one at a cheaper price that comes with issues.


I AM NOT TRYING TO GET INTO A DEBATE OR ARGUMENT, BUT LETS CONSIDER ALL THE FACTS BEFORE WE COMPARE PRICES. I AM NOT KNOCKING EITHER STORE NOR AM I SAYING SHOP AT ONE AS OPPOSED TO THE OTHER!

 

[BR12349]

AMEN-- WELL SAID

 

[Reef18Keeper]

Animal Crackers are selling there zoos for 50 cents a polyp beat that.lol I bought my powder blue from (AC) for $50 buck every where else is at least $80 Seascapes sells them for $130 that's crazy!!