Visiting Orlando - what local stores to visit?

[glbtrottr]

Looking to visit some local coral stores...where are they located? What are the choices?

Here from Chicagoland...

 

[hexedagain]

I recommend Sea in the City. I haven't been to all of these listed on this link, but I know there are some other great stores in the area.
Here's a link to some local stores:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1083644

Enjoy your trip while you're here.

 

[jay24k]

SITC has alot of variety and nice corals. I also just visited reefworks in Lake Mary. That place is nice too and you can't beat their ORA prices. I think every piece was 34 bucks and they even had the roscoe and yellow german with blue/purple polyps.

 

[chrisstie]

I recopied these from the thread so you'll have easy access to addresses.

Sea In the City
441 Gaston Foster Rd.
Orlando, FL 32807
(407) 207-4056
seainthecity.com

Ocean Direct (previously the Fish Bowl)
1940 N Ronald Regan Blvd
Longwood, FL 32750
(407)-339-8883
thefishbowlonline.com

Ocean Blue Aquarium
4270 Aloma Ave
Winter Park, FL 32792
(407) 679-3557
oceanblueaquarium.com

Aquaria Studio
504 N Alafaya TRL
Orlando, FL 32828
(407) 384-9669

Seven Seas Aquarium Inc
910 N State Road 434 # 12
Altamonte Spgs, FL
(407) 682-2500

Reef Works
3587 Lake Emma Road
Lake Mary, FL 32746
(407) 333-1414

 

[lifesworksataol]

i think reef works rocks! if you go to one place go there! clean, unbeatable prices and they have a big store compared to most - second would have to be the fish bowl (which is now oceans direct) third would have to be pet safari (they just have some weird off the wall stuff sometimes) cool to see

 

[taketz]

Gotta go with SITC but don't forget the others. To be honest, we are kind of spoiled down here...

 

[stacerbean]

In a month I will be in Orlando for a work-related convention. I'm from Minnesota and I'm thrilled, this will be my first trip to Florida.

Would it be worth my time to shop in one of the local stores and ship back to MN or should I just stick to shopping online?

 

[reefnfish]

If you do travel about 15 miles east of Orlando, and get off at exit 94 (Longwood exit) you will be within 5 miles of 6 saltwater stores. Longwood is the mecca of saltwater fish stores! There are some not so hot ones, and some great ones. Hit them all and see what you think!

 

[chrisstie]

Stacer I would definitely check out SITC, reefworks, and any others you might have time for, we are totally spoiled! If you will have an opportunity to visit the stores right before you fly out you may be able to take stuff with you on the plane?

I think a few of our local places would know what to do if you talk to them.. We had some lovely ladies from the UK here not long ago and I believe theyw ere able to takesome things back with them.. not sure if its as easy flying within the states

 

[stacerbean]

Thanks for your thoughts.

I will have to research what you can fly with, if at all. I vaguely remember someone mentioning that they consider corals hazardous materials. I'll do some research. The day I fly out I will have about a half a day to play with.

Are there any aquariums I should visit? And should I really make SeaWorld part of my visit (I'll be staying right next to the place).

Thanks!
Stacey

 

[MrUnderground]

Stacey,

If you are going to be staying right next to it. Why not. I love Sea World; and I was born and raised here in FL.

Removed by mhurley. Sorry...being a business owner, you know the rules here.

I agree With the others! We are spoiled! Longwood does seem the be the central FL Mecca for Saltwater! And EVERY Store mentioned is worth visiting to experience the wide selection Central Florida has to offer. None of us has the whole ocean so please if you have time, come check us all out and see what each of our "Reef Slices" has to offer.

P.S. I used to work for Vinh over at Ocean Blue. Great Store, and his new store... Aquaria Studio is the Nicest example of European Style and Class I've seen in an LFS EVER.

Marcye Down at Sea in the City and all of her crew are Wonderful to work with, Great Frag Selection! I buy some coral for my 75 Gal from her every once in a while.

Rich down at Fishy Business has a reputation that preceeds him because of his years of experience in the business and the hobby.

I always hear good things about the guys down at ReefWorks.

Enjoy your stay here in Florida and I hope to have you stop by if possible.

Thanks
Dave @ Exotic Aquarium

 

[MrUnderground]

Sorry. I'm not actually the owner. I juss work for him.

 

[rocknrollpp]

Hello MrUnderground, I was looking around here and I was told that you have a sump for sale? Awesome, hook me up brotha. How much Big Dogg?

 

[DaveBien]

I flew from Ft Lauderdale this spring w/ fish and corals back to Chicago. They need to be CHECKED baggage. I used a small plastic cooler, packed carefully, and taped shut. They may ask you to sign a live animal waiver. I didn't declare them as live and all was fine.

 

[stacerbean]

Thanks for the comments, Dave! I was wondering how fish would do. I'll probably just stick to corals. Glad to know someone else was successful.

Stacey