Which LFS pulls the nicest corals ??

[yongsum]

I have been hitting Mings again (Atlantis) and it seems he is back. So for SPS, hands down Atlantis is the place to go. Well, I personally favor those unique wild pieces over maricultured anyday so keep that in mind. Not sure if he's all back in the game yet or if his customer service has changed - I see his prices haven't lol, although I am still buying pieces !!!


For bread and butter SPS, Aquatic Collection. Next, Neptunes (but prices too high). Last stop Aquatic Central (but they are not regular on bringing in SPS colonies).

LPS, Aquatic Central without doubt. At least for the nicer stuff. But again, AC and Neptunes are my next stops. I wish Atlantis and Aquatic Central would post up more or is it just me ? Then again, if it is selling, why bother posting so much ?

What's the word on that new shop opening up in San Carlos or whatever ?

 

[D-Nak]

I wish Atlantis and Aquatic Central would post up more or is it just me ? Then again, if it is selling, why bother posting so much ?

I really like how Neptune not only updates their site regularly, but they are also on Facebook and they send out a newsletter. Excellent customer service in my book, especially since I'm about an hour away. I'm glad to see that Aquatic Collection are blogging periodically too.

 

[Berkeleyaquaman]

Jess at Diablo Corals has some tasty nuggets at reasonable prices!

 

[Robert4025]

I have been hitting Mings again (Atlantis) and it seems he is back. So for SPS, hands down Atlantis is the place to go. Well, I personally favor those unique wild pieces over maricultured anyday so keep that in mind. Not sure if he's all back in the game yet or if his customer service has changed - I see his prices haven't lol, although I am still buying pieces !!!


For bread and butter SPS, Aquatic Collection. Next, Neptunes (but prices too high). Last stop Aquatic Central (but they are not regular on bringing in SPS colonies).

LPS, Aquatic Central without doubt. At least for the nicer stuff. But again, AC and Neptunes are my next stops. I wish Atlantis and Aquatic Central would post up more or is it just me ? Then again, if it is selling, why bother posting so much ?

What's the word on that new shop opening up in San Carlos or whatever ?

You should also take into consideration for the amount of every day selection and the cost of giving quality customer service as well.

The more quality the selection is, the more expensive it gets as when I buy, all I buy are premium or ultra grade and that automatically add a bit of a premium to all the pieces by my vendors.

As for customer service...well, we all know resource is not cheap...:deadhorse:

I know my price is not the lowest and I don't want to be the lowest. I take great pride and goes to great length to find great pieces so yes, it is a little expensive. And, I'd rather pay a little more for a bunch of quality pieces then stocking all the bins with brown ones...that's what everyone rather want, right?

Maybe one day when you guys see me driving a Lambo to work, then you really know I am overcharging you...haha. Until then, I gotta do what I gotta do to keep the shop open and earn an honest living.

Anyway, Thanks for the feedback on my shop!

Robert

 

[eldiablosrt8]

We need a like button like facebook

 

[chlwodud85]

+1 Berkeleyaquaman

Jess is the best, I got almost all my frags from and he gives great deal. Great selection on everything from SPS to LPS~

 

[Berkeleyaquaman]

What Robert said about cost is an UNDERSTATEMENT! As a previous store owner...it costs a boat load to cover PGE, and the landlord AND put food in his mouth.

 

[D-Nak]

I can't imagine what the PG&E bill looks like since many places are running halides on the coral tanks, not to mention all of the other equipment required to run the store. Or the yearly replacement cost for bulbs. I really think people fail to realize that all of the LFS are doing what we're doing at home (in terms of tank upkeep) but on a much larger scale. And this doesn't include the customer service aspect, such as handing out mochas to our wives and Capri-Suns to our kids, as well as the back room with the couches and Wii hooked up to the TV to keep our families occupied. Got your attention there did I? LOL

Maybe this is a good time to thank all of our LFS for bringing us the good, no, great stuff and going the extra mile to look for the things we want in our tanks. I can honestly say that I've never felt the need to shop online since I'm very happy with what I see in our stores. This is a departure from my normal shopping habits -- if Amazon starts selling livestock, then you guys might be in trouble.

 

[Reefer1225]

+1 Diablo & Neptunes... haven't bought anything in months b/c new baby, but these are the only two shops I bought frags from. Reason = CUSTOMER SERVICE. They are the best in the Bay IMO!

 

[yongsum]

what about fluid dynamics ? i have been hearing about them but haven't been there yet. and what's that other spot in san carlos ?

 

[sfpd]

I went to aquatic central last week, I just don't think I would spend money there, as the owner does not really take good care of the corals. The corals there especially the chalices there look so skinny and unhealthy. Not talk about the price is high. He even put his own name onto the wm chalices. I thought it was funny to see that.

 

[Psionicdragon]

interesting

 

[Reefnub]

Agreed, aquatic central has terrible quality and prices. 6th ave aquarium is even worse for fish and corals. For fish and inverts, Steve @ dcaquatic is the best. For corals neptuneaquatic, aquatic collection, diablo and fdaquarium, and of course local members. :spin3:

 

[650-IS350]

Interesting take.

 

[sfpd]

Yeah, Steve is awesome for fish and inverts. But his corals are BLAH.

 

[davskee]

Hmmm all My LE SPS are sitting @ Aquatic Central and they are growing and color is great. And as prices are you comparing them to online stores? His prices on food are great and has every frozen food I can think of. Opening a store in a prime location cost money what do you want the guy to do? Go bankrupt so he can satisfy people that want to nickle and dime the store. I think all stores would love to give their customers crazy low prices but it isnt possible. Do you even know what a LFS makes on dry goods? Im sure all LFS can tell you that the 10% and 20% mark up they put on items isnt even enough to pay their electricity.

 

[undertai]

Neptunes is one of my favorite stores. You can find cheap sps and lps. And it you look hard enough in the $10 tanks and you find a steal. I got a couple bright red acans for $10.

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[josephcosta]

I like Neptunes, they got me started (hooked). My only concern with buying from them is the absolute NO REFUND OR RETURN POLICY which is strictly enforced. This forces me in many cases to buy from Amazon or others just in case I don't really like what I get or change my mind later plus the added fact of saving money. I am an impulse buyer a lot of the times so I would prefer to buy locally and I could look past the cost, but not the return policy.

FYI: I am not referring to any type of livestock, I only buy them locally.

 

[undertai]

I only buy my corals locally. I mostly DIY my equipment. Unless I don't have the tools at my house or it cost more to DIY than to buy. And that's a rare occasion. I just finished a Skimmer and working on my second led light.

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[aakinego]

I went to aquatic central last week, I just don't think I would spend money there, as the owner does not really take good care of the corals. The corals there especially the chalices there look so skinny and unhealthy. Not talk about the price is high. He even put his own name onto the wm chalices. I thought it was funny to see that.

That is because that strawberry watermelon did originally come from him.