Which Pet Shop do you perfer?

[makoshark]

Of the Pet Shops that offer CMAS members a discount, which one do you like best overall? i.e. best prices, selection, knowledgeable staff. Comments welcome.

Advanced Aquatics (Glen) -- 879 S. Roselle, Schaumburg 60193
847-882-5747

Barrier Reef Aquatics (Mike) --5716 S. Archer, Chicago 60638
773-581-7333

Beyond the Reef (Dan/Jeff) -- 205 W. Golf, Schaumburg 60195
847-885-REEF (7333)

Birds & Beasts (Paul) -- 35-18 Berkshire Dr., Crystal Lake 60014
815-477-7387

Capture the Sea (Jim) -- 8010 W. 171st St., Tinley Park 60477
708-444-7614

Coral Reef Pet Center (Jim/Mitch) -- 7723 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge 60706
708-456-0768

Exotic Aquatics (Jeff) -- 2102 Algonquin, Lake in the Hills 60102
847-854-6154

Glen Ellyn Pet Center (John) -- 682 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn 60137
630-469-2114

Harbor Aquatics (Joy) -- 927 N. 200 W., Valpariso, IN 46385
219-764-4404

King Coral Aquarium (Dean) -- 5541 W. Montrose, Chicago 60641
773-283-5612

Living Sea Aquarium (Mike) -- 811 W. Devon, Park Ridge 60068
847-698-SALT (7258)

Ocean Design (Tony) -- 6500 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago 60634
773-736-9838

Pet Food Warehouse -- 777 N. Quentin, Palatine 60067
847-705-7745

Pet Paradise (Sheila) -- 2009 W. 63rd St., Downers Grove 60516
630-960-0333

Pet Supplies "Plus" (Mike) -- 1261 B North Lake Rd., Aurora 60506
630-801-4115

Petland -- 720 S. Rte. 59, Naperville 60565
630-357-3800

Petland (Adam) -- 342-120 W. Army Trail Rd., Bloomingdale 60108
630-307-8887

Reef Dweller (Menard) -- 6023 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago 60659
773-743-5574

Saltwater Specialties (Scott) -- 1548 Route 83 Main St., Antioch 60002
847-395-7000

Scott's Pet Shop (Scott) -- 3054 S. Wolf Rd., Westchester 60154
708-562-5000

SeaQuest Marine (Jim/Jan)-- Phone 815-479-8497; Fax 815-444-8601; Web www.seaquestmarine.com
Custom aquariums

Tropi-Quatics Pet Center -- 426 S. Main, Lombard 60148
630-953-2696

Tropical World Ltd. (Mark) -- 802 S. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove 60089
847-541-1190

Wet Pets and Friends (Kevin/Sue) -- Town Square Shopping Center, 160-D S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg 60193
(847)891-5088, www.wetpets2.com

 

[jcm1229]

What about Non-Sponsors??

What about Non-Sponsors??

Does the favorite shop poll have to be limited to sponsors?? If not I'd like to add Old Orchard (formerly SeaShell) in Skokie. Not saying its my favorite, but I think its as good a choice as several that are on the sponsor list.

By the way I dropped off materials about a month ago about them becoming a sponsor, but I don't think its going to happen. I heard there was a problem with the previous owner and his sponsorship and that may have carried forward to the new ownership.

 

[makoshark]

Re: What about Non-Sponsors??

Re: What about Non-Sponsors??

Does the favorite shop poll have to be limited to sponsors?? If not I'd like to add Old Orchard (formerly SeaShell) in Skokie. Not saying its my favorite, but I think its as good a choice as several that are on the sponsor list.

By the way I dropped off materials about a month ago about them becoming a sponsor, but I don't think its going to happen. I heard there was a problem with the previous owner and his sponsorship and that may have carried forward to the new ownership.

Well, I would have been more than happy to add Old Orchard to the list but only Moderators can edit a poll once it's published. I'll see what I can do to get them added.

I'm not opposed to adding non sponsors to the list, but if we're that impressed with shops that are not sponsors maybe we can figure out how to make them sponsors.

 

[murphs5150]

Wow, a couple votes for petland? Are they that nice out there in Naperville? The one by me is just awfull for salt. Floating fish, corals with low light, kids with no clue. May have to take a ride out there and see now.

 

[Papajin]

I can't possibly vote on this as I use several stores for several different items. Mostly distance is a big factor in where I generally go, though and that narrows things down to a handful of stores. About the only store I buy something from on a regular basis is Wet Pets, and that's only salt and food. I like Harbor Aquatics a lot, but if I'm looking for fish, I certainly wouldn't vote for them. It all depends.

 

[criccio]

murphs5150, yes the Naperville Petland is that nice, you should really consider stopping by sometime. It's on the corner of Rte. 59 & Ogden Ave.

 

[makoshark]

I can't possibly vote on this as I use several stores for several different items. Mostly distance is a big factor in where I generally go, though and that narrows things down to a handful of stores. About the only store I buy something from on a regular basis is Wet Pets, and that's only salt and food. I like Harbor Aquatics a lot, but if I'm looking for fish, I certainly wouldn't vote for them. It all depends.

Papajin,

I set up the poll to allow multiple votes. I know that everyone has special places for special items. I too frequent multiple shops and I voted for all of them, regardless I hope that the proverbial cream will rise to the top.

Jeff

 

[makoshark]

Wow, a couple votes for petland? Are they that nice out there in Naperville? The one by me is just awfull for salt. Floating fish, corals with low light, kids with no clue. May have to take a ride out there and see now.

Murph,

The Naperville Petland has a good selection of marine animals, however be prepared to drag someone back to the fish room and don't expect to find well marked prices and a knowlegeable staff. JMO

Jeff

 

[Papajin]

Woops! I didn't even realize you COULD vote multiple times. I'll have to go vote now.

 

[bradsch]

its all about making money!

its all about making money!

thats why we must stick together.

 

[makoshark]

Bump. (Just trying to keep it on the radar)

 

[PacRim]

I don't really pefer any of them. The only place I go to for cheap prices and a knowledgable staff if Splash of Life in Elburn(Brett). He used to have a greenhouse full of coral tanks at his home that was awesome. He has since moved to a store front. I haven't been out there for awhile.

 

[makoshark]

I don't really pefer any of them. The only place I go to for cheap prices and a knowledgable staff if Splash of Life in Elburn(Brett). He used to have a greenhouse full of coral tanks at his home that was awesome. He has since moved to a store front. I haven't been out there for awhile.

PacRim,

Are you a CMAS member? If so, would you be willing to ask Brett if he would concider becoming a CMAS sponsor. I've heard good things about Splash of life but have yet to venture out that way. Perhaps I'd be a little more motivated if I was getting a discount.

 

[PacRim]

Jeff,
I've been a member for about 2 years. I'll see if he'll become a sponser or not. I'm pretty sure he knows about CMAS, so I don't think it will to hard to persuade him.

 

[jbash]

I thought Splash of Life was a sponsor! We had a meeting at Brett's farm/business several years ago--my very first meeting. But at that point he and Glen (Advanced Aquatics) were partners and I think one name was used for mail order and one for local.

So yes, please ask him if he should be on our list. It could be our mistake. I've been wanting to check out the Elburn location but haven't had the time for the trip (perhaps haldf a day for me from downtown Chicago I haven't even had time for Menard's since he moved but summer is coming and I'm determined to make the time!

jim b

 

[reefkeeper1976]

Petland in naperville is nice but like you guys said alittle pricy. For the most part the staff is not knowledgable depends on who you deal with. I worked there for almost year one time and about 3 mos. another just afew mos. ago.

 

[makoshark]

I thought Splash of Life was a sponsor! We had a meeting at Brett's farm/business several years ago--my very first meeting. But at that point he and Glen (Advanced Aquatics) were partners and I think one name was used for mail order and one for local.

So yes, please ask him if he should be on our list. It could be our mistake. I've been wanting to check out the Elburn location but haven't had the time for the trip (perhaps haldf a day for me from downtown Chicago I haven't even had time for Menard's since he moved but summer is coming and I'm determined to make the time!

jim b

I smell a planning committee adjenda item for next year.

 

[ReefHobbyist]

Store update

Store update

I thought I would post an update. Saltwater Specialties in Antioch was sold to one of the employees, Steve I believe. It is currently being remodeled. He is having a grand openning on May 9. I'm not sure what the new name is.

He says he's going to have a frag tank as well.

I will post more when I know (Probably after May 9).

Scott

 

[alpine]

Just came from CORAL REEF PET CENTER seems there not giving us cmas members a discount anymore.Well they did'nt extend it to me when I asked for it.Maybe somebody from the clubs higher archy should call them and see if there sponsoring us anymore.

Jorge

 

[clamlvr]

Alpine were is this store located