Who has the best deals on equipment online, which website do you purchase from?

[Slipstream06]

I'm looking for recommendations, just starting out and the expenses are mounting. Man this an expensive hobby, think it's cheaper to a gambling problem or drug addiction!

 

[panhandler01]

I check a number of websites. Bulk Reef Supply, Marine Depot, Drs. Foster and Smith, Liveaquaria, Marine and Reef, Buckeye Hydro, Amazon, Aquacave, Salty Supply, Petco, Petsmart and a couple of others. My favorites are Bulk Reef Supply and Marine Depot for equipment and supplements and Liveaquaria for livestock.

 

[Frostyfishman]

What equipment specifically are you looking for because I get different things from different places. I would say the best option is to shop around on every single item.

 

[Slipstream06]

You name it I need it LOL. Helped out a friend by picking up her 144 gallon semicircle oceanic tank. Now trying to convert it over to a reef tank. Skimmer was busted, lighting was pc. So basically it was just the tank and stand. So I've picked up rodi system, led lights, new return pump sicce 5.0, vertex skimmer 180i. Probably need to look into a controller, ato system, newer powerheads, few extra pounds of live rock. Then the system should be ready for corals.

 

[Frostyfishman]

Probably need to look into a controller, ato system, newer powerheads, few extra pounds of live rock. Then the system should be ready for corals.

Idk about the controller i'm going to DIY my controller but amazon would be my starting point followed by BRS and elsewhere. Have you considered using dry rock and letting your LR seed it. Jet.com has a great deal on dry rock 60 bucks for 50 lbs and they have a promo code to get 10% off. Craigslift also can have some deals. oh and idk what your timeline is but you can buy and sell off here at 90 days and 50 posts.

 

[Dundermifflin]

Bulk Reef Supply and Marine Depot are the two best in my opinion. They'll match prices with anyone and their service is the best out there. They stand behind everything they sell. Both will walk you through anything you want to know. Drs Foster and Smith are good too, but take longer to ship.

 

[Slipstream06]

Brs was running some pretty awesome deals on black friday. Spent nearly $800. Going broke saving money I guess LOL. It's all worth it though, can wait till I'm able to introduce the lps, sps and invertebrates!

 

[Zer0.]

like the others said, it kidna depends what you looking for.

I get salt and other smaller stuff from drfostersandsmith.

skimmer or something similar marinedepot.

Really only go to brs for weird hard to find odds and ends.

BRS is great for reviews tho as marinedepot, check their stuff out then google the item you want, see where its cheapest.

 

[Sapelo]

I buy almost everything from BRS because their customer service is unparalleled. The few times I've had anything break (or arrive broken) they have done everything humanely possible to help me get it fixed quickly, including sending replacements overnight at their expense.
They can help you set up anything and I trust their videos and staff to make solid recommendations.

 

[Reef908]

I also suggest using a combination of Bulk Reef Supply and Marine Depot. It always helps to check reviews on the google but for a few extra dollars, I typically will go with the reputed companies with good customer service when buying online. I have only done one online purchase for fish through live aquaria / divers den and their customer service was top notch.

 

[Tigerdragon]

Look at marco rocks for rock great stuff and man does he pack it well

 

[ScienceRulez]

It all depends on what you want and the quality you are looking for. Myself I tend to buy a lot of stuff from an Ebay store, Cli pet supplies. They have really good prices, however the quality is nothing close with the brand names like Tunze. About a month ago I bought some wave maker type pumps from cli and they have been working very well so far. They mostly stock a brand called SunSun which as far as I can guess the same company that makes the Jaebo brand stuff.

Good luck!

 

[reefbroao]

I've seen some crazy deals on Foster and Smith's.

Ebay/ amazon is also a great option just make sure you know what you're buying.

I've specifically found items on amazon literally 50% the price of in store items.