Who has the best online prices??
- Thread starter o2zen
- Start date
ReefArtist
In Memoriam
Now that's an open question - depends on what you're looking for and if you want any support after your purchase.
So what are you looking to purchase?
So what are you looking to purchase?
o2zen
New member
Everything. From lighting to the skimmer to the pumps.
I know everyone has a fav place to shop which is why I was asking. I am in the research portion of my shopping and trying to figure out what is what in the pricing and the support world.
Lets say I am buying everything NEW (scary thought). Where would you go for your lights, tank, skimmer, pumps, etc.
I know everyone has a fav place to shop which is why I was asking. I am in the research portion of my shopping and trying to figure out what is what in the pricing and the support world.
Lets say I am buying everything NEW (scary thought). Where would you go for your lights, tank, skimmer, pumps, etc.
EDIT...sorry, I posted this at same time as you.
Aquatraders best prices but awful service...products are about average to below...I'm using a 48" PC fixture that I love from them, BUT I've gotten other things not so good, and they showed something in stock that wasn't and they didn't respond to any emails. I finally just got a refund (though no contact) about 3 months later...but at least they refunded.
CustomAquatic is my favorite place and they work with you and talk with you.
Live things? All depends on what you are getting. I like saltwaterfish.com and marinedepotlive.com. The online places seem to have healthy critters for me so far, but you better be OK without seeing your "product" before purchasing (example: you order a small fish and it comes to you smaller than you knew they were even born at, lol).
Like the art lady said...whatcha looking for? That makes a difference.
Aquatraders best prices but awful service...products are about average to below...I'm using a 48" PC fixture that I love from them, BUT I've gotten other things not so good, and they showed something in stock that wasn't and they didn't respond to any emails. I finally just got a refund (though no contact) about 3 months later...but at least they refunded.
CustomAquatic is my favorite place and they work with you and talk with you.
Live things? All depends on what you are getting. I like saltwaterfish.com and marinedepotlive.com. The online places seem to have healthy critters for me so far, but you better be OK without seeing your "product" before purchasing (example: you order a small fish and it comes to you smaller than you knew they were even born at, lol).
Like the art lady said...whatcha looking for? That makes a difference.
ReefArtist
In Memoriam
I did purchase almost everything online and if I were to do it again I'd purchase everything from John and Jennifer at Fish and Other Ichthy Things. Great support and great service - all local.
ReefArtist
In Memoriam
Hey LadyFSU - LOL "The Art Lady" - :lolspin:!
ReefArtist
In Memoriam
My last online purchase was from Reefgeeks - (lights) I had a problems and - me calling and emailing I got it fixed, after two weeks and the tank running. I was at FAOIS and was looking at what John had - same stuff same price, that really made my day 
. Here I paid for the shipment back for faulty equipment and I could have gotten it local. I learned my lesson.
. Here I paid for the shipment back for faulty equipment and I could have gotten it local. I learned my lesson.You won't get the cheapest price on everything at one place. ThatPetPlace has some really low prices on some things, but not everything. Most local and online stores don't even carry everything! Also watch shipping costs. Some will kill you. If you want the best price on everything, bookmark a bunch of favorites and check prices on several sites b4 u buy. Even that may not be your best deal because some vendors offer free shipping if your order is big enough (generally around $200 but it varies) so if you cherry pick, shipping may bite you back. It's a challenge. You may want to pay a bit more from a vendor with good service and a fair return policy. Some vendors are a nightmare. Others are terrific.
o2zen
New member
I need to check FAOIS out for sure. I stopped by FINS since I work a few blocks away. Neat place but I have heard good and bad and I am not sure if it was with the old owner or the new.
They sure had some neat cubes of life in there but not much on hardware and I did not check prices out much. Dr.Fosters has everything I have purchased for my bc29 at about half the prices I paid local so I am looking into the online dealers for a bit but I would rather buy from a local reefer upgrading to be honest.
They sure had some neat cubes of life in there but not much on hardware and I did not check prices out much. Dr.Fosters has everything I have purchased for my bc29 at about half the prices I paid local so I am looking into the online dealers for a bit but I would rather buy from a local reefer upgrading to be honest.
Ah64av8tor
Premium Member
I have bought most of my stuff for my 150 build from John (FOIS) (almost all of the large purchases except for lights and should have gotten them there) he has really surprised me with his prices.
I just got a dart from him that was $25 cheaper than any internet price and NO shipping!
He really knows his stuff and won't try to sell you something you don't need.
I just got a dart from him that was $25 cheaper than any internet price and NO shipping!
He really knows his stuff and won't try to sell you something you don't need.
