Looking for some Good LFS

[abad36]

Hello....I live in West Covina.... and work in LA ...I really have'nt found any good LFS, Jeff's is ok but I would like to see what eles is out there.. If you guys can rate them from a scale of 1-10, 10 being the highest...
Thanks

[cali_reef]

If you are in to SPS or LPS, local reefer are your best bet.

[knot-hard]

if your ever down in teh fullerton/irvine area, heres my list
fish collection= -10 thats right negative 10
trans = 10 perfect score. he has some good stock, mostly clams and excellent service
tong's in brea= 8 they have some good stock and will special order things, but they are a bit pricey
pettown in irvine= this place gets a 9 they ahve excellent stock and excellent service, but usually all the really nice things are not for sale or extravagantly priced. good shop though.
orange coast= havent been there in a while but i would say a 7
strictly fish in garden grove= 10 they have an awesome selection and have sales on wednsedays.

[lakerfan]

Go to Fish Collection, they have a good selection and the prices are decent. Knot-hard had a bad experience there and I understand why he gave them that rating, but most people including myself are extremely satisfied with their shop. I've been going there for over 8yrs

You also might want to think about joining a club. Check out www.scmas.com

In the West Covina area, try:
Tongs off of Asuza: haven't been there in a while hit or miss with the livestock though.
Angel Aquarium in Rowland Heights would be your best bet for some quality stuff. They are located off of Nogales right by the 60. www.angelaquarium.com
Hacienda Aquatics used to have some good stuff, but now they're focusing more on fish only systems

Where in West Covina do you live? I've lived in the area for many years, and I'm now in Rowland Heights.

[eight2178]

here's a list i copied/pasted from a similar post a while back...they're not rated on a 1-10, but if you ever get bored, you can check these out and rate them for us...;)


Tropical Fish & Pet House
9201 Garden Grove Blvd
Anaheim
714-634-6130

Rainbow Pet
9066 Woodman Ave.
Arleta
818-891-6366

Tiki's Fish and Pets
9711 E. Alondra
Bellflower
562-925-2620

PetCo
3525 W. Victory Blvd.
Burbank
818-566-8528

Exotic Life Fish & Reptile
9919 Topanga Canyon
Chatsworth
818-341-1007

The Aquarium House
6402 Philadelphia #F
Chino
909-465-6113

Parkway Tropical Fish
200 Chino Hills Pkw
Chino Hills
909-393-3803

Reef Systems
2931 Grace Lane #G
Costa Mesa
714-751-3474

The Aquarium 11
6403 Sepulveda
Culver City
310-390-1240

Pets Plus
8240 E. Firestone
Downey
562-869-4553

Jim's Exotic Fish
630 N. Sepulveda Blvd. #14A
El Segundo
310-322-FISH

Fish Haven Tropical Fish
2203 E. Valley Pkwy
Escondido
619-741-1525

Fontana Tropical Fish
9830-B Sierra Ave.
Fontana
909-829-0211

Tong's Tropical Fish
8976 Warner Ave.
Fountain Valley
714-842-2733

Harbor Fish and Pet
16289 Harbor Blvd.
Fountain Valley
714-839-3473

Pet America
1817 W. Orangethorpe
Fullerton
714-879-4560

Strictly Fish
12227 Harbor Blvd.
Garden Grove
714-750-7151

Tropical Fish & Pet House
9201 Garden Grove Blvd.
Garden Grove
714-534-6130

Carson Tropical Fish
12119 E. Carson St.
Hawaiian Gardens
562-924-7685

Su Aquarium
12625 S. Hawthorne
Hawthorne
310-675-8652

Petmart
1054 Aviation Blvd.
Hermosa Beach
310-376-4724

Seaside Tropical Fish
21162 Beach Blvd.
Huntington Beach
714-969-0491

Fish Tale
4364 Fountain
Hollywood
323-665-0350

Fish Cove
3902 Foothill Blvd.
La Crescenta
818-249-7518

Doug's Discount Tropical
561 W. La Habra Blvd
La Habra
562-691-2037

Fountain Aquarium
7575 University Ave.
La Mesa
619-589-0745

San Diego Aquarium
7575 University Ave.
La Mesa
619-589-0745

Hacienda Aquatics
1075 N.Hacienda Blvd
La Puente
626-330-4716

Strictly Fish 11
6903 Carson S
Lakewood
562-421-9106

Neptune's Tropical
4817 Paramount BI
Lakewood
562-423-8280

Circle Pet
1940 Ximeno
Long Beach
562-597-0619

Tom's Tropical
4925 Long Beach Blvd
Long Beach
562-423-2445

Fish Tale
4364 Fountain Ave.
Los Angeles
213-665-0350

L.A. Aquarium
11662 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles
310-477 1928

Tong's Tropical Fish/LA
4325 S. Vermont Ave
Los Angeles
213-235-4370

The Aquarium I
12807 Venice Blvd.
Mar Vista
310-398-9920

Zoo Pet Store
23062 Alicia Parkway
Mission Viejo
949-595-0757

Tropical Fish House
5146 Holt
Montclair
909-624-6417

All Pet Center
2000 S Atlantic Blvd
Monterey Park
323-726-6708

Puddle Beyond the Pond
2023 River Road
Norco
909-817-0069

JMS Tropical Fish
4160 Oceanside Blvd.
Oceanside
760-630-3545

Pasadena Tropical
2980 E. Colorado #108
Pasadena
626-449-4987

Angel's Tropical Fish
847 N. Lake Ave.
Pasadena
626-798-3473

Fish Collection
1158 E. Yorba Linda
Placentia
714-524-7109

Pet Ave.
1654 Indian Hill Blvd.
Pomona
909-625-4374

Rancho Feed & Pet
8603 Baseline
Rancho Cucamonga
909-980-4408

Sam's Tropical Fish
9359 Foothill Blvd
Rancho Cucamonga
909-989-3341

PetCo/Redondo
637 N. PCH
Redondo Beach
310-374-7969

West Coast Aquarium
7252 Reseda Blvd.
Reseda
818-881-2833

PetCo
3384 Tyler St.
Riverside
909-688-8886

Hidden Reef
10260 Indiana
Riverside
909-354-7333

Angel's Aquarium
1015 Nogales St. #110
Rowland Heights
626-912-5823

Pet World
891 E. Harriman
San Bernadino
909-884-3337

PetCo/San Gabriel
7262 Rosemead Blvd.
San Gabriel
818-287-9847

Seven Seas
1707 S. Gaffey
San Pedro
310-832-5339

#1 Tropical
720 S. Harbor Blvd.
Santa Ana
714-839-0785

Advanced Aquatics
23655 San Fernando Blvd.
Santa Clarita
805-255-2058

Aquarium Center
826 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica
310-395-1009

Got Fish???
2834 Colorado Blvd.
Santa Monica
310-457-3478

Aquarium Center
14256 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
818-501-3544

Simi Valley Tropical
3885 Cochran St. #G
Simi Valley
805-522-6490

Peter's Tropical
1836 Erringer
Simi Valley
805-584-6664

Mark's Tropical Fish
12063 Ventura Place
Studio City
818-762-7700

Fins 'n' Fangs
1772 Ave De Los Arboles #R
Thousand Oaks
805-493-2253

Aquarium Design
1016 Burtonwood Ave.
Thousand Oaks
805-496-6692

That Tropical Illusion
1392 Moorpark Rd.
Thousand Oaks
805-495-3220

Jeff's Exotic Fish
23520 Telo Ave.
Torrance
310-530-5592

Neptune's Reef
2851 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Torrance
310-534-2323

Tropical Reef 11
3820 Sepulveda
Torrance
310-373-0937

Allan Aquarium
846 Lincoln Blvd.
Venice
310-396-6211

ABC Aquarium
20442 Carrey Road
Walnut
909-468-1882

Pet City
14718 Whittier Blvd.
Whittier
562-698-3277

Woodland Hills Aquarium
21904 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills
818-716-1777

Lance's Aquarium
22530 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills
818-222-6577

Wildwood Pets
18547 Yorba Linda Blvd
Yorba Linda
714-777-3430

:dance: :dance: :lmao: :p :D :D

[eight2178]

it's listed alphabetically by city...

[BonsaiNut]

Hey eight. I think that is my old list. Some of the stores on that list are closed, so call ahead. Also, Strictly Fish 11 should be Strictly Fish "2" (it was a Roman numeral 2 and I copied it down wrong). I am trying to get my newer cleaned up list on a web page for people to use as a resource.

[eight2178]

much thanks to you for that list....ive referred to it a few times....i guess i shoul copyright it to you....it's a great list.....thanks again

[clsund]

Uhmmm, I don't think the list is comprehensive enough.

Thanks for the resource. Anyone in the W.L.A. area? I live in Palms and would like to meet up with some fellow reefers.

[abad36]

Wow.... Thanks for the leads ... now I have to make time to check them out.......

[cuttlefish]

Definitely check out Neptune's reef in Torrance. You won't be dissapointed. Been going there for years and they can hook you up with anything youre looking for and they know their stuff. The two owners are very knowledgable.

[robertnb64]

Hey cuttlefish,

I live about 3 blocks from Neptune's. Where are you at? I'm trying to get a bunch of fellow reefers in the Torrance/Beach Cities area together.

[coolcat310]

Neptune's coral prices are too expensive. And they don't have much variety.

[Wilafur]

Originally posted by clsund
Uhmmm, I don't think the list is comprehensive enough.

Thanks for the resource. Anyone in the W.L.A. area? I live in Palms and would like to meet up with some fellow reefers.
used to live in palms, right there at palms blvd and overland.

i am still close by though, near the la brea and the 10 freeway.

[golfish]

If you need equipment try www.reeffanatic.com....their probably going to give you the BEST deal around..Their located at the south west corner of the 605 and 60..

[MrSandman]

Originally posted by coolcat310
Neptune's coral prices are too expensive. And they don't have much variety.

Yeah, and the 2 guys that run that shop are pretty arrogant closed-minded individuals. I was talking w/ a guy when i was at Jeff's Exotic Fish and he said he mentioned Jeff's to one of those Neptune guys and he was kicked out of the store. hehe. I think he was comparing prices. Sometimes Neptunes will have a decent deal on a fish, but the corals are pricey.

[cuttlefish]

Hey, not to stick up for anyone in particular but I think most store owner are used to doing things their way. What's not cool is when they start bad mouthing the way you do things even though it clearly works for you. Know what I mean? As for the guy kicked out for shopping prices, I doubt that happened but if it did he must have said something pretty stupid and had it coming. Not too may store owners kick out PAYING customers. Nothing wrong with shopping around for the best deals but if you're just pumping the store for info and intend to buy it somewhere else then you're one of the many things wrong with this hobby. You get what you pay for including advise.

[golfish]

Originally posted by MrSandman
I was talking w/ a guy when i was at Jeff's Exotic Fish and he said he mentioned Jeff's to one of those Neptune guys and he was kicked out of the store. hehe.

Hee hee, I bought my last tank from Neptune's reef. After I loaded the tank, stand and canopy in my truck the guy tells me "will see ya in a few days when you need some rock" I still laugh about that one..

Those guys are really full of them selfs

[BonsaiNut]

I was in their store once. I was looking for a purple tang. They were selling theirs for $90 (!). I went and bought one at Tong's in Fountain Valley for $34.95 or $39.95. You know you are overpriced when Tong's beats you on price! :)

[cuttlefish]

Originally posted by golfish
Hee hee, I bought my last tank from Neptune's reef. After I loaded the tank, stand and canopy in my truck the guy tells me "will see ya in a few days when you need some rock" I still laugh about that one..

Those guys are really full of them selfs


Why do you say that?

[golfish]

Originally posted by cuttlefish
Why do you say that?

Why do I say what?

[moonpod]

reefgeek.com is in WestLA near La Cienaga and the 10 fwy. Dry goods only however. Greg's a very straight shooter and gives good service and good prices. Free shipping in L.A. w/purchase over some amount. For livestock, honestly, unless you get into the wholesalers a lot of the metro LA stores are pretty bad. The local hobbyists are probably the best source for frags etc...

[cuttlefish]

Originally posted by golfish
Why do I say what?


Full of themselves?

[vietoriouz]

IMO - I think Tong's in Fountain Valley has the worst customer service, especially the owner.:mad: They are extreme rude to customers.

[cuttlefish]

Originally posted by moonpod
reefgeek.com is in WestLA near La Cienaga and the 10 fwy. Dry goods only however. Greg's a very straight shooter and gives good service and good prices. Free shipping in L.A. w/purchase over some amount. For livestock, honestly, unless you get into the wholesalers a lot of the metro LA stores are pretty bad. The local hobbyists are probably the best source for frags etc...



You know, there was an article in one of the fish mags a while ago lamenting the loss of mom and pop stores. Stores where employees know your name and what you have so they can point out a cool piece of euphyllia or just the right shape piece of live rock that you where looking for that came in a shipment. The author need only hang out on these threads for a while to understand. It kinda sucks that when a store has to buy a product from a distributer for more than these bull**** "warehouse" internet who don't like feeding their families, when these stores want to make enough to pay the employees that you leeches run to when you have a question; these stores are called rip offs.

[moonpod]

cuttlefish, number one, if there was a QUALITY LFS in metro LA I would strongly support it. number two, maybe you can use that arguement w/say marine depot/bayside aquarium supply who is infact a large warehouse distributer, but I think it's poor form to broadly paint internet merchants w/the same brush. Most are just using the internet forum as the "new" way to market and sell product. You may or may not like it, but the internet and internet sales are here to stay. I personally like reefgeek b/c I know the guy who runs it (it's pretty much a one man show), and he's very straight forward no bs. He doesn't do livestock for some of the reasons you mention--you can't see and touch etc...on the net, equipment is different than livestock. I recommend local reefers for livestock in particular frags b/c of the deplorable quality of livestock in LA LFS in general--pathetic really considering that the wholesalers are right friggin' here in town. Find me a "mom and pop" lfs in metro L.A. that's worth dropping one cent in and I'll be there this weekend w/bells on. Beverly Stock? The employees don't know a hippo tang from a goldfish. Apex? Their fish are stressed, starved and generally beating on each other. LA aquarium--can you say ich? Petco? Those guys don't know jack either.

The reality is that you would need so much capital and you would have to have such a large overhead and such a small profit margin to run a quality LFS that it probably isn't really worth it in Metro L.A. It's unfortunate, but probably the reality....so don't come down on me for supporting a local internet merchant. At least he provides quality goods, quality service at a reasonable price.

[ocdreefer]

I saw strictly fish metioned a couple of times. I would NOT recommend them to anyone. They have poor customer service, and they really don't care about repeat business. They are all too busy watching TV by the front counter. It 's like you have to pull them by the ear to get them help you. I spent well over $2000.00 setting up my system and whenever I walked in there they would put there head down and pretend they didn't see you . very poor service in my opinion.

[Konadog]

Originally posted by ocdreefer
I saw strictly fish metioned a couple of times. I would NOT recommend them to anyone. They have poor customer service, and they really don't care about repeat business. They are all too busy watching TV by the front counter. It 's like you have to pull them by the ear to get them help you. I spent well over $2000.00 setting up my system and whenever I walked in there they would put there head down and pretend they didn't see you . very poor service in my opinion.

Well said! You haven't said anything that hasn't been said before. Which one did you go to? The one on Harbor has been closed and everything that didn't sell there has been moved to the one on Carson. I live right down the street from them but only go there for emergencies.

[ocdreefer]

I mostly went to the store on harbor, just because i lived down the street from them. I have been to the store in lakewood and i figured they went through the same training program:D Anyway i was very disappointed basicly felt like I had to start all over again. I am glad I found this board to share my thoughts and get suggestions from. It really helps a lot.

[Konadog]

One thing this board is not short on is "opinions" Everyone has one usually based on there last experience!

[karm40]

If I have to spend money at an LFS, I drive to the valley (San Fernando) and go to Aquarium Center. I think they are at least trying to make things better. I think they are going to do a frag tank, but that might just be in the works. I live near LA Aquarium, and I just can't go in there. It used to be the hot store 15 years ago, but now it's burnt!
It still doesn't beat trading with your local reefers!
Mark

[cuttlefish]

Originally posted by moonpod
cuttlefish, number one, if there was a QUALITY LFS in metro LA I would strongly support it. number two, maybe you can use that arguement w/say marine depot/bayside aquarium supply who is infact a large warehouse distributer, but I think it's poor form to broadly paint internet merchants w/the same brush. Most are just using the internet forum as the "new" way to market and sell product. You may or may not like it, but the internet and internet sales are here to stay. I personally like reefgeek b/c I know the guy who runs it (it's pretty much a one man show), and he's very straight forward no bs. He doesn't do livestock for some of the reasons you mention--you can't see and touch etc...on the net, equipment is different than livestock. I recommend local reefers for livestock in particular frags b/c of the deplorable quality of livestock in LA LFS in general--pathetic really considering that the wholesalers are right friggin' here in town. Find me a "mom and pop" lfs in metro L.A. that's worth dropping one cent in and I'll be there this weekend w/bells on. Beverly Stock? The employees don't know a hippo tang from a goldfish. Apex? Their fish are stressed, starved and generally beating on each other. LA aquarium--can you say ich? Petco? Those guys don't know jack either.

The reality is that you would need so much capital and you would have to have such a large overhead and such a small profit margin to run a quality LFS that it probably isn't really worth it in Metro L.A. It's unfortunate, but probably the reality....so don't come down on me for supporting a local internet merchant. At least he provides quality goods, quality service at a reasonable price.


I work at a store in the SOuthbay and you are WRONG. I do know a goldfish from a hippo tang. I've been to MACNA conferences (before name change). I talk to reps in the industry, I've written articles for mags. I'll match any of my reefs against any from anyone on this website. 'Nuff said

[GinaSofia]

Originally posted by karm40
If I have to spend money at an LFS, I drive to the valley (San Fernando) and go to Aquarium Center. I think they are at least trying to make things better. I think they are going to do a frag tank, but that might just be in the works. I live near LA Aquarium, and I just can't go in there. It used to be the hot store 15 years ago, but now it's burnt!
It still doesn't beat trading with your local reefers!
Mark

DITTO,I've never bought a sick fish or coral from Aquarim Center and on Mondays(5-7) you get 25% all saltwater fish & invertebrates.NEVER,ever go to Mark's Tropical Fish in Studio City...they sell sickly fish and don't follow through w/their guarantee, PLUS the owner and most of his employees are arrogant and condescending.Every time I had gone in I heard them telling some poor customer the same old story of how their prized lion was the one in "Duece Bigalo,Male Gigalo"
Funny that fish is missing now and when I asked why they sold such a showpiece after so many years, the new guy said it had not been sold:(

[moonpod]

Originally posted by cuttlefish
I work at a store in the SOuthbay and you are WRONG. I do know a goldfish from a hippo tang. I've been to MACNA conferences (before name change). I talk to reps in the industry, I've written articles for mags. I'll match any of my reefs against any from anyone on this website. 'Nuff said

The southbay is NOT metro L.A. (well, not the way I define/think about it). I used to live in Westchester NY and frequent House of Fins in Greenwich...I know what a quality LFS is and there ain't none in metro L.A. I still stand by my statement. You find me one in metro L.A. and I'll be there this weekend. For that matter since you're so confident about your store and where you work, then where is it? Regardless it's in the Southbay and doesn't solve MY problem. I don't wanna drive 30+ mins to get to the LFS....it's not so L of an FS then ya know?

Again, find me a store between LA and Santa Monica (West LA, Miracle Mile, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, etc...)....I'll be there. I didn't imply that YOU don't know a hippo tang from a Goldfish....I don't even know who you are, but I've yet to be impressed at a LFS in this area where I now live.

[MrSandman]

Originally posted by cuttlefish
I work at a store in the SOuthbay and you are WRONG. I do know a goldfish from a hippo tang. I've been to MACNA conferences (before name change). I talk to reps in the industry, I've written articles for mags. I'll match any of my reefs against any from anyone on this website. 'Nuff said

Hmm...let me guess. You work at Neptune's Reef in Torrance?

[yoink326]

I live in Westwood, Santa Monica Blvd and Veteran.

I know everyone and their mother is anti Aquatic Outlet (Inglewood, right by LAX), but I still have to go and look everyone once in awhile. I mean, c'mon, Chevron Tangs for only $49.99! Free raffle of a 240g tank, stand and canopy!

Lek, the owner, is an a-hole and a half, but his daugher Shannon is really nice. She's starting to take over the business too. They're prices can be pretty high, but every once and awhile Lek gets in a good mood. Last winter he was selling $50 gift certificates for $25, baby ocellaris clowns for only $1.50. It has its moments. Dry good are way over priced though.

Be cautious because they are business people. I find that the younger employees (kids in their teens and 20s) are more honest and won't sell you 15 fish for your 12g tank.

Never been to Jeff's, but I've heard good things about it. I'll have to check it out sometime.

[Wilafur]

Originally posted by yoink326
I live in Westwood, Santa Monica Blvd and Veteran.

I know everyone and their mother is anti Aquatic Outlet (Inglewood, right by LAX), but I still have to go and look everyone once in awhile. I mean, c'mon, Chevron Tangs for only $49.99! Free raffle of a 240g tank, stand and canopy!

Lek, the owner, is an a-hole and a half, but his daugher Shannon is really nice. She's starting to take over the business too. They're prices can be pretty high, but every once and awhile Lek gets in a good mood. Last winter he was selling $50 gift certificates for $25, baby ocellaris clowns for only $1.50. It has its moments. Dry good are way over priced though.

Be cautious because they are business people. I find that the younger employees (kids in their teens and 20s) are more honest and won't sell you 15 fish for your 12g tank.

Never been to Jeff's, but I've heard good things about it. I'll have to check it out sometime. well said. shannon is really cool. i never talk to lek, he reminds me of a used car salesman. haha

[moonpod]

emperator, you live near me. Is there some magical LFS that I don't know about in this part of L.A.???

[gooberz]

Moonpod, i dont think I live too far from you as im in the South Gate/Downey Area.... I have tried a lot of LFS around us but I think the best one so far is Tongs out in Orange County.. Jeff Has some good stuff sometimes but its a hit or miss.. I would not shop at strictly fish for the reasons described above.. Neptunes Reef has lost my buisness forever because of there attitude and outrageous prices!! I guess for the most I will stick with ordering online or get stuff from other reefers.. Just my opinion..

:smokin:

[gooberz]

Moonpod,

I think I live pretty close to you as I am in the South Gate/Downey area.. I think that the best place is Tongs out in Orange County and Jeffs Sometimes.. Jeffs has good stuff sometimes but its a hit or miss situation.. I will NEVER shop at Neptunes Reef again because of there attitude and high prices.. I dont shop at strictly fish for the reasons outlined above... I have another place I go too but its a whole in the wall but the guy is very knowledgable and get good prices.. For example I got my JBJ chiller 1/3 Hp from him for $600.. If you are interested in his shop PM me..

My opinion

:smokin:

[moonpod]

Henry, that's still a long drive for me. Time is precious when you've got two little children and a neglected wife:D

Trips to the LFS gotta be expedient ya know? I agree about Jeff's, never been to the others. Again, all of those places are a difficult drive from where I live. So, like you, I pretty much stick to the 'net and other hobbyists....

[gooberz]

Sorry for double post but server was overloaded and did not know if my message was posted.. :eek:

[moonpod]

Those chillers were "on sale" by JBJ at that last trade show in Anaheim...if you search around there are suddenly a lot of "good deals" on those. Got the 1/3rd myself...gonna hook it up as insurance when i go out of town at the end of the summer. Thankfully, I haven't needed it too date...

[Wilafur]

Originally posted by moonpod
emperator, you live near me. Is there some magical LFS that I don't know about in this part of L.A.??? nothing magical. the place is so-so. once in a blue moon they get in some cool acros and stuff. i go there because their nsw is super cheap (.24-.30/g) when on sale. last time i scored at AO was on flourescent orange fungia's......$25/per. i bought all of them.

[gooberz]

I really needed my chiller.. With the dual 250MH my temp went up to 90... I love that chiller and it works very good! :eek:

[moonpod]

AO...that's funny, cause in my professional life it is the initials of an organization that's very important, but anyways, even Aquatic Outlet is quite aways from here. Traffics gotta be GOOD ya know? I guess it's not so bad taking the La Cienaga short cut....but agreed on the observations above about AO....at least they've got those cool tanks to look at....

Henry, I told ya it'd get hot w/those halides....my T5 setup hasn't crested 80-81 yet....and I've got no A/C in the house. On the really hot days I setup a dehumidifier in the room to accelerate my evaporative cooling....

[gooberz]

Moonpod,

Luckily I did not have anything that the heat affected besides the snails.. I dont have AC just windows:) ... But problem is fixed and the snails are cleaning.. I am going to also get some T5 to supplement acintics...

[Wilafur]

AO is fun to visit on weekends at 10am when there is not much traffic. they usually get their sps shipment in friday evenings so sat morns are the best time to go. however, its best to call and ask shannon how their acro, fungia, etc stock is, she will give it to you straight.

they finished their new tank in the back, it looks awesome.

[moonpod]

Originally posted by Emperator
AO is fun to visit on weekends at 10am when there is not much traffic. they usually get their sps shipment in friday evenings so sat morns are the best time to go. however, its best to call and ask shannon how their acro, fungia, etc stock is, she will give it to you straight. right during my kids swim lessons...figures

they finished their new tank in the back, it looks awesome. saw those last time. Crazy really....twin 6000 ganks w/sharks....

[yoink326]

Moonpod, you mentioned a trade show earlier. Are there aquatic conventions and whatnot?

[moonpod]

Uh yeah, there was a pet retailer or something trade show in Anaheim a couple o weeks ago....I didn't go, but I know several people who did. Also there are large national and international conventions yearly IMAC and MACNA etc....and locally there are "clubs", but honestly I don't have time...this bulletin board stuff is easy...wireless connection, laptop, wander the house chasing the kids....

[cuttlefish]

You know I guess most stores are getting more and more defensive and come off as having attitudes. There is no excuse for ignoring customers or trying to sell them too many fish for their twelve gallon. I agree. You say that internet merchants are here to stay but alot of people don't even think the whole industry will survive for much longer BECAUSE of internet merchants. Their whole way of making money is having a low margin and making it up in volume. Unfortunately thats the exact wrong way of doing business in this industry. How many friggin' protein skimmers can you sell before you saturate the market? What really sucks though is that manufacturers are giving these internet dealers better prices than local fish stores who really push their product and still get screwed in the end. What'll end up happening is, their will soon be no LFS to push products and the companies will go under because even dirt cheap skimmers won't sell without you being able to go to a store and talk to someone about it. Don't believe me? Talk to Marineland ( manufacturers of Eclipses and so on) They just fired all but one rep in the So Cal area to save money because they've been whoring their prices all over the place and no LFS wants to sell their product. Their new line of food is bombing big time too.
Whatta you think.

[moonpod]

Well there is an issue w/"stores" such as marine depot/bayside who not only retail, distribute, but also happen to own/at least have some sort of major interest in AquaC. There's something sort of ominous about that right? And certainly there are issues when they are the sole local distributer of a product, and they can fix the wholesale and retail prices as Marine Depot/Bayside can. Your solution, it would seem to me is to band together as retailers and go to the manufacturers to try to enforce some sort of more uniform/reasonable pricing at either the wholesale or retail level. I know it's borderline legal, but hey, you and I both know there are companies that manage to keep their retail prices fixed and there are ways they can do it. But that has to do w/your industry. That's capitalism man. The LFS niche is based on SERVICE and QUALITY PRODUCTS and the sad fact is it's lacking in a lot of 'em around here.

As for internet retailers, I do think it's here to stay, and it's not just in the pet industry. BUT you know what, people should demand the same levels of service from their internet retailer that they hope to get from their brick and mortar store. That's why I support reefgeek.com. IMO/E he provides that level of service. Hey if you provide service and quality at your LFS, then more power to you, I think your store will do fine.

[cuttlefish]

Right on. And there are actually a few companies that won't sell to stores or websites that sell too cheap. Eheim does that and believe it or not JBJ is supposidely starting to do that. The price of internet chillers is supposed to be going up in a while. They can only sell them within a certain price range. I think ultimately this is a good thing because the drive for cheaper products results in a flood of crappy Chinese knock-off style products rather than quality German of American products. I seriously do not want to sound racist because I am definitely not but I do think it is the asian influence in the industry that is doing us in. The reason you see bad fish and ****ty products everywhere is that they happen to be the cheapest because of asian owned stores, wholesalers and even collecters and shippers. The good part of them don't re-ox the bags when the poor fish are in them for as much as 36 hours or so and ship them with next to no water. But they are cheap. Unfortunately I don't think most novices or even people on some of these forums can truly distinguish the difference between a healthy animal and a sick animal. They don't want to pay more for a fish that will live. I see it all the time. To the asians they could be selling dolls , it's all the same. I see it first hand.

[calboyz]

Lakerfan,

Where are you located in R.Heights? I used to live in West Covina and now live in R. Heights.

[MrSandman]

Originally posted by cuttlefish
Right on. And there are actually a few companies that won't sell to stores or websites that sell too cheap. Eheim does that and believe it or not JBJ is supposidely starting to do that. The price of internet chillers is supposed to be going up in a while. They can only sell them within a certain price range. I think ultimately this is a good thing because the drive for cheaper products results in a flood of crappy Chinese knock-off style products rather than quality German of American products. I seriously do not want to sound racist because I am definitely not but I do think it is the asian influence in the industry that is doing us in. The reason you see bad fish and ****ty products everywhere is that they happen to be the cheapest because of asian owned stores, wholesalers and even collecters and shippers. The good part of them don't re-ox the bags when the poor fish are in them for as much as 36 hours or so and ship them with next to no water. But they are cheap. Unfortunately I don't think most novices or even people on some of these forums can truly distinguish the difference between a healthy animal and a sick animal. They don't want to pay more for a fish that will live. I see it all the time. To the asians they could be selling dolls , it's all the same. I see it first hand.

You still haven't answered my question....do you work at Neptune's Reef in Torrance?

[cuttlefish]

Yeah man come on down I'll hook you up... NOT!

[MrSandman]

Originally posted by cuttlefish
Yeah man come on down I'll hook you up... NOT!

With comments like that, it doesn't surprise me one bit that you work at Neptune's. I see that the attitude problem is contagious over there. :rolleyes: