on line store

[nataz]

What online store would you guys order livestock from if any?

[Python73]

Unless I really had to, I wouldn't. The cheapness of the animals is offset by two things: shipping and sick/deadness.

Only reason I'd mail order something is if it was just too rare to find in a store locally or semi locally. Locally, there are a couple good stores for selection if you are able to tell a sick fish from a healthy one. (not always easy to do) I'd say Seahorse on rt8, Elmers on rt22 or Wetpets in McMurry if you are from the South of PGH.

What are you looking for? If you already know what you want I might be able to steer you to a good place.

S !

[nataz]

Thanks Python73,
Most of my fish I get from Elmers. I noticed a few posting in the lrfo sections where people have said they ordered livestock online and got great fish so I figured I would asked here maybe something changed.

I am looking to get a Clown Trigger 4" - 5" , Miniatus Grouper 2" - 3". I spoke with elmers and they would order them both for me

[Steven Pro]

I much prefer being able to inspect livestock prior to purchase. Even with me being able to order wholesale, I usually cherry pick locally instead.

[sokin]

Thanks Steve,
I think I will continue buying my fish from elmers. I would rather see the fish before I buy it, since what looks good to one may not to another.

[nataz]

A just so everyone knows Nataz is myself and Sokin is my lady.

[Python73]

>.<

But what if we don't know who you are. Then...

Never mind.

[Python73]

Oh by the way, if you haven't been out there, take a trip to Seahorse on rt 8. It is a stones throw south of the Turnpike exit. As long as you take a real good look at the fish, and know which fish eat what (and whether it should be in your tank) they tend to have the best selection in PGH. Of FISH. Corals... not so much.

S !

[sokin]

Kewl sounds good, I will have to take a ride out there. I use to stop in there every once in a while but if you don't ask for help they ignore you and never call me when they say they are going to order me a fish?

[Python73]

That's been my experience also. However, in many cases that is a gift. Because the majority of info you get from pet store employees, at best, is bunk. I've heard Elmer's employees make statements that dropped my jaw in amazement. Likewise other stores.

As for ordering particular fish, Seahorse isn't the store I'd try that. Hell, I've asked for specific fish at my LFS and never heard back, and I live 5 minutes away and he knows me and Adam from the club.

Pet stores don't follow normal service industry rules.

S !

[vr697getta]

i don't know about other lfs but i asked elmers to order an Emperor Angel and they had it in less than a 2weeks and even the size i asked for

[sokin]

Thanks guys,
Yea I try to go to the same people when I go to elmer's, I figure after awhile I get use to them and like wise and they kind get and idea of what I like so on.

I learned the hard way listening to everything emp. say so now I ask here or I try to find it in one of my books or on the net.

[carpenterwrasse]

here's my input on the subject...yes i love the fact i can pick out my livestock and take it home from there....then what it dies 3 days later from an unknow circumstance...what are those signs in the salt section ..."no guarentees on live stock"....drs fosters and smith have a 14 day arrive alive guarentee and i have had nothing but good luck with them even when they arrived dead they replaced them at no charge after that they send you instuctions if it should die with in the 14 day period...and how do the fish stores get their stock do they go out and hand pick the items themselves?

[sokin]

Thanks carpenterwrasse for your reply. It seems like a 50/50, you can order fish online and get a good , healthy fish and theres a chance you might not.Same applies to lfs if you think about fish can look great at the store but than turn around and die or do the opposite when you get it in your tank.
I will have to really think about, right now I mainly deal with one store and they usually make good when something dies within 2 weeks, so I can't complain.

[Python73]

Originally posted by carpenterwrasse
...and how do the fish stores get their stock do they go out and hand pick the items themselves?

Yeah... not so much. In fact, it's rare that a retailer does anything past selecting a few check boxes on a stock list, and then waits to see what actually shipped.

S !

[carpenterwrasse]

who is this store????

[i] I mainly deal with one store and they usually make good when something dies within 2 weeks, so I can't complain. [/B]

[sokin]

Carpeterwrasse,

Elmers, I have lost fish within 24 hour and they replaced them for me. I try to deal with the same people when I go to build a relationship so they kinda know what I like and have a little idea of my setup, which I think helps. My buddy use to work there but he moved on to a different prof. now , so I have to start all over.

[carpenterwrasse]

well it has been a while since i dealt with elmers