Pet Shop Critique

[H.crispa]

OK Gang, I travel all over the place in WV, and some into OH, KY, and I have occasionally gone into PA. Everywhere I go I always stop to check out every pet shop I encounter-- what can I say? I'm a reefgeek and there is no point in hiding from it.

Here is a critique of the best and worst shops I've been to. It is only fair to disclose the criteria on which I judge shops. First is cleanliness, the second is livestock. In my experience, if a shop is not clean, that shop does not have saltwater stuff and if it does, it isn't anything I would buy. So, if it passes the smell test (literally) I investigate further.

The award for the nastiest store I have ever been in goes to a store in Spencer, WV. When you walk in the smell of ammonia knocks you down! If you make it past that, you find a collection of freshwater fish that is pretty run-of-the-mill and the tanks are not that clean. The small animals are the origen of the offensive odor and the selection is the typical rat, mouse, hamster stuff. They have some reptiles which appear to be in reasonable health. They have some saltwater stuff that is reasonably healthy as well. You will not find and sessile inverts and if you did I'll wager you would not want them. P.U.!!! A close second place goes to a shop no longer in operation in Nitro that I used to call "Stinky Pets"-- 'nuff said. Third place goes to a shop in Parkersburg called A&W Aquariums or BW Aquariums or something ilke that. Again, ammonia strong enough to knock you down, ignorant staff, poor selection and no saltwater. YUCK!!!

Next on the list is a variety of "cookie cutter" shops of the Petsmart, Petland, Pets Warehouse Plus variety. Oh where to start??? I guess I'll start with the Pets Ware house Plus.

This is one of the franchise places that specializes in dry goods. The shops are clean, neat, well organized, and pass the smell test. They have tons of dog food, cat food, leashes, fish tanks etc and I did not pay any attention to prices on that stuff. They have freshwater fish, clean tanks with healthy stock and healthy reptiles and amphibians. No saltwater livestock.

Petsmart-- same thing

Petland. Oh boy. Again, where to start??? All I can say is that this franchise appears to have no standards whatsoever. Some shops are clean, well maintained etc. some are stinky, disorganized and utter crapola and none have any saltwater stuff that I would want to put into my systems. Well meaning? Perhaps. But please, show me the goods!!! One particular shop has saltwater, but poor health and deplorable maintenance and the "liverock" they sell looks more like "deadrock" to me. Nice selection of frozen foods, healthy reptiles, birds (I know nothing about birds so I won't comment. But they appear to be good stuff to my untrained eye).

Bottom line, cookie cutter shops are staffed with ignorant high school kids who know little. Typically they are clean and neat. Rarely do they have saltwater stuff and if they do the livestock is pretty shakey. Buyer beware.

Finally, I bring you the good stuff! In all my travels I have found a few shops that are worthy of business and surprise surprise, they are independantly owned shops!!! Not all indies are good though. There is an inland algae farm close by that comes to mind. Although last time I went there it was actually looking pretty good.

Fifth place goes to "Wet Pets" located slightly south of Pittsburgh PA. Easy to find, super clean-- a cleaner store you would be hard pressed to find. Great selection of corals, fish etc. all very healthy, knowlegable staff. A fantastic store by any measure. A definite must see for a reef enthusiast. The one bone I have to pick with the store is that it is a bit pricey. An open brain coral sells for about $100.00. This is pretty normal for a shop that is close to a major metro area and I probably should not hold this against them as the price for such items is dictated by the market and in that market they are no pricier than the other shops in Pitt or Columbus or Cleveland etc. They even had Julian Sprung speak at the shop a time or two-- awesome shop. But, coming from where I do, I kind of have to take the price into account and thus the 4th place.

Fourth place goes to Wet Pets in Princeton, WV!!! I do not know if there is an affiliation there or not. Clean shop! Good selection of reptiles-- healthy!! Good selection of corals, SW fish, FW fish, etc. reasonable prices. I talked with one of the employees at length and he appeared to know what he was doing. That said, I spoke with a CVRC member who said that this guy did not know what he was talking about. Perhaps if I talked with him longer I may have reached the same conclusion, perhaps not. My dilemma is that if you find two reefgeeks who agree on everything, chances are these two guys are the same person talking to himself in a room isolated from the outside world! In short, the only person who will always agree with you on matters of reef-- is YOU!!! Personally, I found some things he was telling me were crap. Some things I was in total agreement with. If I were to judge the CVRC members as brilliant or stupid based on whether or not they agreed with me on everything, I dare say you would all be too stupid to continue breathing good air. I'm sure the sword cuts both ways as well. But then, I'm absolutely sure that my ways are the best and everyone else is seriously misguided! But aren't we all???

Third place goes to one of my favorite pet shops and I'm sorry Lisa for not giving you first or second but I have to be impartial. That said, I'm a tough critic of pet shops and the fact that you came in 3rd is a huge accomplishment!!! No whining here! The 3rd place award goes to "Exotic Jungle" on Mileground in Morgantown, WV. Again, another "mom and pop" (surprise surprise). Clean and neat, well organised. One of the most beautiful display reef tanks I have ever seen!!! If you are ever in Morgantown you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't go see this reef! I am still in awe of this tank. It is a 200 gallon acrylic tank, square, about two feet deep, bare bottom, old school. The only thing hooked up to this tank is a chiller. No skimmer, no powerheads-- nothing! The lighting consists of I think 24 normal output fluorescent tubes of "Actinic White" alternating with "Phillips 03 Actinic" packed into a home made hood. What the tank does have is a giant clam (blue) about half the size of a basketball!!! Three elegance corals that ARE the size of basketballs. GSP, mushrooms, etc. etc. You have to see this tank to believe it and I actually have some pics at JoMars of this tank. The reason the shop gets 3rd place is that the SW selection is always slim. Corals, fish etc-- this shop needs to keep more stuff in stock!

First and second place was tough for me but I did figure it out. In the running were Bert's in Ironton, OH and Jo Mars in Nitro, WV.

I have to admit that I do have a bias toward Jo Mars. Barry is a long time friend and I have a sentimental attatchment to the shop. There, fine. I'm busted. Whoop. Bert's has a display tank that easily rivals the third place winner. Exotic jungle's tank is more LPS and softie oriented and WOW! what a display!!! Bert's is more of an SPS tank but boy is it dramatic!!! Hydnophora, purple cat's paw, orange cap out the wa-zoo and tons of softies that I'm sure the owner woud like to be rid of because they are killing his SPSs-- as well as a lot of sps's too numerous to name.
OK fine. But what about the shop??? It is clean. As a matter of fact they have an ozone generator that makes the air smell like you just walked into a tropical thunderstorm. A great selection of corals. Magnificent. By any measure a "two thumbs up" shop. The reason I am putting Bert's in second place that their tanks are not as clean as JoMars. The corals are not quite as healthy etc. etc. Damn though, it is a really tough decision and I hesitate to take sides and all, but that is the deciding factor. I'm sorry Barry, but you do have some competitoin.

All that crapola said, JoMars is the hands-down winner. By far the cleanest shop, the most knowlegable staff, healthiest livestock-- bla bla bla. The onl;y real criticism I can offer for JoMars is that they get so busy at times that patrons have to wait to get served. Most of the "old timers" are used to it an we don't care but the new customers might. Bottom line here--JoMars is by far the best reefgeek petstore for miles around and we are lucky to have it here in Nitro. And considering the number of shops around, well, Jo Mars just plain kicks ***.

Love ya, Jason

[LowCel]

I'm appalled, I can't believe Pet Persuasion didn't make the list! :D

Seriously though, nice write up. I can't say too many bad things about stinky pets though. I bought my rat terrier from them and she has always been very healthy. On the other hand I'm not sure if I ever bought a fish from them that survived for more than a week.

[essop3]

We should do this list for online vendors too. I would add to this one but mamma always said... "If you don't have anything good to say, you must buy fish in Cross Lanes"

[firefish2020]

Jason that was a great unbiased report as far as Im concerned. Do you or anyone else know of an old pet shop that used to be in the Jefferson area right near the badland? I was driving by the other day and saw an old weathered sign and made out the words "Coral & Claws" I think? I have no Idea but it is an old sign so I assume it was a long time ago in a city long since changed.

[H.crispa]

Corals and claws was owned by a guy I went to school with named Travis. He sold it to Larry who renamed it Pets Plus. It was near the GoMart at the end of Ordinance Park. The pet shop you are talking about was Gloria's Petshop. That building is now a performance auto parts shop. If you go inside you can still see the remnants of the pen that housed their pet Cougar! Yes, they had a mountain lion. That place went out of business-- I'm guessing here-- over 20 years ago. I still remember it though.


By the way, I'm sorry for the double post. I'm not sure how that happened. I must have screwed up somewhere in the cutting and pasting from the word processor phase. I'm still not sure what happened. Maybe someone could remove the other one????

[coralreefer]

Originally posted by essop3
"If you don't have anything good to say, you must buy fish in Cross Lanes"
:lol: Drat now I've got to clean the diet pepsi I spit out off the monitor :lol:


tons of softies that I'm sure the owner woud like to be rid of because they are killing his SPSs
You got that right. Inadvertently killed his 7+ year old elegance last year too :(

[wvdaisy]

Jason, as I was reading your post talking about nasty pet stores Gloria's in Jefferson came to mind but I figured no one would remember that place. I think they imported illegal animals. I know they would be illegal now. Boy, was that place nasty stinky!!!

Brian wants to know where the pet store is in Princeton? He works there quite often and wants to take a look. He also works in M-town all the time and knows where that store is and plans on stopping in there now. Great post. Thanks!

[H.crispa]

I can't remember the address but it is in a strip mall just a little way from the hospital Look it up in the phone book, that's how I found it. Also there is another one half way between Princeton and Bluefield that I have not seen yet-- can't even remember the name. There is also another shop in Morgantown that pretty much sux. Can't rmember the name of it either.

[MattG]

"If you don't have anything good to say, you must buy fish in Cross Lanes"

too funny! :lolspin:

[H.crispa]

You know, I think an honorable mention needs to go to Seaquariums in Flatwoods, KY. The tanks are positively filthy, the livestock is questionable at best, the selection is lacking. But, the shop does pass the smell test and I have seen the work they have done with specialty aquariums and it ain't too bad. It seems that they make their money on the 4 million gallon specialty set up crowd and at that, they do well. Lester Raines comes to mind. Yes, I know he had a system crash and lost some sharks but I don't think that was the shop's fault. They have a couple nice display tanks worth mentioning and those tanks are sometimes in better shape than other times but then again, the same can be said for Barry's display. But, it is actually pretty consistent. Lisa's display in Morgantown varies more but....bla bla bla. The folks at Seaquariums are really nice and everything so I can't be too hard on them. What I WILL say to them is, do some water changes, clean the glass, and get in some healthy livestock! Geez, I have been there sometimes when they had in lots of good stuff and the tanks were clean and sometimes when they had jack and the tanks were crap! Every shop has its flaws and its strengths (except the one in Spencer-- it is just a plain toad.) and weaknesses and to be fair, this shop can be great if you catch it on the right day, but it does let itself slip into mediocrity.

Now here, I'm going to **** off Barry. Dang it I HATE to do it 'cause he's a friend and all but this thread is all about being as impartial and honest as possible, so I have to be fair and ballanced. Lately, JoMars has not received much in the way of SW fish and corals. To be sure, they are full of tank raised corals and that is to be commended! After all we are all about captive propogation. That said, we have to have new wild stock to propogate, otherwise our genetic pool is stagnant. In addition, there have been earthquakes and floods and tsunamis that have crippled the industry! So much of it it is well beyond his control. To be fair, it is not his fault by much at all. The only thing I can say at all is that I have always encouraged him to look beyond his typical suppliers (who shaft him at every turn in my view-- bastards). But, he has been in the biz for decades and all this crap I am spewing can be easily negated by someone who actually knows what the heck they are talking about-- thus you have just read a big, long spew by someone who is pretty much winging it, completely ungrounded in reality, and who needs to go to bed soon. Because I'z gettin' sleepy zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzz

[firefish2020]

LOL you aint seen nothing yet Jason ;)

[Aquayne_wv]

The place in Spencer is amazing. I went there once and they had a wild rattlesnake in a 10 gallon tank with a window screen on top and a peice of a brick holding it on.

The best store I have seen is "Aquamains" Greensborough, NC. Big, clean, great selection. BUT smells of rat urine due to selling reptiles too. They regularly change the huge display tanks and even added a nurse shark above ground saltwater pond in the store this year. They even have a Koi pond with 15 foot waterfall.

"The aquarium Center" Kernersville NC is smaller but I have never seen a store so well set up and maintained. Have video of central system. They have mainly salt and reef but also african cichlids. The display reef is in an area that looks like a living room. So that people can see what it will look in a home. Always great selection great prices VERY knowledgeable.

Don't forget "Aquarium Adventures" Columbus OH Great selection, Great cleanliness, Great Displays, Horrible prices. It is owned by petland.
Wayne
Aquayne

[mstump]

Quick, someone get Jason more coffee !!!

[firefish2020]

"Quick, someone get Jason more coffee !!!"

Sometimes I think he needs more than coffee :)

[H.crispa]

Coffee??? I just had some. It had these funny little tiny paper squares in it with tiny pictures of snowmen, eyeballs, Hong-Kong Phooey and other stuff on them. The guy who gave me the coffee said that it had lots of vitamin A in it. I think he was a little confusedddd. CCCofeeee doeees'nt anny vitavitavitamins in ittt. Whoo! I never really noticedddd all thee prettty colloorrs onn ththte walllss! Oh mmy, II neeeed to to gogogo, my liiive rooccck iss mmmeltting. I jusst ggott ththe sssuddden uurge ttto plaay somme Allman Brothers Bannnd. WOW!!! My blue hipppo tangg just talkedd too meee! Wheeeee!

[wvdaisy]

Originally posted by H.crispa
Coffee??? I just had some. It had these funny little tiny paper squares in it with tiny pictures of snowmen, eyeballs, Hong-Kong Phooey and other stuff on them. The guy who gave me the coffee said that it had lots of vitamin A in it. I think he was a little confusedddd. CCCofeeee doeees'nt anny vitavitavitamins in ittt. Whoo! I never really noticedddd all thee prettty colloorrs onn ththte walllss! Oh mmy, II neeeed to to gogogo, my liiive rooccck iss mmmeltting. I jusst ggott ththe sssuddden uurge ttto plaay somme Allman Brothers Bannnd. WOW!!! My blue hipppo tangg just talkedd too meee! Wheeeee!

:eek:

[Shikaroka]

LMAO!

[H.crispa]

Just went to "Fishy Business" in Marietta, OH. Don't bother. Same goes for the one in Belprey, OH. Not dirty but not really clean either. Cramped and not much saltwater. Some decent herps though. (Herps! reptiles and amphibians! Get with the program! Joking.)

[1package]

If you get a chance I went to two great places over the weekend and would recommend each

1. Gary's Tropical in Toledo right off 75, many tanks of corals softies, LPS, SPS and fish. He also carries all kinds of dry goods. He has tags on the tank of each coral/name, price, date received so you know how long he has had them. I have been there a couple of times, probably 30 SW tanks, tons of coral, really good prices.

#2 in Northern Columbus, actually Westerville, Phishy Business, the guy runs it out of his house/basement, 10X more SPS than I have ever seen in one place at one time. I would estimate about 300 pcs., and many LPS and some soft stuff - pretty amazing, he is a sponser and online. I had read only good reviews that was why I setup an appointment to stop by - worth it, if you are in the area.

3. Coral reef in Toledo, two large coral tanks, mostly soft and LPS, little pricey. Many, many fish, SW only, prices not so bad and they keep them quaranteed in the back for several days before bringing them out.

[crabfan]

Here are four places to check out in and around Columbus Ohio......I'll keep it brief, but a quick search of the CORA (Central Ohio Reef Assn) board on ReefCentral will reveal much more detailed information about positive experiences with these establishments.

(1) Zeppelin (his ReefCentral username) / Edens Gate: By appointment only. For those that are interested in LPS and Zoas, you will find some REALLY neat stuff here! This is a home based livestock only business ran by one of the nicest guys (Larry) that you could meet. The prices are so reasonable that you will definitely make an impulse purchase or two! He has a website picturing some of what he has available, but if you are in the Columbus area drop by and see what surprises await. He is located in Pickerington - which is probably 5 or 10 miles/minutes from downtown.(http://www.cofba.org/users/zeppelin/LarrysFormula/saltwater%20tank/eden.htm) Definitely an "A+" grade from me!

(2) Phishy Business: Open by appointment (generally on Saturdays only). This is a home based business, and primarily an internet only type establishment (www.phishybusiness.com) but he does have "local customer" hours by appointment. The website is just a representative sample of what you will see. I'm not really into SPS, but those that are will be floored, and find a regularly scheduled road trip to be well worth it. Serdar has a terrific setup and hundreds of beautiful pieces. Even some Zoas, ricordia/mushrooms, LPS, and a few fish. Be prepared to have your jaw drop. Definitely an "A+" grade from me!

(3) Aquatic Specialties: Storefront located in Newark with typical daily hours. If you are in the Columbus area anyway, I'd strongly recommend spending the 30 minutes drive over to Newark (slightly east of Columbus) to check out this place. The owner (George) is really a nice guy, and while some complain that nothing in his tanks have clearly labeled prices, when you ask be prepared for a pleasant surprise. VERY reasonable prices, and you will you will find a piece or two that you can't pass up. Definitely a solid "A" grade from me!

(4) Byerly's: Storefront in Columbus with typical daily hours. This place is definitely worth checking out, has some nice items and selection, but it seemed to me that everything was relatively expensive (although certainly not as much as Aquarium Adventure). They have a website at www.byerlysaquarium.com. A lot of Columbus reefers really like this place - and it is definitely a good store - I'd personally rate it a "B" (and if the pricing were typically 25 - 50% less - a solid "A" grade would be appropriate).

[mstump]

The one in Cross Lanes has good parking! lol

[mcox33]

Ya but who cares how much parking there is or isn't if they don't have decent coral or prices. Personally I'm not willing to pay extra cause of the tsunmi(sp) you know what I mean.

[firefish2020]

Byerly's is a great place IMO I agree the price is high but look at the location. I was there 2 years ago and saw a guy buy a colt about the size of the one I have at the shop for my clown to host in. He paid the guy $200 for it on the spot! I mean it was worth maybe $100 but more than that no way. I do love the way the place is set up though, how it draws you in toward the tanks in the back. Plus I don’t think I have ever seen a better-stocked line of dry goods anywhere.

Has anyone ever been to "Fish World" in Richmond by any chance? My wife was there a while back and has been trying to get me to drive down just to see the shop display tank from what I hear it's beyond impressive.

[Nathan4Wvu]

I don't know what happened but I stop in the place in cross lanes today and they got in a huge shoppment of stuff (100+corals) and its all 29.99 i could no belive it every thing29.99 i got a huge hammer lps about 6 inche long and 2 high it has about 500+ heads on it and a large neon open brain about 4 inches long if you want some u had better hurry most of the time their stuff dies off quickly luckly they just got it in yesterday. They have some huge mother like colony's of frog spawn that are crying to be fragged lol one had like 5 different heads and they were each a different color!

[1package]

I have also been to Bylery's, they have a great selection of everything wet and dry - prices are just too high. Aquarium Adventure in Columbus is another one - really big store with a really big selection, nearly every fish I could think of........I always check out LFS when I travel - Aquarium Adventure has the highest prices that I have ever seen anywhere.

[Shikaroka]

There was a nice place I stopped in while I was in Louisville a while back. I can't remember the name, but that had just about everything, wet and dry. I plan on going there again soon.

I've also been to a place in North Myrtle Beach a couple times. I believe it's called Sea Critters Depot. It's set up in a storage facility, and he is only open a couple evenings or by appointment. The place isn't all that nice, and it's VERY small. But, he has a good selection and his prices are pretty good. He keeps everything in quarentine for two weeks before selling it, but he will let you look in the back at the new stuff. His main business is aquarium maintanence, so the shop is just a side thing. If you are ever vacationing down that way, you should check it out.

[firefish2020]

<b>Guys I appreciate the ratings, heads up and even directions but I don't post prices or promote SALES at the shop on our forum so I ask you to please refrain from promoting any other commercial business in this manner. If you like them it's enough to say they rate great in your opinion or have good stock etc If they got shipment that’s great to, just no price promos please, not being mean just trying to keep a balance and stay within the RC TOS :) </b>

[coralreefer]

Originally posted by Shikaroka
There was a nice place I stopped in while I was in Louisville a while back. I can't remember the name, but that had just about everything, wet and dry. I plan on going there again soon.

I've also been to a place in North Myrtle Beach a couple times. I believe it's called Sea Critters Depot. It's set up in a storage facility, and he is only open a couple evenings or by appointment. The place isn't all that nice, and it's VERY small. But, he has a good selection and his prices are pretty good. He keeps everything in quarentine for two weeks before selling it, but he will let you look in the back at the new stuff. His main business is aquarium maintanence, so the shop is just a side thing. If you are ever vacationing down that way, you should check it out.

Todd was the place in Louisville Sandy's maybe?

Does the guy in North Myrtle deal in any interesting coral? May have to check him out this fall.

[LowCel]

Originally posted by schscountryboy
I don't know what happened but I stop in the place in cross lanes today and they got in a huge shoppment of stuff (100+corals) and its all 29.99 i could no belive it every thing29.99 i got a huge hammer lps about 6 inche long and 2 high it has about 500+ heads on it and a large neon open brain about 4 inches long if you want some u had better hurry most of the time their stuff dies off quickly luckly they just got it in yesterday. They have some huge mother like colony's of frog spawn that are crying to be fragged lol one had like 5 different heads and they were each a different color!

Sorry, but if the corals have been in their system at all I would never want them in my tank no matter how good of a deal they are. Introduce one parasite in your tank and the deal will not seem nearly as sweet as you first thought it was.

Just my thoughts on the place.

[Shikaroka]

Originally posted by coralreefer
Todd was the place in Louisville Sandy's maybe?

Does the guy in North Myrtle deal in any interesting coral? May have to check him out this fall.

Could be Sandy's but I don't remember. I'll try to find out.

I wasn't much into corals the last time I visited the shop in North Myrtle, so I'm not sure if there was anything that we don't see much around here. I'll be checking it out a little better this year though.

[H.crispa]

Just stopped at a store in Athens Ohio today. I must say that Ohio U. has some gorgeous babes to be admired. Actually LOTS but the petstore is on Pomeroy Rd or Belprey Rd or some other town in Ohio that I can't remember-- whatever. The shop passes the smell test. The tanks could be cleaner and the selection of inverts could be better. They had just a couple of SPS, quite a few LPS and a lot of softies. About 20% appears to be (obviously)TR-- maybe more. Prices are reasonable. Quite reasonable in fact and the health of the inverts is good. Not exemplary, but good. The SW fish are in really good health and good prices. I wish someone would go rescue the two quarter-sized blue hippo tangs. They are heavily infested with ich (no surprise there) and they need a pristine system to recover and thrive.

Good, healthy herps and a good selection. Good lookin' FW stuff.

It's no Jo Mars but worth a look-see if you are in the area. Don't make a special trip.

[1package]

I intended to check out the guy in Myrtle Beach also, kind of strange hours (I think), I will be down there next month and will take a look at it.

Never been to the shop in Athens, what was the name?

I too, saw the shipment at Crosslanes, I have read some sharp critisism before on them here but I have bought both coral and fish from there before, never problems with either. Admittedly I look them over close and there is NO doubt the tanks could be cared for better. But the prices are very reasonable. I think they suffer from a common issue found in shops too large for the owner to run - untrained help and turnover. Hopefully time and experience will improve this - just as it does with our systems.

I do appreciate someone's input on shops not worth stopping at or where selection is low or prices are high. Even the best shops have occasional outbreaks of some type shipped in or traded in that require treatment or quarentine. The difference, the better ones will normally react sooner due to constant Maintenance on their system.

Bottom line, the only sure thing is: competition = lower prices and added selection.

[Shikaroka]

Originally posted by 1package
I intended to check out the guy in Myrtle Beach also, kind of strange hours (I think), I will be down there next month and will take a look at it.



Yeh, it's something like Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9pm, Or by appointment.
When I go, I usually stop in on Tuesday evening, pick out what I want, then go back on Saturday around 8am and pick it up before I head back home.
I'll be down there again this July (might be my last time for a while), so I'll probably do it again.

[essop3]

That Fish Place in Lancaster, PA is something you have to see. They say they are the largest retail fish store in the US. They have about anykind of fish your heart desires, even some they shouldn't (morish idols, etc). 5 bins of live rock from all over the world, about a ton at least. Inverts were plentiful with the widest selection I have ever seen. Any shrimp, star, snail, cuke, they even had a sea apple. Corals were all nice looking and with a good variety. With the kind of volume they carry you will find something.

Prices are great, the same as the website with no shipping charge! And the smell test was an A+.

Now the bad. Although the brag to have 4 marine biologists on staff the guy who waited on me didn't know much. I am sure they have the problem listed above with keeping help. It did pain me a little to see idols, batfish, and so forth but if we all stay away from them maybe one day they will stop importing them.

all in all grade A

[1package]

I order dry goods from "That fish Place" all of the time due to their prices. I was actually going to see if anyone wanted to place a fish order because the prices on their Bartletti Anthias was so good.

How long of a drive is it to Lancanster?

Seems like I checked once before and it was a long haul.

[Shikaroka]

Lancaster is about 6 hours from Saint Albans.

[mcox33]

how far from pittsburg pa I'll be there in mid July to drop off my son for college.

[Shikaroka]

About 4 hours.

[PrivateJoker64]

I don't know why you are all so enamored of Jo-Mars.
In all the times I've been in there (maybe a dozen times) they have only once had anything that interested me, and I bought a small Percula. Yes, the tanks are clean, but they are also empty, or nearly so. Also, the service is not very good. NOT ONCE has anyone asked if I needed any help. People have told me that you have to get there right after an order comes in. If everything sells out so quickly, why don't they order in greater quantities?
BTW, I am not impressed with any of the other LFS's either. Practically all my livestock was ordered from an online vendor, or bought from someone on RC.

[mcox33]

Originally posted by PrivateJoker64
I don't know why you are all so enamored of Jo-Mars.
In all the times I've been in there (maybe a dozen times) they have only once had anything that interested me, and I bought a small Percula. Yes, the tanks are clean, but they are also empty, or nearly so. Also, the service is not very good. NOT ONCE has anyone asked if I needed any help. People have told me that you have to get there right after an order comes in. If everything sells out so quickly, why don't they order in greater quantities?
BTW, I am not impressed with any of the other LFS's either. Practically all my livestock was ordered from an online vendor, or bought from someone on RC.

Because if you were there when the orders come in then you would know the tanks are not empty for lack of ordering enough fish. because they get huge orders just don't stay there very long.

But even Barry will admit he doesn't always get enough stuff in. It is because their Main Supplier retired recently and they are having to use other vendors, some of which do not pack well enough, and others who just do not have enough variety. Once they find a reliable vendor again I think you will find tanks that are stocked as well as possible, considering the number of people who go there and buy stuff on the days that it comes in.

[firefish2020]

Empty tanks are empty because we sell out quick because when we say you have to be there it means you have to be there the minute shippment arrives. Shippments go out fast and you likely have never attempted to talk to anyone there or you would have recieved help and advice on this matter. By the way we order enough to sustain our local demand and we dont have corals and fish taking up space, it's worked for us for years and thats the way we like it.

[firefish2020]

We stopped by Exotic Jungle and I agree with the review. It is well worth the trip to see that reef tank! Also picked up some rock for the FW great deal. Today we visited Dr.Macs and I am impressed with what I saw. Grow out systems are top notch IMO and the selection was great. Tomorrow "That Fish Place" gets a visit then we're on our way home. I think we'll need a bigger tank soon LOL.

[H.crispa]

I recieved an unfavorable report on Exotic Jungle. The report said the shop was not clean and the display tank of which I am so fond was not visible because of the algae on the "glass" (acrylic tank). I am horribly dismayed, appalled, shocked and truely disappointed. If this is true, I am afraid I must withdraw my rating and downgrade the shop to about a five or six (yikes!). Lisa, you are a great person and I really enjoy talking to you and you have always had an A#1 shop. I must admit I have not been there in a while and I hate to think that it has gone downhill. After all, you had one of the best shops I have ever seen. I guess I'll have to take a trip to Morganhole to see for myself. Honestly, I find it hard to believe that Exotic Jungle has gotten dirty and neglected the best LPS and softie display tank on the East coast ( and the most unique IMO in setup, lighting and livestock). I hope this is untrue. It would be a shame.

[H.crispa]

Originally posted by PrivateJoker64
I don't know why you are all so enamored of Jo-Mars.
In all the times I've been in there (maybe a dozen times) they BLA BLA BLA...BLA BLA........BLA BLA.

Sir, I know you not and therefore I cannot claim to know your viewpoint. I do, however understand what you are saying. For many years I badgered Barry to get in more stuff, and I still do. What can I say, I'm never satisfied (typical characteristic of a sales weasel). However, since Ron has come on board down there, the shelves are full, the tanks are heavily stocked and coral propogation tanks have been installed. This is the kind of thing I begged Barry for for years. He is a good friend and all but he pays me little mind on such matters, typically. I understand and all, after all he is running a business and he needs to fill his shelves and tanks with what sells, not what looks pretty. Ron however, has somehow managed to persuade him to do these things I suppose. Either that or he had a religeous experience and angels from Heaven told him to do it. I don't know.

My point is that the Jo Mars of 2 years ago is far different than the Jo Mars of today. Don't misunderstand, if you want the choice, top-shelf stuff, you'd better have your gluteus maximus at the shop when the truck arrives. Otherwise, you are left in the dust. Trust me, I live 2 miles away and I still miss out a lot (work and all). However, the coral propogation tanks become over run with stuff at times and the shop sells it at the auctions to make room for new stuff to grow.

I am making a huge assumption that Ron is a big factor in the changes. I have been going to the shop since I was I little kid and that is the only change I have observed that has happened, followed by such a large change. Therefore I deduce that Ron is the culprit. I could be wrong and I often am. (Oh my God, did I just say that??? That could completely shatter my conceited, self-important, arrogant reputation!) No, I'm sorry. I take that back. Ron is definitely the reason, I'm never wrong!!!! I know everything!!! You are all mindless mirmidons!!!!! Obey me or you shall die!

Seriously, if Ron is the reason for the changes, he is one kick hass salesperson.

Did I just ramble on??????? OF COURSE NOT! I rule the universe! A universe ruler never rambles!

bEDTIME???? PERHAPS.

[firefish2020]

Salesperson? Not really I just know what people like and what makes the hobby more enjoyable, plus displays and prop tanks are things most places would never consider investing in.

Education matters most to the success in the hobby and I have tried to make newbies understand what it takes by showing them these displays and systems. It's not about the sales that much in fact I have often directed serious hobbyists to other online sources for items we cant get. Honesty is usually well rewarded, I will never please everyone but I¡¦ll settle for 95% ƒº

[H.crispa]

No. You are missing my point. Not selling to customers. Selling ideas to Barry. Dingbat!

And for some reason you seem to think that being a good salesperson somehow has a bad connotation. A good salesperson is knowledgeable, informative, helpful etc. and helps people acquire goods and services that best meet their needs and budget through a consultative process. I think you fit that description. Not the old school used car salesman stereotype. In any case, that was not my point. Anyone can sell to customers, albeit not always well. Selling to the shop owner is a much more difficult task. He's not looking to buy pretty stuff for his glass box in the living room. He's looking for stuff that looks pretty enough that other people will want to buy it for their pretty glass boxes. But, it has to be easy enough to take care of so that whoever buys it does not kill it and blame you for selling an "unhealthy animal". And can you buy it cheaply enough to be able to sell it for a profit once you get it. And be able to get it with a minimum of casualties, and in the event of casualties, will the supplier foot the bill or is it MY risk? What time of year is it? Will it ship well... or AT ALL???

To summarize, if it's purdy, reasonably priced and reasonably easy to care for it will sell easily. Finding those qualities in a live product on a day to day basis is the tough part and convincing a conservative shop owner to take risks on new ideas is next to impossible. Therefore, if it was you as I suspect that spearheaded these changes, hats off to you. I'm glad you are not selling pharma against me.

[firefish2020]

"I'm glad you are not selling pharma against me."

No problem there Ill leave that you lol. But just wait and see whats next :)

Oh I never got to post about Fishy Business!
Wow what a place-I am amazed by the amount of supplies and the way the place is laid out, very well kept and cool. Kind of like Petsmart meats Sams club or so. The fish room was great but here are the CONs. When we were there, there was an amazing disgusting smell coming from the fish room, I saw a huge vat that they were acclimizing turbos in and I assume a few of them didn’t make the trip. It was so overwhelming a few people left the area complaining about it, but I was not deterred by a nasty smell I had to see the whole area. CON #2 come with some of the coral tanks especially those with SPS in them they were overrun with algae. I was going to get a HUGE Monti cap to frag out but it was so covered with Algae I decided it wasn’t that good of a deal. Same goes with a few rare fire corals, awesome blue one but it looked in poor health. Fish on the other hand were Grade-A to me and the holding system was well laid out. The fresh water and plant section was also Grade-A. I had to get some plants while there and finally found a Gold Ram. However Supplies were far more impressive than any place I have ever been in, if you are in the area I advice you drop by it’s worth the travel.

[H.crispa]

OK. I was wrong about Exotic Jungle. I am told it is just as clean etc as I remember so, Lisa you have your spot back. Sorry I ever doubted you and I am sorry if I caused you any stress. Please forgive me. I understand if you are mad but please understand that I am brutally honest in my posts on this thread. And to be fair, if I receive a report of any pet shop I have critiqued that is unfavorable, or favorable, I will re-evaluate my appraisal. That goes for everyone-- even Jo Mars for which I have an admitted bias. Sorry about that but it is true. That is why I try to pick out flaws at JoMars and post them. To force myself to be unbiased.

This thread will remain impartial. If your shop sucks, I will say it sucks. No appologies, no exceptions, no BS. So I hope Barry can take some criticism from time to time without getting too mad at me. Because I am fully planning on ragging on everyone with complete impunity! I will also praise where I feel it is warranted. So BITE ME!!!

Geez, being a jerk is both awful and fun. I suppose it sucks to be me. But darn it, I really try to nice! I also try to be honest! Even when it hurts peoples' feelings and I expect the same!!!!!! I have my flaws and when people point them out to me I don't go cry in a corner, I thank them.. Big deal. Skin is cheap, develop a thick one.

[mld90]

Originally posted by Aquayne_wv

The best store I have seen is "Aquamains" Greensborough, NC. Big, clean, great selection. BUT smells of rat urine due to selling reptiles too. They regularly change the huge display tanks and even added a nurse shark above ground saltwater pond in the store this year. They even have a Koi pond with 15 foot waterfall.

Wayne
Aquayne
I have been to Aquamains. I dont think its that great, yea they have a lot of stuff, but its mostly crap. The fish are fine, but the corals arent up to par. The freshwater tanks are kind of dirty too. A neat place to visit, IF you are in the area.

If your looking for a nice little shop in the Charlotte NC area check out fintastic its off of South Tryon and I-485. They have a new store its like a little CVS parmacy clean and has anything you would like. They have a website you can check out www.fintastic.us. The employees are kind of like Jo Mars, you gotta ask if you want help, but were able to help. They had some albino Sterbai mislabled as Albino aneus. I could have got 4 for like 8 bucks, but just could'nt do that. I told them about the mistake and they jacked the price up to 20 bucks each. Oh well no deal for doing the right thing. If you do dont make the mistake of going up NORTH Tryon street. The only thing you'll find up there is a bunch of strip clubs, gun shops, and an a** beatin if you dont watch out. I found that most of the people at the 6 shops I visited in the Charlotte area were as dumb as the guys at Petland. I just had to get back home.

[firefish2020]

<b>"I told them about the mistake and they jacked the price up to 20 bucks each."</b>

It's a shame that good deeds are seldom rewarded but I can say if that happened with me you would have gotten them for what they were labeled as. Not because it was the right thing to do but because if it was labeled as and priced as such on the sale floor they have to sell it as such to you. Now they can argue about it and take it to the manager level for approval but you would still likely have gotten the deal if you had not backed down. Of course you shouldn’t have to go to such extremes and sometimes it's just better to say OK we'll play that game and never go back, then rate the place low for everyone on the net to see LOL.

Jason I expect unbiased views here and so far you have done a good job at it IMO.

[Shikaroka]

Originally posted by coralreefer
Todd was the place in Louisville Sandy's maybe?



Yup, I just found thier card. It was Sandy's. I'll probably be going there again this weekend.