Reef Builders - The Source for Reef Keeping Information

map95003 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 10:47 AM

Well it's been a little over 5 weeks since my tank been cycling, everything is testing OK (amonia, nitrate, nitrite - levels are 0, SG 1.024, temp 77.8) so I figure it's time I start looking into the clean-up crew. Stopped by the LFS yesterday (AquaDreams), the kid that works there is very helpful, I bought most of my stuff for my setup from him. So yesterday I bought a small package deal clean-up crew they had for $29.00 (snails, crabs, a peppermint shrimp), since I was there I also picked up an additional heater and a mag float, everything came up to almost $100. I mentioned to the kid that their prices are double or more the prices of Dr.Foster...the owner heard me and freaked out!!! Guy went off on me about how it's sites like those that are running LFS's out of business and it looks like I can't afford the stuff in his store...granted, over the last few months I spend on average $100/week at this idiot's store and that would have increased once I started adding fish and corals. He said he pays more for his stuff than those guys are sell for online...I told him that was his stupidity and I shouldn't have to pay for that...I got P'd off and said you know what...I want to return everything I just purchased. I feel bad for the kid that works there, he is really a good guy but the owner sucks....if you shop there check the prices for stuff at other stores or online before you buy there.

Hosser · #2 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 12:15 PM

Well it is true and with anyonline supplier its way cheaper than anything local. But the guy shouldnt have freaked out. Most LFS are mom and pop shops around here and alot of us try and support them if they are decent stores and they understand we wont buy equipment from them but still support them with other stuff. It sounds like you were doing just that. His loss. Sorry you had a rough time with them.

unclejed · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 12:54 PM

Hey Hosser, that little child isn't supposed to be drinking alcohol is he? If so, not funny. I am offended.

Hosser · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 01:02 PM

I highly doubt he is , its a pic I got off another website. If it truly offends I will change it

Adam J · #5 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclejed

Hey Hosser, that little child isn't supposed to be drinking alcohol is he? If so, not funny. I am offended.

UH oh its the Avatar police!

map95003 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 01:59 PM

I hear you, that's exactly what I was trying to do, support him....infact, the first time I walked into his store a few months ago, I told him I like his setup, place was clean, no dead fish floating around and he had quite a bit of stock....he was complaining about the economy back them, I told him I don't mind paying a few extra $$ to get stuff right away, especially live stuff that I can see....maybe he just had a bad day yesterday, who knows....but unfortunately he lost a customer and the fact is if most LFS's don't swallow their pride and go with the changes in today's economy, they will run out of business....the bottom line is they need to buy cheap to be able to sell cheap and make a profit, it's only a matter of time before most reefers say screw the LFS and buy everything online...I know there are exceptions....well, enough of my Bit**ing, if any of you guys are from the area I just wanted to let you know.

Hosser · #7 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 02:03 PM

Yeah I myself buy all my livestock and coral locally. Prices here are great compared to elswhere. But as equipment goes LFS unless the are chains will never be able to match the prices. I have seen the actual reciepts for lights and tanks from a LFS and what he pays is almost what we can buy them for online within say 50 bucks or so. And this guy shops around..... the problem is volume they cant buy great quantities so its more. again his loss.

Ganrin · #8 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by map95003

I mentioned to the kid that their prices are double or more the prices of Dr.Foster...the owner heard me and freaked out!!! Guy went off on me about how it's sites like those that are running LFS's out of business and it looks like I can't afford the stuff in his store...granted, over the last few months I spend on average $100/week at this idiot's store and that would have increased once I started adding fish and corals. He said he pays more for his stuff than those guys are sell for online...I told him that was his stupidity and I shouldn't have to pay for that...

He was right, the small retail shop cannot buy from a wholesaler for the prices that places like DFS sells to the public for. Its not his fault, its the way the industry works right now. If you know what you are going to need ahead of time and can make an order large enough to be worth the shipping, order online. If you need something on an emergency basis pay the lfs price for the convenience of getting it right now instead of waiting. Where he can compete with them is on livestock if he has a decent wholesaler hes ordering from.

ILoveMyTank · #9 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 11:54 PM

You should only support your LFS to a point. I moved from Florida about 2 years ago. there was a LFS on every corner and there prices and stock was great. I always supported them. Then I moved to Charlotte, NC area. There are a couple of small stores with almost nothing for saltwater. And then theres Fintastics. A large LFS that has everything you could ever want for fresh and salt. Incredable stock and selection always clean and amazing amount of staff. But the PRICE !!!!!!! I don't know how they stay in business or why anyone shops there. I go in to see fish I read about and think I want or to get ideas but no way I would purchase from them. There sales associates work on commision ! anyone ever herd of a fish store doing that ? I could go to DRF&S or saltwater.com pick out any fish buy it and pay for the shipping and I still got it cheaper than this place. There live rock is $11 a pound. cleaner shrimp $ 79. clowns $ 59. I could go on and on. They are huge to. I don't know whos buying enough to keep them open. Its online for me.

Hosser · #10 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 12:04 AM

I have heard prices from people up north and I cant believe it. Id go online too. There is something to be said for being able to SEE your livestock but at those prices thats crazy.

map95003 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 09:45 AM

I'm not trying to beat a dead horse here guys, I do understand that things are tough for the LFS these days and it's hard for them to compete with online prices...but IMO that's even more of a reason to be nice to your existing customers and don't go crazy on them...if you want to keep them

e_baer · #12 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 10:46 AM

Yeah I agree with the second part.

I personalyy dont support my one lfs because for 3 red or green mushrooms on a little piece of LR, you are looking at 90$. That is rediculous. They also always have dead fish in the tanks and hardly any selection at all. Quite honestly, if they wanted to give stuff away to me, they wouldnt be able to....at least no fish. Their coral is in a seperate tank and looks kind of nice besides the fact that there is only 5-6 corals in there.

jimw369 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 12:54 PM

Why does everyone think of there LFS as a place to buy livestock? I get my salt from there, I get my carbon from there, I get seaweed clips from there, I get my fish food from from there, and most important I get information from there. While Im not going to ask them specifically about my tank I will ask, how is business, whats the scoop on importing livestock right now, whats popular and whats not...and so on.
Its a meeting place. Its a place to meet other reefers. If you are serious about reefing its a place to become known within the local reefing community which can pay off big time when looking for corals, LR and other great deals from other aquarists as well as used equipment. I support a few LFS with my business when it doesnt pinch the wallet too much. Just makes good sense to form a few good relationships out there.

e_baer · #14 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 01:24 PM

I guess if there are other serious reefers in the community. My area, there are almost no lfs's that sell saltwater. There is one, precious pets. I was there today and they literally had 7 fish and a few coral. That is it. Obviously not a big reefer hang out place. I can tell that the guy who owns the place is not big into SW. I asked if he has any seaweed clips....whats that?

jimw369 · #15 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 02:23 PM

Where do you live Elliott? Sorry I guess I should know that since Ive sent stuff to you in the mail. lol

map95003 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 02:46 PM

Jim, I totally agree with you. The problem is this guy got upset for 2 reasons:

1) I ask a few prices for stuff I had on a list.
2) I bought a few of the items (even though they were more expensive) and I mentioned to the cashire that the other items were double or more the prices at Dr.Fosters

I don't see that as a reason to get upset with a customer...but like most other reefers I do belive in supporting good LFS's...for the same reasons you mentioned above. I think this guy just got upset because I didn't buy everything I had on my list from him.

Hosser · #17 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 03:01 PM

I only say buy livestock from one of my LFS cause of their selection and care for them. For the most part though think alot of people have a horrible selection of LFS and very little local support or knowledge of SW. A few members have mentioned in chat that they are 40 miles from the nearest store with anything remotely SW. Where I am there is a SW exclusive store about every ten minutes it seems. And they are incredible places here to meet up with other reefers, kind like a hobbyists "bar" haha.

e_baer · #18 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 03:26 PM

I live in central jersey....East Windsor to be exact. There is one place in hamilton that is good....really good, but its takes about 30 to get there, plus its stop and go traffic. at 11 mpg to me its not really worth it, unless I am getting a few things. I dont want to just go there to look around every week....ya know what I mean?

Hosser · #19 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 03:30 PM

Yeah that would suck Elliott to drive for an hour to say hi and bye . Not worth it at all right now

e_baer · #20 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 03:35 PM

exactly....and its a shame because the precious pets lfs i was talking about earlier is 10 min away....but it sucks. That is why I try to order everything online.

Hosser · #21 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 03:40 PM

I guess it all depends on where you live. I imagine up north alot of LFS are more pet stores than fish only stores

blind1993 · #22 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 03:56 PM

down here in atl we have a few stores that sell their stuff cheaper than wholesale.

saltwater city sells copperband butterflies for $30

malawiman · #23 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 10:14 PM

yea i have mentioned this to my lfs's a few times. from my fresh water expeience i would go to the lfs on delivery day and select live stock directly from their shipment. so really there would be no difference in quality i would belive.

ILoveMyTank · #24 (**permalink**) 10-13-2008, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimw369

Why does everyone think of there LFS as a place to buy livestock? I get my salt from there, I get my carbon from there, I get seaweed clips from there, I get my fish food from from there, and most important I get information from there. While Im not going to ask them specifically about my tank I will ask, how is business, whats the scoop on importing livestock right now, whats popular and whats not...and so on.
Its a meeting place. Its a place to meet other reefers. If you are serious about reefing its a place to become known within the local reefing community which can pay off big time when looking for corals, LR and other great deals from other aquarists as well as used equipment. I support a few LFS with my business when it doesnt pinch the wallet too much. Just makes good sense to form a few good relationships out there.

Its not a good meeting place at mine when all the salesmen ( and there are alot of them) are on commision and you are swarmed every minute you are there leaving no time to talk to anyone else who walks in ( who are being swarmed by there own set of salesmen. This is not the way this industry/hobby should be. Anyone know of a good saltwater LFS in columbia,SC ? I'd be willing to drive an hour ! Or Greenville or spartenburg, South CArolina ?

jimw369 · #25 (**permalink**) 10-13-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILoveMyTank

Its not a good meeting place at mine when all the salesmen ( and there are alot of them) are on commision and you are swarmed every minute you are there leaving no time to talk to anyone else who walks in ( who are being swarmed by there own set of salesmen. This is not the way this industry/hobby should be. Anyone know of a good saltwater LFS in columbia,SC ? I'd be willing to drive an hour ! Or Greenville or spartenburg, South CArolina ?

Thats too bad...some how I dont think the salesmen would bother me too much. Most of them around here just ask questions. We actually have club meetings at the various LFS and the shops in return give away frags, put on workshops, have raffles and auctions.