[e_baer]

Why do you choose a certain online stores over another, and which ones?




For me, I like to support www.sealifeflorida.com because they evacuate the sea urchins from places where hurricanes can damage them. Take a look at this video: Sea Urchins Evacuate Keys - Video - WTVJ | Miami

Also, take a look at this:
Hurricanes and global warming devastate Caribbean coral reefs | Environment | The Guardian

Ken is the owner of www.sealifeflorida.com


Another place I like to support is Aquarium Fish: Tropical Freshwater Fish and Saltwater Fish for Home Aquariums.

They have an extensive aquaculture facility and have plans to make it even larger. By getting aquacultured creatures you are saving the natural reefs in the ocean and having a much smaller impact on the ecosystem.

[Bamaguy]

I discovered Foster and Smith when I was doing freshwater and flakes, filters, and equipment were all cheaper than the local fish stores, plus they had a better selection. I never met anyone from there or anything but they were the first online store and have always done me right.
Since getting into saltwater I still purchased my skimmer, powerhead and stuff from them but have found a local store that I now trust for livestock and liverock (although it's pricey).
Many people here have recommended Marine Depot and when Dr Foster and Smith didn't stock Joe's Juice, I ordered it from them instead.
The last thing I really need equipment wise for a reeftank is my lights and Fosters and Smith has some pretty good sales on the T5 fixtures so I will probably go with them for that as well.
I guess once you find someone that you trust it's hard to switch. I still would be wary to order a fish. I know people do, but it's hard to imagine.

[stacef]

Elliott, This is a great idea. It honestly get people supporting companies that care.. You should also ask.. Why don't you support the ones you don't.. what was your experience, just an idea.

[e_baer]

If I was able to go back and change it, I would also throw that question out there!

I DO NOT support the use of cyanide. Therefore, I try to avoid fish that are caught from The Philippines, parts of Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, the Maldives, Sabah, and possibly the Red Sea (Eritrea) and Tanzania (OVER SEAS -- Cleansing Our Seas of a Poison Tide -- April 1999)

(Cyanide and Its Unfortunate Use in the Marine Ornamental Industry by Steven Pro - Reefkeeping.com)

If there is a fish that is from cambodia for 20$ and the same type of fish from the carribean for 40$, you can bet that I will be getting the fish for 40$!!!


I am sure many of the online vendors have fish that were caught with the use of cyanide and it is not impossible to avoid. That is why I just try to get the fish that are not from the above listed places.

[stephaniesquires]

Haven't bought livestock (save for a small cuc) but for supplies I like Marinedepot. Mostly because I've had great responses from them if I had a question, or problem with an order. They also get stuff to my house in about 2 days since they're fairly local... I've also had goo luck from Dr Foster Smith and get salt from them as marinedepot doesnt sell what I want.
As for livestock, I will keep the sites Elliott posted as I agree with his views on cyanide caught fish and with farming/ranching (??) rather than depleting our natural resources...

Good topic Elliott