Looking for input on LFS in this area.

dalejsanders · 07-07-2005, 10:45 AM

I'm starting to get some good info from these posts regarding some of the LFS in this area, but having just moved here, I don't know which stores are good for which things. Can some of you post to this thread and let me know some of your favorite LFS and why? Do they have good prices? Do they always have items in stock? Are the coral selections varied and in good health?

Thanks for your help from a new Minnesotan!

Looking forward to meeting many of you next Saturday at the meeting.

Dale

jules77 · 07-07-2005, 10:57 AM

There are many threads in this forum that talk heavily about each. Here is my take on it:
SF- Lots of fish, inverts- reasonable priced but 50/50 survival
WOF- Decent all around, lots of supplies- softies/LPS prices generally high
WW- eagan- Nice sized show pieces but $$$. They are more apt to take time to discuss issues with you
Har Mar- best salt prices, a few decent corals
place in applevalley?- I have had best luck with their livestock, and some prices will suprise you.
Sea Dreams- neat place but not consistent, take advise w/ grain of salt
anyplace else isn't worth a trip IMO

otolith · 07-07-2005, 11:01 AM

Most of this stuff you can find from club members.

For most livestock, Jerry (JnS), is an excellent source. You can get most LPS, softies, zoas, clean up crew, and fish from him. He's slowly working on SPS, and I'll help prod him along in that area.

Typically for equipment, bulbs, etc, check out Dirk (dirk griffin). For the most part, he can come pretty close to matching online prices. He also does tend to have some nice SPS in the dungeon.

If you want frags of things, best thing to do is just ask here...

In regards to LFS, most people think Something Fishy is a good store and World of Fish is way overpriced (although on occasion you can get a good deal there). I usually don't go to the LFSs that often, unless it's an urgent thing and I can't wait to get it.

JnS · 07-07-2005, 11:06 AM

SF --has become resonable priced....wow something is wrong there

Forest Lake Pets- great selcection of freshwater, saltwater is getting better. reasonable priced.

lots of smaller shops around town also.....looks like some people only deal with the bigger places

MNnaNoReef · 07-07-2005, 11:15 AM

Seriously, I really reccomend Jerry for all of your'e livestock needs hes the best. I think hes now literally saved me hundreds of dollars.

Clownnut · 07-07-2005, 11:55 AM

yep jerry is way to go... i seem some of his stuff...through pics... but they look great.

pnkpanther · 07-07-2005, 11:56 AM

Quote:

place in applevalley?- I have had best luck with their livestock, and some prices will suprise you.

probably a wet pet.

it's a decent place with helpfull staff.

While jerry is fine, his neighborhood is shady, i thought for sure those six year olds where going to jump me.

Havre · 07-07-2005, 12:13 PM

I am in agreement with Derek. I try to keep within the club. I prefer Dirk simply cause I have known him a long time and he is a good friend. Also the few things I have bought from Jerry have been real nice, plus both of them are really good to this club. Also just hobbists in the club who are looking to thin out or scale down will offer stuff for sale on here as well.

Scott

David Grigor · 07-07-2005, 12:36 PM

I am in agreement. Since downsizing my tanks I have very little need for purchasing. Most everything is trading or buying frags from local members. Because of the distance, I don't use Dirk as much as I could usually just easier to mailorder drygoods except for VHO bulbs. Jerry is great to work with if you live on more of the NW side of town and are looking LPS/Softy.

Prior to the recent staff changes at SF, this was basically the only LFS I visited with any regularity. However, this is probably not a good time period to judge SF with the power outage issues last month and staff changes may want to give it a while and see how they transition.

I personally don't trust SeaDreams and haven't been there is quite a while. I have heard they are turning the corner on marking prices on the tanks but as far as I know they still aren't there yet and will not step foot until they are.

HarMar pets in the HarMar mall in Roseville is known for Salt prices. Livestock seems a bit overpriced and not 100% sure on the quaility.

Fish-N-Friends is a small joint in Brooklyn Park off 85th. Usually hit or miss ( mostly miss ) on corals with an occasional deal here or there. Anytime i'm in the market for a wrasse I usually frequent for a while as they usually stock some pretty nice fairy wrasses. Have to acclimate very slow ( and as with any fish recommend quarantine ) as the salinty is quite low for reefs.

None of the Petcos on the NW side of town, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Minnetonka are trustyworthy enough to buy fish ( except captive bred clowns )regardless of how good of deal it appears to be. More times than not (IME ) die within the first 2 weeks.

MNnaNoReef · 07-07-2005, 02:08 PM

hey pnkpanther i agree with you i was so worried i was gonna get jumped by those kids too. i thought maybe they would take one of those cards the were playing with and paper cut me.I've learned you never can trust a six year old.......

pnkpanther · 07-07-2005, 02:14 PM

ANd jerry himself

he seems to have beef with my handle

whats not to like about the Pink Panther?

blackdog · 07-07-2005, 05:15 PM

I miss Ed, but I still like SF the best for a LFS. They usually have good prices and decent livestock. Right now there livestock is "hurting" a little, however I have every confidence they will make a good comeback. It seems like they used to have better corals.

I also frequent WOF, Wet World, and A Wet Pet regularily.

I was at Sea Dreams today and they have lot's of IO buckets in stock for $35.99. I think prices are better now. Dave, you should go in and have a look, you don't have to buy anything! Keep your expectations low.

Superman · 07-07-2005, 05:49 PM

I frequent HarMar because I have a good relationship with Gary (head manager) and the salt prices are good. But the help at HarMar other than Gary is kinda suspect. Some livestock there is ok, but as mentioned before it can be in declining in health at times.

Wet World is my one of my favorites as far as health of livestock, but they have crazy prices (last time I was there I don't think I saw a single coral for less than $60) and I have gotten some really bad BS information from the owner there about the care of a couple different types of corals. So I no longer go there.

Something fishy seems to be an ok place to go every now and then, pricing of stuff is better than most, the advice can be good (Twins Guy) So all in all it is pretty nice with the exception being just recently with power outage problems and such.

As you get used to online prices and prices that you can get things for from Dirk or Jerry or others in the club you will become very unhappy with the prices you see in almost any LFS. So I would do as most of us have, go to the fish stores that treat you well (as I do with HarMar) and spend some money every now and then (like buying salt) but for the most part you can get what you need right here in the club new or used.

dalejsanders · 07-08-2005, 10:28 AM

Thanks for all the input so far everybody. This helps me a lot!