Any reefers in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area?

[2nd timer]

Any reefers in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area?

I am just getting into this hobby again. So far I haven't found a decent LFS. I live in Mckinney, outside of Dallas. Any suggestions? I won't mind if it isn't real close. Any suggestions will help.

Has anyone found Southdown sand here?

Also, I'd like to see who's close by. I'd love to start getting together with people to split orders, shipping costs, etc. Eventually, if all goes well - some swapping too.

Thanks.

[derosier]

2nd timer,

There's actually a pretty active marine aquarium club in the DFW area:
http://www.dfwmas.com/

They also have a web board at:
http://reefcentral.com/vbulletin/for...php?forumid=58

I used to live in Irving, and typically went up to Dallas North Aquarium up in Carolton. They're ok, have a decent selection, but I thought they were too expensive and the advice really depends uppon the person helping you. I also don't like the fact they keep a selection of small sharks and other exotics (found a couple of octipi there once), and will sell them to any idiot. (I like they have a selection, kinda nice if you are pretty advanced, but I frown on irresponsible keeping, which selling such things to newbies really encourages. ) Since it was so expensive, I tried to buy most of my stuff on-line, but if I needed something right away I would hop over there. I bought all my water, both salt mixed and topoff from there in 5 gal tanks, so I typcially stoped in once a week to get water and browse.

There's one in Irving, Saltwater Paridise. (on O'Connor) I went in numerous times, but I never bought anything there. Everytime I went in they seemed to be having problems with ich, cyano breakouts, and other types of things that show significant water quality problems. They are pretty new, so maybe they are just having to get some kinks worked out. I recomend checking in with them periodically, but make sure you are happy with the water quality before you buy. All the tanks there are salt, but they have little selection in dry goods.

There are more LFS in the area, but those are the only two I checked out durring my 1 year stay in Dallas.

[SteveNichols]

There is a great reefin shindig comin up down there pretty soon. Don't know if they are still calling it MACNA or not, but that will be a great place to go and learn a lot and meet many of the people from around the country that are playing these same games.

[OodleyBoodely]

Hi, 2ndTimer! I live in far NW Ft. Worth and two of my favorite shops are Planet Pet (just merged or boughtout World Down Under) in Hurst. Has good selection and pretty good staff, though IMO, prices are a little steep. The other place is Fish Paradise in S. Ft. Worth on Altamesa. It has a real good selection of both coral and fish and the prices are reasonable. As for staff advice in either place, personally I've recieved bad advice in every shop I've been to, so, I tend not to question them much anymore and wait to get my info here. Check out DFWMAS. They just had a big frag swap that I managed to go to that was great. I came home with more frags than I arrived with and only spent gas money to get there!

[2nd timer]

Thanks for all the information.

I am planning on checking out another of the LFS the weekend. I have been to Aquatic Design in Plano. The people are very nice, but they didn't have a huge selection.

I've got my Southdown sand problem solved. I have 8 bags being shipped to my local Home Depot! They were actually very helpful.

I am looking into the DFWMAS. Can't wait till the next frag swap they have. Of course, I'll just have to look an drool for awhile.

Thanks again!!