Going to be in Redmond, WA

[reefcam]

Just learned that I'll be up in Redmond for work and was wondering if there are any LFS that is worth visiting. I'm looking for any that have lots of SPS. Also I'm visiting Kripy Kreme so any LFS around there would be cool.

[balakoth]

I wouldn't say alot.. nor would I say great SPS. But the only one worth visiting if your going to be up near Krispy Cream is Blue Serria. Its about a mile from KC on the same road none the less. Havent been there in a month or so, but they dont seem to get many new colonies or frags in that often.

Its better than Saltwater City tho



Joe

[cichlidite]

I was going to recommend Saltwater City, actually....it's in Bellvue, just off 520 east of 405. If you are going to be in Redmond, it'll be worth the drive. However, Balakoth's opinion is probably correct...I've never been to the one he is referring to...which would be in Issaquah, I guess?

Anyway, if you have an hour to kill, Saltwater City is only about 15 minutes from Krispy Kreme. I like it....ask for Don.

Balakoth, what is the name of one you are talking about and where is it? And how/why is it better than Saltwater City?

Thanks,
Mike in Kirkland

[reefcam]

Cool thanks. Don't know how much time I have to kill at this point. I'll be in meeting pretty much from 10am - 5pm. But I figured since I'm there, why not.

Is saltwater city in Bellevue Square (or the shopping center). Can't remember the name. It's been 10 years since I lived there.

[balakoth]

Granted this is only my opinion... First off Blue Serria is the one in Iss. and ALOT closer to redmond than Bellevue. Which is why I suggested it first.

I do not like saltwater city for several reasons. The help is rude, they are bias to only their own opinions, and their selection is so small I could put my 5 month old tank in there and sell more stuff.

They did have two nice colonies of a purple tip Acro a month ago but for a 150 price tag. Not large colonies mind you... small.

Everytime I have gone into saltwater city, wether it be because I look young. Or am young (21) I have either recieved NO help while being in the store for 30 mins, or they down every mention of equipment I had in my tank and flub me for another customer.

I have recieved nothing but poor advice from them so I choose not to go back. Id rather take the drive to Issaqua than stop there (Saltwater city is a good 30 mins closer to me)

I have only found one LFS that deals with Reefs and they know me now by name and have my tank memorized as I visit them every week. They give me sound advice, do not disconcern things I have heard here or other places and in many cases agree with the statements or information that I have recieved elsewhere. Most LFS will let you buy that Powder Blue tang for your 50 Gallon saying "Oh he wont out grow your tank for a few years" and so on. While the dealers there refuse to sell me certain fish or items for my tank for either my benefit or from their advice.. I dont know many Fish stores that do that.


Remember this is my experience and opinions. Other people may love the store and thats wonderfull. Its just not the place for me. And if Reefcam is going to be up here for a short period of time, I kind of felt it would be a waste of his time to stop at the store if he was looking for Stonies, and at least some variety in corals.



PS: The 3 people that have actually helped me at Saltwater city own Freshwater Chilid (sp) tanks and have not or are just starting a reef tank (1)

They do handle some very nice Custom Tank setups though and have some neat ideas about hoods and live rock suspension. Thats about my only comment towards them.

Take alll this with a grain of salt, I hope I didnt tread on bad water with this, but you ask


- Joe

[balakoth]

Oh yeah sorry Reef forgot to answer your question lol. Saltwater City is right next to the Acura Dealership. Take the Redmond/Seattle exit (it will swing around) then take the very next exit and a left at the light. Saltwater city is a small shop off to your left right next to Acura and across from the Nissan Dealership. Should be the complex after the Safeway training center (Theres a sign on the front of the building for that)


But if you are going to Krispy Cream, like i said Blue Serria is only a mile away if that down the road on the same street. Its in the same block as a Texaco. From Krispy Cream go under the overpass, and past a Texaco on your right.. follow that street until you see ANOTHER texaco (I thought it was kinda silly myself) on your left and it will be in that complex right next to a Furtinture Shop, which I cant remember the name of off the top of my head, and a used book store.

[reefcam]

Thanks Joe.

Just for the KC haters... we don't have one here...

Plus I just wanted to see what the hype is all about...

I'll stop by Blue Sierra. We have enough stores here in the Portland area so it's not that I'm short on LFS to visit. Always like to see what other stores have to offer. You just never know when you find a store with a gem.

Do chiclids come in saltwater variety??

I'll be up there for more visits. Next visit is with my family to take my kid to the Rainforest cafe. **** I hate you Seattle area folks... you have all the cool restaurants up there...

[balakoth]

LOL That we do Reefcam. You just missed the Bite of Seattle too. Lots of Wonderfull food there this year. And all that hype on Krispy Cream is silly. warm up a safeway donut and inject some filling. Wooptedoo... haha I think Im just in a negative mood this morning cuz of my tank Dont listen to me.


I think you might end up finding something at Blue Serria. I came across a closed Brain that I had never seen in any ones tank before and had to snag it up.. Only 30 bucks!! and it was pretty big. I know your lookin for something other than softies and LPS, but they do tend to have some cool finds every now and then. Definately post here if you find something! Or see something someone else might like, I havent taken my weekly visit there in quiet sometime.


BTW I wish I lived in your area, you have all the cool fish stores If i could stand a 3 hour drive that often id be down in vancouver and a few others in the the oregeon (border) area every week.

[cichlidite]

Thanks for the tips on Blue Sierra, Balakoth...I will definatley check it out....maybe even tonight!! I cannot resist a new LFS!!

Weird that you have had bad experiences...I have had great experiences with Saltwater City, but I have seen the type of lacking customer service (that you mentioned) from one of their staff. They are not cheap, either. I'm a bit older, so I do not bother with most of their staff, for the very reasons you give, but their managers, namely Don, is/are excellent. And I find that they have the best selection of LR in the state...it's in the back room.

Reef, depending on where you are in Redmond at whatever time, with traffic and all, either place may suit your needs...the Eastside is not that large! Frankly, I'm looking forward to seeing this Blue Sierra!!

I too, look forward to your post-trip report!!

Thanks again, Balakoth!!!

Cheers,
Mike

[seahawkjohnny]

Balakoth I couldnt agree with you more...I also know Don @ saltwatercity, I knew him when he used to work at The Fish Store in Crossroads.....I make the drive to Issy every now and than to see whats up with BS, I dont always make a purchase there, If I had a FO system I would buy a Queen Trigger they have, I used to have one in a 180, it got HUGE.....on a steady diet of Beef heart, and raw shrimp....

[cichlidite]

OK, well, I just spent 30 minutes at Blue Sierra....OUTSTANDING! I stand corrected....if you have a choice, you gotta check it out. Spendy? Probably. But one hell of a selection. Tons better selection of everything than at Saltwater City. I am sooo glad I found it. Thanks Balakoth!

Reefcam, not only are the selections of corals and fish better, but there is this hottie that works there. Way hottie. A bit too young for me, but way hot. You gotta have the hottie show you the corals way down low, near the ground, if you get my meaning! Sweeeett!!!

Cheers,
Mike

[reefcam]

A hottie... like the one in Duece Bigalo???

Guess I'll have to get the "Sea Snails" that are on the bottom of the tanks

Mike, you did leave me some stuff to look at... including the hottie.

Okay, no body go near Kripy Kreme.

Do they have a website? I found the place. They are going to be about 10 miles from where I will be at.

[wild_79_2000]

Hottie huh.....That girl is always looking at my boyfrind while I'm standing there. Can I hear a "Lets get ready to rumble" LOL. Of course Balakoth never notices it

Victoria

[reefcam]

ok... let's just all meet there and have a contest... Is there a hooters near by

Guess reefing is not what is used to be...

[seahawkjohnny]

Originally posted by reefcam
ok... let's just all meet there and have a contest... Is there a hooters near by

Guess reefing is not what is used to be...

Hey Reefcam if your serious about the Hooters, th closest one is in downtown Bellevue, there is also the ones in Lynnwood, and Seattle.....I have the ph. numbers to the Lynnwood, and Seattle restaurants in my cell phone speed dial...let me know if you want them....