Buying from websites, I'm new to saltwater

[07FocusST]

I am addicted to Barrier Reef (according to the wife). Its an hour drive, one way, from Silverdale. Never stopped me!

 

[olsenshouse]

I'm going to make my first trip to Barrier Reef this weekend. I'm sure I'll be addicted also!

 

[capdippe]

Good thread, thanks for the info.

 

[olsenshouse]

Thanks cabdippe. Trying to take in all the info I can since I'm new to the saltwater world.

 

[barrierreefcf]

Jill,

Sorry you had a negative experience. After seeing your post I had a conversation with the entire crew to emphasize customer service. Hopefully, you give us another chance to make a good impression.

Unfortunatly, Tim and I do not get to spend as much time in the store as we used to. We do not want the level of customer service to drop off as a result. Anytime someone has a less than stellar experience I would love an email or a PM with feedback so I can correct the situation

 

[pblutang]

+1 on the lfs. I usually ask how long the fish has been in the store or if its a pricey purchase I'll go back a couple of times to see how the fish acclimated and also ask to see them feed the fish to make sure it's eating.

 

[returnofsid]

Jill,

Sorry you had a negative experience. After seeing your post I had a conversation with the entire crew to emphasize customer service. Hopefully, you give us another chance to make a good impression.

Unfortunatly, Tim and I do not get to spend as much time in the store as we used to. We do not want the level of customer service to drop off as a result. Anytime someone has a less than stellar experience I would love an email or a PM with feedback so I can correct the situation

Cy, I think it's also important that you know when your crew give excellent service. When we were there, July 2nd and 3rd, Brie and Chris and then Brie and Andrew, gave us the exceptional service that we're accustomed to.

 

[jill]

Jill,

Sorry you had a negative experience. After seeing your post I had a conversation with the entire crew to emphasize customer service. Hopefully, you give us another chance to make a good impression.

Unfortunatly, Tim and I do not get to spend as much time in the store as we used to. We do not want the level of customer service to drop off as a result. Anytime someone has a less than stellar experience I would love an email or a PM with feedback so I can correct the situation

Thanks for the reply. As soon as I hit the "reply" button I regreted it because I hadn't contacted you after our visit. It was last summer and my husband and I had heard so many nice things about your store that we were really excited to make the trip. We were buying lots of things all over because we just started reefing a few months before.
Everybody has a bad day and I'm sure we just were unlucky that particular day.
We'll try again in the next few months.
I'm in the market for another scoly and some type (I haven't decided which) of big showy tang, angel or wrasse.

 

[barrierreefcf]

Thanks for the reply. As soon as I hit the "reply" button I regreted it because I hadn't contacted you after our visit. It was last summer and my husband and I had heard so many nice things about your store that we were really excited to make the trip. We were buying lots of things all over because we just started reefing a few months before.
Everybody has a bad day and I'm sure we just were unlucky that particular day.
We'll try again in the next few months.
I'm in the market for another scoly and some type (I haven't decided which) of big showy tang, angel or wrasse.

We appreciate any feedback, good or bad. We are always working to improve. We'd love another chance

 

[freakin]

We appreciate any feedback, good or bad

Get a bigger sign

 

[capdippe]

Thats funny, I brought some friends in there to show them my new hobby, and as we get out of the car my buddy says " Matt, this is weird we really should go through the front door". Once they rounded the corner they were very impressed. Thanks for all the help getting me started.

 

[capdippe]

NC2WA great tank, I like the hammer!

 

[tamarindthai]

for the good stuffs,i am always buy from website
love to support the local but only 20% servival rate buying coral from LFS in the past,JMO

 

[SpecialTang]

Frags I try to buy from people that have tanks set up and running for a few years. As far as fish I say lfs. The reason I say lfs is if you have issues with your tank or the fish you will most likely turn to your lfs for advice. If you never support them, is it really fair for them to support your tank with their knowledge?

 

[capdippe]

Great point!

 

[WPH]

One point I would like to make in defense (LOL) of ordering online is ....your getting your fish direct from the ocean to your Aquarium.....

A Yellow Tang, Naso Tang or any Hawaiian fish/invert will change hands 3 or more times before you get to purchase that fish from an LFS...from the Hawaii diver to a Hawaii wholesaler, from a Hawaii wholesaler to an LA wholesaler, From an LA wholesaler to your LFS. and each time this fish will get marked up in price and go through furthur stress going into different systems...so thats my little take an ordering fish direct from the diver collector....

I strongly beleive that you should support your LFS as much as possible and there are many great LFS in your area such as CY and Tim @ Barrier Reef and Rob at ARSA and a few others. They ae very passionate about what their doing and are excellent sources for your Hobby .Seeing your fish before you buy it is a good way to buy fish. Make sure the fish is eating before you purchase the fish. Ask the LFS employee if they could feed the fish so you can see if it is eating and ask them if they offer a guarantee on the fish before purchasing. Some online sites offer a 14 day stay alive guarantee..some offer just live arrival so make sure you know an online vendors policy before purchasing.In certain cases dealing directly with the diver saves you money and the fish go through less stress changing hands just once. I do offer a live arrival guarantee and a stay alive replacement guarantee If your fish is DOA I will give you a 100% credit to use for a replacement and once the fish goes into your DT it is covered with a lifetime replacement guarantee as well. If the fish dies at any time during its life after it goes into your DT I will offer a replacement at wholesale cost plus $24.95 shipping so in some cases ordering online is great and in other cases your LFS is the way to go! ........ALoha Les @ WPH

 

[reefrat]

from website

drygood always way togo ,cheaperor
live stock better selections always ,somtime even cheaper with shipping cost.

 

[titocherokee]

Can i have the address from the store in Sumner and in Kent i'm looking from corals and anemones i am brand new on the alt walter tank

 

[titocherokee]

need some advice i start with my salt water tank

 

[psb]

I use both approaches. I use the LFS for the common and ordinary things. But generally speaking for bulk items or the unusual fish or invert the stores dont compete because they cant or wont order something to have it sit in the store. If it is an expensive fish or delicate i like to get it from the LFS because i can see it eat and swim. Just like there are good LFS stores the same can be said for the online people and there are maybe only 4 or five i would order from. It works well to get the advice of experienced reefers when ordering online as many of them have dealt with all or some of the suppliers.