Buying from websites, I'm new to saltwater

[khaosinc]

need some advice i start with my salt water tank

Read several of the threads on this sight and others. Salt water is not like setting up a FW tank where with a few chemicals, you can usually get fish to survive if you bring them home the same day as the tank.

In most of these tanks, you need to build slowly, and plan ahead.

 

[TWallace]

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.....

I don't think this is true. I know that LiveAquaria ships most fish from Los Angeles. Not much in the water around LA that I'd want in my tank. I think most other online fish suppliers in the US do the same. There are some that ship from Hawaii direct to you, but then you're only getting Hawaii live stock. Granted, Hawaii has a lot of great fish for our tanks, but not nearly the selection you'll find from Live Aquaria or similar.

 

[reefbobc]

One of my favorites is Reef Mystique in Lake Stevens (not far from Everett). They are friendly, knowlegeable and have better prices than most LFS's around.

 

[NC2WA]

titocherokee,

Read the following book:

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist

Contains great information for people starting out in the saltwater hobby. I own the first version of this series and still use it for a reference and I've been in the hobby 12+ years.

 

[crazyfish253]

I like ebay for coral there is a few good growers on there. never use usps allways overnight .. LFS just for what i need in emergancy, or fish thay have good stock on fish most the time. just bargen shop around and make it your own.