Anyone from Michigan?

[StarGirl]

I'm starting this thread to see who on Fishlore is from Michigan and want to share good Lfs and Michigan only stories and stores, restaurants, festivals etc. Lets do this Michiganders......lol I hate that name for us by the way.

CoryBoi

 

[chromedome52]

Well, Michiganders is better than what we call the people from Illinois, which I cannot put on this forum! They are a particular problem here in the Southwestern corner of the state.

I live just outside Benton Harbor. Grew up in this area, and I'm getting flashbacks to the 1960s this past week. My 50 year high school reunion is this summer, if the COVID lockdown ends soon.

We used to have a motto, "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you." It's still pretty nice out there. I haven't been to the UP in almost 50 years, need to go see if it's still there and the way it should be, wild and green.

 

[kanzekatores]

I live in Michigan and my lfs is Fish Doctors (there's one in Canton and Ypsillanti). They have an amazing showroom and a ton of aquarium fish and dry goods.
Cool thread!

 

[StarGirl]

Well, Michiganders is better than what we call the people from Illinois, which I cannot put on this forum! They are a particular problem here in the Southwestern corner of the state.

I live just outside Benton Harbor. Grew up in this area, and I'm getting flashbacks to the 1960s this past week. My 50 year high school reunion is this summer, if the COVID lockdown ends soon.

We used to have a motto, "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you." It's still pretty nice out there. I haven't been to the UP in almost 50 years, need to go see if it's still there and the way it should be, wild and green.

I'm in the GR area. My mom lives in the UP so we get up there quite a bit. I remember that motto!

I live in Michigan and my lfs is Fish Doctors (there's one in Canton and Ypsillanti). They have an amazing showroom and a ton of aquarium fish and dry goods.
Cool thread!

Dont do foreign language they will delete it just like CoryBoi I stole the idea from the Bay area thread!

 

[CoryBoi]

Dont do foreign language they will delete it just like CoryBoi I stole the idea from the Bay area thread!

I called it!

(you would have noticed if you translated it like the mods did.)

 

[Demeter]

I prefer for us to be called Michigainians, but I guess Michiganders is easier to say.

The best one I’ve found was VIPets in GR. They’re willing to let me trade in my fish/plants, special order hard to find fish, and give decent advice. Only problem I have with them is trying to get my stock in their tank, I have to call beforehand and if they don’t have room they won’t take them (perfectly acceptable). So I was told to call before they order a new shipment and let me tell you, the number of times I’ve called only to be told “we just ordered more”! I can only talk to one person there about trading in fish and they aren’t always working when I call. Talked to the boss/owner and he’s all for locally bred fish but it’d be a miracle if I actually got my OB peacocks and bettas in.

I haven’t really tried looking around for a better store as I don’t like driving around the big cities. The closest one to me is in Greenville and it’s a little tiny thing with nothing too notable. They won’t take my fish due to other dumb dumbs dumping their unwanted fish off when they first opened.

Other than that Soldans in Mt. Pleasant is ok but they refuse to do business with me (take my fish) because they don’t want to risk introducing disease to their stock, which is a laugh because their stock is anything but disease free. If they did take my fish it would be as a “surrender” so no perks for me but they get to sell my healthy fish for a pretty penny.

And thus I’ve taken my business to online sellers/buyers because the local shops aren’t cooperative despite my attempts. The only shop to ever really give me a chance was VIPets and they’ve let me down a number of times.

 

[CoryBoi]

I prefer for us to be called Michigainians, but I guess Michiganders is easier to say.

The best one I’ve found was VIPets in GR. They’re willing to let me trade in my fish/plants, special order hard to find fish, and give decent advice. Only problem I have with them is trying to get my stock in their tank, I have to call beforehand and if they don’t have room they won’t take them (perfectly acceptable). So I was told to call before they order a new shipment and let me tell you, the number of times I’ve called only to be told “we just ordered more”! I can only talk to one person there about trading in fish and they aren’t always working when I call. Talked to the boss/owner and he’s all for locally bred fish but it’d be a miracle if I actually got my OB peacocks and bettas in.

I haven’t really tried looking around for a better store as I don’t like driving around the big cities. The closest one to me is in Greenville and it’s a little tiny thing with nothing too notable. They won’t take my fish due to other dumb dumbs dumping their unwanted fish off when they first opened.

Other than that Soldans in Mt. Pleasant is ok but they refuse to do business with me (take my fish) because they don’t want to risk introducing disease to their stock, which is a laugh because their stock is anything but disease free. If they did take my fish it would be as a “surrender” so no perks for me but they get to sell my healthy fish for a pretty penny.

And thus I’ve taken my business to online sellers/buyers because the local shops aren’t cooperative despite my attempts. The only shop to ever really give me a chance was VIPets and they’ve let me down a number of times.

Have you tried blue fish aquarium in grandville? They are nit taking trade ins right now, but they normally are, and they sometimes will buy stock from you.

 

[StarGirl]

Blue fish is better than VI IMO. They have way more fish.

CoryBoi I wasn't going to translate it anyway....lol

 

[StarGirl]

Corys tour of our lfs. Blue Fish

 

[chromedome52]

Well, while BlueFish is the best store in GR, that was probably the worst tour tape I've ever watched.

 

[Blue1314]

Blue Fish Aquarium is definitely the best I've been to in Michigan. I live in GR

 

[MomeWrath]

I was born in Pontiac and grew up in Union Lake. My dad still lives in Romeo and he worked for GM for thirty years. Just saying hi. I haven't been in the state since I was 15.

 

[StarGirl]

I always wonder if anyone at blue fish is on fishlore.

 

[kanzekatores]

I always wonder if anyone here is actually someone I know and I didn't know they were a member. Like what if youre my neighbor

 

[StarGirl]

I'm in Wyoming actually.

 

[chromedome52]

I'm in Wyoming actually.

Are you a member of GVAC? I was, but had to drop a few years ago due to financial concerns. One of the better clubs that still exists out there.

 

[StarGirl]

No I haven't looked up much for groups around.

 

[WrenFeenix]

I used to live in Michigan, and Ann Arbor is a hot spot in the summer, especially during the art fair (usually around the 4th of July).

Last year (or maybe the year before) got kind of crazy and there was a drunken riot at the beach during the fireworks. It was funny watching the police zoom by and then watching the crowd shuffle past on their walk of shame.

Fishing or sailing in Lake Huron is also a great time. The Great Lakes: Unsalted and Shark Free!

Buddy’s Pizza is an amazing restaurant chain with several locations, such as Ann Arbor and Detroit.

GO RED WINGS!!!

 

[StarGirl]

I used to live in Michigan, and Ann Arbor is a hot spot in the summer, especially during the art fair (usually around the 4th of July).

Last year (or maybe the year before) got kind of crazy and there was a drunken riot at the beach during the fireworks. It was funny watching the police zoom by and then watching the crowd shuffle past on their walk of shame.

Fishing or sailing in Lake Huron is also a great time. The Great Lakes: Unsalted and Shark Free!

Buddy’s Pizza is an amazing restaurant chain with several locations, such as Ann Arbor and Detroit.

GO RED WINGS!!!

They just opened a Buddys pizza in G R. Like last year.

 

[WrenFeenix]

They just opened a Buddys pizza in G R. Like last year.

I think I’ve been to that one... I’ve also been to the ones in Lansing and Dearborn.

Buddy’s Pizza rivals Chicago deep dish pizza. So good. What’s your favorite pizza? Mine’s Meat Lover’s.

Also go see a Red Wings game if you can. If you don’t want to go to Detroit, the K Wings are similar.
It’s cool how Canadian Michiganders are. Then again, if you get lost in Michigan, you’ll probably accidentally end up in Canada.

 

[StarGirl]

We have Vitales in GR. Haven't been to Buddys yet

 

[nicholasrjohnson]

That was a really crappy video for Bluefish. I would love to go to some of these stores. I grew up in Grand Rapids, and my dad still lives there. I visit once a year. Consequently, I would love to go to these stores!!! What are the addresses?? Thanks fellow Michiganders!

 

[jmaldo]

My son and his wife are south of Flint. Visit a couple times a year and always stop by Home - Moby Dick Pet Store, Inc.
Absolutely the "Best" driftwood selection I have seen anywhere and prices very reasonable. A few pieces end up coming back to Ohio after every visit.

 

[kanzekatores]

I used to live in Michigan, and Ann Arbor is a hot spot in the summer, especially during the art fair (usually around the 4th of July).

Last year (or maybe the year before) got kind of crazy and there was a drunken riot at the beach during the fireworks. It was funny watching the police zoom by and then watching the crowd shuffle past on their walk of shame.

Fishing or sailing in Lake Huron is also a great time. The Great Lakes: Unsalted and Shark Free!

Buddy’s Pizza is an amazing restaurant chain with several locations, such as Ann Arbor and Detroit.

GO RED WINGS!!!

Yep, that's where I am. I helped sell bottles of water at the art fair one year. There's a great selection of art. There's also great restaurants downtown. Though theres no aquarium stores so I hve to drive 20 mins to Ypsilanti (I'm going today!)

 

[nicholasrjohnson]

Mackinaw Island!!!!

 

[StarGirl]

That was a really crappy video for Bluefish. I would love to go to some of these stores. I grew up in Grand Rapids, and my dad still lives there. I visit once a year. Consequently, I would love to go to these stores!!! What are the addresses?? Thanks fellow Michiganders!

Blue fish is on Wilson in downtown Grandville. In between 28th and Chicago dr. Next to the post office.

 

[WrenFeenix]

Yep, that's where I am. I helped sell bottles of water at the art fair one year. There's a great selection of art. There's also great restaurants downtown. Though theres no aquarium stores so I hve to drive 20 mins to Ypsilanti (I'm going today!)

There’s a marine vet relatively nearby Ann Arbor: Dr. Burns from Walled Lake Veterinary Hospital.
There are actually 2 marine vets in the Detroit area, but I forget who the other one is.

 

[N1treuse]

Blue Fish is very cool and probably the best store I have been to for the hobby. I travel to MI occasionally to visit friends and stop on every other trip. I'm from North Central IN (Kokomo Region).

 

[Winston191]

Detroit area here

 

[FishGirl115]

Hi! I live in Holland. I have gone to bluefish, but have actually had 2 bad experiences. Mind you, both were during quarantine, so I'm planning to try them out again after this to see if it was just that. I prefer V.I actually. I've gotten both my bettas, and peppered corys from them. Cheaper than bluefish, and are all healthy (at least at Holland store). My Betta lived through no filter, no cycle, wkly 100% water changes/scrubs for a year. I now know better and they are still alive, but obviously they were very hardy, healthy fish. V.I has cheaper fish (some species) but more expensive products (I recommend Amazon for that)
Favorite local restaurant: Crazy Horse (best chicken corn chowder EVER!!!!)
MI rant:This state has the worst winters ever. This winter wasn't too bad. But when I grow up I want to be a young snowbird and go to Florida for a few months in winter and here in the summer.

 

[StarGirl]

Hi! I live in Holland. I have gone to bluefish, but have actually had 2 bad experiences. Mind you, both were during quarantine, so I'm planning to try them out again after this to see if it was just that. I prefer V.I actually. I've gotten both my bettas, and peppered corys from them. Cheaper than bluefish, and are all healthy (at least at Holland store). My Betta lived through no filter, no cycle, wkly 100% water changes/scrubs for a year. I now know better and they are still alive, but obviously they were very hardy, healthy fish. V.I has cheaper fish (some species) but more expensive products (I recommend Amazon for that)

I haven't been to the Holland VI in years. I have gotten Ich from Cutlerville several times. I don't think VI is any cheaper than Bluefish.

 

[FishGirl115]

I haven't been to the Holland VI in years. I have gotten Ich from Cutlerville several times. I don't think VI is any cheaper than Bluefish.

Hmm. My fish from Holland V.I have always been healthy, and they have a great replacement policy.
also, their male guppies are $2.99 versus $4.99 and their peppered corys are $3.99 versus $4.99

 

[StarGirl]

I guess Im just lazy because BF is on my way home from work. The convenience factor.

 

[FishGirl115]

Winston191

 

[aquachris]

Michigander here! I'm in Greenville (north of Grand Rapids). I haven't been to blue fish yet, haven't had much of a chance since this covid stuff. My wife went there to pick up a sump for me they happened to have (and oddly at a better price than I could find anywhere on the internet!)

 

[StarGirl]

Michigander here! I'm in Greenville (north of Grand Rapids)

Yup know where that is! Been there many times. Grew up in Tri County area. Many relatives in Cedar.

 

[aquachris]

Yup know where that is! Been there many times. Grew up in Tri County area. Many relatives in Cedar.

Cool! Nice to virtually meet you! I am trying to connect more with fish stuff and really have gone full fish-nerd mode recently. Two main projects I am wanting to do is a Green Spotted Puffer and some Red Cherry Shrimp (not together lol). My wife is into Oscars so we have a giant 210 for that. I have pics in the pictures forums!

 

[FishGirl115]

Anybody here selling anything? I need quite a bit of stuff for my new 29g. Anybody selling fish, snails, equipment, decor, message me plz!

 

[HitzBlack]

Detroit area. Anchor Bay Aquarium & Kees are my go to LFS

 

[stephpartin]

I live in Michigan and my lfs is Fish Doctors (there's one in Canton and Ypsillanti). They have an amazing showroom and a ton of aquarium fish and dry goods.
Cool thread!

Fish Doctors is pretty much the only place I will buy fish from. Either in Canton Or Ypsilanti.

 

[jake37]

never been to mich. probably will never go. I hear they are friends of toledo. However, my sister really likes ann arbor if that counts.

 

[stephpartin]

I dont like being called a Michigander either. Sounds silly to me. I will only purchase my fish at Fish doctors in Canton or Ypsilanti. For dry goods I go to Something fishy in Westland. They do price comparisons.

 

[StarGirl]

I don't live over there sooo. GR area. The other choice was Michiganian which was just as bad.

 

[toeknee]

Grew up in Clare Michigan, went to college at CMU in Mt.Pleasant. Central Michigan area isn't much to look at, lot's of countryside, I saw more Amish horse and buggies and tractors drive by my house than cars. The Amish bailed hay all around my house with their giant horses towing equipment, they always had a battery powered radio blaring Z93 The Rock Station. Always cracked me up seeing traditionally dressed amish bailing hay and wailing to Gun and Roses. Michigan coastline is one of the best kept secret treasures in the U.S. Especially up north by Traverse City and Petosky area. 3,288 miles of gorgeous coastline in one state!

 

[StarGirl]

Grew up in Clare Michigan, went to college at CMU in Mt.Pleasant. Central Michigan area isn't much to look at, lot's of countryside, I saw more Amish horse and buggies and tractors drive by my house than cars. The Amish bailed hay all around my house with their giant horses towing equipment, they always had a battery powered radio blaring Z93 The Rock Station. Always cracked me up seeing traditionally dressed amish bailing hay and wailing to Gun and Roses. Michigan coastline is one of the best kept secret treasures in the U.S. Especially in the north by Traverse City and Petosky area. 3,288 miles of gorgeous coastline in one state!

Agree, we jet ski out of Holland and south there are some big dunes. So gorgeous out there! People in Michigan don't realize what we got here for sure!

 

[aquachris]

Agree, we jet ski out of Holland and south there are some big dunes. So gorgeous out there! People in Michigan don't realize what we got here for sure!

So true. We have such a natural beauty for a state... I could do without winter tho

 

[StarGirl]

So true. We have such a natural beauty for a state... I could do without winter tho

toeknee moved to MORE winter in Vail Co.

 

[toeknee]

Agree, we jet ski out of Holland and south there are some big dunes. So gorgeous out there! People in Michigan don't realize what we got here for sure!

I didn't realize when I lived there. I live in Colorado now and take road trips all over out west. There's nothing like the freshwater coastline in Michigan. Very unique place that can't be found anywhere else.....hahaha, well I ski 2-3 times a week in winter here so it works for me. The mountains stole me from the great lakes.

 

[StarGirl]

I didn't realize when I lived there. I live in Colorado now and take road trips all over out west. There's nothing like the freshwater coastline in Michigan. Very unique place that can't be found anywhere else.....hahaha, well I ski 2-3 times a week in winter here so it works for me. The mountains stole me from the great lakes.

My husband likes both. So we Colorado often.

 

[aquachris]

I didn't realize when I lived there. I live in Colorado now and take road trips all over out west. There's nothing like the freshwater coastline in Michigan. Very unique place that can't be found anywhere else.....hahaha, well I ski 2-3 times a week in winter here so it works for me. The mountains stole me from the great lakes.

I lived in CO for a few years as a teenager.. I did love the mountains. There is a lot of beauty and nature to explore there too. Really both such beautiful states But I don't have a big area of different states I've lived in to compare LOL.