What are the best retailers online to purchase your fish from?

Around me we only have Petco and Pet smart. From what I have read most people do not recommend buying from either and order offline. What are the best retailers online to purchase your fish from?

 

Great question...I have wondered the same myself. Our closest non-chain store is over half an hour away. Not terrible, but not the greatest. Have considered buying online, but the gigantic shipping costs scare me away.

Thanks a lot Amazon for making me think I should be able to have free shipping on anything I order online!!

 

Have you looked for any local home breeders that own their own stores ?

 

As a note: petsmart and petco can be good, but it heavily depends on the people there. If the tanks are well taken care of and there are people who seem actually knowledgeable and not just trying to make a buck, you might get great stuff from them.

 

As a note: petsmart and petco can be good, but it heavily depends on the people there. If the tanks are well taken care of and there are people who seem actually knowledgeable and not just trying to make a buck, you might get great stuff from them.

Agreed. Our local Petco was pretty good but they must have lost some leadership over the aquariums because they have gone downhill over the last several months.

 

Have you looked for any local home breeders that own their own stores ?

How would I even find that?

Agreed. Our local Petco was pretty good but they must have lost some leadership over the aquariums because they have gone downhill over the last several months.

Our Petco people seem knowledgable, but since I am new to this Hobby I would not know if they were blowing smoke up my butt....

 

If Wetspot is an option for you i'd recommend them, although i'm across the pond i've only heard good things from them

 

How would I even find that?

I simply typed my hometown name and then wrote aquarium/Aquarists or fish on Facebook and the groups popped up. It was great!

 

Rule #1 of shopping at big box pet store - look at the filter intakes and see how many dead fish are clinging to it. Hate to be morbid but that really is the top screaming indicator of the state of health in the aquatics area. Have met truly capable and savvy workers there that earned my respect and others that could barely operate a net.

Props to the good folks that work there, but nothing really compares to a local store if run by someone with significant experience and knowledge. You may have to travel a bit but research shops in your comfort radius. Have to admit I'm a freshwater guy and recently moved. I'm surrounded by some of the most awesome marine places but only have Pet... and one LFS that does freshwater stuff to rely on.

 

Rule #1 of shopping at big box pet store - look at the filter intakes and see how many dead fish are clinging to it. Hate to be morbid but that really is the top screaming indicator of the state of health in the aquatics area. Have met truly capable and savvy workers there that earned my respect and others that could barely operate a net.

Props to the good folks that work there, but nothing really compares to a local store if run by someone with significant experience and knowledge. You may have to travel a bit but research shops in your comfort radius. Have to admit I'm a freshwater guy and recently moved. I'm surrounded by some of the most awesome marine places but only have Pet... and one LFS that does freshwater stuff to rely on.

What is LFS?

 

Local fish store

 

Local fish store

Yeah I am new to this.....

 

If your buying online, depending on where you live. Live Aquaria(based in california) is a good online retailer. Also Aquatic arts (based out of Indiana) is TBD for me since I am expecting my Apistos to come today from them

 

I've used AquaticArts once for getting some Moss Balls. Excellent experience. The Moss Balls were top quality and have been thriving in my tank. They also included very clear, visually appealing, and simple instructions. I'll definitely consider them again!

 

I usually use Aquatic Arts. They have great customer service and everything comes packaged inside a foam box with towels wrapped around and between the bags. If you order stem or root plants, shrimp, or schooling fish they’ll usually throw in an extra or two.

Here is one of the crayfish I ordered from them going strong months after it was received.