Good fish and coral/invert selection?

[LivingSeas]

So I visited 4 lfs's today.. Big variation in quality of live stock, variety, quanity, and cost.

Who do NJersians feel is the top 3 places to go? I dont mind spending a little
extra for quality but I dont like wasting money.

Are any of the internet places known to be good?

 

[Hawkeye]

it's such a shame but years back there was a member on here from howell and her tank was AMAZING. I would have said just go to her house and get some frags.

I think LFS will be dependent on literally what is "Local" in the LFS. With me I really like shopping at Aquatic Obsessions. While sq footage is tiny compared to Trop, the service is great and you do find a lot of fish that are not commonly seen in a "regular" pet store.

Not sure if your work takes you into NYC, but if so, it may be worth it just to take a look at uniquecorals aka Manhattan aquariums. Aside from sticker shock the place is well stocked and well laid out.

I really like Jason Fox corals but again prices may rub some the wrong way. I believe we may be inviting him back to our annual frag swap (speaking of which that may be a good place for your to check out as there will be a variety of storefronts who go there. Last year had knockout corals, PacificAquaculture, jason fox etc.)

For corals in my opinion you can't go wrong with asking fellow members for frags. Be wary of course and make sure you dip everything. I've never gotten a pest from anyone here but you can never be too sure. Obviously going to trop or aqob etc is not a bad idea either.

Since you found this site - have you considered joining the club as a member? There is no obligation to do so but it opens up some other areas (forums) to browse and check out. The club promotes conservation and member dues can help with that cause. My other thought was that members also get involved in group buys to help lower costs for everyone in the hobby. While we've never had a tank group buy there are others that may help down the road for your tank build.

 

[LivingSeas]

The club is a great idea and I'll definity check it out and join. I hope my tank is up
And running and ready for coral by the time the swap occurs.

 

[mnat]

Picking a top three is tough but the two I visit the most are Trop and AO. There are a few I have not been too or have not been to in a while that I really can't grade right now. Also there are some new ones popping up (Elos) that have potential but are too new to tell.

 

[Hawkeye]

btw for internet sellers, I've had great success with the following: (not necessarily in any order)

marinedepot.com
premiumaquatics.com
championlighting.com
thatfishplace.com (although not exactly an internet-only place as do actually have a huge retail site in pennsylvania)

also for rodi - i used airwaterice.com, but any of the above sites will also sell rodi equipment.

 

[Hawkeye]

hmm there used to be a place to add "reviews" of places but i think it might have been deleted. Will have to talk to the officers about maybe putting something up. You should see some reviews though in retail experiences.