Buying fish online/who from and why not LFS?

absolutekind

absolutekind

New Member
I've been in the hobby for about 5 weeks and my tank has been cycled for about two weeks. Now that all my levels are good and I've keep a fire shrimp/5 emerald crabs/5 snails alive I want to start stocking my tank with fish. I choose to start with inverts because I wanted a "cleaning crew" to be adapted before I add fish.
Anyway, this site does not have either the crabs (boxer crabs) of fish that I want. I was wondering if anyone knew of a site they have USED before and have had success with shipments of live animals, I.E. crabs and fish.
I have a decent LFS here but don't want to have to depend on their shipments every week to stock my tank. They said they can take request from me but their prices tend to be higher then online.
Is it better to purchase from your LFS or from an online site? I know there are positives and negatives to both. One being price (a little more), but at the same time you get to actually see the fish or invert you are purchasing.
 
jdl

jdl

Member
Originally Posted by Absolutekind
http:///forum/post/3057226
I've been in the hobby for about 5 weeks and my tank has been cycled for about two weeks. Now that all my levels are good and I've keep a fire shrimp/5 emerald crabs/5 snails alive I want to start stocking my tank with fish. I choose to start with inverts because I wanted a "cleaning crew" to be adapted before I add fish.
Anyway, this site does not have either the crabs (boxer crabs) of fish that I want. I was wondering if anyone knew of a site they have USED before and have had success with shipments of live animals, I.E. crabs and fish.
I have a decent LFS here but don't want to have to depend on their shipments every week to stock my tank. They said they can take request from me but their prices tend to be higher then online.
Is it better to purchase from your LFS or from an online site? I know there are positives and negatives to both. One being price (a little more), but at the same time you get to actually see the fish or invert you are purchasing.
swf doesnt allowing linking so pm me your email and i'll send you other places to get inverts and fish.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
I have to buy everything online....I buy ALL my livestock from this site because it is the best so far as far as prices, and shipping costs....other sites charge $39.99

I have ALWAYS been pleased with what I have received as far as size and quality of both fish, inverts and corals
I give this site a 10
 
jdl

jdl

Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3057320
I have to buy everything online....I buy ALL my livestock from this site because it is the best so far as far as prices, and shipping costs....other sites charge $39.99

I have ALWAYS been pleased with what I have received as far as size and quality of both fish, inverts and corals
I give this site a 10

Anyway, this site does not have either the crabs (boxer crabs) of fish that I want
sadly swf doesnt sell everything
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Originally Posted by JDL
http:///forum/post/3057324
sadly swf doesnt sell everything
TRUE...
...BUT I tried another site once and was extremely disappointed, and got NO guarantee
OH...If you ask sometimes they can get them
 
ophiura

ophiura

Active Member
Out of respect to the owner and operator of this site, please do not request links or discuss other stores, thanks
 
jordan3548

jordan3548

Member
My question is why would the owners care?? If they are as good as what everyone says they are they shouldnt be worried people will always come back correct?
I can go to my LFS and discuss other fish stores all day with them. You know whats funny? They dont give a hoot because obviously I keep going there. Seems a little selfish to me. That right there makes me wanna look at other sites lol. Just my .02 cents
 
crypt keeper

crypt keeper

Active Member
Originally Posted by jordan3548
http:///forum/post/3057464
My question is why would the owners care?? If they are as good as what everyone says they are they shouldnt be worried people will always come back correct?
why do people question this every week.
 
jordan3548

jordan3548

Member
Its a valid question maybe they should come in and explain why they are worried? People ask it because it doesnt make any sense lol. They asked it before its been asked now and will continue to be asked until someone other than a MOD clarifies it.
 
jordan3548

jordan3548

Member
Newbie what? I've probably been in this business longer than you. No need to start stereotyping people
I think its retarded I cant say craigslist on here I have to say that list craig made lol that ridiculous. It has nothing to do with being new or old its about an open conversation on a semi public forum and me stating my opinion which I am allowed to do as long as I dont violate any rules correct? Just because I have 40 something posts doesnt mean I am a newbie to the game Ive lurked around here for along time and other forums just ususally dont have much to say
 
t316

t316

Active Member
Originally Posted by jordan3548
http:///forum/post/3057479
Newbie what? I've probably been in this business longer than you. No need to start stereotyping people
I think its retarded I cant say craigslist on here I have to say that list craig made lol that ridiculous. It has nothing to do with being new or old its about an open conversation on a semi public forum and me stating my opinion which I am allowed to do as long as I dont violate any rules correct? Just because I have 40 something posts doesnt mean I am a newbie to the game Ive lurked around here for along time and other forums just ususally dont have much to say
My statement of "newbies" had nothing to do with post count, or experience in the hobby. Rather, I was referring to the "norm" per say here on SWF.com. If you have been lurking around for a long time, then you should know that it is a clear violation of the forum rules to post links to other sites which might be in competition with SWF. I don't really think craigslist is a competitor, but you get the point.
Btw...glad you have been in this business longer than me...

Perhaps you could start posting more, rather than "lurking", and share all of this long-term advice with us.
 
jordan3548

jordan3548

Member
I understand all that I just dont understand why they would care I am not asking if its allowed. Rules are rules and we have to go by them I was just curious why and stated my opinion. Sorry if I took your quote the wrong why I am active in several forums besides saltwater and I hate it when new people get bashed because we were all there once even the mods. Anyways I know its a rule and I am not gonna do it just wondering why they'd care and I am sure craigslist is a competitor they are even taking a nice size chunk out of e b a y ' s fortune. In my area you can buy fish and corals on craigslist CHEAP
 
mantisman51

mantisman51

Active Member
SWF is a family owned/ran business. They put themselves "out there" for us, their customers by giving the best prices and guarantee in the business. Aquaria is a brutally competetive business. They pay for us to have a place to come together and talk about our passion:SW fish and reefing. I am not a mod and most likely not a favorite of the mods, but I think it is bad form to come into their house and try to get referrals to competitors, regardless of the reason. I have been buying from SWF for over a year and when I have had a problem, they have stood behind their word. Please try to be repectful of our host.
 
jordan3548

jordan3548

Member
Oh cant give much advise I do things differently sometimes lol. Theres alot more knowledgable people on here than me I know stuff about what I like and if you come to Tampa I can take you snorkling for your own Inverts/ Corals ***not attached to rocks***
and other misc things found in the ocean. Thats where my advice ends
 
jordan3548

jordan3548

Member
Originally Posted by mantisman51
http:///forum/post/3057489
SWF is a family owned/ran business. They put themselves "out there" for us, their customers by giving the best prices and guarantee in the business. Aquaria is a brutally competetive business. They pay for us to have a place to come together and talk about our passion:SW fish and reefing. I am not a mod and most likely not a favorite of the mods, but I think it is bad form to come into their house and try to get referrals to competitors, regardless of the reason. I have been buying from SWF for over a year and when I have had a problem, they have stood behind their word. Please try to be repectful of our host.
Thats makes since I can respect that. I understand competitor sites that sell what SWF sell but it shouldnt matter if its info sites that dont sell and only give knowledge and things like that
 
stanlalee

stanlalee

Active Member
why limit
My stock has come from three different LFS and three different online places. I go to whoever has what I want at the price I want when I want it. I havent bought any fish from here (all my fish were bought locally. I like to SEE my fish to make sure their the right size/health ect). I have bought fish online in the past (quite a few) and have never had any problems (other than being a different size then described) but thats when wanting something I know I'll never find locally (male and trio of anthias for example). As far as this site I have never bought fish from here (and dont plan on it) but I have bought LOTS of corals and have never had any issues. I always look here first for ORA frags and ricordia. Never "bought" any inverts but the free ones from here have always came in good health. I always find it cheaper to buy locally with shipping factored in, its the selection thats advantagious for shopping online.
 
rdub62

rdub62

Member
don't buy from {edit link} (sp)
gave them two chances with my money 3 weeks + for both shipments, $30+ for over night. all specimens were doa.
all because swf.com didn't have the exact species i wanted.
=/
 
jdl

jdl

Member
I can go to my LFS and discuss other fish stores all day with them. You know whats funny? They dont give a hoot because obviously I keep going there. Seems a little selfish to me. That right there makes me wanna look at other sites lol. Just my .02 cents


they removed my post and all i did was say email me. Try to help a guy out and this board acts like a crime was committed.
 
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