LFS in Michigan
- Thread starter tiuser
- Start date
leigh
Active Member
One of the best fish stores in the country is in Romulus--called Tropicorium on Inkster just off Sibley. They have a website. Aside from being one of the largest coral distributers, breeding banggai, clownfish, raising slews of miniture seahorses, they also have in stock a lot of everything 
and they're very helpful and knowledgeable...I believe most of their business is through wholesale (since they're only open to the public friday, sat, and sunday afternoon) so they've never particularly struck me as just being out to make a sale. It's a bit of a drive for you but definitely worth it.
-leigh
and they're very helpful and knowledgeable...I believe most of their business is through wholesale (since they're only open to the public friday, sat, and sunday afternoon) so they've never particularly struck me as just being out to make a sale. It's a bit of a drive for you but definitely worth it.-leigh
dopey33
Member
im right above ya...I live in Macomb Twp. Ive been going to Kees Aquarium on 23 Mile Road and Van Dyke. Their entire staff is knowledgeable cept for one person and she wont even attempt to answer your questions. Theres a few places around that i went to that werent to bad but i felt most comfortable there.
Lotta people reccomend Tropicorium, but its really far away from where we are, look around theres alot of stores in our area. But i totally reccomend Kee's their a small family owned shop and have been around since like the mid 80's. not a HUGE selection but very nice selection and everything i've ever seen there has looked healthy. Ask for Steve or a middle aged gentleman with glasses, both can really help you out, and ask tons of questions on here and you cant go wrong.
Plus they've got a pet club you can join for like 10 bucks i think...it'll save you alot of money when your buying your lr and fish. they've got a website nto a ton of info there but some helpful hints - www.keesaquarium.com
where abouts in Sterling Heights are you from?
Lotta people reccomend Tropicorium, but its really far away from where we are, look around theres alot of stores in our area. But i totally reccomend Kee's their a small family owned shop and have been around since like the mid 80's. not a HUGE selection but very nice selection and everything i've ever seen there has looked healthy. Ask for Steve or a middle aged gentleman with glasses, both can really help you out, and ask tons of questions on here and you cant go wrong.
Plus they've got a pet club you can join for like 10 bucks i think...it'll save you alot of money when your buying your lr and fish. they've got a website nto a ton of info there but some helpful hints - www.keesaquarium.com
where abouts in Sterling Heights are you from?
leigh
Active Member
It's good to have someone near you. I have a couple nearbye shops I go to too. I'm as far from Tropicorium as you folks are--just to the west instead of north--and it's worth the occasional drive. Even if you're not going to buy something, view it as going to see a museum. If you're in this hobby, and you live so close to somewhere that people travel from all over the country to go to, it's silly not to at least take a trip there some weekend afternoon to check it out! (And again, no, I do not work for them.) It's like this board...you could save yourself time and effort and only ask your local sw friends for advice, or you could take a lil extra time and see all the various opinions that are out there...yes, much of the time all you need is the local friends, but occasionally the big picture is more useful.
tiuser
New Member
[where abouts in Sterling Heights are you from?]
19 & Schoenherr
thanks for the replies.
I have been to KEE's , bought my dads 14g gold fish set up there, pretty helpful. Been to 15-ryan they are pretty good too.
been to Greenwoods on 9 between Schoenherr and Gratiot, that place is huge over 11,000g they really helpful. these three places treated me good and were more than willing to accomodate me with my first SW setup. (don't know if I mentioned that I am trying to get set up w/ my first SW tank, and I been visiting these places tryin' to do my homework.)
The place on Gratiot south of 696, the kid I talked to was very very nowledgeable w/o any doubt. But he made my wife and myself feel stupid and like we were wasting his time. We were told we were not serious about SW. Long story short - his way is the only way-which costs alot. My wife doesn't even want to set-up a SW tank anymore and I was quite discouraged myself. That's the reason for this post.
Thom
19 & Schoenherr
thanks for the replies.
I have been to KEE's , bought my dads 14g gold fish set up there, pretty helpful. Been to 15-ryan they are pretty good too.
been to Greenwoods on 9 between Schoenherr and Gratiot, that place is huge over 11,000g they really helpful. these three places treated me good and were more than willing to accomodate me with my first SW setup. (don't know if I mentioned that I am trying to get set up w/ my first SW tank, and I been visiting these places tryin' to do my homework.)
The place on Gratiot south of 696, the kid I talked to was very very nowledgeable w/o any doubt. But he made my wife and myself feel stupid and like we were wasting his time. We were told we were not serious about SW. Long story short - his way is the only way-which costs alot. My wife doesn't even want to set-up a SW tank anymore and I was quite discouraged myself. That's the reason for this post.
Thom
justinx
Active Member
If you are willing to make the drive, in ann arbor there is a store called Fish Doctors. Go there, ask for matt. In fact, call first and explain you situation to him, and set up a time to meet with him. He spent literally four hours with me one day explaining everything from coral anatomy to filtration set ups. That, and they will not try to rip you off there. A truly excellent store IMO. Nice selection, good prices, and VERY knowledgeable staff. go to www.fishdoctors.com
HTH
There is also a place in livonia on 5 and middlebelt that is decent too.
HTH
There is also a place in livonia on 5 and middlebelt that is decent too.
leigh
Active Member
Fish doctor's is good. They're occasionally just out for the sale though. And they've been known to sell cyanide collected fish.... Between fish doctors and coral reef in ann arbor you can normally get some good advice, but again, tropicorium is closer to you than you are to ann arbor. go there...they won't steer you wrong.
dopey33
Member
19 and scheonherr....with all the constructions in this area im suprised a fish store hasnt popped up! Im jsut around the corner at 21 and hayes.
I have yet to be to the one on ryan but ive been to Greenwods and something concerns me about that place...they have all those tanks and yet they've got 2 Moorish Idols in one tank and its very obvious that one is attacking the other...i dont understand why they dont move it out...
like i said i definatly prefer Kees, starting out and everything they have been very helpful, they test your water for you and will not let you even think about purchasing your fish till you tank is fully cycled! And again everyone there is fully knowledgeable!
Best Pets on 12 and dequindre is from what i have heard pretty good too!
I have yet to be to the one on ryan but ive been to Greenwods and something concerns me about that place...they have all those tanks and yet they've got 2 Moorish Idols in one tank and its very obvious that one is attacking the other...i dont understand why they dont move it out...
like i said i definatly prefer Kees, starting out and everything they have been very helpful, they test your water for you and will not let you even think about purchasing your fish till you tank is fully cycled! And again everyone there is fully knowledgeable!
Best Pets on 12 and dequindre is from what i have heard pretty good too!
tony detroit
Active Member
Ocean Life. They got me started. They had all the weird stuff. That was the baddest store. Tropicorium is good just because they're so big. They only sell livestock and salt though. No wet dry's and stuff like that. I think they sell lights too.
S
sebae0
Guest
the place on 14 did close but one of the guys moved it to 14 and east of main in clawson, its called salty world now. 15 ryan is good and the one south of 696 on gratiot is ok, haven't got fish from them in a while because noithing would stay alive. also they always have some very bad looking fish in the tanks, they are in it for the sale so becareful.
S
sebae0
Guest
sorry also the names are as follows
15 ryan aquatic discoveries
gratiot ans 10.5 mile ocean and seas
14 and main saltyworld
15 ryan aquatic discoveries
gratiot ans 10.5 mile ocean and seas
14 and main saltyworld
tiuser
New Member
dopey33
I have yet to be to the one on ryan but ive been to Greenwods and something concerns me about that place...they have all those tanks and yet they've got 2 Moorish Idols in one tank and its very obvious that one is attacking the other...i dont understand why they dont move it out...
Greenwoods kinda of made me nervous too. Tons of tanks but it didn't look like they had many fish-lots of empty tanks but again they have tons of tanks. The one kid (don't remember his name) was very helpful.
Originally posted by sebae0
the place on 14 did close but one of the guys moved it to 14 and east of main in clawson, its called salty world now. 15 ryan is good and the one south of 696 on gratiot is ok, haven't got fish from them in a while because noithing would stay alive. also they always have some very bad looking fish in the tanks, they are in it for the sale so becareful.
(south of 696 on gratiot) These people made my wife & I feel stupid...in a nut shell there way is they only way or "you're not serious" (yes those are quotation marks!!!!!!!!!!) This board alone shows there are many ways to do something and the pros and cons. Won't go back.
15 & ryan, Aquatic discoveries, I bought my set up from them. It is a must, to talk to the right people in that store! I have found out that just cuz' you work there doesn't mean you know everything.....For salywater talk to Wade. He tells ya what you need and what is a waste. He is a busy man........but he does have time for you.
I am undecided on how I feel about them
Thom
I have yet to be to the one on ryan but ive been to Greenwods and something concerns me about that place...they have all those tanks and yet they've got 2 Moorish Idols in one tank and its very obvious that one is attacking the other...i dont understand why they dont move it out...
Greenwoods kinda of made me nervous too. Tons of tanks but it didn't look like they had many fish-lots of empty tanks but again they have tons of tanks. The one kid (don't remember his name) was very helpful.
Originally posted by sebae0
the place on 14 did close but one of the guys moved it to 14 and east of main in clawson, its called salty world now. 15 ryan is good and the one south of 696 on gratiot is ok, haven't got fish from them in a while because noithing would stay alive. also they always have some very bad looking fish in the tanks, they are in it for the sale so becareful.
(south of 696 on gratiot) These people made my wife & I feel stupid...in a nut shell there way is they only way or "you're not serious" (yes those are quotation marks!!!!!!!!!!) This board alone shows there are many ways to do something and the pros and cons. Won't go back.
15 & ryan, Aquatic discoveries, I bought my set up from them. It is a must, to talk to the right people in that store! I have found out that just cuz' you work there doesn't mean you know everything.....For salywater talk to Wade. He tells ya what you need and what is a waste. He is a busy man........but he does have time for you.
I am undecided on how I feel about them
Thom
cadbury
Member
I live right bye you guys too, I'm right by lakeside mall, actually lakeside subdivision. Scheonherr and canal. I'll give you a run down as well
1.) Kee's very good store and knowledgable staff, BUT very much over-priced, thats why they have 15 to 20% off coupons in mailers. Way overpriced!
2.) Salty world is no longer there, he sold that as well, owner was'nt too bright if you ask me, but great prices.
3.) Aquatic Discoveries 15 and Ryan I think is the best in the area, very knowledgeable staff and very good service and prices for the area.
4.) Tropicorium is really cool, but once again over-priced, a pair of baby Percs were $99.
5.) Green woods is okey, but a little sketchy, kind of run down and not the best service, the place just lost it the passed 10 years.
6.) Ocean Life on gratiot, really good stock, little pricey and your right about the staff, too cocky and they seem like they barely want to help you, like your wasting their time.
I actually recommend checking out the websites, they have much better deals and actually the specimans most of the time look better than in the LFS. You ever have any questions let me know, I'm Local. Catalanoj@yahoo.com
1.) Kee's very good store and knowledgable staff, BUT very much over-priced, thats why they have 15 to 20% off coupons in mailers. Way overpriced!
2.) Salty world is no longer there, he sold that as well, owner was'nt too bright if you ask me, but great prices.
3.) Aquatic Discoveries 15 and Ryan I think is the best in the area, very knowledgeable staff and very good service and prices for the area.
4.) Tropicorium is really cool, but once again over-priced, a pair of baby Percs were $99.
5.) Green woods is okey, but a little sketchy, kind of run down and not the best service, the place just lost it the passed 10 years.
6.) Ocean Life on gratiot, really good stock, little pricey and your right about the staff, too cocky and they seem like they barely want to help you, like your wasting their time.
I actually recommend checking out the websites, they have much better deals and actually the specimans most of the time look better than in the LFS. You ever have any questions let me know, I'm Local. Catalanoj@yahoo.com
leigh
Active Member
Originally posted by cadbury
4.) Tropicorium is really cool, but once again over-priced, a pair of baby Percs were $99.
Overpriced are you kidding? They're only overpriced if it's super rare...you sure you're not misremembering? I've bought most of my corals there and their fish prices are typically comparable to online rather than dealers. As I recall I bought two sizable bubble corals for $60. I've bought ricordia rocks for $15. Frogspawn and hammer corals for $20 each. Of all the things you could call tropicorium, 'overpriced' is not one of them.
4.) Tropicorium is really cool, but once again over-priced, a pair of baby Percs were $99.
Overpriced are you kidding? They're only overpriced if it's super rare...you sure you're not misremembering? I've bought most of my corals there and their fish prices are typically comparable to online rather than dealers. As I recall I bought two sizable bubble corals for $60. I've bought ricordia rocks for $15. Frogspawn and hammer corals for $20 each. Of all the things you could call tropicorium, 'overpriced' is not one of them.