Protein Skimmers and Online Fish Stores

[afm32607]

I'm new to the marine hobby and I live in Buffalo, NY. I have purchased most of the hard goods already and I was looking for a protein skimmer that would be appropriate for a 120 gal FOWLR tank. I need a hang on model that is not a piece of crap. I have looked at both the berlin x2 turbo (for 225 gal tanks) and the coralife super skimmer (for 125 gal tanks). Does anyone have a preference of one over the other or anything?
Secondly, I have looked at all (and yes I mean all) of the LFS in my area and the surrounding 25 miles. None have looked appealing to me either because they had a very limited selection of fish, did not have a clean/well presented store, or the people who worked there were unexperienced or just plain rude. With that in mind I began looking for an online fish retailer. This (of course) was one, another was {EDIT LINK} and a few others like that. I realize that posting questions about buying from an online fish store on the store's site is not the smartest move. But, I have been unable to get a satisfactory answer out of any of the other sites I posted on. Do any of you recommend buying fish from an online site? How much work is it to return the fish if they die? Do I have to send back a sample of water? (Yes, I read what the policy of this site is.) Are they normally pretty easy with the return? Do the fish show up healthy or more often than not do they show up looking as if they have been dragged behind a car for a few miles? I realize that there are a lot of concerns above (and probably some stupid questions) but bare with me any help you can give would be appreciated.

 

[afm32607]

Thank you in advance for any help.

 

[the_wrath]

I Just received my first purchase of livestock from an online store, SWF. Everything in the order was great. Only downside is the cost of shipping. However, with all the attention to detail, to ensure my new pets arrived safely, and quickly, I can hardly complain about it. Not a single problem with any of the animals. I placed my order Tuesday morning, Wednesday the order shipped, got it Thursday right about noon.
I highly recommend SWF, as my next order will be through them as well.

 

[wangotango]

Theres supposed to be a good place over near the Buffalo Airport. Havn't been there but judging from the website it seems like a nice place. Don't know if you're willing to drive out to Rochester, but we've got a couple of really good places out here.
-Justin

 

[ophiura]

Hi - Welcome to SWF!
While we encourage discussion of the merits of buying online versus in the store...I do have to ask that, out of respect to the owner and operator of SWF, that you don't discuss other stores specifically

I've editted the link to another store.
I definitely buy nearly any equipment or additives online...with the exception of salt mix or emergency supplies or frozen food (though all of this is available).
Livestock varies. For fish, truthfully, I buy at stores unless it is a specific or more unusual fish. This is because I prefer to watch for a very long time before purchasing. I watch behavior, feeding, etc. I am also very picky about coloration, so that is best done in person. But I have ordered from here and I must say the fish was lovely and healthy ("was" because it also jumped out of the tank a couple of months later. ).
Inverts are different, and those are definitely cheaper online for sure. Corals are intermediate really, and I would say that compared to my local LFS, the quality online is likely better.