How to find a good saltwater fish store
- Sep 12, 2016
- James Roy
- 823 0 0
Local Fish Shops
If you're a reef aquarist, the regional pet chain store is not going to carry all the supplies you need to keep a reef tank. The Big Box stores do not stock advanced reef supplies because it does not appeal to the majority of their customer base. You may be able find some deals on basic water conditioners or fish food, but that's about it. The best place to see the newest reef supplies is at a specialty marine shop. A good local fish shop will bring in the latest equipment to test in their store. Good shops like to experiment with skimmers, lights and additives before offering them to their customers. A good local fish store will be able to explain any piece of equipment they offer.
Marine Fish and Invertebrates
Good in-store care of marine fish and inverts is important for their survival. You don't want to introduce a sick fish into your saltwater aquarium. Invertebrates require specialized care to adjust from the trip from the coral farm and into the aquarium store. Here are some qualities to look for in a good marine livestock store. Are there healthy reef tanks set up in the store? Nothing says experience like seeing thriving fish and reef corals under the care of the shop staff! A successful reef tank shows they have the skills required to keep their fish and corals alive. Take a look at the aquariums that hold their fish and inverts. Are they dirty or well maintained? A good fish shop keeps their aquariums clean and working properly. Are the fish healthy and active? Ask an employee what they feed a particular fish you are interested in. Knowledgeable staff will know what each fish likes to eat. Did the fish eat? If yes, it is a sign the fish are in good health An honest fish store will tell you if a fish has not been eating or is not quite ready to take home yet. It is true with invertebrates too. Are the corals placed neatly in the display tank? Do the coral frags look healthy, with no tissue damage? The shop staff should also be able to answer your questions about proper lighting requirements and feeding of the corals they sell. If they can, you’ve found a good livestock store!
Shopping for Helpful Information
Finding a marine fish shop staffed by skilled people is invalubale. You may pay a little more in a specialty saltwater store but you also get knowledgeable support and expertise from the staff. Everything you purchase will be backed with help and support when you need it. The local fish store owner cares about his customers and will do just about anything to help you with your reef aquarium. This is worth far more than asaving a couple of dollars by buying elsewhere.
Buying Local and Online ?
Many of us shop locally and online. Sometimes there are web deals that can’t be passed up. For some reef keepers the only way to buy corals is through the online coral sellers. But for most of us, the best way to make sure we purchase healthy fish, strong invertebrates and receive reliable advice is through a good local fish shop.
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