buying fish on-line

[eddie]

I initially want to say that I have bought all my fish at the local stores here in San Antonio. I don't want anybody to think I am not supporting these local stores but I was wondering if anyone has bought fish off the internet and how was the experience?

[seamonkey2]

I have done a few times, and so far from dependable dealers like foster and smith, I'll do it again, but be carefull, the descriptions are acurrate, the fish are not.

good luck


Jose

[GaryP]

And when you factor in shipping, it rarely a bargain. In my experience, its better to ask an LFS to special order you something if its not readily available at an LFS. That way they assume some of the risk if arrives dead. That's part of the extra cost that you pay at an LFS. When you are ordering yourself, its all on you. A lot of fish may arrive alive, but will die within a few days as a result of shipment stress. That's why some stores give large bag day discounts. If it's out of the shop when it dies from shipment shock, the risk is all your's.

[Markster]

One way to defray the shipping costs is to go in on a group order. I have ordered online many times with virtually no problems. The online stores will usually give you a 14 day alive guarantee if you follow their acclimation procedures. I do prefer seeing the fish in the LFS to see that they are healthy and eating; and would recommend that over internet purchases.

[Darth-Tater]

I have done all of the above. Bought bagged fish on delivery day at the lfs, walked in and bought out of the tank,asked for special orders and online. They all have been succesful ventures. Places like www.saltwaterfish.com offer free shipping if you spend $79.00 other places offer some kid of shipping deals. Each has it's good and bad pts.


DT

[Enigma13]

When I want a rare fish that I do not normally see at the LFS I definitely buy online. I will try to wait until I have a couple of things I want or need so that the shipping cost gets spread out. Usually if you do that it will even end up being cheaper than the LFS. I have had good luck with Pet Solutions and Marine Center is great for the considerably more rare stuff.

[fishcrazy]

I was buying all my stock at LFS and having bad luck! So finally tried online, now I have a fully stocked 135gal, all from online stores and haven't lost a single thing! The price is better and the shipping was free. I hate to be a nonsupporter of our hard working LFS but the results are to difficult to refuse.