First time to Austin...little help?

[drgnbttrfly]

K first I want to say..I have talked to a charter member about becoming a charter member and I plan to go to one of those meetings and do just that...unless there is a faster way?

So...I am moving out of my comfort zone. I have been keeping freshwater tanks over 20 years...but salt...only a little over a year now. I stepped up to a 125 with a custom sump recently...and now that I want and need more than my little market here can support...I am taking a day trip to Austin with a friend who is getting ready to get into the hobby (she is talking 300 gallons plus).

So where do I go? I have mapped out

Gallery of Pets
River City Aquatics
Deep Blue Aquariums
Kingfish Aquariums (Burnet)
Aquatek Tropical Fish

So..I think all of these are supposed to be open or call first on Mondays if not please tell me!

And if any of these are tiny not really worth my time nothing special stores...please tell me....

I know I am going to RCA...and Deep Blue...and probably Aquatek

The other ones? I don't want to waste valuble time looking for or driving to a store I don't care about. ;)

Thanks!!!

[CoryDude]

Wouldn't waste my time at Gallery of Pets. It's been a few years since I've been there, but you never know. Too bad you're only going Monday. The Aquadome is just a few minutes off of IH 35 on Ben White, but they're closed on Mondays.

I'd definitely make a trip to Aquatek. Bruce usually keeps the place pretty well stocked w/both wet and dry goods.

[drgnbttrfly]

Just a day the sitter is available...I plan to make another trip...I will scratch that one off my list for now. Thanks! I want to really get a feel for what Austin has to offer so I am not so limited to trading buying online and what our local stores have...so sad but our stores are just too small to support my growing habit :wink_smile:

I will definately have to make a second trip to Aquadome. When I do I will probably take my special needs son with me and make a day of it with him. He loves fish. He sits in his wheelchair in front of the tank and just stares sometimes an hour or two before he is ready to move.

He is so happy we have a Hippo Tang now..and he is demanding to watch Nemo all over again.

[tezr]

The only negative for you about the Aquadome is that all their salt livestock is upstairs. I did not want you or your son to be let down upon arrival.

[drgnbttrfly]

Ahh stinky...but...his chair is titanium I can carry it and then carry him

Thanks for the heads up..I will try to bring an extra set of hands with me!

[zcatzmeow]

Wouldn't waste my time at Gallery of Pets. It's been a few years since I've been there, but you never know. Too bad you're only going Monday. The Aquadome is just a few minutes off of IH 35 on Ben White, but they're closed on Mondays.

I'd definitely make a trip to Aquatek. Bruce usually keeps the place pretty well stocked w/both wet and dry goods.

They still have a small selection going on. Lots of blenies and gobies :) So not a huge showroom but their stock is healthy.

[reeferRob]

I live in Kempner and work on Ft Hood, when I make my run to Austin it is usually to Deep Blue, then Aquatek, and on the way out River City and Horizon

I don't usually go any further than that.

Rob

[zcatzmeow]

I lost my first post, lol, strange. Anyhoo, I just keep a 28g nano, started it back in February. And before that I was FW all the way, tanks all over. So don't worry, saltwater is not so scary as some people think.

If you want to come by and see a little nano system set up, I'd be happy to have company :)

[coraline79]

I was under the impression Deep Blue closed its doors last friday.

[drgnbttrfly]

ruh roh...I will call first then thanks!

I have had a small tank for a year...and managed to keep it healthy...i just need bigger equiment and better fish now...i have my obligatory clowns..and my mean damsel i was told to cycle my first tank with (he now lives in the sump after killing a beautiful maroon) I am trying to be a little more careful with my advice and get it from more than one source now and I am doing a lot of researching on my own...

I have actually found it is easier and more rewarding than fresh aside from all the testing...but that doesn't bother me too much..its worth it to spot problems early and correct them before they get out of control. :whew:

[subsailor]

Hey good to see you on here. If you are planning to got today I agree with reefer rob on where to go.

[CoryDude]

Aquadome also has an outdoor patio area w/pond. They also had a fish feeder, but I'm not sure if it's still there.

If you're looking for advice, Bruce at Aquatek is the dude. He's got a masters degree in field. He's helped me countless times over the years. His store has tons of tanks and should really interest your son.

[vyvial]

just called deep blue and yes they are closed

[drgnbttrfly]

well good to know...we didn't make it today..my babysitter was well off this morning so we rescheduled for tomorrow..so we can include the closed on monday crowd

this way i suppose i can be a bit more prepared for what ot expect when i take my son to aquadome

thanks!!!