Alamo Aquatics changes

[phrog]

If y'all haven't stopped by Alamo Aquatics lately, I suggest a visit. There have been some changes. I was impressed by the livestock and heard there is more to come. Prices seemed very competitive. Worth a glance.

p.s. If you happen to pick up a spare anthia while your there, I'd love to have it.

[Gseclipse02]

new ownership ??

[BIGBIRD123]

No but Eddie is now more involved...

S

[phrog]

I was told there were some employee changes and now the owner is at the store regularly. They said he has a variety of plans for improving the place. I suggested they have somebody start posting when they have new livestock. I saw the nice anthias, a variety of triggers, flamehawks, mandarins, tangs, wrasses. Just a few corals, but a couple that would work well for those of us in the nano group. They said the wall of aquariums that has been empty will be up and running soon.

[coraline79]

The wall of aquariums ha been coming online "soon" for about a year and 1/2....since I have been into saltwater as a matter of fact. That being said the things you have described above have always been the standard there. I have had a great experiences with them. there livestock mortality rate in my tanks is 90% better than the 2 other "big" stores in SA. I go there on a bi weekly basis, the prices are decent, and the quality is there.

[sampsonndelila]

ditto.

[Gseclipse02]

i went in today and spoke with Robert he was pretty cool

hopefully things will change there are some lazy people there who prefer not to look for something and wont call you later on to say if they had what i was looking for or not

[coraline79]

Haha, that is about 95% of all fish stores I have ever visited!

[The Butcher]

Haha, that is about 95% of all fish stores I have ever visited!

Aquarium Designs and B&B MUST be the other 5 % . I use to go to Alamo Aquatics when it was located near Fintique. I followed them when they made their big move to Bandera. In the beginning, things were great. The livestock was fantastic, the prices were reasonable, and the employees knew what they were talking about (especially Mona for freshwater). Unfortunately, it seems that things took a slow tailspin with fish in general. The majority of their tanks are empty, and some, not all, of the employees seem disinterested in customer service. When I have gone into Aquarium Designs and B&B, you can see that the majority of their tanks are full with excellent fish, corals, etc. Most of all, their service is unbeatable. The employees (if that's what you want to call them), I call them lucky s.o.b. 's to be getting paid to enjoy the hobby, will go out of their way to help a newbie to a pro. Hopefully Alamo Aquatics will take notice, everyone else has.

[CoryDude]

Personally, I've always like Alamo Aquatics. Sure the service stinks sometimes (what store's hasn't), and the selection is sometimes a little bare. But, Eddie's and Gabe's no-pressure attitudes have kept me coming back for years.

IMO, good customer service is in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I've had bad experiences with Jason when he worked at Alamo Aquatics and now Aquarium Designs. But, my wife loved her visit to AD. So take the service part for what it is.

[The Butcher]

Personally, I've always like Alamo Aquatics. Sure the service stinks sometimes (what store's hasn't), and the selection is sometimes a little bare. But, Eddie's and Gabe's no-pressure attitudes have kept me coming back for years.

IMO, good customer service is in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I've had bad experiences with Jason when he worked at Alamo Aquatics and now Aquarium Designs. But, my wife loved her visit to AD. So take the service part for what it is.

I do, that's why I followed them from the West Avenue location to the Bandera Location. It was because of their service and selection. Hell, I felt like I was Norm from Cheers when I would walk in, I was always there. Over the past few months however, things have changed drastically. Their service seems to have dropped off the same way their selection has. It needs to change. Hopefully, they will get back to what brought me in on a daily basis, SERVICE and SELECTION.

[BriGuy]

I have bought a few things from Alamo and have never had an issue, though I have never bought a fish from there to date. The reason being is most tanks are either empty, or the selection is limited. Currently there is only 3 places that I buy fish at because of selection\sucess rate\pricing: AD, Wolf, and Texas Tropical.

[Gseclipse02]

Currently there is only 3 places that I buy fish at because of selection\sucess rate\pricing: AD, Wolf, and Texas Tropical.

all of these places are great but the mark up on fish is rediculous. Most of the time i go to fintique on thursdays to buy fish there pricing is great plus 25% off you cant beat that. Most will talk bad about the way there saltwater is setup but the way i see it if they last in there tanks they will last in mine

for exp. I have been looking to get a powder blue tang but most stores want $70-90 for it which is crazy Fintique has them for $42 plus 25% off cant beat that!!

[CoryDude]

Well, hopefully the new workers, and Eddie's presence, we'll see AA pickup in needed areas. I agree that it isn't what it was in years past (heck even a year ago), but they've always been fair and have decent prices when they do get nice shipments in. Each store has it's niche and AA should find theirs again.

[jrsatx20]

i payed $15 for my powder blue.

[oceancube]

i payed $15 for my powder blue.
ed aquatics or what?? lol

[coraline79]

that sounds like a pets r us price!

[BriGuy]

all of these places are great but the mark up on fish is rediculous. Most of the time i go to fintique on thursdays to buy fish there pricing is great plus 25% off you cant beat that. Most will talk bad about the way there saltwater is setup but the way i see it if they last in there tanks they will last in mine

for exp. I have been looking to get a powder blue tang but most stores want $70-90 for it which is crazy Fintique has them for $42 plus 25% off cant beat that!!


Never been to Fintque, from what I was told that store closed down awhile back. I wouldnt mind checking it out if its still open. One thing for sure is with all the LFS around here we should have a pretty good selection.

[BriGuy]

i payed $15 for my powder blue.


Tang? Or a Powder Blue Damsel......sorry had to ask it.

[Gseclipse02]

i payed $15 for my powder blue.


ill give you $20 and a big mac with cheese lol

[Gseclipse02]

Never been to Fintque, from what I was told that store closed down awhile back. I wouldnt mind checking it out if its still open. One thing for sure is with all the LFS around here we should have a pretty good selection.


yea there is a decent amount of stores but pricing is what gets me along with how they treat me and the gf

[jrsatx20]

Tang? Or a Powder Blue Damsel......sorry had to ask it.


well lets just say im special.

[BIGBIRD123]

The way I see it is that if you have problems with a store, then you take it up with the owner. You don't go and bash them in an open forum. I have seen good service and bad service in every store that I have been in...EVERY store.

This thread was to talk about some new things that AA is trying to do. I, myself appreciate that , especially with the economy and many stores closing. Let's keep it on track or this will be locked.

Steve

[CoryDude]

Steve, you hit the nail on the head regarding the economy. I've talked w/numerous store owners from Austin to SA, and there's one consistency. With people spending less, things like fish/coral fall to the side. Store owners aren't willing to put out a lot of $$$ on large orders or system upgrades, if they can't sell the items they order. Hence, the empty display tanks at MANY stores, not just AA. More power to Eddie or any other store owner that's willing to take a risk to improve their store during these lean times.

[greatwhite@AlamoAquatics]

yup i agree its really hard to make money right now thats why i work two other jobs, but i love this hobby so much and theres no other buisness that i would rather have than my little store (Edaquatics) its been really cool meeting other people that love this hobby as much as me ... ....sorry i better stop or ill keep rambling on ..............But Eddies a good guy hell be ok

[phrog]

Sorry anybody is feeling grief over this thread. My only intention was to compliment Alamo Aquatics on what I saw as good things going on at the store.

[BIGBIRD123]

Sorry anybody is feeling grief over this thread. My only intention was to compliment Alamo Aquatics on what I saw as good things going on at the store.

You have nothing to apologize for. I was merely wanting this to be back on track....a store trying to stay open and provide the best that they can. Problems need to be dealt with the parties involved.

Thanks for what you are trying to do Eddie...

Steve

[BriGuy]

I hope things can get better as well, its nice to have a selection and options in stores here. Some places are stuck with Mail Order or those mall type pet stores. With the economy the way it is now its tough for any business to stay open, I suggest we buy local to help them out and to ensure we have LFS's to go to in the future.

[mozartkt]

I agree - buy local and support those LFS - AA has been good to us and will continue to return.

[corkyGramma]

I think if you've had good customer service at Alamo Aquatics you're the exception. You can expect to be ignored, sold equipment you don't need and be spoken rudely to. Furthermore, they're missing the boat with their coral selection, its like an after thought. Isn't that why we are all here?

[Gilbert]

CorkyGramma you lost me after the first sentence... things you have to kept in mind is that they dont just sell saltwater stuff not every empolyee is going to know the answer to everyones question about saltwater because they carry all kinds of animals.
And as stated in previous post, this thread wasn't created to trash AA

[coraline79]

I think if you've had good customer service at Alamo Aquatics you're the exception. You can expect to be ignored, sold equipment you don't need and be spoken rudely to. Furthermore, they're missing the boat with their coral selection, its like an after thought. Isn't that why we are all here?

As a member of this forum, I should remind you that they are our Sponsor, and we as a community require that they are shown a cordual amount of respect.

Also, only one time was I ever neglected there, and that is over 2 years ago. The guy who did it hasn't been there since shortly after that.

As far as what you are sold there, and how, I have this to say. If you are showing up at the store try to get them to teach you all the things about you need to know about SW, then you aren't starting at the right place. Researching the internet will get you anything you need to know about his hobby, and personal experience will cover the rest. We as a community are here to "fill in the gaps, test the products, and unravel the mysteries as best as possible. No one knows it all, and we all take a little differnet approach.

I also would like to add as many have before they are in the business of keeping the doors open, just like you and I in our field of business. They are not professional Marine Biologists, or Zoologists. A lot of the info they get is from their vendors.

Last but not least, go to Petco or Smart and see how much a) they have and b) they can help you. For dry goods and variety of animals, Alamo is your the only stop in SA. When it comes to Marine based product, them,AD, and B&B are the only place to go.

[corkyGramma]

CorkyGramma you lost me after the first sentence... things you have to kept in mind is that they dont just sell saltwater stuff not every empolyee is going to know the answer to everyones question about saltwater because they carry all kinds of animals.
And as stated in previous post, this thread wasn't created to trash AA

Well Gilbert, Their name is A Aquatic Pets, and I was referring to the sales person who offers help in the sw department. I've done my time in customer service and I know what it should be, I only expect what I would do for any public. With the right customer care and ordering that place would be booming again.

[beareef19]

This is why we lose sponsors because of threads like this that get off subject and start bashing. If you don't like the store don't shop there. All your problems solved,
END OF STORY
Barry

[MRSBIGBIRD123]

Thanks Barry for your input. My job for the past 17 years has been nothing but Customer Service, but unfortunately, I have learned no matter how hard one tries, there are some people you just can't satisfy. I have often been into businesses, retail, and food establishments, and not always have received the service I felt like I deserved. I, at that time, try to rectify the situation, it's my choice to go back, which normally I do.
I know that AA has been going thru "growth spurts," and have added a lot of positive changes, and with Eddie's influence, I am sure that we can expect only good things. But it also takes time, and we as consumers and most importantly Members of this Club, need to allow them (all Retailers/Sponsors) time to reach progress. If you have a personal concern, I suggest, you address the issue, with the person you have the concern with, since they are the only one(s) who can rectify the situation to begin with.

Cheri Byrd

[alliedag85]

AA is a good place to go to. i got everything i need for my sw setup. ive got great deal from aa lots of time. went today great customer care. waitting to see the new setup up and running.

[ErikH]

I think everyone should be able to post their experience in this forum. It is the forum for vendor and product experiences. If anything, owners should pay just to read how the public feels. It's constructive criticism in it's own right.

If the service is bad, fix the service. If the tanks are empty, fill them. People return to places for consistency in product and service. If I was the owner of AA, I would take this in a positive light, they just have to read between the lines.

I have always had a pleasant time there and got everything I needed. I have a wrasse in my 48 that I bought there recently. I have always felt that they had very cool fish, much like TT. I can stand to wait, and I have never had bad service from anyone there.

[alton]

Speaking of which they have an awesome 70 gallon DSA Reef ready Tank, Stand and canopy for a great price.

[envy]

I think everyone should be able to post their experience in this forum. It is the forum for vendor and product experiences. If anything, owners should pay just to read how the public feels. It's constructive criticism in it's own right.

If the service is bad, fix the service. If the tanks are empty, fill them. People return to places for consistency in product and service. If I was the owner of AA, I would take this in a positive light, they just have to read between the lines.



I agree, the vendors should read what is posted and then ask the person/s in a pm what was the experience they had and try to fix it. As far as customer service goes if you have good service, you can expect people to come back. Also if the price is right. Customer service is what helps me out at PetCo. We even have people ask for advice. Just like any store they will give you there best opinion. Just like this site, some of the people here that give advice its your own opinion and it is what has worked for you. Isn't that what this site is about, to help others out. This is helping out AA customers service in my opinion. All they have to do is find out why and fix it. Thats what surveys are for at PetCo and in return you get a coupon for xx amount to be used on what ever you want.

[envy]

I think they have really resonable prices when it comes to supplies and some reptile supplies. Thats the only place I go to to buy hedgehog food. The price and amount of food you get is worth it.

[Kyle46N]

I wasn't going to post on this thread, but after several negative comments on AA, I have to add my positive thoughts. Like already mentioned, you should do your homework before you go to the pet store. It will save you alot of grief. Because I've already done my homework, AA is one of my favorite places to go. I can expect to be asked ONE TIME if I need any help. And that is perfect. I'll let you know when I'm ready to get something. There coral selection is not huge, but their prices are pretty good. I got a cool mushroom rock with 12 maroon with neon red bumps, for $29 today. Thats almost as good a deal as what we have on our own for sale forum. Also, if anyone is looking for superman shrooms, they have a rock with 6 right now.

[allan]

I hate to weigh in as a newby (both to the MAAST and sw aquaria) but here goes...

I only know of two SW LFS, three if you count petco, and I do shop both. I had a terrible time with the web as there are so many contradicting schools of thought. The first time I went into AA Eddie (short guy, rather stout with a receeding hairline) took the time to walk me through the basics. His approach allowed me to begin the process of setting up at the low end of the budgetary approach.

I don't really shop there for livestock as the distance between his shop and my home along with traffic obstacles are prohibitive IMO. But his sand is half the price that I've seen anywhere else and hardware is always cheaper there than anywhere else.

Of course I've only been there and AD; I would very much like to visit these other places y'all have been mentioning.

As far as service, I like the low pressure approach and if you really want a reality check try fast food... of course I could be the only san antonian that receives the wrong order every time through drive through. :mad:

[envy]

.

As far as service, I like the low pressure approach and if you really want a reality check try fast food... of course I could be the only san antonian that receives the wrong order every time through drive through. :mad:

that stinks i would be mad if that happened to me. I can count on one hand the times i had my order messed up and in still have a couple of fingers left. hope it gets better for you

[phippsj]

The wall of aquariums ha been coming online "soon" for about a year and 1/2....since I have been into saltwater as a matter of fact. That being said the things you have described above have always been the standard there. I have had a great experiences with them. there livestock mortality rate in my tanks is 90% better than the 2 other "big" stores in SA. I go there on a bi weekly basis, the prices are decent, and the quality is there.

They were working on that wall of aquariums yesterday. If I had not broken the bottom of my tank I would have picked up those three Anthias they have. Their coral is not always the best, but I think they are getting better with their livestock. Honestly, I will pay more if it helps folks start carrying better and more unique livestock.