Best options for getting fish

[TeamPisces]

Hi all,

I am located in northern Maryland (Harford County). There are really no LFS in my area outside of Petsmart and Petco. I know the HOT is in Glen Burnie. I am only about 45min to an hour away from That Fish Place. When I am ready to stock my tank should I purchase from breeders in the club, the preferred retailers on the site, or that Fish place or HOT?

 

[verbal]

Pseudo saulosi can be a bit hard to find. However Dave's Fish would likely be the way to go.

 

[jonclark96]

I'd figure out what you want and start with club members. There are lots of fish being bred locally. Next option would be vendors depending on what you want. If it is a relatively common fish, HOT is also a good option. I would stay away from the mixed African tanks at the box stores.


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[WendyFish]

In general buying in the club is a great and much cheaper way to source fish.

Larger regional events like the ECC auction have a deeper selection and are cheaper than retail. Plus fun times -- beer, food, friends.

And absolutely +1 on Dave's. He has beautiful quality fish. The cost plus shipping (assuming a decent number of fish to spread the cost) is generally comparable to an LFS price; he has amazing selection and you can trust the provenance. The whole shipping situation seems worrying the first time but actually it's easy and very safe.

 

[Jefft]

When you are ready to purchase you should bring your money to my house. LOL Stay away from PETCO and Pet Smart. I would even recommend you stay away from any local fish store for that matter. Go to Dave's Rare Fish and order have your fish shipped in. You can purchase "Wild Caught" or F1 from Dave or other breeders insuring you KNOW what type of fry you will produce if you are breeding. IF you go through a LFS no matter what species you pick you are getting aquarium strain that will not have as good a resale value as they would if you could offer F1.

 

[rsretep]

Hey Willis. There is another "local" fish store that has opened recently, Go Fish has opened on Rossville blvd, the store entrance is off of route 7. Not a huge selection but better than the box stores and a bit closer that HOT or TFP. I would also suggest CCA member fish also, lots of species being bred amongst the ranks.

 

[TeamPisces]

When you are ready to purchase you should bring your money to my house. LOL Stay away from PETCO and Pet Smart. I would even recommend you stay away from any local fish store for that matter. Go to Dave's Rare Fish and order have your fish shipped in. You can purchase "Wild Caught" or F1 from Dave or other breeders insuring you KNOW what type of fry you will produce if you are breeding. IF you go through a LFS no matter what species you pick you are getting aquarium strain that will not have as good a resale value as they would if you could offer F1.

"When you are ready to purchase you should bring your money to my house." still laughing at this.

Thanks for all responses. Dave's Fish definitely looks like a great option. I definitely like the idea of buying from other breeders.

 

[Avatar]

IME

I have 40+ tanks/900 gallons and almost everything came from club members and non-commercial breeders at fish shows with a few species from on-line vendors like Jeff Rapps, Dave's, etc. but have also had good luck with small-time vendors on Aquabid for groups of juvenile fish. All of these options are far less expensive, offer more pampered/healthier stock and generally better quality IMO. Best option is to spin up your tank(s) and come to AquaMania! this weekend, but PVAS is also having their huge Spring auction next month with likely over one thousand lots of fish, plants and equipment.

 

[dogofwar]

There's nothing like getting fish from fellow members.

But I'll warn you: Pretty soon you'll be stocking tankS...

Matt

 

[Tony]

While I am sometimes weary of livestock from Petco/Petsmart, I am all for supporting local fish stores. If we don't they will all be gone.

Please keep in mind the generous support that our club receives from local fish stores like House of Tropicals.