Purchasing beyond Amazon
Howdy folks, I’ve recently gotten in to the aquarium life and I got really lucky to live near a really neat aquarium centered store. Though I would like to compare prices to online, but I want to avoid amazon by any means since I just don’t want to support them. What are some online shops you’ve all had good results with? I’m mostly looking for foods and plants for freshwater fish. In a few years after getting comfortable I want to move on to saltwater.
9 replies
Aquarium Co-op
That's a pretty nice site, and tons of helpful stuff in videos and a decent looking forum. I'll have to give them a deeper look!
I think using Amazon to compare prices locally is fine, I just wouldn't buy from Amazon.
I don't think it is too bad either, I'm just trying to avoid even opening the site at all.
I order from Aquarium Co-op for dry goods and plants. When I order fish online, I usually do it through Aquatic Arts or Dan's Fish.
I'd say that even if you can find a slightly better price on some of these online shops, consider the support you get at your local store. If they're willing to talk to you and guide you through questions, using up their time to make sure you can be successful in the hobby, it's worth those extra dollars to support them.
I have a local freshwater place for my little freshwater tank that I go to frequently because the guy who runs it is amazing and spends so much time supporting me with my questions. Unfortunately the saltwater shops are a lot farther from me, but if I'm not in a rush, I'll stick to them over a website where I may or may not receive support (not saying there aren't any good online shops, there ARE good ones).
That being said, comparing prices online is still a good practice at the same time. My story would be different if the price difference was like double or something nuts lol.
I do like the local shop quite a lot. I'd like to stick with them, Just need to save a few bucks here and there. He's got a good business being one of the best in the area so I'm not so much worried about a tad bit less business, but he also doesn't carry the food anymore that I liked giving to my fish.
BRS is more reef focused but has a good selection of equipment and dry goods. I’ve gotten plants and some planted dry goods from buceplant as well and it was all good stuff. Honestly tho you should try to support your local shop as long as their prices are reasonable.
I've seen that site a few times, it seems to be pretty decent all around. I'll keep checking them as comparison.