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.
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.