I'm back in the hobby after taking a break for about the last 8-9 years. Coming back into it now, I have seen many changes over those years and had to learn some new stuff. But the majority of information I've taken in has been from forums like this as well as Facebook groups. And I now have 4 tanks ranging in size from 5 GAL to 355 GAL and only 3 or 4 of my fish have been purchased from a "store". All of the rest have come from breeders, importers, and online retailers. In my new craze back in fishkeeping, I've found the LFS to be almost completely irrelevant. If I need an emergency heater or some frozen bloodworms, I think its necessary. But the advice I get from these stores is often poor or inaccurate and I find the fish selection to be smaller and less healthy than what I can find online.
Just curious what everyone else's view of the LFS is in 2015. I don't wish any of them poorly. I try to support them over the Petcos and Petsmarts, etc. Those chains are really the pits, in my opinion. I just don't have much of a reason to go to a LFS. Even when I want to special order some rare fish from a LFS, I have to beg - its easier to just order them online. A few clicks and they're at my front door the next day.
Just curious what everyone else's view of the LFS is in 2015. I don't wish any of them poorly. I try to support them over the Petcos and Petsmarts, etc. Those chains are really the pits, in my opinion. I just don't have much of a reason to go to a LFS. Even when I want to special order some rare fish from a LFS, I have to beg - its easier to just order them online. A few clicks and they're at my front door the next day.