LFS Ratings and Reviews

[SalviniCichlidFan]

I dunno if there's already a post for this, but I'd thought it would be nice for everyone to post the LFS's that they've been to and their rating of them from a scale of 1-10 + some comments so if others happen to travel somewhere close to a highly-rated LFS, then they would know that there would be a nice LFS there.

For reference, a 0 would be a terrible run down store with diseased/dead fish. A 2 would be your average Petco/Petsmart. A 10 would be the LFS of your dreams (and yes I do have dreams where I go to a LFS with the cichlids I'm craving to have at the time)

Here's some starters:

Absolutely Fish, NJ, Rating: 9.5/10, Comments: I dunno how, but they have a ton of staff there which shows their thriving business. They're very responsible with labelling sick fish.

Imperial Aquatics, MA, Rating: 8/10, Comments: Wide selection of cichlids/monster fish that you won't find in your average LFS. Only downside is they're located in a sketchy area.

Tropic Isle, MA, Rating 7/10, Comments: Very clean and nicely run LFS. However, they tailor more towards community fish/marine fish which are a minus for an MFKer.

Fish Nook Pet Center, MA, Rating 5/10, Comments: Tanks are a bit dirty and they have a small selection of cichlids/monster fish. Every month or so you'll find a gem there.

 

[krichardson]

I seem to recall a similar thread that was posted several years ago but that's fine....anyhow,I've always wanted to visit Absolutely Fish as I have heard what a great shop it is quite some time ago...back years ago when gas and tolls weren't so high I didn't much mind driving to New Jersey to check out shops but I rarely bother to venture out nowadays.

 

[SalviniCichlidFan]

I seem to recall a similar thread that was posted several years ago but that's fine....anyhow,I've always wanted to visit Absolutely Fish as I have heard what a great shop it is quite some time ago...back years ago when gas and tolls weren't so high I didn't much mind driving to New Jersey to check out shops but I rarely bother to venture out nowadays.

Yeah I still remember going to Absolutely Fish for the first time as a kid. It was literally what my dreams were made of where I saw every fish I wanted there.

 

[FJB]

Absolutely fish in Newark, NJ is quite good. A hike for me so I have only been 3 times over several years, but found very nice fish. 8-10.

The Aquarium Center in Clemendon, NJ is also quite good, Good selection, unusual fish, good plants, live foods. 8-10.

Feathers, Fins, Claws (or some similar combination) in Harleysville, PA. Good for koi and ponds. It used to be better for aquarium fish. 7-8.

Worldwide Aquarium, PA. Not too bad, some days better than others. Good selection of dry goods including driftwood, etc. 7-8.

People ‘s Pets & Exotic Animals. Relatively new. Getting better and better for fish. Excellent for all Herps, big ones. 7-8 for fish.

Petco & PetSmart. Multiple stores around Philadelphia. Generally not good. For live fish, Petsnart substantially better. Varies w/ individual store. 5-6.

 

[krichardson]

Yeah I still remember going to Absolutely Fish for the first time as a kid. It was literally what my dreams were made of where I saw every fish I wanted there.

I'm going to have to finally get out there on a day trip this summer,same with Monster Aquarium in New York and also Global Fish Co....especially since it is owned by a by a MFK member
F FJB since you get around the Philly area The Hidden Reef and Fish Factory are both worth visiting,they are just north of Philadelphia and very close to each other.

 

[tlindsey]

I can only rate one lfs in my area and it's name is Something Fishy. The few times I've been there never seen any dead or sick fish. The aquariums are always spotless. I would rate them a 10. I rather not rate any big box stores in my area

 

[FJB]

F FJB since you get around the Philly area The Hidden Reef and Fish Factory are both worth visiting,they are just north of Philadelphia and very close to each other.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks!!
I will try to hit those soon.

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

For the Houston People,

9/10- Fish Gallery. Great service, aquarium decor, and fish. Stocking is a bit basic, though, with average cichlids and such, but it is quality. And sometimes they get a rare oddball or two.

10/10-360 Aquatics. Amazing store, has all sorts of stone and driftwood. Great quality fish; they specialize in rare oddballs.

P.S. Fish Gallery also has saltwater, and 360 is soon to set up some saltwater tanks. 360 also has brackish, but they are juveniles in the "freshwater" stage of life.

 

[krichardson]

I can only rate one lfs in my area and it's name is Something Fishy. The few times I've been there never seen any dead or sick fish. The aquariums are always spotless. I would rate them a 10. I rather not rate any big box stores in my area

.....aren't you in Ohio,I recall a well known fish shop there besides the one you mentioned,but the name escapes me.

 

[tlindsey]

.....aren't you in Ohio,I recall a well known fish shop there besides the one you mentioned,but the name escapes me.

Is it RMS Aquaculture? I didn't mention them because honestly haven't been there in years.