I've been on both sides of it.. and when you find a place with people who know what they are doing and are helpfull... spend your money there! sometimes It's hard to justify spending a few extra dollars.. but in the long-run that store is more likely to succeed. atm it's hard for the private lfs to compete w/ the big chains.. nothing is more dangerouse then a petsmart or petco w/ knowledgeable staff to a ma and pop type shop. But now I have a petco thats 10 mins down the road.. but I drive almost 40 to get to a private hole in the wall that always has great prices, and great service. I buy all my fish, and food from them.