Hello,
State where exactly you're from, and tell us your favorite LFS! And any reviews you'd like to add.
I am from Alameda.
I have two stores that I frequent.
1. Lucky Aquarium - located in Oakland, on broadway (http://www.yelp.com/biz/lucky-goldfish-inc-pet-shop-oakland)
The store has beautiful display tanks (both fresh and salt), and has a consistent variety of fish. You should be careful of certain tanks, in which traces of ich and dead fish can be seen. However, this is definitely not true for the majority of them. I have had no problem from the fish I bought from them, and actually when buying the same fish from Lucky and Albany (an over-priced "quality" store), the ones from Lucky are much better off--one from Albany died the day I got it).
Secondly, this place allows you to browse in peace. which is a great comfort, but are always willing to help. There is one woman there (always go to her, no one else. wait fifteen minutes if you have to). She is so kind! I had not the best experience with one of their employees, but was met by this woman at the register. She is very knowledgeable and friendly. She is the reason I came back.
They have limited plant stock (but they are ridiculously healthy).
I definitely recommend this place.
2. Albany Aquarium.
I only go here when Lucky aquarium doesn't have the fish I want (Smaller corys). They are purported as being the "best in the bay" or some CRAP like that. However, I think this is false. When I go there, the older caucasian employee is probably the most haughty employee you will come by. He is condescending in demeanor, tone, and all of the above. I asked him what the difference between c. hastatus and c. pygmaeus was (after doing extensive research). When I told him his c. hastatus actually looked more like a pygmaeus, he pointed his nose in the air and gave me some BS. I posted the pics of my fish online, and the consensus is this: I was right, mr. cocky was wrong. This place is over-priced. They say they quarantine their fish, but I have seen a good amount of dead fish in their tanks.
Their display tanks are becoming algae-ridden. It is humid on hot days, with nothing but a fan blowing hot wind in your face. creaky floor boards. Good variety of plants, though. The younger asian-american worker is very nice, good recommendations. However, do not trust any of their opinions, simply because it is said with confidence. They can be wrong.
The most whack thing is probably that this place closes on Wednesday and Thursday.
Phew... Now... your turn!
State where exactly you're from, and tell us your favorite LFS! And any reviews you'd like to add.
I am from Alameda.
I have two stores that I frequent.
1. Lucky Aquarium - located in Oakland, on broadway (http://www.yelp.com/biz/lucky-goldfish-inc-pet-shop-oakland)
The store has beautiful display tanks (both fresh and salt), and has a consistent variety of fish. You should be careful of certain tanks, in which traces of ich and dead fish can be seen. However, this is definitely not true for the majority of them. I have had no problem from the fish I bought from them, and actually when buying the same fish from Lucky and Albany (an over-priced "quality" store), the ones from Lucky are much better off--one from Albany died the day I got it).
Secondly, this place allows you to browse in peace. which is a great comfort, but are always willing to help. There is one woman there (always go to her, no one else. wait fifteen minutes if you have to). She is so kind! I had not the best experience with one of their employees, but was met by this woman at the register. She is very knowledgeable and friendly. She is the reason I came back.
They have limited plant stock (but they are ridiculously healthy).
I definitely recommend this place.
2. Albany Aquarium.
I only go here when Lucky aquarium doesn't have the fish I want (Smaller corys). They are purported as being the "best in the bay" or some CRAP like that. However, I think this is false. When I go there, the older caucasian employee is probably the most haughty employee you will come by. He is condescending in demeanor, tone, and all of the above. I asked him what the difference between c. hastatus and c. pygmaeus was (after doing extensive research). When I told him his c. hastatus actually looked more like a pygmaeus, he pointed his nose in the air and gave me some BS. I posted the pics of my fish online, and the consensus is this: I was right, mr. cocky was wrong. This place is over-priced. They say they quarantine their fish, but I have seen a good amount of dead fish in their tanks.
Their display tanks are becoming algae-ridden. It is humid on hot days, with nothing but a fan blowing hot wind in your face. creaky floor boards. Good variety of plants, though. The younger asian-american worker is very nice, good recommendations. However, do not trust any of their opinions, simply because it is said with confidence. They can be wrong.
The most whack thing is probably that this place closes on Wednesday and Thursday.
Phew... Now... your turn!
