Would you like an opportunity?

[dynamitedj]

I have been looking for a way to get peoples fist-hand experiences with the local stores so I can make an educated decision about who I want to deal with and who I don't. This way these stores can't hide behind the notion that we aren't smart enough to catch them in their lies. I figure who better to ask than you.

[MayoBoy]

Stores I've had good experiences with:
CPE, Beldts, TWP, Reefstop.com, Premium Aquatics.com, thefilterguys.biz


Bad:
Andy's

Educate yourself so you can make informed opinions.

This way these stores can't hide behind the notion that we aren't smart enough to catch them in their lies

That's a bad attitude to go in with. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Listen to how they treat other customers and go from there.

[dynamitedj]

Bring it! Lots of you have made various statements about this or that store in threads that have nothing to do with giving you a chance to speak your piece. Don't be shy here's your chance.

[dynamitedj]

sorry, should be "peace".

[zt444a]

Chad at Gateway seems pretty honest and I like dealing with them.

Beldts has given me good fish, although depending on who you talk to about corals will determine the price you will pay. All my fishies from them have been disease free and good eaters so far.

Andy's Animals seems extremely hit and miss. One day it looks great in his tanks, and 24 hours later it looks like crap. That is no exaggeration either. He gives decent advice though, recommending that I actually wait and not buy something for my tank, as it needed a more mature tank! Sort of unusual for an LFS...

I'd stick with where you are comfortable and the people treat you nicely, give good advice and not make you feel stupid! There are many ways to accomplish the same thing.

[stlouisguy]

Go to each store, intereact with them, and form your own opinions. I truly feel someone may have a bad experience in a store, yet the next person has a great experience in the same store, with the same person. You need to remember that sometimes the person is part of the reason they had a bad experience

Very inflammatory thread BTW. Should be deleted or locked.

[jwalters103]

ive had good and bad experiences with all of the stores in the area. right now, beldts, cpe and gwa are my favs. andys does get a lot of good and unusual stuff in, thoguh it is pretty much hit or miss

[dynamitedj]

Where else do you go for this type of much needed info? The store? And by the way it seems as though this is essential because this topic comes up in all types of unrelated threads. What would you suggest "stlouisguy".

[zt444a]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6917996#post6917996 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stlouisguy

Very inflammatory thread BTW. Should be deleted or locked.

I disagree. Maybe the way he phrased his thread could have been different. There is value in seeking others opinions. You use this information as a basis to form your own. I don't believe anyone here is looking to unduly influence anybody, and so far no one has bagged on a specific store.

Take these opinions and map out your route to the LFS you want to visit and see things for yourself. In fact, I would highly recommend you visit each store at different times on different days to see how they look, function, etc.

Good luck in your journey.

[stlouisguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6917843#post6917843 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dynamitedj
This way these stores can't hide behind the notion that we aren't smart enough to catch them in their lies. I figure who better to ask than you.

Thats not inflammatory? Lets all jump on the LFS bashing wagon. Or is this just a way to promote one LFS over another? If you truly want to know about them, why not post

"Please share your experiences, good or bad, with the local fish stores"

Much better forum to share ideas and info that asking for people to list where in their opinion(which isnt always the whole story) they were ripped off.

[dynamitedj]

I agree that people should give their praises as well. The stores are doing just fine singing their own praises. But where is the balance? Although, I do want to hear the good as well as the bad because both are equally as important. I should have mentioined that earlier. I was just getting the thread started.

[mhurley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6917843#post6917843 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dynamitedj
This way these stores can't hide behind the notion that we aren't smart enough to catch them in their lies.

That is the unnecessary and inflammatory part of your post.

I'm going to leave this open for now, but if this heads in any similar direction as the other one I just closed, this will have the same fate.

[dynamitedj]

I should have worded more assertively. I understand Mike.

[dphins]

I like MS the best. Large selection of corals and fish. Do your homework, you can't rely on just one store or person for all your knowledge.

[jeffo65]

I like Beldt's the best for livestock.

I like MS for salt.

I will not buy livestock from MS.

I enjoy CPE.

There are a number of stores that I have not been to and probably won't go to, only for the reasons that I can get what I need from the LFSs near my house.

These are my own opinions.

Do your homework, you can't rely on just one store or person for all your knowledge.

[zt444a]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6918056#post6918056 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stlouisguy
Thats not inflammatory? Lets all jump on the LFS bashing wagon. Or is this just a way to promote one LFS over another? If you truly want to know about them, why not post

"Please share your experiences, good or bad, with the local fish stores"

Much better forum to share ideas and info that asking for people to list where in their opinion(which isnt always the whole story) they were ripped off.

I don't think it was inflamatory, just poorly worded.

Not a ploy to promote one LFS over another either, as that statement was directed at all LFS in general. And again, it was just one person's impression. It hardly constitutes an inflamatory attack. Just seemed a bit angry at what is probably unscrupulous treatment from people who will in some cases just try and sell you anything.

Being a newbie at this stuff, I am very careful to try and listen to people's opinions, seperate fact from fiction, etc. By it's very nature, a forum of this sort invites the sharing of opinions. Just be kind to your fellow reefers...

[sirreal63]

Each has their benefits and drawbacks. What has worked for me was to find one person at each store and stick with them. Brad at MS, Andy at Andy's, John at TWP, John at Aqua-World, Velco at AT, Chris at Beldts, etc. You will also notice all of them are owners or part owners. At GWA you will find excellent help with both Chad and Steve.

I don't shop Clayton very much because it is just inconvenient to get there and play the parking hassle.

Beldts is the farthest away from me, yet I never mind making the drive there because he consistently has the best selection.

[hagfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6917970#post6917970 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zt444a


Beldts has given me good fish, although depending on who you talk to about corals will determine the price you will pay. All my fishies from them have been disease free and good eaters so far.


I don't know why you would get quoted different prices on corals at Beldt's. They are usually all marked already. MS, is where most are unmarked and prices are all over the place.

BTW, I love Beldt's frag tanks.

I haven't had a truly bad experience in any of the major fish stores locally. But I tend to like Beldt's the most for quality, quantity, and prices (and the ability to see the prices). I like MS mostly because there is so much to choose from you are bound to find something worth buying. There is little chance I will ever buy another fish from them though. There are so many that are sick it's just unbelievable. And the few I've bought from them didn't make it either.

Tropical World Pets seems to have great prices on their tanks. And I bought my 72 at last years consignment sale dirt cheap. But they need a better coral selection IMO. Although I could stare at their show tank for hours.

Since I'm from IL, I'll have to say Nemo's Pets is my favorite on this side of the river. Aquatic Treasures in Fairview is 2nd since they are more expensive mostly. I don't really bother with any of the other stores in IL usually.

[dynamitedj]

Thanks for the support!

[Reefer Wannabe]

I too have been enjoying Beldt's lately. Fish seem healthy, and they do have some decent frags in the frag tank.

I love to look at Marine Solutions, and they sometimes have some good sales. I've never had a problem with their fish, except when I didn't know what I was doing. I'd love to see some more prices on their livestock.

Only been to CPE once. Seemed to be nice, but it's just not convenient enough for me to go there very often.

Gateway Aquatics is my favorite. Everything is priced, and from what I've seen, most of it is less expensive than anywhere else. He has an awesome selection of zoas and rics, + lots of other cool stuff. Haven't been there this week, but I think he had a shipment coming in this week.

I've been meaning to check Andy's out, but I haven't yet.

[trottman]

CHAD AT GWA!

[DARKSILENTTYPE]

I do most of my purchases at MS

I go straight to Brad if I am going to purchase anything from there .

I have purchased a couple things from chad and was very happy with them as well .

[ksteiny]

Do I get to chime in on this one. I would hate to hurt anyones feelings. By the way I would be happy to give anyone lessons on how to know it all!!

[Letmegrow]

The more you say Kevin the better you look, so keep it coming.

[trottman]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

that guy knows a lot of stuff too ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[ksteiny]

In an effort to redeem myself I'll give a few good points to all those poor pet stores I offended earlier.

CPE: Awsome selection of corals and IMO are the best place to buy fish in St. Louis at this point. They have a knowledgeable staff are are always helpful.

Beldt's corals and fish look much better than in years past. They seem to be moving in the right direction.

Marine Solutions has the cheapest salt. Not much else to say.

Gateway Aquatics looks promising I guess the future will tell. Chad is always honest and up front with his customers.

As far as my earlier posts, well I guess the truth hurts. If you don't like to hear about it then change it!!

[Letmegrow]

Well I made sure Jan at Clayton and Chris at Beldts saw this thread, so you can give them your version of the truth to their face next time you see them.

Nice extra sucking up to Clayton too, must still need their hand outs and discounts.

Nothing like the smell of a burning bridge early in the morning.

[Ocicat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6919198#post6919198 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ksteiny
As far as my earlier posts, well I guess the truth hurts. Ummm...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6919198#post6919198 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ksteiny
Gateway Aquatics will be teaching everyone how to make millions by turning those common corals super rare. Learn how to give them a special name and then sell them on ebay for outrageus amounts. <a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6919198#post6919198 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ksteiny
Gateway Aquatics looks promising I guess the future will tell. Chad is always honest and up front with his customers.
Selling corals under false names = honest and up front? Either your accusation was BS, or your compliment is. Either way I'm really not associating your posts with truth.

:confused:

[chadscamaro]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6919198#post6919198 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ksteiny


As far as my earlier posts, well I guess the truth hurts. If you don't like to hear about it then change it!!

So much for " I was just joking " !

[trottman]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by ksteiny
Gateway Aquatics will be teaching everyone how to make millions by turning those common corals super rare. Learn how to give them a special name and then sell them on ebay for outrageus amounts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


HOLY MF! this makes me really ****ed. now i see the bashing! i know a chinese gang that is gonna jump you and beat you down! that was an outrageous statement. you cut me deep! almsot in half

****

steve: about buring bridges.... he better watch out for burnig houses!

note: MF means "mister funk"

[ksteiny]

Ummmmm. I'll be clear. When I say honest and up front I mean with not selling you junk additives, has quality corals and sound advice. The ultra rare super colored corals well I'LL stick with my earlier posts.

Steve as far as burning bridges I guess we'll see. I just wanted to try to share a few good points as well. I was a little harsh. I'm not all bad!!! By the way shouldn't you be looking for some handouts from Chad instead of running around town worring about what I have to say. You people take things way to seriously. If I really wanted to suck up I would say Clayton has the prettiest employees. Much better to look at than you or Chad!!!

[trottman]

Once, u mess with GWA i get offended and as i said earlier, you cut me deep... almost in half ;(


........... petsmart has some hot yong ladies..................

are u saying that chad and steve are ugly??? hmmmm...... mabe once i jump aboard the GWA ship i will make you change your mind?? i am one dashing and good looking guy !

(not gay though

[jimmyleg]

Ok, then, back on topic we go.

CPE has been dedicated to providing top salt selection and service for the most years of the LFS's I'm familiar with. They also offer a warranty on fish. They tend to be pricey, but location and the clientele they have built over the years support it.

Beldt's has had an up and down salt selection for many years, haven't been there in a year or so but sounds like they are headed in the right direction. Pricing was always fair.

MS, too, has had an up and down history for the time they have been in biz, inconsistentcy in pricing, and sometimes one hand doesn't seem to know what the other is doing. Generally the best selection, but once again, pricing leaves something to be desired.

Andy's often has some interesting stuff, prices are fair and some of the staff has been really helpful to me in the past. And who doesn't enjoy the puppies?

TWP generally has good selection, fair pricing, but their knowledge base recently took a serious hit. ;)

Pet Market Place is good for a laugh, can't say I haven't bought from them, but they generally present the best argument for why some LFS shouldn't dabble in salt.

Aqua World on Gravois offers a quick fix for us city dwellers, but they are quite proud of their stock and dry goods. I only go there in a pinch.

GWA is my favorite place, knowledgeable guys and good selection and pricing, look forward to their growing biz.


I've bought good and not so good over the years from everyone, part of the hobby I think, most seem to do the best they can, some are more serious about what they do, but they all have to do what it takes to keep the doors open and the lights on. Many have come and gone (where are ya, A Fishy Deal) over the years and time tells who's the most fit to be in the business.

[kentrob11]

Well, I might as well give my .02 here. I've been to all of them and I gotta say none of them hold a candle to Walmart. I always get good service and the vast variety of fish is astonishing! They have big ones, small ones, ones with bones showing...The other day I needed some air tubing and you better believe they had it right there buddy. They also are the only place in the world to have food that you can feed marine fish, freshwater fish, snakes and gerbils in one package!

[jimmyleg]

Did you see the upside down ones they carry?:eek1:

[jimmyleg]

Fish, that is. Sorry, gratuitous post, trying to get my hundred in, need a decent avatar.

[kentrob11]

Heh- yeah....and the ones with no lips. They even have those really rare ones that drag around an 8 1/2" string of poop too...

[DrBDC]

Don't forget Petco training that teaches the "ethics" of not selling molly's for feeding a lionfish! Hard to beat thier ethics classes! :rolleyes:

[jimmyleg]

Feeder goldfish make no sense at all, yet their tank is right next to the molly's at the one near me.

[Letmegrow]

[i]
Steve as far as burning bridges I guess we'll see. I just wanted to try to share a few good points as well. I was a little harsh. I'm not all bad!!! By the way shouldn't you be looking for some handouts from Chad instead of running around town worring about what I have to say. You people take things way to seriously. If I really wanted to suck up I would say Clayton has the prettiest employees. Much better to look at than you or Chad!!! [/B]

Chad takes care of me just fine, so don't worry.

Jan knows now atleast what you said, so we will see what she does with that info.

Im just glad I don't like alot like Danny Tanner.

[rams]

Wow took me a while to read this one. I thought I was the only brutal person on here. ksteiny you threw me off I thought you were a stand up guy.

You know I am waiting for LFS owners to have photo albums of people to watch out for like the Walgreens in the city. :D

[kentrob11]

Does Jan actually get on reefcentral? She's a sweetheart- Always like talking to her...

[Letmegrow]

They all read RC.

[chadfarmer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6920381#post6920381 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Letmegrow
Chad takes care of me just fine, so don't worry.

Jan knows now at least what you said, so we will see what she does with that info.

I'm just glad I don't like a lot like Danny Tanner.

what are you the pet store police

[rams]

^ :lol:

[Letmegrow]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6920447#post6920447 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chadfarmer
what are you the pet store police

Yes I am.

We are still trying to figure out what you are tho.

[Hobbes8017]

I thought ChadFarmer's job was to test all reef equipment for proper, unbiased reviews.....

No matter the cost, no matter the recommended tank size.

Chad is to buy it and test it!

[ksteiny]

I thought I was being a stand up guy by making fun of everyone equally. I only left out the other local stores because I don't have much experience with them. I would be happy to give it a shot but wouldn't want to get the thread closed.

I'm sure Jan will agree that I have said much worse!!! She may have to give me a good spanking.

It is interesting how noboby seemed to mind me ripping on M.S. but mention Gateway Aquatics or Chad and things get ugly! Steve dosen't have any agenda here does he. By the way you should call my mom maybe she won't invite me over for dinner anymore.

[chadfarmer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6919269#post6919269 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Letmegrow
Well I made sure Jan at Clayton and Chris at Beldts saw this thread, so you can give them your version of the truth to their face next time you see them.

Nice extra sucking up to Clayton too, must still need their hand outs and discounts.

Nothing like the smell of a burning bridge early in the morning.

I mean in all honesty who cares, what they think about he said if they don't pay attention to the board that is there own problem

[kentrob11]

I ate some wings last night that gave me a serious case of gas. My wife made me sleep on the couch...

[rams]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6920765#post6920765 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kentrob11
I ate some wings last night that gave me a serious case of gas. My wife made me sleep on the couch...

Don't you know any better they are called trash wings if that wasn't any kind of a hint! Maybe it was the beer I had issues too. I think Tom put something in it.

[chadscamaro]

[QUOTE]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6920725#post6920725 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ksteiny
[B]I thought I was being a stand up guy by making fun of everyone equally.

How is that being a stand up guy ? So if you make fun of people publically that makes you a stand up guy ? Everyone has said something about everyone at some time,but there is a time and place and I dont think this board is the place for it !

It is interesting how noboby seemed to mind me ripping on M.S. but mention Gateway Aquatics or Chad and things get ugly!


Didnt think you had a reason to rip on me,but guess I was wrong ! So much for thinking before you write something,but whatever works !

[dphins]

Me to.:) I had a hard time sleeping.

[stlouisguy]

Told you this should have been closed way early:rolleyes:

[DARKSILENTTYPE]

Hey guys whats up with the guy with less than 60 posts talking trash about all the local stores .

Those that can't do ......................
Maybe your tank water just sucks and thats why your fish die .Or maybe your fish don't like listen to you so they kill themselves .

I for one like MS and Chads And CPE

If someone doesn't like a store they just don't need to go .It isn't like its work and you have to go or anything .

[rams]

correct me if I am wrong but isn't ksteiny the same guy who showed SEASL members how to frag last go around?

[stlsaltwater]

Wow......what a read......

Chadfarmer is an equipment junkie.......

Hey Ksteiny...I just called ur mom and ur in trouble.

And for all LFS......most are doin a great job and some are still stuck in the 70's.....

[chadscamaro]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6920964#post6920964 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ramtheory
correct me if I am wrong but isn't ksteiny the same guy who showed SEASL members how to frag last go around?
Correct !

[Ocicat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6920725#post6920725 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ksteiny
It is interesting how noboby seemed to mind me ripping on M.S. but mention Gateway Aquatics or Chad and things get ugly!

There are some very active members on this board who have strong ties to GWA, including the owner, an employee, and, I believe, several members who helped prepare the store for business. There have been entire threads with photos detailing the construction in the store. I don't think it's much of a shock that particular issue was taken with your insults to that particular store.

As for me, I have never been to GWA (it's probably 45 min from me) and have no particular loyalty to it whatsoever. I took issue with your comments on it because (1) they were particularly nasty, and (2) you directly contradicted yourself, ironically while portraying yourself as someone who's just telling the truth.

These aren't faceless corporations. I have been to almost all of the Missouri-side LFSs while equipment shopping over the last several months, and there are some that I like a lot and some that I don't like so much, but I wouldn't make nasty comments about them on a public forum. If there is something specific I don't like, I might say so in a reasonable manner (and in fact I have), without all the sarcasm. These are small, local businesses run by local individuals trying to make a living. How could you think that such pointed insults wouldn't hit home somewhere and ruffle some feathers?

[stlsaltwater]

What happened to Ksteiny post

[dynamitedj]

Wow, I leave the thread for a couple of hours and the thing just blows up. I'm glad things didn't get too ugly. I think this shows how much people have been holding back. It seems as though all most of us want is for the people at the stores to be completely up front. This is obviously a very expensive hobby and I think some of the stores should start to realize that when they try to comp. on their losses they really end up losing out in the end. Lets face it if one store or another misleads you and things go bad they lost a customer for life. I'm glad I posted this because there is alot of useful honest information. Thanx fellow reefers!

[rams]

Wow that is funny right there :lol:
What happened is too funny!

[kentrob11]

Had me some fun last night...

http://www.funnyhub.com/videos/img/fire-farting-accident.jpg

[stlouisguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6921190#post6921190 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dynamitedj
Wow, I leave the thread for a couple of hours and the thing just blows up. I'm glad things didn't get too ugly. I think this shows how much people have been holding back. It seems as though all most of us want is for the people at the stores to be completely up front. This is obviously a very expensive hobby and I think some of the stores should start to realize that when they try to comp. on their losses they really end up losing out in the end. Lets face it if one store or another misleads you and things go bad they lost a customer for life. I'm glad I posted this because there is alot of useful honest information. Thanx fellow reefers!

THis may be the funniest post of the year

[kentrob11]

I snapped this picture of chadfarmer doing the same thing:

http://www.chrisfure.com/Stupid%20Adam/adam%20lighting%20fart.jpg

[chadfarmer]

that burned my hair

[chadfarmer]

anyone going for the job by chance

[kentrob11]

What job?

[ksteiny]

I thought this was a board for opinions. I have sure seen countless ones in your favor Chad. Maybe we should stop those. In fact I think I even wrote a few.

If my joking in my original post was a little harsh, well that is just me. To be honest I didn't think I was being all that nasty, except with M.S. and I have my reasons for that one. Don't they have some cheerleaders somewhere. I am sure they have some good points but to many bad experiences in the past have clouded my view.

I don't think it is any secret on these boards that CPE is more expensive and sells Marc Weiss. Belts has specialized in Chiclids foreverer. Chad sells corals on ebay with catch phrases like super and ultra rare. How is what I said anything but the obvious.

Sorry that I don't have enough posts to be considered reef central expert. You see what kind of trouble I start when I have the day off and play on the computer.

For all those following this, we all know what they say about opinions. Please don't belive mine. In all seriousness go to all the stores and find the one that you like. Better yet buy a good book go to a SEASL meeting and get adviice from someone who isn't trying to sell you something.

[stlouisguy]

Don't trip while you backpedel.......................

[rams]

Hey ksteiny you should run for the SEASL excutive officer position open. :thumbsup:

[dynamitedj]

Darksilenttype"Hey guys whats up with the guy with less than 60 posts talking trash about all the local stores". I don't want to give everyone the wrong idea. I am not ripping on all the stores. Lets be honest though. There are obviously some shady activities happening or I wouldn't have gotten such a response. As for how many post I have made,what difference does it make? I've been to some stores that don't show their prices or try to sell me something i don't need. Why do you think they do that? Maybe I am imagining all this because I don't have enough posts yet. On the other hand I have had alot of good experiences too. I havn't had a single coral die and all my fish are looking pretty happy. Ironically everything I have has been aquired from friendly honest people in Reef Central who have been more than willing to lend me a hand. This is precisely why I started this post.

[rams]

dynamitedj he wasn't talking about you

[dynamitedj]

LOL.......Yeah, I'm starting to realize this. Well you can't win 'em all.

[Arsenal11]

Man sometimes these threads make me feel like we are all back in kindergarden. Ramstheory stole my crayon. Some people just need to grow up & move on. We all have our stores we like & dislike, so if you do not like a store or how they describe there stuff, just don't shop there.:beachbum:

[rams]

there has been some smoke and mirrors lately guess I shouldn't have kept those 3D glasses :eek2:

Hey Kurt I just broke your crayon in half. :D

[chadscamaro]

[QUOTE]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6921434#post6921434 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ksteiny
[B]I thought this was a board for opinions.

It is,but not for bashing !



. In fact I think I even wrote a few.

Yeah thats why it seems so rediculous that you feel the need to come on here and say otherwise !

Just stinks when someone says stuff, that you thought was someone you can trust and be friends with,but not the first time I have been wrong about someone !
Say what you want,your going to anyway !

[ARLO]

I'm a newbie also but I have had nothing but good experiences at MS, Beldts, CPE. I agree with OCICAT's post and I find your comments to be uncalled for.

Arlo

[StupidsReef]

I want a crayon too. Oooh and one of those 3D glasses man!

Nemos is closest to me. And the cheapest(cause my HEMI likes to drink.....alot)

CPE, Well Jan has been great to me even though I've never bought anything from her. Always answers every question to her best. Just to far of a drive.

MS has been very good to me. Salt is really cheap there. Just bought some last week and a bubble tip Anemone.

TWP was a little miss leading to me, But that was only once other times we great there.

GWA, I've been buying from Chad, He's always been HONEST with me and very fair. He wouldn't sell me a clam cause I didn't have MH lighting. He has always taken time to answer me, even my stupid questions( which is most of them).

Belt's. I've only been there once since new ownership, they had good frag prices and they looked good too. But I didn't get the chance to chat.

AT. Veclo has done the same as Chad for me. I like them alot too.

I've had both good & bad with a few stores, But I agree that it was just that one person I delt with. I'm an On-Line buyer that I've stated in the past. But I'm learning I'm still a new-bie and somethings I prefer to buy from the LSF. In all fairness, if it had not been for these LFS I would never have gotton into this hobby.
Nor would I know about RC and some really nice people :)
That's my two cents. I think Letmegrow might have said this once, But do your RESEARCH , and then form your own opinon. And this was a good way to do just that.

[93Foxstang]

It seems to me that everyone on this forum is mainly in favor of gateway no matter how you look at it but thats just me? Maybe hes offering that new seasl discount like beldts or better yet just giving stuff away.I had to join the bashing wagon since all of you do it so well But this is not the reason for my post people tend to say good things about beldts but it seems all the frafs in there frag tank are turnign brown which is home to the new Brown tort.. I have heard beldts giving bad advise for example selling a green carpet anemone to an uncycled tank or setting up a new 24 nano with two pounds of rock doesnt sound right to me the only turn around I see is newly set up tanks and more heavily stocked fish tanks then before with the previous owners. If all you can do is bash marine solutions then maybe you should only go to gateway or to the other lfs Ksteiny. It seems kevin has alot to say about MS but I dont recall seeing him in there often except when he needs 10 buckets of salt. I dont see why we gave him a discount on salt when that is the only good thing he has to say Is MS has cheap salt. I have been to every store in St.louis besides gateway and right now Marine solutions has the best selection in my opinion we dont have to call it LE or rare to sell a coral if its rare it might just sell it self.. I work at MS and we are always busy but I will try to work on getting more prices on the tanks. Im not suggesting where to buy your merchandise from but since competition is ever growing in St. louis the bashing gets worse and worse everytime. Dont let theese threads decide where you will shop go to every store in town then decide for yourself. I have been on reefcentral for a longtime but this is my first real reason to post . To everyone out there stick up for the store you go to dont worry about that little seasle discount the prices are cheaper at MS anyways. and To KSTEINY MS has plenty more then cheap salt but as we can see that is all you buy from their so keep sucking up to clayton. We dont need a moderator here just PM me with all the bashing your going to do anyways.Did I miss anything let me know?Post to long chop it up. If you need good advice in MS my name is Harry just in case you dont already know me.

[Letmegrow]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6922302#post6922302 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 93Foxstang
It seems to me that everyone on this forum is mainly in favor of gateway no matter how you look at it but thats just me? Maybe hes offering that new seasl discount like beldts or better yet just giving stuff away.

Might want to find out before you speculate.

[Arsenal11]

93FOXTANG, LET ME GUESS YOU WOULD BE ONE OF THE GUYS TELLING CUSTOMERS AT MS THAT BELDT'S IS GOING OUT OF BUSINESS, BELIVE ME I HAVE HAD PLENTY OF BAD ADVISE & SOLD SOME STUFF THAT WOULD NEVER LIVE IN MY TANK FROM THE STORE YOU WORK AT, DON'T THROW ROCK'S WHEN YOU LIVE IN A GLASS HOUSE!

[jwalters103]

i didnt think lfs employees were allowed to post promoting their store---thats how i take his post


also,93foxstang, tell brad i still want my $500 dollars that he owes me. if the store he runs is so on the up and up, im sure hed be willing to finally give it back to me after the 5 or 6 years its been, right?

[Arsenal11]

I did not think so also & here is my personal opinion on it. The new LFS are killing them, they used to be the only big sw store in town so everyone had to shop there, now that beldt's has new ownership & chad has opened his store, there business has dropped severly, so now they will come to a all time low & try to discredit the other lfs stores as a last resort. Just my 2 cents as a local reefer.

[jwalters103]

i think you hit the nail on the head with that. ive noticed a change in a few other stores since beldts changed ownership and the announcement of chad opening his store. ive been noticing a little better pricing and people are willing to go out of their way to help you or order stuff for you. but coming out with some ruthless tactics like spreading rumors trying to discredit the competition just shows what type of business they really are, and in fact, i think those tactics are at best petty and juvenile, so here we go back to the he stole my crayon and broke it thing again

[hckycoz]

nicely said kurt

[johnb0184]

Wow I think that 93foxstang just killed any potential customers from ever going to MS again. Seriously why would you want to shop at a store that employees people with such a bad attitude.

As for the stores that I currently shop at. I praticullary like the guys at nemo's pets. I helped him on opening day. I really like what Dan and Tom have planned for the future. It is going to be sweet.

Also I have never been told any bad or false advice by anyone that works at CPE. Jan is one of the nicest ladies that I have ever met.

As for the other stores in the area I have nothing bad to say about anyone. Draw your own conclusions and keep them to yourself.

And MS may want to think about some new employees.

[hckycoz]

I really like nemos dan is helping me put my tank together right now. super nice people

[johnb0184]

agreed

[saltyunderground]

The policy for this forum should be pretty easy to follow: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." We were all taught this in kindergarten. If you have something bad about a person or store, then PM people with your thoughts.

This "thread out of control" stuff is happening way too often and it's driving nice people from our forum and preventing them from an opportunity to learn from experienced reefers.

There has to be a forum on the net for people who need to blow off steam or rant about their life. Go find it. PLEASE let's keep this forum a freindly place to learn and share about the saltwater hobby we all love.

Here's the adult version of the kindergarten lesson: "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." - Mark Twain

[Kathy55g]

Stop, stop, stop.

This thread is accomplishing nothing good.

Stop posting in it, please, so it will die and we can all go on with life.

[mhurley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6923083#post6923083 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saltyunderground
The policy for this forum should be pretty easy to follow: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." We were all taught this in kindergarten. If you have something bad about a person or store, then PM people with your thoughts.

This "thread out of control" stuff is happening way too often and it's driving nice people from our forum and preventing them from an opportunity to learn from experienced reefers.

There has to be a forum on the net for people who need to blow off steam or rant about their life. Go find it. PLEASE let's keep this forum a freindly place to learn and share about the saltwater hobby we all love.

Here's the adult version of the kindergarten lesson: "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." - Mark Twain


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6923094#post6923094 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kathy55g
Stop, stop, stop.

This thread is accomplishing nothing good.

Stop posting in it, please, so it will die and we can all go on with life.


Can I get an Amen!?

Thread closed...again.

[DARKSILENTTYPE]

Amen

[JxMetal]

yay

[stlouisguy]

Ummm, is it closed???????



Guess not *shrug*


Have a great day everyone

[Chelsey]

My experiences have been as follows:

CPE - I love that store! Always have clean tanks, very little/no algae, great coral and fish selection. They were the ones that gave me my first coral (a red mushroom) and I've never looked back after that :) The only downfalls that I can forsee with this store are the parking problems. They're a little pricey but I think that's due to the location and their track record...I don't know about you guys but I'm willing to pay a little more for something that I know isn't going to die on me or bring in some nasty bugs!

Andys - I have mixed feelings about this store. I think it could be a little cleaner in general and I agree with the hit and miss statement. I bought a green and purple frogspawn there and I couldn't be happier with it. However, I bought 3 seahorses from them and one died on the way back to my house...

TWP - They've got some good deals and nice coral. However, most of their fish only tanks have major algae problems (or at least they did when I was in there) and they seem to have a slight problem with pest anemones such as majano.

I can't comment about the others as I haven't been there yet, but I will continue to shop at CPE and TWP.

[DrBDC]

You forgot to push the close button. :D