Hey everyone I am new to the forum to start off. My name is Jon and it is great to be a part of this. I recently moved to Hawaii and I am in the US Army. I have a 55 gallon tank and have always owned oscars. Today I went and bought 2 small red devils after doing some research and obviously will have to ugrade tank size soon, 1 green cory cat, and 2 common plecos. I bought them all at petco. So to the real question I was asking is it better to buy fish online or at a store? If it is better to buy online where are some places to buy them at. Eventually I want to get a Dovii but obviously I have to get a bigger tank than a 55 gallon. Can anyone please help me out on this?!!
store or online fish
- Thread starter armyguye5
- Start date
I wouldn't go for online fish, there are some unscrupulous people who will happily sell you diseased or parasite-ridden fish that will infect your entire tank. Obviously, that's only my opinion and other people may have found reputable sites on the net, but personally I'd go for a shop any day (that way, they can't avoid you if they've tried to rip you off!) Good luck with fishkeeping!
Welcome!
I prefer to buy fish from an independent store, wherever possible. I don't really like the chain stores -- the fish aren't always well cared for, and the stock tends to be rather weak.
Online can get expensive, especially if you're shipping to Hawaii. I think it's almost impossible because of import restrictions, too. I believe Hawaii generally doesn't allow livestock to be shipped there.
If you can find one, an independent fish store that's willing to order particular fish for you is the best bet, IMO.
The reviews over on Cichlid-forum of stores might help you pick good places to check: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/reviews/lfs_index.php?State=HI&USstate=GO <-- click
I prefer to buy fish from an independent store, wherever possible. I don't really like the chain stores -- the fish aren't always well cared for, and the stock tends to be rather weak.
Online can get expensive, especially if you're shipping to Hawaii. I think it's almost impossible because of import restrictions, too. I believe Hawaii generally doesn't allow livestock to be shipped there.
If you can find one, an independent fish store that's willing to order particular fish for you is the best bet, IMO.
The reviews over on Cichlid-forum of stores might help you pick good places to check: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/reviews/lfs_index.php?State=HI&USstate=GO <-- click
As with all shopping, do your research. I personally have never had problems ordering fish online, and with the exception of one species of Otocinclus, all of my fish have been bought online. I've seen far more disease in local fish stores that do not know how to care (or just do not put the effort into caring) for the fish they keep. I've always bought from well-established online sellers from Aquabid.com which has a rating system like Ebay does, so you can shop with those that have a good 'reputation' and avoid those with chronic problems.
For the OP, importing into Hawaii is indeed expensive, and many online shippers will not ship to the islands or if they do, must pass on the extra fees needed to get the fish there and out of the mandatory quarantines.
For the OP, importing into Hawaii is indeed expensive, and many online shippers will not ship to the islands or if they do, must pass on the extra fees needed to get the fish there and out of the mandatory quarantines.
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Yeah, buying online can be tricky.
I would suggest that you pick a different pleco species and return the common plecos. They are poop machienes and will get HUMONGUS in a fairly short period of time.
Petco tends to have rubbernose and bushy nosed plecos from time to time they would both be a good choice.
Thanks for serving us
I would suggest that you pick a different pleco species and return the common plecos. They are poop machienes and will get HUMONGUS in a fairly short period of time.
Petco tends to have rubbernose and bushy nosed plecos from time to time they would both be a good choice.
Thanks for serving us
