[lmeyer]

Lost my reef about 2 years ago after an ugly incident w/ a cucumber and a return pump. Needless to say, the pump won and my reef lost! Was travelling a lot back then and didn't have time to devote to starting over.

Still don't have time, but getting back in anyway. Haven't found an LFS I like and am looking for suggestions. In particular, I want to get some soft corals and LPS. Could be interested in Leathers, Colts, Kenya Tree, Hammer, Brains, Fungia, Zooanthids, Xenia, Clove, etc. I don't think there is much in my neck of the woods (Kensington, MD, near the elementary school we have meetings in). Used to go to Marine Care (out of business), Discount Pets (went downhill, out of business), Congressional (still there, not much selection for soft corals, though), Totally Fish (moved to a new location, reef doesn't seem to be working out at new store yet), Tropical Lagoon (seems to be my best bet for the hammers and bubbles, not sure about other corals). I'm ready to look elsewhere (Baltimore, Northern VA, Southern PA?), but don't want to drive forever and be disappointed. Ideally would find a place with a decent selection and knowledgeable staff, but would settle for just the selection.

[michaelg]

www.reefstore.com- aka TRT or the reef tank. over in VA off Braddock road.

sometimes is slow on updating website, so I would call about a specific piece. Unfortunately no longer in business (edited 4/2006)

New place down by fort washington- called ultimate saltwater aquarium Hopefully Anderson, the owner will start posting up sales and stuff here on our website.

exotic Aquatics up in baltimore- http://www.exoticaquatics.com/

marine scene in herndon- http://www.marinescene.com/index.shtm

If you are up for a road trip or on your way to ocean city, then Dr. Mac's east coast aquaculture is where you want to go. www.drmaccorals.com

These are your best bets, though for many of the soft corals, club members/locals are your best bet. a visit to David Oh's house off new hampshire is a good place to start
chideloh here on the website- you can PM him.

I'm a stones throw away from you and can set you up with a few things.

Seriously though, start by visiting David Oh. and if you road trip up to exotic aquatics, stop by George Schwab's (geofloors) for some more very sweet frags. Both have a good mixture of different things to choose from.
Oh yeah- and a couple of us from around here (silver spring, rockville, g-burg, etc are always up for a mail order- though not nearly as much fun as shopping at a decent store).

Michael

Listed for FYI only. We do not endorse or recommend one shop over others. Several people ask what are the LFS's so here is a FAQ list

WAMAS web page of Locals

Pinned post in General Discussion gives some comments on them.
Thread


Dr. Mac's Pacific East Corals (Salisbury, MD)
http://www.drmaccora.../sys-tmpl/door/
Call us toll-free 877-887-5224
Mailorder Hours: Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm Eastern, Saturday 11 am-5 pm.
Retail Outlet Hours: Saturdays from 11 am-5 pm, other times by appointment only.


Marine Scene (Herndon, VA)
http://www.marinescene.com/index.shtm
293 Sunset Park Drive
Herndon, Virginia 20170
(703) 689-2815


Blue Ribbon Koi / Marine (Manassas, VA)
Current Hours
Thurs - Sat 10-6 Sun 10-5
703-753-7566
Blue Ribbon Koi & Marine

Fins & Feathers (Ashburn, VA)
m-fri 11-8 sat 11-6 sun 12-5
703.726.1655
http://www.finsandfe...com/aboutus.htm

Roozens Nursery
http://www.roozens.com/
301-248-2500


Ultimate Saltwater Aquariums
http://www.usaquariums.net/
11101-B2 Indian Head Highway
Fort Washington, Maryland.

exotic Aquatics up in baltimore- http://www.exoticaquatics.com/

[GaryL]

great post micheal, can we make this one a sticky somewere, so it doesnt get lost in the posts?

[clownfish4]

The Reef Tank is very good and many of us, myself included, really like Roozens. They move a lot of fish through since they are a wholesaler so you have to be careful about what you buy, but they have a HUGE selection and many of us have had great success with them.

[Caribbean Jake]

We are having a Social at Reef Tank on June 10th. It will be great if you could come and join us. There you will see The Reef Tank Store facilities as may gather information from other members on tricks of the trade.

[johnnybv]

Brand new shop opening soon in the Manassas area. Small, family owned, great quality and prices. www.blueribbonkoi.com

[flowerseller]

Tons of my stuff have come from Tropical Lagoon and continue too.
It's like the TFT used to be, know when the stuff is coming or the best stuff is GONE FAST.
They do not give a club discount but are priced below most that do anyway so it's a wash.
I have very good success with fish, and excellent success with corals.
Been turning to Steve for 19 years. This guy knows both the equipment and salt hobby. Unusual in the fact that he still thinks he can learn something from you.

Interested to see BRkoi.

[madmax7774]

I have been scouting local stores in Northern Virginia, and I have 2 good stores. 1st is centreville aquarium which is ok. I give em a 6 out of 10. Nice folks, ok stock, but very small store. By far and away the best place I've seen yet is Marine scene. A defiante 10. It's a hobbyist's paradise. Tons of stuff there. 3rd place I've gone is Fox mill pets in Franklin Farms. They don't have much, but the saltwater livestock they have tends to be very hardy, plus I know the owners personally, and they are good people.
John

[johnnybv]

madmax7774, on Mar 3 2006, 03:48 PM, said:

I have been scouting local stores in Northern Virginia, and I have 2 good stores.  1st is centreville aquarium which is ok.  I give em a 6 out of 10.  Nice folks, ok stock, but very small store.  By far and away the best place I've seen yet is Marine scene.  A defiante 10.  It's a hobbyist's paradise.  Tons of stuff there.  3rd place I've gone is Fox mill pets in Franklin Farms.  They don't have much, but the saltwater livestock they have tends to be very hardy, plus I know the owners personally, and they are good people.
John

Check out BRK www.blueribbonkoi.com

[Caribbean Jake]

Good quality, good service..... you must look at BRK

selection?.. you need to speak to Johnny and he will probably find you what you need within a week or so.

I recommend BRK.

[dzekunoi]

I like Tropical Fish World in Gaithersburg.
Not a huge selection but usually very healthy livestock. They also give good money for trade-ins and would get you whaetever you want/need.
Jim, the owner, is a marine biologist with 20 years of experience so his advice might be usuful.

[londonloco]

tburrs, on May 13 2005, 10:44 AM, said:

If you are looking for a big selection of both equipment and livestock, and don't mind driving about two hours, I highly recommend That Fish Place in Lancaster, PA. http://www.thatpetplace.com/ They by far have the biggest selection and best prices around. For those not familiar they are mainly an online warehouse, which is located in Lancaster. Over the years they've grown and have a huge retail store in their warehouse. Check it out!

Address:

237 Centerville Road
Lancaster, PA 17603

You don't have to go there. I order from thatpetplace online all the time. Great prices, and shipping is not bad at all. If you put in an order over the weekend, it's here by Tues! s

[ReefMon]

Just want to add Fins & Feathers to this list, as everyone who’s been there has nothing but great things to say about the store and their staff.

As soon as my business travel calms down a bit, I will be going out to visit with the management at both F&F and BRK.

After all these years it's great to see some new establishments wanting to cater to the both the beginner as well as the advanced hobbyists - WELCOME & THANK YOU!

[rsaavedra]

http://www.wamas.org...?showtopic=7750