Purchasing On Line

hlsarge · 01-16-2008, 09:17 PM

Looking for folks who can recommend best online providers for Aquarium products and supplies based on actual experience. Would also like to hear of sites to avoid. And things you should never buy online (that should only be bought from a quality local pet provider. I'm in Virginia (if that makes a difference).

hell on wheels · 01-17-2008, 08:58 AM

Depends on what you are looking for. I know many people here have had pretty good experiences with different on-line shops.

Myself. I have ordered a skimmer from saltycritter.com Came right on time, got free shipping, and they had good communication.

I have ordered some corals and snails from bluezooaquatics.com. Also came right on time everything arrived alive, and in good shape.

I ordered a box of figi live rock from ebay. Came right on time and in good shape. Good quality. Beat the heck out of LFS prices.

I have ordered some frozen foods, and misc supplys from drfostersmith.com. Frozen stuff arrived next day, still very frozen. Packed very well. The other stuff (refractor, feeding stick, new thermomater ect) supposed to arrive today.

I just ordered some new lighting last night, from a new place. I will let you know how that works out.

I am not endorsing any of the sites. I have ordered from each one of these places, and knock on wood, it has worked out great each time.

chadf · 01-17-2008, 06:17 PM

I buy all my products from drfostersmith.com besides larger purchases like lighting and protein skimmers (can usually find those cheaper elsewhere). But they have very low prices on supplements, salt etc.

Tommy Gun · 01-18-2008, 05:15 AM

I second Drs. F&S. You could also try out site sponsor, www.aquariumguys.com. I know a couple people that work there and it sounds like they have a good thing going. I realize that there are a few threads on the forum that bash them, but if you notice, it is always a brand new member who has only posted once or twice....so I am 99.99999% sure that they are probably some competitor or one person who has too much time on his/her hands.

wl_keller · 04-12-2008, 11:20 AM

I have only mail ordered a couple of times but like everyone else, I had a great shopping experience with Dr.'s Foster and Smith.

I also ordered live plants from FreshwaterAquariumPlants.com. Everything arrived quickly and snail free just as they advertised. I will be ordering again whenever they restock on some things I am looking for.

I am thinking about trying out AquariumGuys since they have some parts for my Eheim filter that nobody else seems to have at a decent price.

Willow52 · 04-12-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy Gun

I second Drs. F&S. You could also try out site sponsor, www.aquariumguys.com. I know a couple people that work there and it sounds like they have a good thing going. I realize that there are a few threads on the forum that bash them, but if you notice, it is always a brand new member who has only posted once or twice....so I am 99.99999% sure that they are probably some competitor or one person who has too much time on his/her hands.

I'm one of those non-posting members, but my experience with aquariumguys.com has been atrocious.
Order placed;

Sun, Apr 6, 2008 at 1:18 PM

I had to email them on the 10th to find out with was going on
and I requested they call me... got an email reply. They probably figured out I intended to cancel the order.

Order finally shipped
Apr 11, 2008
Estimated delivery
Apr 15, 2008

I have yet to hear back from Herman, Customer Support, in reply to my last email.
I guess I just wanted some kind of acknowledgment. I live in Northern Maine, 1 1/2 hours from stores. I depend on internet ordering and prompt deliveries.

RustyNut · 04-12-2008, 03:12 PM

I just want to through BigAl's out there too.... they have always done me right... I have also ordered from DrsF&S and they are excellent too.... I have gotten a few orders from aquariumguys, and I haven't had any problems, though I will say they do seem slower than the others at filling orders.

Splash Spooky · 04-12-2008, 05:17 PM

So how do u find Big Al's on the internet? Sorry I am serious. I am not sure what to wook under but I do know that the send to Canada.

RJRofFL · 04-12-2008, 09:10 PM

I would like to add my endorsement to Drs Foster & Smith thru my experiences with them, which have all been favorable.

I do, however, feel you must take into consideration two things:

Their sale prices and their shipping costs.

For example:

I purchased the Python Siphon Kit, which PetSmart/Petco sell for $52, and paid less than $30 including shipping. Excellent sale.

On the other hand, I purchased Bio Spira for $19 and had to pay additional $19 for shipping, so total cost was $38 for Bio Spira, which would have only cost $20 if found locally. (But I could not find it locally anywhere).

But my experiences with DrF&S were excellent, they give tracking info, and communication is great.

Bob

501scionxb · 04-14-2008, 04:52 AM

i have order stuff from drf&s it wasnt fish stuff it was a crate plate for my dog. he tears them up if they are of low quality. i ordered it sun and it got here thursday.