Lfs Or Direct From Breeder?

[pandaq]

Getting ideas on stocking once i'm through cycling

LFS owner has been out of town on a family emergency and his tanks are definitely looking shabby, I visited yesterday to browse, and although he always has the best tanks around, now they look...well...sick. I have no other options in town besides Walmart and I will NOT buy fish there.( no offense Wally world shoppers

My Little brother gets his fish direct from a breeder in shop, it's a small facility with a good selection and they do ship and offer a full guarantee,
I can't pick them up in person because the facility is 2 states away, but I've heard from several people they have the best stock around. They offer the fish I'm planning on using...LFS can order what I want also. I just don't want to get suckered. Any warnings or common sense would be helpful since I have yet to gain my fish sense haha.
Should I go direct from breeder, and cut out the middle man, or just go with the LSF? I have no idea where LFS gets his stock from....


I'm aiming for a shoal of Tetras (6-8), 3 panda cory, 3 emerald cory, and I wanted Dwarf Gouramis initially, but now I have 2 beautiful gold dust mollies, so to avoid overstocking, I might forget the gouramis all together and just keep my mollies happy in my 29 g.



Anyone have experience with shipping and the specific fish mentioned? Thank you for any input!

 

[waterdrop]

There's an element of chance no matter how you obtain your fish. Many members here have had good results with having fish shipped to them. When the selection and situation is good, the LFS carries the obvious advantage that you can observe the fish directly. It really comes down to those obvious differences and then any experience you build up with a particular provider. I'd just give the breeder a try if you want to, and gain some experience.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[hillmar77]

I would say go with a breeder. You get to meet alot of knowledgable people in the hobby and get a pretty good price on a healthy fish. I know where I am, there is always alot of people setting up breeding tanks and then selling them when they get big enough. Also I know that some LFS actually breed a few of their own fish's, and they are generally healthier then brought in ones.