Why It's Easier To Go Marine In Miami

[lljdma06]

Hi! With the section kind of bored and down on the dumbs with some major tank moves and some downgrading, I thought I'd post something fun. In my journal I said it was actually easier to have a Marine in South Florida rather than a planted tank. This is a typical LFS in my neck of the woods. Catering to Marine. About maybe 20 minutes from my house. It's a large store, but this is still not the cream of the crop. Many of these stores have very large display tanks and actually encourage photography as it's almost like going to a mini local aquarium.

The size of the store

Shelves of bulbs

display tank

lionfish

Display tank for corals

More corals

Sharks and Lionfish

Macroalgae

Flame Scallops (Just for you Sorgan!)

Condy nems with a clown

Crab

Now, why isn't this store a particularly good one? Livestock isn't as healthy. Saw quite a few dead clowns and Royal grammas. Now, those fish aren't hard to keep healthy. If those fish are hurting, something's up. I got a actinic bulb and left.

There's another store same distance away, but in a different direction. Smaller, and less flashy, but the livestock is amazing. Lots of smart staff too. These guys think my setup is very cool. Others stores have tried to steer me towards more flashy and expensive species... "But don't you want a Nemo?" "no, I don't..."

Now, on Saturday I may take a drive over to Big Al's over on Tamarac. Yes, this is one of Big Al's locations. In Florida. The other is I think in Canada. Big Al's is massive, almost like an aquarium. Shark tanks, reefs, very cool. Will post pictures when I go.

I should have gone Marine long ago.

Liz

 

[Stampos]

That's it, I'm moving to the states

 

[sorgan]

those flame scallops won't last the month by the looks of it. Why can't LFS learn to care for them or just leave them in the sea

 

[HappyGeorge]

Very nice, I think you could fit every fish shop for 30 miles around me in there.

My fave LFS who does all the corals is about the size of the centre island in that picture, he has 3 - 8ft tanks of SPS, LPS and then a 10ft full of softies, and a fish system.

Thanks for posting that will be interesting to see the others, I will have to post a photo of my LFS for you to have a giggle at.

 

[lljdma06]

those flame scallops won't last the month by the looks of it. Why can't LFS learn to care for them or just leave them in the sea

One of the reasons why I left with only a bulb, Sorgan. The other place has flames but in the right conditions and they really work hard to discourage anybody from purchasing them unless they've got the right setup and are experienced reefers. The store above would sell them to anyone, I think. Not good. The other store didn't have the bulb and I got the bulb before I saw the fish.

Liz

 

[sorgan]

I imagine your tank with all that algae will be a great place for a flame scallop later on, loads of plankton to eat and nice hiding spaces.

Those on the picture are exposed, that's why they are huddled, they are looking for a hole to hide in
The front one looks to be in a really bad way, probably hasn't been fed for a while.... Poor thing.

 

[lljdma06]

I imagine your tank with all that algae will be a great place for a flame scallop later on, loads of plankton to eat and nice hiding spaces.

Those on the picture are exposed, that's why they are huddled, they are looking for a hole to hide in
The front one looks to be in a really bad way, probably hasn't been fed for a while.... Poor thing.

Funny, that's what the other store said, the good one, until I mentioned Chalk bass. There goes that one! No flame scallops for me...

 

[sorgan]

LOL Didnt think about that!

 

[seffieuk]

Thanks for showing us your lfs Liz, its always interesting

So come on, HG, show us yours

 

[woody88]

Maybe we should all show our lfs that we use and compare to see who's looks the best!

Although the one above looks like it will take some beating!
Shame their fish are suffering!

 

[HappyGeorge]

Thanks for showing us your lfs Liz, its always interesting

So come on, HG, show us yours

I keep meaning to photograph it but he is running out of space and there is always bits of stuff lying about, he is currently moving takns and building a new fish system so probably not a great time.