Hey, this thread is for everyone to post info/reviews as well as location of local fish stores in the area.
I'll get it started.
I'm in WV but my favorite store is Exotic Aquatics in Baltimore. I've been to a bunch of lfs in MD, WV, VA and PA and none as far as I'm concerned measure up to this one store. For the most part their staff is knowledgable but just like with the forums, everyone has their way to doing things right or wrong so take the advice for what it is and do your own research. As for the store, it's clean and the fish always look robust and healthy. Thier saltwater stuff is a bit more expensive than some places but you get what you pay for.
Exotic Aquatics
8870 Waltham Woods Rd.
Baltimore, MD 21234
410-668-1200
I also visit on occassion, Randallstown Aquarium Center just outside of Baltimore. The fish there are iffy at best and you should really check them out before purchasing but they normally have a great selection of dry goods.
Randallstown Aqarium Center
3689-A Offutt Road
Randallstown, MD 21133
1-800-813-8172
1-410-521-4529
Next on my list would be Winchester Aquarium Center in Winchester VA.
The fw fish are ok, the sw stuff is usually sick or have some type of fungus and thier corals are always sick looking. Thier dry goods are plentiful but a bit over priced. I visit this store about once a month just to check in and buy chinchilla food. lol
Winchester Aquarium & Pet Center
(540) 667-8198
190 Costello Dr
Winchester, VA 22602
I guess I'll list the two local shops in my area. The one I don't buy anything but bugs from my lizards, the other I never buy anything from, period.
The first is Aquariums Unlimited.
This is a very crowded run down store with lots of old, old stock on the shelves. The fish are always sickly and some of the tanks are so scratched and abused that you can't see the fish in them.
Aquariums Unlimited
Berkley Plaza Shopping Center
Martinsburg, WV 25401
1-304-263-0388
The other store is Dog Gone Pets and it's a new, overpriced pet store. They have about a dozen tanks for fw fish and a bunch of over priced exotic animals. And the customer service leaves alot to be desired.
Dog Gone Pets
55 Meadow Ln
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 263-1771
In Hagerstown MD there is another pet shop called Pugh Petcetra/Aquarium. Been a while since I've been there. Last few times I was though thier tanks were empty. There were a few fw fish but all the sw tanks were empty as well as thier large display had lots of dead corals. Just not a good impression.
Pugh's Fish & Aquarium Warehouse
13340 Pennsylvania Ave
Hagerstown, MD 21742
(301) 791-3685
Hagerstown also has a PetSmart which is ok. I don't shop there much.
PetSmart
16522 Hunters Green Pkwy
Hagerstown, MD 21740
(301) 582-9143
Hagerstown has also recently added a Petco. Again, nothing to write home about. Very limited selection with is just as well.
Petco
17235 Cole Road
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-582-5081
In Frederick there is a place called Rick's Pets. I do on occassion visit Rick's to see what he has. I don't normally buy fish from him though. It's a hit or miss type of store. It has good and bad days. I have picked up a few nice anemones from him at fair prices. The worse part about the store is it's crowded. The isles are very narrow, you can't even get a baby stroller into the store.
Rick's Fish and Pet Supply
1003 W Patrick St Ste J
Frederick, MD 21702
(301) 694-9664
I've recently had the opportunity to visit Roozen's Nursery. That was an experience. They have a huge area in back of the nursery just for sw fish and corals. It's worth a stop if your ever in the area.
Roozen Nursery Inc.
8009 Allentown Road
Fort Washington,MD 20744
1-800-721-6003 or 1-301-248-2500
House of Tropics I just revisted a week or so ago. Nothing good to say here so I'll just skip it. I'll post thier info when I find it.
I also got the opportunity to visit a new marine store called Sea Saves.
This was a small store with very friendly staff and resonable prices. Worth a look if your ever in the area.
Sea Save
7362 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard
Glen Burnie, MD 21061-3242
1-410-766-8888
On the north side there is That Pet Place. Awesome store! It's huge with tons of dry goods and thousands of fish. Each area has it's own room. FW, SW, Ponds and a small room for nothing but aquatic plants. This place is great. The only downside to it is it's always super busy. So busy that you have to take a number and wait to be called to have your fish/corals/plants scooped up. lol That's not so bad though. Normally by the time my numbers called my purchases have double. lol
That Pet Place
237 Centerville Rd
Lancaster PA 17603
1-800-733-3829
And lastly I have to give mention to Pacific East Aquaculture. It's not exactly local but it's a great place and a must see if your ever on the eastern shore. It's very clean and everything is healthy looking. It's a bit expensive but the help there is very friendly and Dr. Mac is very knowledgable. When I was there, the greenhouse was down where they grow thier sps corals. I hope to go back someday just to see that in full operation.
Pacific East Aquaculture
107 School Street, PO Box 217
Mardela Springs, MD 21837
Guess that's it for now. Please add your favorites and comments.
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