grand rapids, mi lfs review

[justrelax]

1. V.I.Pets. They offer two locations, Plainfield and South Division (there's one in Holland, MI also but I've never been there). Both stores have a good selection of all types of pets but clearly specialize in aquaria. The stores are kept clean, well stocked, and well staffed. The staff will give you the best knowledge they have to offer, or recommend a staff member who knows more. Their livestock, both fw and sw, is always healthy with questionable specimens in qt tanks not for sale. They have a selective guarantee policy that quite often does not cover harder to keep species.
2. Petsmart. There are multiple locations, I have been to the Canal and 28th Street stores. The 28th Street location typically has very healthy looking specimens, otherwise they are your "run of the mill" big-box pet stores.
3. Curious World Pet Store. They have two locations, Baldwin in Jenison and Breton at 29th Street. Both stores are evidently poorly run with unmotivated staff and stock that leaves something to be desired. The Baldwin location I avoid at all costs. The Breton store, in spite of it's staff, normally has a good selection of healthy looking fw and sw specimens.

I call the Plainfield V.I.Pets my lfs, and would highly recommend them to any local or visitor. The staff is genuinely concerned about their customers and their pets, and seemingly want to help more than make a dollar. Despite their recent decision to carry painted tetras they are, in my opinion, the best lfs in the area.