LiveAquaria, I Just Don't Understand...

[Innovator]

In reference to many a thread I see giving the to LiveAquaria and with all due respect, I do not understand the fascination. Their information is no different than what has been advocated for the past 10yrs or so throughout the hobby, to which the validity of their efforts bares no more resourcefulness than the reiteration of many online websites or lfs'. They are still a business out to make money and even though they provide basic information on the livestock they sell, you won't find them trying to not sell you their goods either. Perhaps I just don't understand why someone would rather "trust" information provided by a company trying to sell you their products over that of the many who provide information for free through online programs, research papers, etc?

Just my opinion...

[flamingonhot]

Well, of course they are going to try and sell you stuff, do you understand just how much it takes to run their business daily, let alone the new coral farm in Rhinelander? They're new "additions" onto that cost as least 500,000$. They're a business that's actually doing what others only talk about. You can't blame them for really anything.

They provide the info, the warnings, if you buy something you shouldn't, then it's really your fault. In actual truth, they do everything they can to help out, to teach you, to WARN you, and to help with the reef hobby.

[Jchillin]

*Moved to General Retailers forum*

[Kurt_Nelson]

Innovator,

I know what you're saying and know what thread you're talking about. I don't think anyone is saying that liveaquaria's information is any better than any other good, reputable sources of information - either from academia or retail. But in my opinion, the way their site is organized makes it pretty easy to use as a reference, and to point others towards it as a reference. And they're smart to make it that way because of exactly what folks do here... they point others towards it.

As far as I'm concerned, one of the ultimate resources is Fenner's webwebmedia. Absolutely volumes of information there. But is it easy to find stuff? In my opinion... not really. But hey - that's OK because I usually find a half dozen things I didn't know about before I find the information I actually WAS looking for! But it's hard to navigate, unlike various commercial sites. If commercial sites were designed that way, they wouldn't sell much!

You have to admit though, that liveaquaria is one of the more conservative retailers when it comes to "acceptable" tank sizes - at least in my experience. Far better than some LFSs that will tell you that it's no problem to keep a puffer in a 29g tank! But you're right... there are absolutely no online retailers that will refuse to sell you a fish. The only place you'll find that happen is in some LFSs - which is why I buy all my livestock locally!

[tecwzrd]

For me it's the quality products and cheap fast shipping that always brings me back to both liveaquaria and the drs site almost every other month. The "arrive alive" policy on fish/inverts doesn't hurt either and IME they typically are 30%-40% cheaper (even with shipping) then any lfs.

Your right, info is no better then anywhere else and even missing in a lot of areas but they excel at providing just enough info to get what the basic user needs and people can easily search more more detailed info elsewhere.

[Innovator]

The cost of running their business is irrelevent. I do have to agree that the website is user friendly and at least has the basics on the livestock they sell, but my point with them is that people would rather provide a "point and click" resource containing so-so information instead of pertinent information by an actual website geared towards self gratifying research. I do understand the need/want for just a one word answer by those; however, the consumer is not benefitting any more than he/she would by walking into an lfs and receiving a standard reply. I do not have a problem with LiveAquaria. I have a problem with people associating them as a knowledgeable resource when there are far better alternatives.

As far as pricing, I think it depends on where you live and how developed the hobby is in that area. Unless I purchase in bulk, most online vendors cost more than local lfs' before shipping. Of course, it would be worth it if you find that "gem."

[tecwzrd]

I think most of us (myself included) provide links to a TON of different resources for information. If I feel liveaquaria is sufficient I'll link them, if not I'll link wetwebmedia, advanced aquarist, or a similar detailed accurate website.

Point is that people are on here to provide what they have learned first hand and read and if one link isn't "good enough" then there is typically 5+ people who can give different links/points of view and we all grow in knowledge and benefit from it.

IMO your not helping by discouraging others who are only trying to help by linking liveaquaria as it may be one of the few references they know of.

We would all be better served if instead of berating them you simply impart your knowledge and share your experiences and links you feel are more informative.

[Hara]

While I understand the points that everyone is making, the biggest point is that there are resources out there that fit each individuals needs. Some folks want the spoon-fed, very short answers and wouldnt read anything longer than a 10 word paragraph on their own. Then there are those that would lose themselves in a scientific journal just to make sure that water really was wet. Live aquaria is more than adequate on alot of the more basic questions that get asked.

[melosu58]

Originally Posted by flamingonhot

They provide the info, the warnings, if you buy something you shouldn't, then it's really your fault. In actual truth, they do everything they can to help out, to teach you, to WARN you, and to help with the reef hobby.

I agree . They do a pretty good job at it too. There is a big difference between LA and most LFS. They give good advice as well as warn of problems that could be coming where most LFS I know of will just make a sale. There are alot of times that I will post reef keeping articles and other stuff but there are times I will post LA and other retailers post if I feel they meet my opinions and experiences. IMO it is all opinions anyway no matter who comes up with it. How else can you explain reputable references contradicting each other. Can it be that someone is wrong or can it be that there is more than one way to do something in the SW or FW aquaria.