DivemasterJim You probably saw me....I was the guy lugging the 16 month old child trying to keep him from throwing handfulls of the sand they sell.
Man I skipped the free beer thing.....
I did however hook up some HUGE deals. You know those acrylic tanks that they have right in front that are the 12
gal nano with integrated skimmers and wet/dry plus top and light. Got one of those for $50.00! and also a 180 watt
PC light with bulbs for $40.00. Sign up on the website and they mail you when events are going to happen and when they get new cool stuff in.
I really like that store....some of the stuff is expensive, but as
LFS goes they are pretty nice and not to much BS.
If you make it out to the Tinley Park area there is a place called Aquatica that is really great. The guy that owns it is always there, and he helped set up Beyond the reef in Schamberg. He has a huge shark pond in the store with like 3 or 4 hammerheads. Prices are generally really good. I also know the guys at Chicago Aquarium by Orland Square pretty good. They sometimes get some good stuff and with a little bargaining end up with decent prices.
You are right about Living Sea and Scotts....both fun to visit, but I keep my wallet in my pocket and laugh about the prices.
Next time there is a sale we should try and hook up and check it out. My store is only about a mile or so from there.