Buying Online?

[gsongy]

Hello,

Do not know if this question fits on this thread, but I was wondering where would be the best place to buy equipment online? The mark-up at some LFS is at times 100% higher than online. What places online do you recommend?

I have been going here, Discount Aquarium Supplies, Tropical Fish Supplies and Fish Tank Supplies from Foster & Smith, but I have not ordered from them before.

Thanks! Gerald

[roka64]

I order fromm drsfosterandsmith.com all the time. They may not always have the cheapest prices, but their low shipping costs and customer service make up for it, Ebay is great too, Thatpetplace.com are all places I would recommend.
I'm going to move this to the general retailers section.

[neilanh]

kensfish.com and bigalsonline.com as well are good ones, IMO.

[cmor1701d]

I highly recommend these two places for pricing (not always the lowest), return policy and customer service.

ThatPetPlace.com

Drs. Foster and Smith

With these two next.
Big Al's online

MarineDepot

There are quite a few other places as well. Just post a question here before from an an online store and you'll get some opinions.

[mom2reds]

If your looking for lights or pumps go to catalinaaquariums.com they are really helpful and have pretty low prices.

[Fishyfanatic]

I exclusively use Big Al's unless they do not carry an item I am looking for. Their prices can not be beat. They will knock their price down 5% lower than a competitors price.

[roka64]

I've ordered livestock from marinedepotlive and do not recommend it.
Cmore, have you ordered only dry goods from marinedepot? I am looking at the Tek-Light T5 lighting system. Were you happy with their customer service, shipping on time and delivery?

[Ziggy953]

I have purchased from Marindepot.com (dry goods only) and Hellolights.com for my lighting/equipment. I have to say that I am very pleased with both sites, customer service and shipping were great!

Roka check hellolights.com for the TEK as well before you buy.

[tawolcott]

Is kensfish.com really that good? Their website is atrocious

[roka64]

I will Ziggy, thanks!
I have not heard of kensfish.....

[cmor1701d]

Scott,

I prefer Hellolights if they have the light you want. Great pre- and post sales support there.
I have been mostly pleased with MarineDepot for dry goods. More now than a couple of years ago. Still, they are in the middle tier for me. I use them if the Drs. or TPP does not have what I want, or they are significantly cheaper.

[roka64]

Thanks Cmor, I have been seriously looking at the Tek T5s from them. I guess I am really looking for a "do not buy from them" LOL, but their prices are great (just not a huge fan that the system does not come with bulbs, fan, moonlight LEDs or splash guard). I do like the adjustable legs. I am looking to replace my nova extreme T5s. I see a few flaws (maybe user error), but it seems to be having issues.
Who is TPP?

[Kurt_Nelson]

Another thumbs up for Hellolights. (Sorry... no "do not buy from them!) Absolutely amazing packaging when I bought my light fixture.

TPP = That Pet Place (That Fish Place)?

Also... I've only bought dry goods/hardware from MarineDepot, and like them for that. Prices are pretty good and selection of upper end stuff is good. Only complaint is probably not even against them... but every single box I've received from them (think it's been three or four) has come in really bashed up. Last box was partially open. There's never been any damage, but from what I can tell they don't really pack the boxes as full with peanuts as they should. Either that or they have a gorilla on their UPS pickup route. But honestly... it could just be an issue with UPS.

[cmor1701d]

Kurt answered for me. TPP = ThatPetPlace. I ordered once from MarineDepotLive and was not happy. The Drs. (liveaquaria.com) are about the best for live goods though I am sure there are others.

Where ever you buy from just make sure they ship the bulbs separately from the fixture. When I got my aqualight the bulbs (PC and MH) were installed when it shipped and at least two of the PC's were broken on arrival. They shipped the unit twice that way and then I insisted that they remove the bulbs ship them wrapped separately. The Drs. are good about stuff like that. They insisted on shipping a new unit instead of just replacement bulbs, and picked up the shipping on the returns. As a long term customer they also cross shipped the new fixture without a charge so I didn't have to wait.

[roka64]

I agree Cmor, I was not pleased with marinedepotlive at all. I love TPP and the drs for dry goods. I have been to TPP a few times and am still amazed at the size and selection in the store.