Ok since Dirtydawg10 and Mostlycichlids want ot talk more about fish this is for you I live inTucson Az we have 2 what I call Mom and Pop shop in town we are surrounded by the BIGBOX STORES I will admit htat I do but form them I dont have much of a chioce in most cases.I would like to say that I know things are ruff right now for most folks and paying bills are a lot more inportant than our hobby.IF We dont buy from our local shops we will have no choice but to buy form the BIG BOX STORES because that will be all there is lefft.SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FISH AND PETSHOP.

I concur, those little shops cost alot to run and keep up, spend the extra there if you can, even join their store clubs to get discounts on those purchases, they cost more because they barely get a break on price points like big box insists on.


I try to get everything of mine from the Lfs or thru private breeders like most of us hobbists here. i do think there is a big hobby base where we can support ourselves in this hobby, local shops are there to help this along and get livestock and dry goods you cant get at big box.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LPS AND LFS!!!

I agree! I try to support my local stores in all aspects of my purchases from the mom & pop Pharmacy to the Farmer's markets and everything in between.

Thank guys for this here in Tucson we have shops that have saltwater and one owner has told me that in the next year or so they want to open a 2nd store and they will also have freshwater I do buy fish off aquabid mainly becuase I am able to find dwarf cichlids and other fish that I cant find in town or for that matter anywhere in Az.I have gone to Califorina a couple of time and brought fish back shops I found in San Franicsco ( way to go Gaints) as well as San Deago. and also from stroes in Texas where my girl friendi is from .But Only when we drive. The airlines wont let you carry live fish in a carry on. Ha Ha Please remember to suporrt your local pet shop.

DirtyDawg, that is 100% correct.

Yep here in Albuquerque even halfway decent fish shops are scarce. A brand new on opened up near me though and it is excellent, can't quit bragging about it. I have actually been in several times already just to BS with the owner. I will be spending my money with him for sure for future purchases.