Still being a SW newbie, I don't have tons of experience with the LFSs here, but I've visited - mostly to look and ask questions, get startup supplies - and I picked up some live rock and sand at Marine Scene (which has been pretty nice, though I thought it was expensive) - got snails too. With my limited visits and newbie point of view I can say that Winchester was okay - I don't know that I'd ever buy anything but supplies there, and that seemed pricey. Bristle worms crawling throughout the live rock scared me off some. One guy was very nice though and gave me one of their test strips on my tank to try out when I was unsure. Marine Scene is fine - everyone seemed knowledgeable, but I felt like I sometimes had to seek someone out, and I had to ask specific questions rather than them offering advice (the live rock advice was adequate at best - I felt like I was on my own). BRK is awesome - I will be visiting again this week. Fins and Feathers was the big disappointment for me. No one even said hello to me - and I was the only one in there. I looked at the stuff for a few minutes and walked out, vowing to never return. *** Removed *** It's unfortunate because it's the closest store to me and I likely would have given them tons of business.
I'm sure my opinions will evolve...
