Norboo

I shop all over DC area. Some are better than others. I also shop online. I am not trying to promote any LFS or demote them. Encouragement is good but to what extent? I think some of the posts are overkill. Facts are, they are trying to improve, but they still have long ways to go...and as I have mentioned above, I do wish them success. I am a shopper and love researching. "What do I expect to see in LFS?" Quality fishes, corals, decent prices, knowledgeable and friendly staff. I do expect quality at a fair price. Is that too much to ask for? Own a fish store? No, maybe not yet. If I had the time, I wouldn't mind opening a warehouse type that caters to dogs and fish to support my hobby. Just last night, I was trying to encourage my better half to open shop. But she has other dreams. Women! *throwing hands in the air* *sigh*

copy from another forum: First let

Wow. You guys act like you've never seen a decent fish and corals before. LFS gets few decent fishes and corals and your eyes light up. Isn't LFS suppose to have quality fish and corals? I don't know where you guys shopped before, but I see many LFS with quality and large selections in stock. Yes, in stock...imagine that. Is a convenient store convenient if they seldom have your brand of cigarette, have hot cup of coffee once in a while or out of your type of gas? You walk in one day and praise them all over town because they had everything in stock that one day? Isn't convenient store suppose to be well stocked to make it convenient? Isn't that why it's called convenient store? Your Internet provider is down half of the time, would you praise your Internet provider for providing half of the time? What is LFS suppose to have? Call it what it is and stop blowing smoke up someone's ***. I know I will get lots of "hate" PM's, but I think they should know where they stand. If you don't know what the problem is, how else are you going to trouble shoot it? Wally's is making a big move and that might be the reason for low inventory or making a big move cost money and inventory is money. Bigger doesn't always spell quality or better. Bigger means higher overhead, which leads to higher prices to cover the high overhead. How much did your electric bill jump after installing all your equipment? I sincerely hope Wally's big move is successful and I wish them well. I think honesty will help them and us in the long run. Best wishes ~

So...how many current active paid members?

He doesn't have 1 1/4", he carries 1 1/2" and 2"

I see the hook is in the water already. :D

Any thoughts to adding trading or sales section?

Yeah? He is a real nice guy to deal with. Thanks.

Good to know they are getting better.

Sorry. I was at fisher's today and they no longer carry 1 1/4" Gate valve. I'll have to try Vamac in Alex or Ferguson's on Monday. Skimmer itself isn't loud, it's the pump that makes the noise. You might want to add some pads or use silicone in between the skimmer/pump and sump to keep the vibration down to a minimum. Gate Valve might reduce some noise level. If your overflow makes lot of drain noise, go with Durso Standpipe. I just finished building one. Silent! MegaFlow standpipes are way too noisy.

BTW That crusty skimmer isn't mine. :D On my way over to Fisher's to pick up some parts for a gate valve for my ASM G2 and buld a durso standpipe.

If you haven't found your canopy yet, I would suggest advertising on Craig's List "wanted: canopy for 55 gal" Or just simply make one. It's very easy. Have home depot cut wood to size. All you need is a good design, drill, screw driver, screws and paint.

If I had a diamond drill saw, I would do it for you for free. But I only use Dremel and a tile cutter. It's not perfect, but it works very well. If you want it done professionally, there is a glass shop I know in MD that will do a great job and cheap. PM or e-mail me if interested.

DIY EuroReef gate valve ASMSkimmer Gate Valve FYI: Fisher's in springfield sells PVC gate valve. This should be enough to get you started. Best wishes.

Thank you for such warm welcome. honestly. My first post was my opinion of Wally's and my second was to answer/help how to drill glass. I will support any LFS if warranted and do. Within the last 6 months, I spend over 5K and of that, only 1K via online. Did I mention I did spend 2K at a LFS in Herndon? Isn't that supporting LFS? That leaves 2K I also spent on LFS. Which means, there are bargains around the area. I like to do business with people I trust and don't like paying higher prices if I don't have to. This is such an expensive hobby as is. I did business with Wally's for over 20 years and I would continue to do so if they lower prices and give better advice. Would you buy a house from a realtor that gives you bad advice? Would you buy a car from an over priced dealer with a dishonest salesperson? It's up to the owner to decide how he wants to conduct business. If the staff is missed informed or need more training, I think he should know about it. If I can buy goods little cheaper down the street, I'm sure I will run into you there. If Wally's has a better staff and prices are competitive, They would earn my business. But I don't see the need to pay $74.99 for AcquaClear 500/110 that I can buy for $39.99 down the street. This is just one example. If over paying is your idea of supporting LFS, more power to you. But in my "honest opinion", you are encouraging bad business. If I buy down the street, isn't that supporting LFS, supporting our hobby and promoting good business? I am a business owner myself and try to soak in all the complaints/opinions with an open mind. I train my sales staff contiguously. Information and knowledge is power and a great tool to better business. If you don't voice your complaints and opinions, how else will any business achieve greatness?

Glass is lot stronger than you might think. I used Dremel and tile cutting bit to drill and cut out 16 teeth 1/4" apart on a 3/8 glass without a single chip. Just remember to use lots of water for cooling and lubrication. Always wear safety goggles.

I started shopping at Wally's back in the early 80's. I still stop in from time to time...I've been to every pet shop around the area and Wally's has decent but not the best prices on tanks. Besides tanks, prices seem really high especially when compared to online shops. Some high as 70%. PetSmart matches their online store prices, so I print out what I need and purchase it locally. I will say, Wally's is step above Annandale Super Pets. Now there is a owner that has no clue. I wouldn't spend a penny in that place. Tom on the other hand is a nice guy and has fair amount of knowledge, but can use a little brushing up when it comes to reef setup. Wally's staffs are less than friendly, give very poor advice and need product knowledge. About 6 months ago, I asked, how long will it take to set up a reef tank? One of the staff member said, with all these modern technology and advance chemistry, few days. Went on pointing out what I would need...I lost him at "few days". Needless to say, I ended up in Herndon and dealt with a small pet shop owner and ordered $2000 worth of stuff including Oceanic tank and stand. He wasn't that knowledgeable, but he was honest and very helpful. I would still stop in from time to time, but I seriously doubt I would purchase much. Online shops offer great prices and fast shipping. There are many pet stores around the area that I don't mind purchasing from. I've been around so much and so often, I know who has what and know their prices. Example, Tropic Marine "Pro" Sea Salt is about $15 lower than Wally's Tropic Marine Sea Salt...and they are much more knowledgeable and friendly. Smile goes a long way. This is just my experience and honest opinion.