Abby Posted May 11, 2013 Report Share Posted May 11, 2013 Hi all, Being new to this hobby in Calgary. . .I'm curious as to where folks recommend (or prefer) to buy their fish. I've been in to the Petland in Shawnessy several times and it's a bit alarming. . .every time I'm in there it seems like at least 50% of their fish are sick and they charge quite a bit more than everyone else. I've been pretty impressed with Big Al's so far but again, would like to hear about which LFS's people prefer. Of course I'm looking for Fish health>Prices>Knowledge of Staff>Customer service (in that order) Now if only more fish stores would open in the deep south I would be all set! Cheers all, Abby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okotoks Posted May 11, 2013 Report Share Posted May 11, 2013 I go to Riverfront, Tanks-A-Lot, and Pisces for fish. Tanks a Lot has fantastic prices and very knowledgeable employees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noodles Posted May 11, 2013 Report Share Posted May 11, 2013 What are you looking for? Fairdeal's right close to you and probably has most of what you need.(And he's a site sponsor) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishclubgirl Posted May 11, 2013 Report Share Posted May 11, 2013 Most of my cories are from Petland Shawnessy. Just picked up some axelrodis there yesterday. I'm also a big fan of Tanks-a-lot(which is where I got the rest of my c. axelrodis) and they have some stupidly cheap pricing on their plants. Golds has some great fish and isn't bad to get to from the south. Riverfront has great selection as does Pisces. And I have picked up a fish or two from Petsmart. Petland on 130 Ave seems to be more of cichlid store(which I'm not into) so I don't check in there much. Hope this helps!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abby Posted May 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2013 I go to Riverfront, Tanks-A-Lot, and Pisces for fish. Tanks a Lot has fantastic prices and very knowledgeable employees. Thanks for that! I looked up Tanks a lot and it's on Elbow. . .I drive by it every day on my way to work and have never noticed that they sold fish. I thought they were just a pet supply store. I'll have to pop in. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abby Posted May 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2013 What are you looking for? Fairdeal's right close to you and probably has most of what you need.(And he's a site sponsor) I'll actually be heading to fairdeals place tomorrow. Prior to joining this forum I didn't know he existed. I'm still not sure what I'm about to walk in to, but by all accounts his place is a fishkeepers utopia. Thanks for the responses all. I'm going to head over to Pisces on the weekend and check it out. I haven't been in there yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KristenR Posted May 11, 2013 Report Share Posted May 11, 2013 I actually have found that I have had the most luck from Petland Shawnessy- anything I've gotten from anywhere else has died on me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abby Posted May 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2013 I actually have found that I have had the most luck from Petland Shawnessy- anything I've gotten from anywhere else has died on me. Really? Maybe I'm just going in at the wrong times. Every time I do everything I want is sick. I went looking for a few pleco's and every single one was being treated for something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burbot Posted May 11, 2013 Report Share Posted May 11, 2013 Riverfront, Fairdeal, Gold's, Spencer Jack all my needs fulfilled... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nanmer Posted May 11, 2013 Report Share Posted May 11, 2013 At the Calgary Aquarium Society meetings, they have mini auctions. I have never lost a fish that I have bought there. Far less stress on the fish, from one tank to yours. You never know what fish or plants are for auction but the prices are far lower than you would get at a LFS. I am sure there are some members that have what you are looking for, again at far lower prices than you would pay in the LFS. You don't have to be a member to attend but If you join the club you also will get discounts at some of the good fish stores. Another bonus is great people with a wealth of knowledge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennW Posted May 12, 2013 Report Share Posted May 12, 2013 As a 'newbie' I am glad that I read the posts in this!!!! There are so many stores I had NO IDEA even existed!!!! I set up a tank for my daughter with the help of Petland (Deerfoot Meadows) and found that the guys working in the department can be 'hit or miss'. The one guy I like to talk to works Thursday nights and he is great!!!! I have also been up to Pisces, but I was with a friend of mine that is VERY knowledgeable with fish, so I didn't actually talk with anyone there except for when we decided which fish we wanted to get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claudiohv Posted May 13, 2013 Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 Guys where do you find these stores I'm googling can't find: riverfront, tanks-a-lot, fair deals. I got to Pisces, big ALS. I will give a big +1 to Pisces b/c you can get what ever you want/ if its not there ask for (Manager) and a big chance he will get you what you are looking for Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abby Posted May 13, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 At the Calgary Aquarium Society meetings, they have mini auctions. I have never lost a fish that I have bought there. Far less stress on the fish, from one tank to yours. You never know what fish or plants are for auction but the prices are far lower than you would get at a LFS. I am sure there are some members that have what you are looking for, again at far lower prices than you would pay in the LFS. You don't have to be a member to attend but If you join the club you also will get discounts at some of the good fish stores. Another bonus is great people with a wealth of knowledge. This is very good info. Thank you for that. I was considering going to a meeting or two, but I assumed that you had to be a member to attend (I have no problem becoming a member if it seems like something I will enjoy. .. which, if it's even half as supportive as this forum, I imagine it will be great). Unfortunately I am tied up for this coming meeting but I do think I'll drop by in June! Thanks again for the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingin' It Posted May 13, 2013 Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 Guys where do you find these stores I'm googling can't find: riverfront, tanks-a-lot, fair deals. Rivetfront is in NE Off Barlow and center ave (ish), tanks-a-lot is in Paws pets off Heritage and Elbow. And Fairdeal is a private guy located in deep SW. He's on this forum too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claudiohv Posted May 13, 2013 Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 Thanks mate! Ill check them out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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