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I've never reviewed a Local Fish Store before, because, as Thumper said in the classic Disney movie "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". However, FISH and other ICHTHY stuff is not your typical LFS.
Before I go any further, this store does not do mail order at the time this review was written, so if you aren't local I guess you'll have to plan your next vacation to Tampa Bay.
FISH and other ICHTHY stuff is a small store where the owner takes an active role. Only once have I been to the store when he was not there. He is extremely knowledgeable not only about fish and corals, but about the aquarium hobby as well. He is more than willing to help answer any questions you might have.
As a small store, don't expect to find a huge selection of dry-goods. Despite the limited selection, I rarely need something that isn't available. I chalk that up to the fact that the store stocks good choices of high quality items rather than a huge selection of every piece of crap made. Also, when you need something that is not in stock, the owner is more than happy to order it, and will get it as soon as possible.
The livestock (Marine fish and Coral) situation is very similar to the dry-goods. There is not a million specimens to choose from, but there is a wide selection of unique species, and nearly every specimen is in excellent condition. Unlike other LFS, you won't find dead, decaying fish floating around for days in the display tanks, which are meticulously cleaned and maintained.
Good advice will be given when asked for, and, when appropriate, even when it is not asked for. On several occasions, I've overheard the owner explain why what a customer wants to do is not a good idea. Even when the advice is suggesting that the customer not purchase something that will be a detriment to the customer's tank. It is this lack of "sales" emphasis on the advice given that really impresses me about the store. The owner seems to understand that a hobbyist that is successful willspend more in the long run.
Last, but certainly not the least consideration of an LFS is the prices. For most dry-goods, it is still cheaper to buy via mail-order, however, the prices are very reasonable for things you need immediately. In comparison to other LFS in the area, the prices are extremely competitive. Prices for livestock are excellent; due to this and the quality of the specimens, I won't purchase livestock from any other source.
If you live anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, you really should find your way over to FISH and other ICHTHY stuff.
You can get more information at: http://www.ichthythings.com,
or by calling the store at: (813) 891-4291.
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This page last updated on: January 27, 2002
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2001 by Gregory S. Taylor. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be
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