As many people here know I do stand up and buy alot of my stuff from AI, but when some products (always equipment) are $20-$30 cheaper on a $50 item I tend to go for the cheaper one but if it is only $2-$3 I will just buy it where I am. I live close to AI in the west end and going to Big AL's on the south side is a planed trip. I don't cheap out when it comes to my fish and tanks but if I can save a few bucks I will. This hobby/lifestyle is expensive, I sat down once and figured out what I spent on tanks and stuff for them..... well you all know the answer to that one
I have only been in this hobby for 2 1/2 years and it all started with 2 Betta's now I have 5 tanks and over 300 gal's of water and 75 fish ( fresh and salt).
Sorry just had to clarify my point.