American vs. Canadian Livestock

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Der_Iron_Chef

What are some things commonly available to American hobbiests that we don't generally get up here, and that you've always wanted? Anything?

cheep prices!

[ShrimSkin]

[quote='Ol Nobodaddy;369150]I get all my peaceful community fish from Canada... [/QUO



Ah yes good one!!!!!!

[Underwater]

I never really appreciated the selection (and the prices) when I was down there. Granted, I agree about the LFS-they are of the same (if not lower) quality/selection as here, however, I find the online selection/availability/prices severely lacking.

For instance, checkout this website: www.petsolutions.com

When I was living in the States, and just starting into SW, I was always shocked at the prices for their livestock (I thought they were SO expensive!!). Now that I am in Canada, unable to order from them and more experienced in the hobby, I can only look at their selection and drool.

That being said, I know that if I am ever REALLY looking for something in particular, our LFS here (Calgary) really try to help out however possible-NOT an attribute I was able to find in the States.

All in all-I think Canada holds it's own in the hobby. I have a FAR better tank than I was ever able to attain in the States-a kudo to the LFS that helped me to accomplish it.

[StirCrazy]

I think it all depends where you are in the states, In San Diego / LA area it is dirt cheap. Even the little hole in the wall LFS have amazing stock, at about 1/2 the price I can find them for here.

Even in Seattle I was impressed by there selection and prices, while not as good as LA area it was still better than here.

but I think the biggest thing about living in the US would be the fact that you can mail order from all the good cheep places with free shipping and overnight anywhere in the USA. Something we can't do here with out large shipping costs and huge boarder fees.

Steve

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

cheep prices!

Yeah I think the common stuff is cheaper and shipping also seems to be pretty inexpensive throughout the states but anything on the rare side seems to cost way more in the states than in Canada.

Other than a couple SPS and zoo corals everything down there seems to be available here as well. We got a pretty good LFS here in town, always brings in the exotics. When he had his website running he said he got way more interest from the states than Canada, perhaps we got it better than we might think.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Yeah I think the common stuff is cheaper and shipping also seems to be pretty inexpensive throughout the states but anything on the rare side seems to cost way more in the states than in Canada.

Other than a couple SPS and zoo corals everything down there seems to be available here as well. We got a pretty good LFS here in town, always brings in the exotics. When he had his website running he said he got way more interest from the states than Canada, perhaps we got it better than we might think.

I will say the selection in the last year in Canada is amazing compared to what it was 10 years ago. back then we got SPS that was any color but brown and it was amazing.

Steve

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Originally Posted by Underwater

I never really appreciated the selection (and the prices) when I was down there. Granted, I agree about the LFS-they are of the same (if not lower) quality/selection as here, however, I find the online selection/availability/prices severely lacking.

For instance, checkout this website: www.petsolutions.com

When I was living in the States, and just starting into SW, I was always shocked at the prices for their livestock (I thought they were SO expensive!!). Now that I am in Canada, unable to order from them and more experienced in the hobby, I can only look at their selection and drool.

That being said, I know that if I am ever REALLY looking for something in particular, our LFS here (Calgary) really try to help out however possible-NOT an attribute I was able to find in the States.

All in all-I think Canada holds it's own in the hobby. I have a FAR better tank than I was ever able to attain in the States-a kudo to the LFS that helped me to accomplish it.

Yeah this is pretty much what I meant. Canada lacks the cheap online shopping big time! But still also find common sps like say a green Millie to be overpriced here. For example I was looking at a nice maybe 4-5" one a few weeks back at a LFS...$60. I can guarantee that will never sell in Florida for $60. There would be about 5 other LFS I could get the same thing for $30.

It must have to do with where you are though. A few people are saying they think the stores are the same or worse in the US. I have lived in Miami, Phoenix and NY (NY for only 8 months and never had a tank) and can say all those cities have better stores than Vancouver. Phoenix...maybe about the same as here.

We won't even get started on equipment though...there is no comparison

[UnderTheSea]

A lot of the issue is the US dealers are spending a lot more at the wholesaler or direct then up here especially in the southern US where demand is higher. They are going to treat their high paying clients with quality corals. Some shops that only order 5-10K worth of corals are going to get a few gems but mostly common corals.