Wisconsin LFS'!!!

[fishranger]

Originally Posted by Kosey929

I am in Minocqua and there's nothing near here except DFS which is the closest thing we have to an LFS. I see that you are from Superior, soooo...are you aware of any good shops in the Superior/Duluth area? I've just converting my 56g reef tank to a planted FW tank and need to stock it. I normally buy everything from DFS' retail store or liveaquaria.com, but I'm not real impressed with their plant selection online. I must say that their service is fabulous and the quality of plants I have ordered has been good. Just wish they had a larger selection. TIA for any info!

As for pet stores up here there is a couple up here. One pet store is in the mariner mall which has most of the common stock but occasionally get something different. There is one in Hermantown called A World of Fish, which has more options to choose from but there more pricey. Most of the nice fish stores that I have been to are in the cities. One in Champlin tetraquatics is nice with a wide selection. Another that I have hear alot of good things about is Forest lake pets , but havent had the chance to go there yet. And last is Petco. If you need some plants might have some.

Cory

[In2wishin]

I'm brand new to the forum and am playing around to get a feel for the place. I thought I would bump this thread because I just found out about a new Milwaukee LFS although it is Bettas only Vang's Plakat Aquaria on 78th and Burleigh (across the street from Mama Mia's for those who know the area. I just got a really nice orange crowntail from him for $15.

Also, has anyone had problems with Aquatics Unlimited on Hwy 100?

[dbLbogie]

Just noticed this thread got bumped this month, oops.

I think Aquatics Unlimited is a pretty nice store. They have a very large variety of plants in stock and they get more in and sell out very quickly. I think some people would kill to have a LFS like this place in their town. Plus they have $0.99 and $1.99 clearance plants, you can't beat that.

Check out Hoffer's on 76th & Good Hope too if you get up that way, you should be fairly impressed.

I've never been to Vang's, but will be in that area tomorrow morning.

[In2wishin]

Originally Posted by dbLbogie

Just noticed this thread got bumped this month, oops.

I think Aquatics Unlimited is a pretty nice store. They have a very large variety of plants in stock and they get more in and sell out very quickly. I think some people would kill to have a LFS like this place in their town. Plus they have $0.99 and $1.99 clearance plants, you can't beat that.

Check out Hoffer's on 76th & Good Hope too if you get up that way, you should be fairly impressed.

I've never been to Vang's, but will be in that area tomorrow morning.

The main problem I have with Aquatics Unlimited is that they are extremely unhelpful. How dare I ask someone to leave the counter and their conversation with co-workers to get fish or, God forbid, ask questions. I walked out of there three times straight because I couldn't get anyone to help me so I won't be back.

I've been to Hoffers and really like it. Every person in the fish room has been really helpful and I have gotten great ideas and advice from Joe.

[defiesexistence]

Haha! I know what you mean, Wishin! Customer service at AU just jerks you around, or, "I dunno, try asking that guy, over there." Last time I was in there, I walked around for about 20 minutes before anyone came up to me. Going up to the counter to pay for a rock, and exactly in front of the counter, -you couldn't miss it if you were working the register- was an $80 saltwater fish that was trapped between live rock, and it was starting to weaken and die. When I walked out, it was still struggling. I did not hear "Hey, does anyone have a net?" Haven't been back since. Out of the three times I've gone, they're always out of plants, and half their stock is on a one way trip to the garbage.

I'm thinking about setting up a 5.5 for a no-tech (spare a heater) betta tank. A trip to Vang's just might finalize that...

[Kosey929]

I'll be driving through Wisconsin Rapids on a buisiness trip today and Wednesday and I'm thinking of checking out The Aquarium. Any feedback on that shop?

[In2wishin]

Originally Posted by defiesexistence

Haha! I know what you mean, Wishin! Customer service at AU just jerks you around, or, "I dunno, try asking that guy, over there." Last time I was in there, I walked around for about 20 minutes before anyone came up to me. Going up to the counter to pay for a rock, and exactly in front of the counter, -you couldn't miss it if you were working the register- was an $80 saltwater fish that was trapped between live rock, and it was starting to weaken and die. When I walked out, it was still struggling. I did not hear "Hey, does anyone have a net?" Haven't been back since. Out of the three times I've gone, they're always out of plants, and half their stock is on a one way trip to the garbage.

I'm thinking about setting up a 5.5 for a no-tech (spare a heater) betta tank. A trip to Vang's just might finalize that...

The orange crowntail in this photo is the one I got from him


he is even bigger now and is the largest betta I have ever had.

I have a job interview on 76th & Capitol Wed. so I will be stopping by Vangs to check out new fish.

[defiesexistence]

He's beautiful, Wishin! That's a really bold tangerine color.

[defiesexistence]

Thought I'd let you all know, at the Fish Factory, they have a buy one plant, get one more of the same species for $0.25.

[BluYota]

Wow! Cool! My store is mentioned! Hey all! I am the owner of Vang's Plakat Aquaria. We are actually expanding...not into a bigger place, but expanding what we carry. We always carried all sorts of bettas, and a few shrimps. But now we expanded to cover monster fish, nano tanks, and even began aquascaping! I usaully only aquascaped tanks at home, but thought to give it a try at my shop too. Here is a vid I put together of one of my tank. It's a 50 gallon. http://youtu.be/DnubaRRJznM

Anyways, I am glad to be part of this forum, looking forward to learning more about aqua scaping!

And a big thanks to In2wishin for getting my store name out there. Hope your bettas are doing well =)

[BluYota]

my website: www.vangsplakat.com

[prototyp3]

BluYota: What sort of nano tanks are you carrying?

[BluYota]

Right now, I have non in stock. I can get any of the fluval products in. Please email me: vangsplakat@yahoo.com

[manzpants92]

I'm from Oconomowoc but go to school at UWM. I had to get rid of my planted discus tank because I won't be commuting anymore going into the 2013 spring semester, very sad. But yeah AU is a really great store. They have an awesome selection but they are over priced forsure. I've never been to Hoffer's and am planning on checking it out soon!

[BigBrownTank]

Bluyota: your link isnt working.

Aquatics Unlimited is hit and miss. This is my "main store" as I live so close, and they have a good selection. The staff is odd. Theres a guy who youde swears a hippy, but is very knowledable about lightand planted tanks. Hes worked there for ages. Also, who I assume is the owner, a sweaty guy (hes always sweaty...?) Knows a good bit about just about everything. He has steered me clear of a few of his products, and seems generally "into" his work. Brutally honest and kinda not freindly. Theyre prices are a tad high. Overall, if YOU know enough, its a great place.


GARYS PET JUNGLE on Howel (near oklahoma/howel)

Owner gary practically lives there. Great friendly guy. Hes very knowledgable about general fish tanks, and practically all small pets. When it comes to plants or stuff like that I feel its out of his realm. He has a small fish selection (30 or so tanks) with generally smaller fish. Dabbles in cichlids but for most part, he goes all community fish. EXCELLENT prices. Cheap cheap flake food, 10 for a dollar ghost shrimp. Great place.

Garys pet jungle is an all around pet shop, mice, snakes spiders, gerbils etc.