Reef/Fish stores in Atlanta

[waynehallman]

We were going to come to Atlanta this weekend to window shop and maybe pick up a powerhead while we are somewhere. Can anybody recommend some GOOD stores in the Atlanta area? We are somewhat familiar with the Marietta area as well.

 

[brianjfinn]

beccamc10;532717 wrote: This is an easy one

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/index.php?page=sponsormap">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/index.php?page=sponsormap</a>[/QUOTE]

Except for the fact that all you gave him is a list, while he's probably looking to see who, out of that list, people prefer and have personal relationships with.

Wayne, are there any particular areas you're looking for? I know you already mentioned Marietta.

 

[coolsurf]

You really can't go wrong with any of the sponsers but I highly recommend Creation Reef. They have a super selection of fish, corals, supplies and anything else you can think of. Plus the owners (Matt and Amanda) are super helpful and friendly (more than just about the dollar). BTW their stingray pool is real cool as well.

 

[waynehallman]

Yes, we were trying to feel out if there are some particular stores that people are partial to. That is a VERY long list of sponsors...and we know some have to be better than others. We want some that may be willing to talk to us without making us feel stupid at this point. :sad: We know we don't want to add anything else at this time...just get some ideas of where we are going from here (i have a feeling a bigger tank is the answer to that. ):thumbs:
As far as location, we have been around a lot of Atlanta....from the Lawrenceville area over to the Marietta side. We are open as long as there are a few stores we could hit within a sensible driving distance. We will be coming up I-20, so once we head north...anything would be fine.

 

[brianjfinn]

For good advice (from my personal experience):

Tim at Keen Reef (Decatur area)
Chris at Fish Scales (Buford/Suwanee area)
Jenn at Imagen Ocean (Canton)
John at All Things Aquatic (a bit of a drive in Hiram, but John is very knowledgeable and from what I hear he has a great store)

I've also heard great things about the people at Creation Reef and Pure Reef

For great displays:

Pure Reef (Alpharetta)
Marine Design (Alpharetta)
Marine Fish (Marietta)
Warehouse Aquarium (two locations)
Einstein Acquatics (Tucker)

Again, this is my personal experience and others will have different stores they like, however, the two lists above are probably the most mentioned stores on the site. I think most of our sponsors will give you good advice, however I have had bad experiences at a couple. The map is helpful as far as looking for stores in a certain area. Find a store you think you might want to go to, then take a look at their sponsor page and read some of the forums. You should see threads of people leaving feedback on their experiences.

I also try to look at the sponsors that are most active on this site (John, Chris, Jenn, Tim, and a few others). And not just active in updating their promotions, but really try to help out, and these people do!

 

[rededge2k1]

I used to "make the rounds" to three or four fish stores just about every weekend....but eventually I stopped and now only go to Keen Reef (they're a sponsor here). Dirt cheap drygoods (with a selection to boot), hundreds upon hundreds of frags, smart & friendly owner...it's everything I've ever needed in one stop. Just my opinion, of course.

That being said, as long as you stick to the ARC sponsor stores, you really can't go wrong.