Is there a local (Marietta,Woodstock) store when you can walk in, get a little customer service for a small purchase (I'm not there to buy $1,000 worth of LR or specimens), and leave in a reasonable amount of time (let's say under 30 minutes)? Sounds like I'm asking for a lot, doesn't it? I found one store, nice folks but they didn't have in stock what I wanted. So, I looked at the sponsor list and visited 2 others. Let's just say that taking my chances on eBay would be cheaper and I'd get the livestock here sooner than either of these 2 shops would help me. Pretty sad since I'd rather support the local guy or gal than an online stranger. I'm starting to think maybe no one else on this side of town cares for "the small purchase". Does one have to buy thousands of dollars of equipment to merit attention? I'm open to suggestions of other shops that enjoy the hobby enough to help newb's.
Seeking a friendly local reef store (FLRS)
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Cappuccino Bay has excellent service and a great selection of corals. Everytime I have been into their store they have bent over backwards to help and answer my questions. Give them a try!
I'd say Cap Bay (even though I've had mixed experiences with the customer service, they are getting better), Jenn at Imagine Ocean is great with advice , and the Petland in Alpharetta is a new force to be reckoned with (price, knowledge, and customer service).
If you go to any of those 3 you should have some better luck.
-Andy
If you go to any of those 3 you should have some better luck.
-Andy
jhutto
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Jessica, Nishant, or Josh will take care of you. Have bought lots of stuff there. They are getting a new shipment today or tommorrow, I think. They are the best! Their coral is priced right and its bigger peices than the frags at other places.
Joe
Joe
Nishant and Josh at Petland Alpharetta will take great care of you! Friendly, nice, educated guys that have nice size pieces of corals at GREAT prices! PL Alpharetta and Cap Bay are definately a notch above in friendliness and helpfulness! 
I just went by PL Alpharetta and Nishant hooked me up with a few nice corals! 3 for $50, can't beat that! ARC members get 15% off of that, so 3 for $42.50! :wow2::thumbs:
I just went by PL Alpharetta and Nishant hooked me up with a few nice corals! 3 for $50, can't beat that! ARC members get 15% off of that, so 3 for $42.50! :wow2::thumbs:
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I try not to mention my job at petland in forums outside the one dedicated to us because i dont want to come off as just a sales person, I love this forum as a hobbyist really, my job comes second. But even so thanks alot guys! I updated my thread in our forum as far as news about our new order.Nishant
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Hrmm, I think there are tons of great stores in the area. At the same time, I don't think you can really walk into any one store one time and expect to be best friends with the owners w/o opening your wallet a lil bit.
There's a Smoothie King I go to by my house where the guy messed up my order the first time I went there... it left a real sour taste in my mouth for awhile... but since it's on my way to work, I've been there a few more times just due to convenience. Now, months later we shoot the sh*t and are pretty friendly and we've even exchanged free stuff and tips...
Bottom line is... on the Marietta side, I don't think I've been to a bad store yet. Most owners here for the most part know what they're doing and what they're talking about; but if you don't go a few times or chat about your tank, I don't see how you can expect them to take the time to know you when you only want to be in and out of there in 10 minutes.
There's a Smoothie King I go to by my house where the guy messed up my order the first time I went there... it left a real sour taste in my mouth for awhile... but since it's on my way to work, I've been there a few more times just due to convenience. Now, months later we shoot the sh*t and are pretty friendly and we've even exchanged free stuff and tips...
Bottom line is... on the Marietta side, I don't think I've been to a bad store yet. Most owners here for the most part know what they're doing and what they're talking about; but if you don't go a few times or chat about your tank, I don't see how you can expect them to take the time to know you when you only want to be in and out of there in 10 minutes.
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There is a place in Marietta called Atlantis (hole in the wall place).
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3125 Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30062 </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Phone:</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(770) 977-5882</span>
right up the road from Cap. Bay
Not a showy type place but the guy was very down to earth - prices looked reasonable and he answered a bunch of questions and gave good advice. (Not knowing if I planned to buy anything)
Going back this weekend
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3125 Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30062 </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Phone:</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(770) 977-5882</span>
right up the road from Cap. Bay
Not a showy type place but the guy was very down to earth - prices looked reasonable and he answered a bunch of questions and gave good advice. (Not knowing if I planned to buy anything)
Going back this weekend
Cap Bay, Marine Fish, and Optimum are the ones I go to most often. I have no problems going to get someone if I want something.
If you are working on that 3 gal, it can be tougher to find that frag that would fit the right way. Most of what Optimum has is real nice, but won't fit unless it was the only rock in there...lol
I have been lucky enough to catch up with some members here who have been fragging their tanks, that is probably the most fun way to find really cool stuff and meet some folks.
If you are working on that 3 gal, it can be tougher to find that frag that would fit the right way. Most of what Optimum has is real nice, but won't fit unless it was the only rock in there...lol
I have been lucky enough to catch up with some members here who have been fragging their tanks, that is probably the most fun way to find really cool stuff and meet some folks.
Cap Bay - Incredible selection of corals and worth going just for the view
Optimum - Good fish selection and super clean tanks
Marine Fish - Go here if the other two places don't have what you need. They are pricey, but you do get a 30% discount which puts them in line with the other stores on most things
Petland Alpharetta - If you are looking for a coral, come here first. They don't have the selection that Cap Bay has but the prices for the sizes you get are incredible.
Atlantis - I would avoid this place. They don't take good care of the tanks and a lot of people who I have spoken with have a poor opinion of them. They are between Cap Bay and Marine Fish so it is convinient to stop by, but I wouldn't buy anything from them.
Optimum - Good fish selection and super clean tanks
Marine Fish - Go here if the other two places don't have what you need. They are pricey, but you do get a 30% discount which puts them in line with the other stores on most things
Petland Alpharetta - If you are looking for a coral, come here first. They don't have the selection that Cap Bay has but the prices for the sizes you get are incredible.
Atlantis - I would avoid this place. They don't take good care of the tanks and a lot of people who I have spoken with have a poor opinion of them. They are between Cap Bay and Marine Fish so it is convinient to stop by, but I wouldn't buy anything from them.
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Wow, Chrisjet. Based on your response, maybe there's a reason why you've had an unpleasant experience at the store?
