This hobby is full of unscrupulous people

[Potential]

I'm new to marine aquariums I always had fresh water but it's been 25 years since my last cichlid tank and always wanted to try salt water, well things have really changed over the years there are more suppliers more species available that being said are these people certified is there a standard some kind of regulation of livestock and corals to be sure from cultivation to LSF to your door are getting a good product, and who says all these chemicals and equipment are worth the money and do I really need them. I'm not home much so I hired a aquarium maintenance guy and I still lose fish and corals. Someone should put out a list of maintenance companies, where to buy livestock and corals, proven equipment and chemicals and what and who to stay away from

 

[Anthony king]

I think theres just a learning curve with this hobby ,and experiences some may recommend a company or person another may have had bad experiences with this forum is a filled with knowledge i haven't had a bad experience yet when asking a question. I do Maintenance for some tanks in gwinnett and what ur describing is what i hope to never hear from one of my customers hope that helped

 

[popsbjd]

Being in Conyers, you're kind of far away from most stores. If you're willing to drive to Athens, both Aquarium Outfitters and Classic City Aquariums are good stores. There is a Nemos in Snellville. Those three can get you everything you need.

 

[jessie45]

I will echo popsbjd suggestion. Classic City Aquariums is one of my "go to" stores. Adam Daniels has a world of knowledge and they do maintenance as well. He is also a ARC member and active in this forum. My other recommendation is Pure Reef in Alpharetta. They are very customer service oriented. I am still new to this hobby (6 months). My tank is doing well because of the help I received from these stores. Good luck!

 

[Adam]

I'm new to marine aquariums I always had fresh water but it's been 25 years since my last cichlid tank and always wanted to try salt water, well things have really changed over the years there are more suppliers more species available that being said are these people certified is there a standard some kind of regulation of livestock and corals to be sure from cultivation to LSF to your door are getting a good product, and who says all these chemicals and equipment are worth the money and do I really need them. I'm not home much so I hired a aquarium maintenance guy and I still lose fish and corals. Someone should put out a list of maintenance companies, where to buy livestock and corals, proven equipment and chemicals and what and who to stay away from

There is a pretty big learning curve with Saltwater, like others have said here. I don't know of a local store that would intentionally steer you wrong. In additionally to the stores listed is Atlanta Aquarium and the other Nemo both in Duluth. From where you are those are all about the closest to you.

If you're loosing fish & corals it would help us to know all the details of your system so we can give better advise and get you pointed in the right direction. Also, stores are in business to make money. I don't know if you've told the places you've made purchases about your system. If you just walk in and say that looks cool I want it, most are going to sell the item to you. If you've taken the time to explain what size system you have along with the equipment you're using the stores will usually be more than happy to make better informed recommendations, as will the people here.

 

[Todd13189]

Im located in Conyers myself, Im fairly new to the hobby as well when it comes to corals but softies and LPS seem to be thriving in my tank. I'd love to help out in anyway that I could if you wanted to connect? But like the people above have said; there is a definite learning curve to this hobby, Im sure most people who have started this hobby have killed a few corals and fish in the process.
Also as they said above - My Nemo Aquarium in Lilburn has an amazing selection of both fish and corals and they've always been very helpful and friendly to me. Also they are maybe 20 minutes from Conyers so about the closest we have.

 

[skriz]

If your system isn't setup correctly to begin with, having a maintenance company can only help so much. Show us the details of what you're dealing with and we can help you better.

2 things that I've learned in this hobby:
Spend the money now and enjoy
Or spend your labor (and then eventually spend the money!)

In the end, we always end up upgrading to better equipment, better additives, better salts. We'll all go through that or have gone through that.

 

[skriz]

And yes, there's a lot of unscrupulous people in this hobby. But just like with everything else in life, do your research and when you see the signs, BELIEVE THEM!