A Review of Philly Area LFS (Part 1)

There are bits of information all over the internet and in local clubs on what the best local fish stores are in the area.  I thought I would take few minutes to talk about SOME of these stores so you know where to go for what and what stores to generally avoid.  These are the stores that I hit in my travels.  There are others.  Either they are too far out of my way or not worth the trip and so…not reviewed here.

PART 1:  CHESTER COUNTY PET STORES WITH SALTWATER

• Frazer Zoo (Frazer, PA) – The Frazer Zoo is located in Chester County, PA.  The fish room is run by Mike, who is a very knowledgeable reefkeeper and will not let you make a bad purchase decision.  Mike will spent quality time helping you make the right purchase decisions or even just talk to you about your current set-up and help you diagnose any problems you may be having.  His specialty is in corals.  His frag tanks always induce drooling from me.  From many unique and rare zoanthids to the hottest SPS and LPS, the Frazer Zoo rivals any LFS.  But, as far as fish are concerned, they tow a hard line.  They only order fish from ORA (and get some clowns from local breeders).  SO, don’t expect rows of wrasses or anything like that.  Mike will custom order any coral you want and even ORA Fish.  His orders arrive on Thursdays typically.  Their dry goods section is small and only useful if you live nearby and need something quick.  Otherwise, the selection is rather small in comparison to other stores.  (NOTE:  The Frazer Zoo also carries other pets and some people are critical of their dog cages, so be warned).
  • FISH:  1/5
  • INVERTS:  2/5
  • SPS: 5/5
  • LPS: 3/5
  • SOFTIES: 5/5
  • SUPPLIES:  2/5
• Pickering Valley Farm & Feed (Exton, PA) – PV is located in Exton, PA and is a real farm & feed store that includes a small fish room.  They have a single aisle with some fish supplies, but its only the basics.  They get the standard saltwater fish and soft corals, but they stay away from most LPS and all SPS.  Their fish orders arrive on Tuesdays.  Sue runs the fish room and she is generally knowledgeable.  This is the store closest to me, so I buy my frozen food here.  Their fish range from clowns (they even get a picasso or the like in every once in a while), all the way up to an occasional eel, lionfish or trigger.  Their tanks could use some better maintenance but the fish are typically healthy. Unhealthy fish are usually quarantined and she won’t sell them to you.
  • FISH: 3/5
  • INVERTS: 3/5
  • SPS:  0/5
  • LPS: 1/5
  • SOFTIES: 1/5
  • SUPPLIES:  1/5
• Diane’s Pets (Pottstown, PA) – Diane’s is located on the southern outskirts of Pottstown on Rt. 100.  They are a standard pet store, but they do have a row of saltwater fish and minimal corals.  Like Pickering Valley Farm & Feed, they typically get the standard saltwater fish, but every once in a while they get in something nice and usually with a decent price tag.   They do not carry any SPS, but they do have a few LPS and SPS.  One thing they seem to stock well is inverts (snails and crabs) and their prices are always rock bottom.  Their dry goods is lacking, but if you need something quick and you are local, you can check there first.
  • FISH:  3/5
  • INVERTS: 4/5
  • SPS: 0/5
  • LPS:  1/5
  • SOFTIES:  1/5
  • SUPPLIES: 1/5

Next up, the Local stores who are “fish only”

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