Chicago LFS vs. Online 4 cleanup crew

[Tangy1]

I need to stock my tank with additional snails and various clean up critters (emerald crab, peppermint shrimp, cucs, conchs). I live in Chicago and have seen most of these items sold in LFSs. However the prices of online companies cannot be beat by any of the LFSs.

Is it worth paying the premium for LFS stock to ensure LIVE livestock? My only concern is with summer heat ,shipping from online places may jeopardize the contents.

Anyone know of any LFS in the Chicagoland area that have cheaper clean up crews?

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Online is definitely the way to go in my opinion on cleanup crews, especiallly if you are getting a large amount. Check out www.reeftopia.com and www.etropicals.com for some good deals. They are shipping overnight which should minimize any heat issues assuming you are around to get the delivery. It is crazy to pay $2.00 for a blue leg hermit or $5.00 for a snail (probably the prices you are seeing up there).

 

[FishyDrummer]

Here are a few options for Chicago LFS - cheap prices. Problem is, you will probably only see SOME of the critters as any given LFS, not all of 'em - however, if you are willing to get stuck in traffic. Here are a few that I've had a lot of luck with:

Reef Dweller - Lincoln and Peterson - Menard is a great guy - store is low overhead and never has a lot of fish, but tons of great SPS frags, softies, clams, etc. Should have some good clean up stuff - best prices in the area.

Marine Connection - Dundee (W of 83) in Wheeling - even lower overhead, but usually a pretty good selection of fish and softies - always has good clean up stuff (shrimp/cukes/snails).. Chris is moving - so you may want to check first. Also great prices

Tropiquatics - Main St in Lombard - out of the way, but a pretty good selection of fish and usually some good cleaners - always have cleaners, cukes, peppermints, serpent stars, etc. Real good prices.

Hope it helps...

 

[goofyreefer]

Marine Connections has moved and it changed its' name to Show Tank I think. I know the name changed but can't remember what the new name was for sure.

 

[Rob Top]

In Shaumgurb there is Advanced Aquatics, they have astreas for $1, but nothing compairs to reeftopia, at least that I am aware of. they offer free shipping on anything over $120, and several of their clean-up packages offer free shipping as well. I only ordered from them once, but was very pleased and will again once the 230 is ready for stocking