Location: Corner of Spadina and Dundas Street (Chinatown) Reviewed By: Joe Date Of Review: May/2006 Overall: Good Times Visited: Five to Ten Times Freshwater Selection: Very Good Saltwater Selection: Fair Stock Selection: Good Staff: Good Prices: Fair
Comments: The staff here are very polite and somewhat know what they're talking about. A little problem with the english-chinese barrier (I asked for carbon and the staff were confused, the manager came and pointed to their fish tank cleaning supplies o O) so be prepared for a little confusion.
I don't know what the previous person who reviewed this shop went to, but the staff were far from knowledgeable. I asked what gender their gouramis were and the staff asked each other and could not come with an answer. Heck, a year ago when I was a "fish newbie" I asked what kind of food bettas prefer and he gave me MARINE FLAKE FOOD!
Speaking of "fish newbie", If you're new to fishes, chances are you'll spend more money on supplies and fishes than what you actually need. I was looking for a filter for a 5 gallon and they offered me a 50 dollar whisper waterfall filter. Good thing I din't bite because there are better filters like Aquaclear that cost less than that. If you buy crabs or snails, expect them to tell you that the only thing they eat are the specialty crab pellets or that snails only thrive on their 10 dollar plants.
Their prices are fair, some of their fish cost the same as any other pet store, some are waaaaaaaaaaaay more. Ghost shrimp is 1.99 each or 5 for 5 bucks...what?! You can get a DOZEN at PJs or the menagerie at around 2-3 bucks. A regular goldfish can go around 2 to 5 bucks, whereas you can just buy a feeder fish from any other pet stores for 50 cents. I got myself one becuase he was very colorful for a feeder fish, and a year later, he's the most happiest 50 cent goldfish I've ever seen. The prices on their aquariums are ridiculous. They sell a 2.5 gallon tank for 20 bucks, coincidentally enough, other pet stores sell the exact same brand at the same size for half the price. When you enter the store you'll notice their "special" which is a 10 gallon gallon fish tank with a canopy (with no light) for 69.99. Big Als has also the same offer, but includes a canopy with a light, gravel, plastic plants and a filter. Even WalMart sells aquariums with all the extras.
If you're new to this hobby or on a tight budget or both, I don't recommend this place. It's best to go there when you know more about what you want rather than them fooling into buying stuff you don't need. If you are going, try some window shopping first, take down the names of the fish/plants/etc you like and do some research here on the internet. Check other stores and compare their prices.
Only go this store when you aware and knowledgeable, otherwise you'll regret it.
Comment : They completely misinformed me about what it takes to care for a red-eared slider turtle. I don't know if the seller was ignorant or just wanted to make a sale, but they were wrong about _everything_. From food to tank size to water temperature - everything they told me downplayed the effort it takes to care for those turtles. I wouldn't think of coming anywhere near this store again!
You must be a member and logged in to comment
Comment :
