Where are we going?

Where are we with Local Fish Stores in Colorado? What is the future of this blog? Been asking myself this question a lot lately. This all started as a small service to our hobbyist friends and anyone interested in aquariums and fish stores. Here is what I know. The convenience of going to a box store and picking up all you need for all your pets can be very tempting. I also know the benefit of a dedicated focused store. I will use About Fish as the example for a Local Fish Store because they are probably the best we have in Colorado. The trip is totally worth it, bring a cooler or insulated carrier if you have over 30 mins to drive. The selection, professional advice, and specialized products set the LFS head and shoulders above the box stores. Box stores do have their place. The advantage of a box store is they can service the remote areas of the state and draw on their corporate strength to keep the doors open. Areas like the SW part of the state have access to fish now in other ways too. Mail order has gotten very good and we have some very good online sellers, Dan’s Fish in WY comes to mind. The other great source of both fish and expert advice is your local Aquarium Society. Going to their auctions can be a great source of good fish and supplies at garage sale prices. See my blog on CAS auctions. This year the auction is October 18^th in the same place they have their meetings.

As far as this blog goes, it is not here to make money so I only post when I have some info to share. Sign up to get notification when I post. Fish stores don’t change that much over time, which is a good thing. Once they get things dialed in, it is best to focus on maintenance and quality stock. So, I will continue to visit LFS around the state from time to time, some will be yearly and others will be more often depending on what I hear and see from other hobbyists. Support your local fish store and our aquarium hobby will thrive for years to come.

Sequoia Elisabeth