i was shopping on this site called socalireefs.com, and when I scrolled to the end of the thousands of sponsors (who have great deals) i discovered a forum section. my granpappy told me of these forums when he was a kid.
Sadly, the only LFS in my hood (Fumi's Tropical Fish) finally closed down. He was struggling since 2008; his sister's store in LA was subsidizing him. I bought from him weekly, even stuff I didn't need or could find half price online, but I couldn't support him by myself. I told him the online was cheaper, more convenient, had everything, & millennials were coming of age, this hobby is mostly 20-50 year old males.these kids have always had the convenience of mobile apps. Could a new hobbyist have a full tank without ever setting foot in an LFS? Yes! so now the reefing experience is all now online too: tank build thread, brag shots of LE frags, lots of likes. the cycle is complete.
Sadly, the only LFS in my hood (Fumi's Tropical Fish) finally closed down. He was struggling since 2008; his sister's store in LA was subsidizing him. I bought from him weekly, even stuff I didn't need or could find half price online, but I couldn't support him by myself. I told him the online was cheaper, more convenient, had everything, & millennials were coming of age, this hobby is mostly 20-50 year old males.these kids have always had the convenience of mobile apps. Could a new hobbyist have a full tank without ever setting foot in an LFS? Yes! so now the reefing experience is all now online too: tank build thread, brag shots of LE frags, lots of likes. the cycle is complete.