Alexandria/DC Aquarium Stores

[Anonymous]

After a recent relocation to the DC Metro area (Old Town Alexandria, to be precise) I'm forced to continue my masochistic tendency to observe reef tanks and not be able to care for one. So on that note, can anyone recommend any good shops in the Metro DC area? Keep in mind that I'm without an automobile so proximity to the metro is a huge plus. Specific directions would be even better.

Thanks!
Nathan

 

[eddi]

Nathan,

My name is Eddi, I live in Fairfax. Welcome to the area.

I am afraid there are not very many shops that are easily accessible without a car. In fact, I can't think of one (however, that does noy mean there aren't any).

Why can't you care for a reef tank? I am sure you could if you set your mind to it. Send me a PM or e-mail me at [email protected] if you want to talk about what is around our area.


Eddi

 

[kparton]

There is a saltwater only store out in Reston called The Marine Scene. I used to do all my business there. Traffic is just so bad that I have started going almost exclusively to Vienna Aquarium and Pets (probably the closest to a metro, but would still require taking the bus). They have a pretty large selection and the kid that works there on the weekend actually knows what he's talking about. They also give good advice on acclimating and such.

There is a Wally's Aquarium store in Alexandria, you could take a bus to it. It's selection is just OK though.

 

[Anonymous]

Eddi,

The main reason I can't care for a tank is b/c I'm only here for a semester while I attend VT's Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center. At home (Baton Rouge, LA) I had begun to set up a tank but then I decided to come up here for the semester... you get the idea. One of the other students at the WAAC drove from CalPoly with his four clowns and set his tank back up when he arrived. He made a few trips to some local shops but didn't report back favorably. Nonetheless, it got me thinking about the hobby again.

Come to think of it, he would probably drive if I could find a great shop.


N

 

[ReefMon]

Unfortunately none of the better DC area shops are easily accessed by metro.

If you can get out and about, I'd recommend visiting The Reef Tank in Fairfax, Marine Scene in Herndon and Exotic Aquatics in Baltimore. If you do decide to do a road trip, the Baltimore Aquarium is worth a visit.

Closer to you and accessible by Metro is the Invertebrate exhibits at the National Zoo.

Surf on over to the WAMAS.org forums, and see if you can hook up with a local who can help you get around! Also, we'll be doing our annual propagation work shop in Kengington, MD on Oct, 18th.

Happy Reefing!
Glenn R

 

[eddi]

Nathan,

a great shop is very much a subjective thing. The Reef Tank has limited stock but very reasonable prices and good people. They are the most hobbyst friendly store in the area, by far.

The Marine Scene in Herndon has real good stuff, but also limited stock and very high prices.

The Vienna Aquarium, in Vienna of all places, has good fish selection, low corals but very high prices.

Roozen's, in Fort Washington has an incredible selection of both fish and corals and resonable prices. However be warned, it is a 'production shop'. They mix fish that should not be together, do not have correct lighting for corals, and have a high death rate. But they have almost anything you can thing of. If you can get past the 'oh my God, I can't believe they put that there' feeling, it is an excellent place to stock your tank.

The Aquarium Center is Randallstown is another large shop. Outstanding fresh fish selection, average salt fish, just ok corals. Prices are slightly above average. However, they have an excellent dry good selection.

I have never been to Exotic Aquatics in Baltimore, but I hear they have good things and correspondingly high prices.

Glenn is correct, go to www.wamas.org and find out when the next meetings are. I am sure you can get plenty of frags from the various members.


Eddi