Garf?

[rburn99]

I stumbled across Garf's site before this one and I got a good impression of them from their site (not in their ability to write html code though :lol: )
They seemed genuinely concerned with the critters as opposed to being money driven. I called them with questions and they were very curteous and helpful. But then I found this forum and saw snippets like "well, we all know about garf" and "Check the bottom of our main forum page for a section on garf". (I could not find this section mentioned though)
I've heard their frags are small (which I think might be a good thing to watch them grow from little ones) I got the impression they stand behind their shipments and replace anything that doesn't survive (without us having to buy insurance)

So what is the problem with garf? I was thinking of getting some grunge from them and probably a janitor kit. (is 150 snails and crabs really the recommended amount of janitors for a 90 gallon? seems like you wouldn't be able to see through the glass for all the snails.. )
LR I'm not too sure about. Their prices are the same as my LFS plus I would have to pay shipping.

Thanks in advance for advice, facts, and opinions.
I think this forum is an excellent source of information!
Robb

 

[ChrisRD]

Opinions vary about GARF but in truth I think they're OK. I ordered some stuff from them years ago and had no complaints.

Their janitor packages are excessive IMO and I would not put that many cleanup critters in your 90. Prolly cutting that in half is still a bit much...

If you can get good rock locally that's the way to go. If not, check out http://www.premiumaquatics.com if you're interested in Pacific rock. If you want Gulf of Mexico stuff Gulf View and Tampa Bay Saltwater both have good reputations.

HTH

 

[Len]

GARF is known for endorsing "sub-optimal" systems that are marketable. Their bullet-proof system is for example. GARF also has a tendancy to over-exaggerate their claims and pictures; photos that are overly saturated are sometimes referred to as "garfed." GARF has done some good work, but their contribution has been tempered by some of their less-then-kosher work.

Oh, their janitor package is extreme overkill. I'd contact Jeff's Exotic Fish (www.exoticfish.com) for a better package.