I went to NorthSide Aquatics for the first time several weeks ago after having moved to Maumelle from Searcy.
The one thing that I have to say is that I really learned about my aquarium for the first time when i visited here. Our local store in Searcy just had overpriced equipment (sometimes as much as 3 times as high!) and employees that would just sell you whatever you wanted.
NorthSide, on the other hand, had very reasonably priced equipment, and they took time to educate me about what would and what would not be a good idea to put in my aquarium. They made it clear that they weren't selling fish just to sell fish - they actually cared about the fish after they left the store.
I have found out that going to larger chain pet stores really didn't do me any good because I got a good deal on a tank that I thought would be a way to save money, but it turns out that the equipment that I got (after having read about it online) wasn't very good and wasn't very well-suited to what I was trying to do (a reef tank). My aquarium has always given me problems,no matter what I tried, and I am finding out now that I had all the wrong stuff - so it is no surprise.
NorthSide is helping me to swap out for equipment that will do the job much better. What gets me is that there wasn't that much difference in the price of the wrong equipment I got in the ""deal"" from the big pet store and the right equipment I am getting from NorthSide.
I have to say that I am so impressed. After having swapped out a few things, and having waited for a couple of months, things are really looking spectacular! I am also changing over to the line of additives and the salt that they recommend.
Why didn't I go here first????? If you are reading this and it is far to drive like it was for me - drive there anyway and let them help you. Don't end up like me having to buy stuff twice. Pass on that aquarium ""deal"" at the big pet store. It will save you money in the long run.
more