Aquatic Vision went independent quite a while ago. They've been working rather hard to improve their service and products. Even their website is a lot better now, with an online shop even.
Thanks for all the replied guys. A bit of background- The thread looks strange because I unintentionally hijacked the SAM'S thread looking for any other shops that are decent. A mod kindly separated the threads and stated this one (thanks BTW and sorry for the hijacking). I find myself in the situation where I am without transport during the week. I live in Strand and cannot afford to drive to every LFS over the weekends. Hence I ask the advice of my fellow APSA members as to where to go and narrow my search. This has never been an issue for me since I used to live in Brackenfell, almost walking distance from Aquatic Vision, and got all my stuff from there. However as time went on they would always try to sell me stuff I dont need or want. My visits there became awkward and uncomfortable and this was really the reason I neglected the hobby and pretty much lost touch. I am very happy to see that things have changed there and I may make a turn there again to see how its going there. Anyway, thanks for all the help. It would appear that the aquarium scene in cape town leaves something to be desired in terms of customer service, stock availability and just all round nice shops. I have not visited Pet World at N1 city as they seem to have opened after I lost interest but the work seems to be worth a look. So my go-to list it would appear is Fish Ect, Pet World and Aquatic Vision. Plants will come from Richard (duh).
No worries man. Have you been to Pets Aquaria (owned by one of Sams nephews) in Strand or Birds Haven petshop in Somerset West? Haven't' been to either in quite a while, but you may want to go check 'em out.
I checked out Pets Aquaria a few times in the last few months. They are well stocked with equipment, unfortunately mostly the cheap "Chinese" stuff (as you see at Sams). I would prefer to pick up something slightly longer lasting. The livestock look okay but I am dubious. I have not visited Birds Heaven since 2010 and they were closed over this past weekend. Im planning to make a drop by there this weekend. There is another shop in main road Sommerset west, the name escapes me now but they are across the Checkers center. Last time I was there was also around 2010 and they were pretty well stocked back then. A bit expensive. Popped past there this weekend.... My first thought when I walked in was " What a sh!t hole". I walked around the place a few times hoping that I missed the section they kept all the stock! Absolute waste of time. But, I intend to visit as many of the LFS in the near future and maybe keep this thread alive by short reviews on all the different shops.
Birds Haven is not that bad, atleast healthier fish than most LFS. And they try sourcing things for you as much as they can.
What also makes them interesting or atleast worth visiting if in the area, is that they occasionally have fish you don't often find at other shops or for example when a shipment of otto's come in and are already sold out everywhere else, you may very likely still find some at Birds Haven.
I supply Birds Haven with Japan Blue Endlers ever so often and I know the owner very well. They try their best and they have interesting fishes regularly. If you have not seen them, then I have been there before you and bought them . The shop in the main road opposite Checkers is a disaster fish wise, don't bother. If you are really bored you can come and visit my collection.... Kind regards, Dirk
Where is this? And professor, I do need to visit your fish collection.. and plant collection, got any?
Any decent shops close to Mitchells plain? I've been to pet world at N1 city yesterday. Had a nice selection of fish, some holding tanks are too small for my liking though, hardly any plants. Decent range of foods and additive however on th pricy side. Also had some spider wood.
< Disclaimer: Noob opinion> I popped in to Aquatic Warehouse in Retreat yesterday. They had quite a variety of plants in stock that day- more than the other 2 big LFS in that area. At very decent prices, from what I have seen so far...
erm... not the right person to ask about names, yet. ( gimme a couple of months ) Here is a link to their gumtree ad - it has a picture of their biggest plants tank with some stock- not sure if the pic quality is good enough to actually discern what they are tho... http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-fish/diep-river/aquatic-warehouse/1001538063510910040381509 ( and, handily, it has the blokes phone number, if you want to know specifics )
Same setup as sams.. sorry but I cannot take seriously any shop keeping plants like that. Incredible.