Today when I walk into a grocery store, even Wal-Mart, there are items that I will not purchase off the shelf, because even with great prices they don’t exceed online prices in the right places. In this article I will share with you my favorite online aquarium suppliers that I use for all my fish food and aquatic maintenance needs.
Dr Fosters & Smith Fish Supplies
Our closest big box pet store is Pet Smart in Knoxville (45 minute drive). Occasionally, its fun to go and I’ll see some cool stuff, but not always practical. Dr. Fosters & Smith has been around a long time and readily have sales or discounted items with tons of selection on bulk items in freeze dried, flake, crisp, cichlid pellets, etc. Dr. Fosters & Smith is also one of the best online providers for pond supplies and large display tanks like mine. I have purchased specialty filters, charcoal, bio balls and other discounted name brand items through them. Dr. Fosters & Smith sells thousands of items for all pets, but found fish supplies to be the best value, while usually providing free shipping with $50 orders (easy to spend in bulk).
Big Al’s Fish Supplies
Big Al’s Pets is an online fish supplier that I stumbled across extensively searching for water additives. I regularly use live enzymes in my 300 gallon tank to maintain water quality and keep it clean. Big Al’s Multi-Purpose Bio-Support and Bio-Clean – 64 fl oz and Big Al’s water conditioner are sold exclusively for a good price when compared to other brands. I’ve spoken to staff a few times and they guarantee a price match if you find it cheaper (Never have when it’s on sale) Big Al has other food and aquarium supplies, so keep an eye out for a good deal.
Algae Wafers and Flakes on EBay
All of my fish love algae wafers and they cost a fortune at the store. Even the above mentioned sites don’t offer algae wafers as cheap as EBay. Usually available is ½ lb to 5lb of spirulina algae wafers and flake food, up to 25lb for koi pellets and flakes. 5lb of spirulina algae wafers cost approx. $50 from a gold supplier and the same for flakes with free shipping. They arrive in a large bag in a box. Some reviews don’t like this, but it’s probably how they can offer free shipping. I put the flakes in gallon bags (careful not to crumble flakes) and double bag the wafers. I store them in the freezer and use as needed. I feed my huge plecos, silver dollars, cats, bala sharks and tinfoil bards as many wafers as they like without paying a fortune.
These are my favorite online aquarium and fish food suppliers I’ve repeatedly used the last six years to save money while getting a great product. I typically open three browser windows comparing prices when I need water additives or fish supplies. Normally I purchase items together, but depending of deals and shipping cost I may buy separately. (Wafers are always separate) Please share any great offers you find under my comments.
