[earthgirl]

I've checked several websites and the price savings is quickly absorbed by the shipping costs, I noticed...but the selection online is much better than what is available at the chain pet stores.

Do you have a favorite website for ordering plants?

 

[Geomancer]

I've used Live Aquaria and Planted Aquariums Central.

I was reasonably satisfied with both. Shipping cost though is largely unavoidable. Big companies will use UPS 2nd Day, while smaller operations will use USPS Priority Mail.

UPS is expensive no matter what, and Priority Mail is more affordable but will still likely be $10+.

They are sent this way because they have to be, they can't spend long times in a box with no light and limited moisture.

If your area has a local fish store (one that specializes in fish rather than general pet store) they may have a better selection.

 

[ZivaD]

I've used Live Aquaria and Planted Aquariums Central.

I was reasonably satisfied with both. Shipping cost though is largely unavoidable. Big companies will use UPS 2nd Day, while smaller operations will use USPS Priority Mail.

UPS is expensive no matter what, and Priority Mail is more affordable but will still likely be $10+.

They are sent this way because they have to be, they can't spend long times in a box with no light and limited moisture.

If your area has a local fish store (one that specializes in fish rather than general pet store) they may have a better selection.

Also - keep in mind that most LFS will gladly add things to their regular order for you that they may not stock on a regular basis. So just because you don't see what you want doesn't mean they can't get it.

 

[beaslbob]

I like www.aquariumplants.com

But you could check with the lfs once you decided what plants to get. The shipping to the lfs would be diluted through many other things.

my .02

 

[Bongox3]

Agree with beaslbob ... Aquariumplants.com worked nicely for me...I also liked their bulk substrate...bit $$$ with shipping but lfs seldom have the variety...plus u can purchase larger amounts of certain filler plants and hard to find wood...I ran into an order prob with them, and they called me and we,re very friendly and helpful as well...no issue with snails or dead products on arrival either the times that i ordered frm them....just my .02 cents but keep in mind I'm new here and maybe all mixed up!!!! :shock: Oh...FYI, things tend to look larger on their site then the item u receive....kind of a shock with the pricey wood I got (actually kinda sucked) but the plants grew healthy and quickly...did I mention the wood was $$$$$$$$$$$$$ and unexpectedly small??? Oh well, live and learn...

 

[earthgirl]

...did I mention the wood was $$$$$$$$$$$$$ and unexpectedly small??? Oh well, live and learn...

What kind of wood did you purchase? I bought a piece of driftwood off ebay but it's not waterlogged and I've been boiling it a lot to release the tannins, but so far the boiling water is still turning brown so I haven't added it to the tank. I like clear water. :lol:

 

[Bongox3]

I got a piece of mopani wood....to be honest it is rather unique looking, but would have been just as happy with wood purchased at a local fish store....I also come across great pieces of wood when I go hiking, but I'm just too chicken to use these pieces as I have no idea of their type, exposed toxins, or critters within....I'm happy with my little puny piece of wood, but just not $40 worth of happy....:roll:

 

[Bongox3]

One thing I have used with some success are bunches of twigs....they're much easier to clean and process...nicely accentuate plant life....and fun to watch small fish maneuver through....I wouldn't use with larger more aggressive fish though, too much risk of injury....