Let me begin by saying, the western slope of Colorado has aquaria covered nicely! My 2024 visit began at J&M Aquatics and Pet Center. Find them at 2851 1/2 North Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501. They are open 9-7 every day except Sunday 10-6pm. With the business facts out of the way, let's move on to the actual store and what they have to offer.
As a full-service pet store, they mainly offer supplies, to include tanks, filters, meds, water treatment, hardscape, tools, and pretty much anything any aquarist may need. The aquarium side of the store, yes, the aquaria take up half the store, which is as big as most big box stores, begins with tanks and supplies and in the back are the fish, to include fresh, brackish, and saltwater. Like I said, this LFS attempts to cover all aspects of the aquarium hobby. They do a fairly good job too. The store, esp. the livestock area looks a lot better than last time I visited. See my previous blog posted at the end of this blog.
The variety of fish available impresses me, though the quality seems suspect, so vet your fish selections carefully. The pictures below will tell the story. Good prices in the current marketplace, nice selection and healthy fish (for the most part) makes for a success story. The store is clean and well maintained, though we did spot a dead pleco all dried up in a tray of rocks on the floor. It was likely a jumper which no one even noticed. We did spot a few other fish which were ‘distressed’, and otherwise every seemed happy and healthy. All LFS’s loose fish, and what is nice is they treat them and care for them so for the most part you don’t have to.
The tanks were all well stocked, which again, is not my experience last time I visited. Suffice it to say, perhaps my timing was better this time. We also peaked around to the cat and dog food side of the store and noticed they carry reptiles also. I was not impressed with these animals. I would be very cautious about source, care, and condition of any animal I get from this pet store. Take this as a neutral (as it can be) statement please. Be the Observer.
Overall J & M Aquatics and Pet Center has your pet care needs covered. The fish department is very nice, and not just basic. They have both beginner pets and advanced ones. The tanks and supplies are affordably priced, though they do not carry the high-end items. For these you’d need to visit the other LFS in Grand Junction which is the topic of my next blog.
Sequoia Elisabeth
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