The second and last stop on this trip is Western Slope Aquatics, 2905 Patterson Rd #1, Grand Junction, CO 81504. Their open hours are 10-6p M-Sa, 11-5p on Sunday. As LFS’s go, this store is classic. It’s a real joy to visit because they have everything you’d expect at a full-service local fish store. I’m sure if you cannot find it here, they would order it for you. See my photos below for an overview of what to expect when you visit.
The check out desk is just to the right upon entering and to the left is a vast store of merchandise to include aquariums, lights, substrates, and so much more. One of the items which I was surprised to see is black light diffuser which is used to protect the bottom of aquariums when heavy stone is used. Not many stores carry undergravel filters these days, yet they had several choices.
In the back as you enter are the Betta, each in a custom filtered tank. Designed in such a way as to filter the water without flow keeping the fish as happy as possible. Around to the right is the fishroom. Saltwater tanks and fish are the first livestock to run into and along with a few monster tanks on the right. The rest of the room is freshwater with a custom plant tank in the center. The tanks seemed lightly stocked, probably because this is summer, and business was falling off.
A few observations which again may be the timing of my visit. They had hoses and power cords on the floor to trip over. Not good for someone such as myself. I’ve been stumbling through life for as long as I can remember. The other thing is the different colored gravel in the tanks. I really dislike that, but I can see they are just showing off the merchandise while keeping things interesting… to some. The selection and health of all the fish we observed was very good, though not exceptional.
Overall Western Slope Aquatics remains my choice of best LFS in Grand Junction though they seemed to have slipped a bit, while J&M Aquatics has stepped up a bit. Western Slope has good prices, great selection, and wonderful service. It is probably the service where they excel, which is the way in business. Service is everything in retail, or it used to be. I won’t even get into the online competition these days. This LFS doesn’t even have online sales, but they do have a Facebook page. If you’re on the western slope and in need of anything aquaria, check this LFS out.
Sequoia Elisabeth
Click on the image below to enlarge
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