Location of Canadian Big Als [Archive]

Rocketman

11-27-2002, 2:14 PM

Hey, for all you canadians that puruse Big Al's, are there any Big Al's stores close to the Ambassador Bridge? If so, does anyone know if they carry Seachems Onyx Black Sand, and if so, how much it costs? Please specifiy whether thats Canadian or American Dollars.... This is becuase Big Al's wants 7.79 per 15lb bag of Onyx Sand to ship it to me, and I live right across the border; it doesnt seem worth it for 5 bags, (and I have called about 10 stores now, only 1 MAY have it.) Thanks all, I know I'm asking a lot, but...

Wippit Guud

11-27-2002, 3:04 PM

OK, not that I live anywhere near the area... but if it's on the internet, I can find it...

Closest store to you is in London, Ontario, about a 2 hour drive from the bridge, but it might be quicker if you cross the border up at Port Huron.

Their phone number is 519-668-2752, you can call to see if they have any.

Rocketman

11-27-2002, 4:38 PM

Hey, thanks Wippit. I didn't know the Islanders refered to the Island as PEI, just like we Americans, (who even know of the place,) call it. As I recall, when I was asked to name 3 canadian provinces on my last History Test, PEI was a valid answer... haha. It's sad to think that most American's couldnt name two provinces, and I hear most canadians can name almost all states, (more than us Americans, too.)

Anyway, theres a crossing in Port Huron? Is that the Blue Water Bridge or something?

Wippit Guud

11-27-2002, 5:02 PM

Dunno the bridge, it's Port Huron on your side, and Sarnia on ours.

And yeah, we call it PEI, easier to say (and spell)

Rocketman

11-27-2002, 5:03 PM

Alright, thanks

Matak

11-27-2002, 5:31 PM

You are about 2.5 hours from the Greater Toronto Area. I think there are about 6 Big Al's / Aq. Services in that area. Worth the extra drive?

Elmo

11-27-2002, 5:58 PM

The last time I was at the London Big Als, I didn't see any Onyx. I haven't really been looking for it, but I can't remember ever seeing it here.

Rocketman

11-27-2002, 6:04 PM

I dunno if it is worth 5 hours driving to save 40 bucks, its a tossup. Anyone know a way I can tell exactly the closet store to me, from the company? Their website seems to be directed only to shopping. O yeah, and you canadians- come in and check out the prices on the US site.

Wippit Guud

11-27-2002, 6:07 PM

I just brought up the list of stores at

www.aquariumservices.com

And then checked out what city is closest with mapquest

www.mapquest.com

But some of them are obvious... Ottawa is about 9 hours from Detroit.

sChArF

11-27-2002, 7:17 PM

Rocketman: That $7.79 is that in Canadian funds? The bigals here wants to charge me $27/bag for fluorite.. They didn't even know what onyx sand is even though it’s been in there paper for over a year. What number did you call or get this quote from?

The Big Als in Calgary is one of the worst LFS in the city. all of there fish are sick and or dieing.. If they have fish in there tanks at all. There prices are crazy as well.

Rocketman

11-27-2002, 8:44 PM

Big Als online, in America, wanted 12.49 for the 15 lb, (7 kilo) bag of Onyx sand, and 7.79 in American Dollars to ship it to me. I got this quote by calling their 'website' I guess you would say, as they answered 'big als online how may I help you?' The toll free number is at the bottom of all their pages I think.

sChArF

11-27-2002, 10:52 PM

cool thanks you may want to go to www.seachem.com
and call one of there reps.. i have hurd of people get awsome deals from them as well. they will ship it to a local dealer in your area. everone raves about there public service.

goldfish freak

11-27-2002, 11:09 PM

Scharf, So how does Seachem do it? Do you buy from them direct then they ship it to your local dealer? I am assuming you need to pay the shipping as well.

phishprincess

11-28-2002, 12:16 AM

Big Als is a franchise and their Head Office is in Ontario.. which is why it's cheaper to buy it in Ont. than it is in ALb.

As each location is independantly owned... not all the stores have the same quality in fish selection. and may not carry the same product as there other stores do.

your best bet is to order on-line because there is no store-front charges.. and that is your best way to get the best price.
:D

sChArF

11-28-2002, 6:18 AM

this is where i got my info. he called the rep at seachem and got it for $12/bag(US) no shipping.

http://www.aquabotanic.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=337&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=45

Witch sounds like a good deal. but you can get it off the bigals usa site for 12.49

29.99/bag (cnd) on bigals Canada.

the stores in my city sell it for $36/bag. (cnd)

They gave me a story about shipping and what not.

But i know they are making 200% profit on some of there lights they sell.

How much is too much profit for these LFS.
I’ll stop rambling now and go to work.

Rocketman

11-28-2002, 10:31 AM

Scharf, don't you guys have thanksgiving? Oh yeah, I forgot that obscure day on my calander...Canadian Thanksgiving....

Anyway, So I can have Seachem send it to my LFS for $12 a bag? Definatly cheaper then any other price I have seen. One of the LFS's I called said they didn't have it, but since it was made by Seachem they can certainly Special Order it.

Wippit Guud

11-28-2002, 10:45 AM

For the record, American celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving, you know... you guys just call it Columbus Day :)

Rocketman

11-28-2002, 4:12 PM

Ha. I will try to work out what that one guy did with the florite... so all I have to do is give Seachem a call, tell them I can't find any Onyx Sand in my area, and they will work something out with my LFS and ship it to them, where I will buy it at a cheaper price then I would if I bought it online and payed for the shipping? I can buy it at Bigals for 12.49 for the bag and an additional 7.79 for the shipping, all in American Dollars.

Mad Highlander

11-28-2002, 9:39 PM

If you do take the drive to Toronto (which would be a heck of a long way to go in my opinion) you'd have to check out the Big Al's in Mississauga. It's a top rate place with good healthy stock.

By the way, love to see all the complimentary comments going back and forth between Canadians and Americans. Just had to put in my two cents.

Swordfish

11-28-2002, 9:53 PM

i have to agree with Mad Highlander. Out of the 4 big als locations i've been too, Mississauga is by far the best. Largest FW selection and best quality fish.
I've noticed kitchener's quality going down and londons' is very unpredictable.
I've been to scarborough only once and it was over a year ago so i don't really remember.

goldfish freak

11-28-2002, 10:12 PM

Hmmm... now it is three people that say that Big Al's in Missisauga
is a good fish shop. I need to check it out. The one I go to in Scarborough does not usually have have good looking stock in my opinion, the fish don't look healthy at times.