Tropic Isle aquarium - Framingham, MA

[Myk]

Pretty sure it was paved last September, I think I remember having to move my car, yeah I used to work there.

 

[RichConley]

I doubt that lot has been repainted/paved since before 93 either. That is the most screwed up parking lot I think I have ever been in anyway. Its barely suitable for non-handicap people!

I will agree with you on the tree thing though, thats not right!

You guys do realize you dont have to park in those front 4 spots, right? That whole lot on the left is theirs. As to the ADA, that spot is kind of a mess, tree hanging over it. I dont get the point that red brought up though about it being downhill from the place and that being an issue... you either have to go uphill going in, or going out.

 

[stevenp]

I think their parking lot is better than a lot of other LFS's.

Red,
Did you take the opportunity to bring this to their attention during your visit?

Steve

 

[redpaulhus]

Steve - it wasn't something that immediately occured to me, more something that really started to bug me on the drive home.

Rich - my point was that the designated spot was useless, and my wife wouldn't have been able to access the building from the second lot where I parked - not only was it too far, but it was up/downhill (unlike the designated spot)

Also - this wasn't something I was going to get confrontational about on Saturday, and give the BRS a bad rep. (and when people start discriminating against my wife, I sometimes get very confrontational) - I just decided it's a reason to take my business elsewhere.

 

[loru1588]

"I walked in with money to spend, but couldn't bring myself to spend it after seeing that on my way in." From your first post.

Evidently, it WAS something that immediately occured to you!

This issue has been brought to management/owners attention and I will personnally persue it.

As I stated before, we have several wheelchair bound regular customers who have not had a problem entering/exiting the store or had a problem parking. I take this matter seriously and I again will follow up on it.

Dan

 

[redpaulhus]

Sorry Dan - my last post was unclear (no coffee yet).

Talking to somebody about the issue - being confrontational - wasn't something I was willing to do on that day. It wasn't till I was on the way home that I considered posting it here, etc.

I've made a stink and (for example) gotten a delivery driver fired for using the handicap spot at a gas station as his personal loading dock - but I've been trying to keep my temper in. Avoid spending money, yes - make a scene, no.

On my way home, I was kicking myself because I was wishing I HAD made a scene - which I'm now glad I didn't, but at the time, I was wishing I had.

I was trying to answer Steve's question, but did so poorly.

 

[loru1588]

Spoke with management today about this. Both spots to the right of the door are designated as Handicap Parking and DO need to be repainted to make that clearer. In the meantime or until the spots get repainted, if you EVER have a problem (someone parking in those 2 spots and NOT having a placard or plate) feel free to come in and we will make sure the person/persons ,move their vehicle for you/your wife.

I'll talk with Mr. London tomorrow and try to get the trees trimmed and the painting scheduled ASAP. With the good weather FINALLY arriving now would be the time to get it done.

And yeah, confrontation of any sort generally doesn't accomplish much for anyone involved. Hope this helps for the time being.

Dan

 

[fwcarmody]

Just wanted TI to know how much I look forward to my trips out there from Cambridge. I have both FW and reef tank. TI is the only place that I have found German Rams and all my fish/plants have continued to grow wonderfully. I try to do most of my pre-purchase research online and only rely minimally on the sales folks, though their personal experiences are often helpful. I find that the greatest selection, cleanliness and yes, friendliness are all reasons to keep my biz with TI as opposed to more local LFS. Thanks folks...

-Fran

 

[fanaglethebagle]

I kind of like TI's freshwater selection, though people will refuse to sell me stuff because im under 18...
You have to find the right people there to help you out. And its overpriced (I bought a seaclone100 for 130$, at others its like 70$)

 

[ReeferDude]

i have gotten alot of stuff their and there service isnt that great and all the stuff ive bought hasnt lasted for more than a week i purchase most of my stuff from another store and all the livestock from there has lasted me a long while just recently i purchased a yellow mimic tang and its doing very well. second hand info edited out they do have a great selection of fish but they always try to discourage you from buying there stuff

Mod note: Please read the rules for posting in the VE forum.

 

[sw300galma]

I was there again. Like others have said, service and prices are not the best, but selection is top notch. And I guess we are willing to pay the price for it.

The dry goods need to come down..It's always the last resort, but if the prices were better they would do 10x the volume and end up in the end making more money.

 

[Andy O]

Although the prices may be a bit high if you use one of their $$ off coupons when you spend a certain amount it can work out to a good deal.

 

[sw300galma]

Although the prices may be a bit high if you use one of their $$ off coupons when you spend a certain amount it can work out to a good deal.

I wouldn't say "good Deal" i'd say acceptable.

I spend $300+ everytime I go there.

 

[Andy O]

I wouldn't say "good Deal" i'd say acceptable.

I spend $300+ everytime I go there.

I would consider $20 off your next salt water livestock purchase if you have spent $100 a pretty good deal. I find their prices can be high on livestock but it all depends what you are looking for (i.e. a lot of vendors sell neon gobies for $20 each where as I believe that they sell them for $15 each or 2 for $25. Thus 2 neon gobies would cost you $5). If you spend the $300 on one receipt it is still the $20 but if you were to have purchased $100 over three separate visits you would be entitled to $20 for each receipt which would have to be used over 3 separate visits.

 

[RichConley]

I would consider $20 off your next salt water livestock purchase if you have spent $100 a pretty good deal.

It sounds like a good deal, until you realized you just payed $100+ for a $40 pump. That $20 in livestock doesnt come close to making up for it.

That being said, they DO have the biggest livestock selection I've ever seen.

 

[Andy O]

It sounds like a good deal, until you realized you just payed $100+ for a $40 pump. That $20 in livestock doesnt come close to making up for it.

That being said, they DO have the biggest livestock selection I've ever seen.

I probably should have clarified that I don't buy dry goods there, only livestock and yes I agree that if you are looking at this from the standpoint of purchasing dry goods it is definitely a lot more $$.

 

[sw300galma]

I will and do however pay more for the selection...There fish cost way more than any other place i've been, but the fact that they have them there makes it worth it...I defintely pay more for instant gratification rather than waiting for a fedex truck.

 

[Fitzy]

Went to TI again this week. Great looking fish.

The discount you get (10%) for being a member has borabailly saved me close to a coupple hundred. Only LFS that i visit on a frequent occations. Always helpful and willing to take time out to show me what new stuff just came in.

 

[stang8s]

You should use the coupons rather then the 10% discount. The small coupon is $15 of free saltwater fish when you purchase $50 So that is a 30% discount.

 

[RichConley]

I will and do however pay more for the selection...There fish cost way more than any other place i've been, but the fact that they have them there makes it worth it...I defintely pay more for instant gratification rather than waiting for a fedex truck.

I found some of the stuff is really expensive, and some of it is just fine. Fairy wrasses for 29-59? Thats pretty decent. $35 TR bangais? Not so much.