Wow! You commute that far? Thats what? 75 miles. My hubbie commutes to san jose a couple times a week since the pandemic. I usually go to aquatic collection in hayward. Hoping they deliver tank and set up. I went to randys once in stockton but the tanks were dirty. Sacramento has some good stores. Citrus heights and roseville as well.
Haha Yes its 73 miles each way to work. and then another few hundred miles per day FOR work (I am a driver and deliver all over northern Cali)
I have several fish from Randy's. I agree that their tanks don't look the best. However, Liz is a sweetheart and has always taken good care of me.
I also have several very healthy happy fish and corals from Tropical Haven in Modesto. Again. not the best DT I have ever seen in a LFS, but the fish and corals are decent and fairly priced.
Blue Planet in Fresno, is by far the best shop within an hour from me. Kevin describes himself as a coral farmer, not an LFS. He specializes in corals and everything I have ever purchased from his store has been top notch. Very small store, very clean tanks and a nice selection of corals for every level.. Everything from the most basic GSP or xenia, to the highest end level SPS. He, as well as Liz at Randy's are very much open to special orders. Simply ask for what you want and they will let you know when they have it ready for you.