I have had many tanks over the years and my newest one was going to be stocked from scratch. I did some research and after dealing with another retailer who ddn't respond to my emails, I decided to call Dave. He is a very knowledgeable guy and was always nice on the phone. The fish showed up on time, all alive, and after a week, they are doing great.
I ordered all male peacocks and haps. Dave advised me as to which ones will do better together than others, and worked within my budget. He was able to send me some 3"fish and some 2" fish so that I had some color right away. The larger males are beautiful and the smaller ones have started to color up.
A really positive experience for a first time order.
I ordered 3 different types of mnuba. The fish arrived perky and beautiful. They acclimated to my tank immediately. All seem very healthy. Dave was very kind to answer all of my questions. Will order from him again.
you definitely won't be disappointed with Dave's selection and quality and his prices are great to boot. I'm about an 8 hour drive from Dave's but I always stop in when I'm anywhere near his shop. Dave keeps more fish that I've never heard of or seen in person. The thing I hate about going to Dave's is I always find more fish than I have a place to put when I get home so my disappointment comes when I have to leave a fish I REALLY wanted because I don't have room for it when I get home. So get some extra tanks running and hit his website or better yet, make your way to San Antonio and see them for yourself. Dave is always up for talking fish and is a walking encyclopedia.
We are a military family and have had Rare Dave's ship to us in the past and recieved great healthy fish. Now living in San Antonio Dave has become a friend and he always gets pumped up about bringing in great rare fish for his customers. Dave has a awesome selection at all times. If you cant find what you want talk to Dave tell him what your looking for and he will try his best to get you what you want.
I have to say that I'm thrilled with my first Cichlid/mail order experience! I ordered several species from Dave and he had everything in stock that he advertised. I know he must be busy, yet he took the time to answer all of my questions. Once he confirmed stock he called me back with EVERY available shipping option and cost so I could choose the most convenient/cost effective method for myself. The fish all arrived safely and did not seem stressed at all. In fact they ate within an hour of being introduced. He even threw in a couple of extras! I would not hesitate to order from him again, highly recommended.
Just got my fishes this morning and couldn't believe the quality and liveliness of them right out of the box. The packaging was the most professional I've ever seen. I will be going back to Dave for many more fish and very soon!
WOW!!! Nice fish!!!! Dave: Thanks for the help, Calvus look amazing!!! Everything arrived looking great; they even munched some food right away The eels look cool, my new favorite oddity in the tank!
Visited Dave's Rare Fish in June. http://www.gcca.net/gccaforum/index.php?topic=1162.0 Astounded at the numbers of fish/aquariums/species. He gave me a tour and assisted with species suggestions as well as references back to his many books for additional information. Really amazed. He helped me put together a recipe for my tank that is going great and continues to assist when asked by e-mail. I wasn't able to take in all of his shop while we were there but look forward to another trip.
I purchased a group of three different Victorians from Dave - Dayglows, Red Tail Shellers and Rubys. All came in great shape with top of the line packaging. Dave has the best Vic selection that I have ever seen and I will definitely buy again. Thanks Dave!!
I have put together quite a few group buys over the years. This was my first time ordering from Dave. I was quite impressed with how well organized the shipment went. The fish I ordered were in great shape and quality. They are now enjoying their new home. Thanks again Dave, I'll be back.
I got my order in today and all the fish were in excellent shape. His selection of Mbuna were just unbelievable. I spoke to Dave on the phone and he is extremely freindly and knowledgable. Did I mention the colors! Thanks Dave!
From the first moment that you speak with Dave you know that you are dealing with a class act. We did a group buy that spanned two airport...yes, two airports, and everything was perfect. My order included Mbuna, Vics and Synodontis...and I am not sure which group I am happiest about as they are ALL stunning looking fish. Dave, thanks, you have a customer for life! Bill
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