Eagle Reef Systems In Hillsborough

[Brian]

I stopped at Eagle Reefs this weekend.

I would recommend stopping there if you never have before. His prices are pretty decent, comparable to Tropiquarium. His stock is in excellent condition and Bob is a really nice guy.

[blange3]

I got a barred goby to sift the sand in my FOWLR there a few weeks ago. I'll be heading up there the next check I get as I have an empty QT tank.

I second Bob being a nice guy. This place is quickly moving to the top of my list.

[sportbikemike]

Do they have a large selection? How are they priced? Is it a large store? Sorry to ask but I live about an hour away from them and have a 6 month old so it has to be worth it for me to verture out. Thanks for the help ;)

[blange3]

If you were ever at The Reefs Inc. in Greenbrook, it is very similar.

It is a reef and saltwater fish only store. Not a lot of equipment on display, lots of livestock. Only Tropiquarium and Absolutely Fish would have more of a selection, and not by much.

[sportbikemike]

Went there on Sunday. The tanks look nice and they are in the process of setting up a few more. They were doing the plunbing and the place stunk like PVC cement. It didn't bother me but the $75 for a 2" Lemon Peel did. I bought one at Absolulty Fish about 6 months ago for $40.

[Sorcha]

We were there this weekend. It's a nice set up, reef and SWF only as mentioned earlier in this post.

Pricing was reasonable to high. He has some zoos and ricordias that I thought were totally overpriced, but then I got another piece and was surprised how cheap it was. You have to know your prices, but overall I would say he was fair.

The tanks are very clean, but we did get a juvenille yellow box fish that showed some white spots on it when we got him home. He took him back no problem the next day and put the full credit towards a red goniopora instead.

Speaking of the Red Goni...he has one there that is AMAZING! It's huge, probably about 12 - 15 inches in diamater and completely covered with stalks, and a little hole in the middle of the rock. So it's a funky red donut of a rock. The price was $250 which is actually awesome when you consider that we got a much smaller one for $90...after pricing around.

Too bad we could never fit that sucker in our tank. But someone will be in heaven. I saw it completely open, it's beyond impressive.

The place is a Nano keepers dream too. Lots of small frags.

[KennyZush]

I have to say, Eagle is one of the cleanest places that I have visited.
I have bought a pair of maroon clowns from him as well as a few corals and a starfish. I had actually bought a green carpet anemone that was beautiful, but my other fish could not seem to stay away from it and were getting stung constantly. Bob took the anemone back and just for that gesture, he gets a slice of my business. No problems, no complaints.

Kenny Z.

[Subliminal]

Awesome! Finally a friggin store in my neck of the woods.

The best place I've found so far around here has been a Petco, believe it or not. Best selection, prices, and even the best LR I've seen for sale.

Actually, if I may edit my post, while they had lots of good stuff in there, the guy didn't really give me the time of day, and the one fish I asked for a price on was about double that of what I've seen before.

A True Perc (clownfish) for $59.95 seems a little excessive.

Anyway, the equipment there was top notch, but I don't think I'll be spending any money there, based on my experience.

I did find it interesting that he had a thompsoni tang (like mine) there. I heard they were rare, but that's 2 I've seen in as many weeks.

:-)

[riskit]

Great Place....

His live stock is in the best condition and the cleanest reef swf store I've seen. It's a couple of minutes from me and I've watched his tanks go from brand new to today's great condition.

As others stated Bob is a nice guy and it is his hobby first.

Compared to other shops - it's worth the trip there.

[chrowski]

Awesome! Finally a friggin store in my neck of the woods.


Subliminal are you saying you don't know other LFS in our area other than Bob's(Eagle Reefs) and Petco? Because there are 2 places on rt.22 not all too far away that carry corals, although they are hit or miss.

[Subliminal]

Well, even 22 isn't in my neck of the woods. It takes me about 30 minutes to get to 22 and another few to a shop. Woodbridge is at least 30-45 mins away.

Hillsborough is like 10 minutes from me. Although, i don't think I'll be returning to 'bob's', but that's just me. I'm sure he can be a nice guy if he wants, but he sure didn't have any interest in helping me when i walked in.

[chrowski]

Yeah, when I first started going there he didn't treat me like a valued customer, but once you invest a little in a piece at his store he begins to warm up to you. He quality is outstanding though, so it might be worth the cold shoulder once in a while if you're new to him.

[arvin]

You are right Chrowski. I have been to this store couple of months ago and had a very forgettable experience.

Btw, welcome to NJRC and enjoy your stay here!

[Subliminal]

Yeah, when I first started going there he didn't treat me like a valued customer, but once you invest a little in a piece at his store he begins to warm up to you. He quality is outstanding though, so it might be worth the cold shoulder once in a while if you're new to him.


While I see where you're coming from, I just don't agree. I'm not going to pay a premium price to someone who doesn't give me the time of day for something I can get somewhere else from someone who actually treats me like...well, like you should treat anyone...

[KennyZush]

I guess I can see frustration in having someone seemingly give you the cold shoulder. However, I try to remind myself that a large part any retailers business is service, and they don't charge you to have a conversation. I can almost understand a retailer not "giving the store away" answering questions to someone who may never spend a dime. I am with you in that I appreciate politeness and a friendly atmosphere, but at the same time, I would rather invest a few dollars and in return receive solid advise and build a customer/retailer relationship, than have a friendly relationship with someone who can't answer all my questions.

Just exploring the other side of the coin :)

Kenny Z.

[reeferdog]

:o >:( I was just in there today and found it to be a nice store. I however paid around $96 bucks for a 55 pound tub of Tropic Marine sea salt mix. I should have did research online first but I'm fairly new to the hobby so my inexperience got me today. Nice store but last time I go there.

[Erich]

Yeah they are expensive on supplies and fish. But the fish are good quality stock.

[M_Shannon]

Stopped into Eagle Reef Systems yesterday, a quick stop on my way home from work... That is one clean shop with impressive displays. I tried to be as friendly as possible and hopefully start a relationship with him. I told him that I found out about his shop on NJ Reefers forum. I told him that I live north (Turns out, he lives in the town next to me.) I went in there planning on spending some money so I don't get the reputation of being the guy who is just visiting every time. I explained to him that I have just setup a 20g nano with the plans on upgrading in the future... I told him of my past aquarium experience, thinking he would see me as a great repeat customer. I even complimented him on his storefront. He seemed disinterested in listening to me, but I told him anyway.

I really do want to be a customer however.......


I did leave with a bitter taste in my mouth after purchasing two very small pieces of live rock which ended up being 2# worth at 15.00/# and 3 snails @ 2.95ea for a total of $39.00. (I never inquired about price on anything and $39.00 really isn't that much money to start a business relationship) I assume he saw a guy in a suit, with a big fat wallet instead of a fellow Reefer looking to start a relationship.

Personally, as a business man, I think I would have seen the long-term opportunity in me and not gouge my eyes out on my 1st visit.... Maybe $8.00/# for the rock and a $2.00ea for the snails... either way, I graciously paid, thanked him and said I'll be back...

Back I will be, even though I feel as though I've been taken for a ride. Why? Because it's a nice shop and because of others who posted on this thread who say you need to build a relationship with him... I've been hoping I can find a LFS who will know me by first name, provides me with quality live stock at fair prices and I'm willing to try to earn that rather then just expect it.

I've seen way to many REEF Specialized stores go out of business. I'm going to bite the bullet on this one and attempt to support him and see if it pays off in the future.

I have to admit that the two small pieces of LR that I purchased were coralline covered with at least 3 species, with a number of nice thick tube worms and even a small crab (not sure that's a good thing but I left him alone for right now), rather then LR acting as a filtration system under no lighting and filled with deitrius.

[mladencovic]

Last time I was there, which was 4-5 months ago, they were quite pricey. However, since only half of the store was set, at the time, it is possible that that was because they have just started the business and haven't stabilized their inventory.

[sc18702]

Way too much attitude from Bob. He is knowledegeable but not willing to share unless you spend significant money. Also, very opinionated. I have learned in my short experience that there are multiple solutions and set-ups not just one (his way).

[harryk]

Hello all I'm new to this forum.

When i first found his store, i thought his items where great, very pricey in my opinion but he does have nice stuff. He's very standoffish personality wise and not very friendly IMO and doesn't really share any info. I used to go in there once or twice a week and buy stuff i would spend between 30-50 and i purchased all my live stock from him. I could get the stuff cheaper elseware but it was convenient for me because he was close. Now to the reason i will never go back. I was interested in a flame angel but the fish didn't look right to me, i thought i noticed some white spots (ich), so I asked him if it was healthy and he said yes, so i bought the fish (75.00) for a flame is very high but i bought it anyway, i should have went with my gut and not bought it. I put him in my tank no QT at the time (stupid me, now i Qt everything) and he infected my whole tank it took me 6 months to eradicate the Ich, i even finally left my tank fallow for 4 months. I called him 2 days later and explained who i was and the problem and he basically said it was healthy when it left his store so I'm basically SOL. He lost a good customer over a fish that probably cost him 30.00. I would probably have spent a few thousand dollars in his store over the course of a year. In my opinion bad business. oh and as a side note his prices on fish would change weekly for the same fish.

Just my experience so i thought i should share

thanks
Harry

[JohnS_323]

Hey Harry, welcome to NJRC. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Sounds like a pretty poor business decision on his part!

[harryk]

thanks John,

I've learned a lot in the year+ that i've has my tank.

Harry

[Subliminal]

In all fairness, Harry, and nothing against you, any fish can have ich, and if it doesn't go through a proper qt, you take a risk. I learned that the hard way too.

[harryk]

John

I know i've learned from my mistake, if i'm not sure of something i will post it in a forum so i can get opinions from more experience people. But i have learned much in my 1+ year of saltwater. i'm not blaming him for the fish having Ich or my stupidity for not using a QT at the time. I'm just sour on his whole attitude and handling of the issue. Just not a very good business decision IMO very short sighted. He lost what was a good customer over something that was handled very poorly, but that's his attitude, he's not a people person, i don't think he really cares either way

thanks
Harry

[needreefunds]

Hello folks,
Just thought I would also share my experience here. The wife and I took a ride to Eagle Reef a couple months ago. About an hour away for me with traffic ( in Jersey? No way!! ::)). We were greeted with the cold shoulder as soon as we walked in the door. Clean tanks and healthy looking live stock. Almost nothing was priced and oh boy I cant stand that. Am I supposed to ask how much each piece I'm interested in costs? Especially when my "Hello" was greeted with a half nod and another cold stare??

Nope, I tend to disagree here. IF the SERVICE is provided I don't mind paying a bit more to help these stores survive. A simple Hello, or can I help you would have been nice. Are we are supposed to spend big $$ just for him to be civil??

We drove there with money to spend, but the attitude and the lack of priced livestock sent us home with an empty cooler. :-[

I doubt very much we will return.

[depitch039]

Spoke to Bob last week, he informed me that store will relocate to Route 22 West in February.

If anyone remembers the THE REEFS LFS location that is where Eagle Reefs will be moving to.

Doug

[JasonR]

He move more than a chess peice ::)

[harryk]

Now it gives me more reason to not go there

Harry

[Edwardw771]

Nice right by where I work.

[slosoaks]

I went to visit eagle reef in Hillsborough today and found that it was closed, for good. There was a sign on the door indicating a sheriffs sale would take place on January 30th at 10 o'clock. Listed for auction were the black chair, computer and all the aquariums.I am not sure if any equipment will be available.

[Edwardw771]

i thought he was moving to 22 in Feburary.

[depitch039]

That is what Tom told me 3 weeks ago. :o

I have not been back since.

[harryk]

Doesn't he go in and out of business all the time?? With his personality i'm not surprised he's not in business anymore.

[Singlemalt]

Perfect - Anybody want to buy a $100 Eagle Reef gift certificate cheap?

[Subliminal]

I used to buy my ro/di salt water from that guy until he started getting really sporadic with his shop hours. I'd show up and the sign would say he should be open...but he wouldn't be.

It sure was a nice place to walk around...he made some beautiful tanks!

[jazzsam]

Hmmmmm..... So maybe some good deals on the 30th?

[mudbone]

This is wrong information Bob store is moving to a new location on Route 22 in GreenBrook. There is no sheriff sale going on Jan 30th. I was in the store today and personally talked to Bob and he is breaking down tanks and said he should be in the new location around the end of February

[bconn]

I normally like to provide an individual or any business with an ample opportunity to step up and do the right thing. I also considered writing lengthily post surrounding the issues of marginal utility and cognitive dissonance as related to consumer purchases. This may have interested some of you who may have a marketing, economic, or financial background but it would have not gotten to the point.

Up to this point I was rather skeptical of some of the feedback posted concerning Eagle Reef Systems, Inc. I found Bob to be a straight forward guy who clearly was an owner/operator of a LFS who certainly put his personal interests in the hobby ahead of running the business, IMO. Regardless of the other feedback I liked the store and general location. Unfortunately at this point I need to share a situation with the club that I ran into – Buyers Beware.

Several months ago I purchased an Oceanic 215 gallon Ultimate tank from this LFS. Price was fantastic in my opinion. I was also pleased by the fact that they would deliver and help me get the tank into my residence. It appeared to be a win-win situation as I could always have not supported the LST and shopped at TFP. Anyway… About two weeks ago I noticed several “lines” that had appeared in the silicon that extended on the sides where the front glass meets the side glass. It appeared to me that the silicon was actually separating and had caused a six inch long “air pocket.” I also noticed the same on the other side of the tank.

I have attempted to reach Bob multiple times via email and voice mail. The contacts clearly detailed the problem and certainly communicated that I was looking for his guidance in reviewing the tank and deciding if there was an issue with my tank. Unfortunately this individual has failed to return my calls. I also took a ride to his store to speak with him about this situation and request his help. Upon reaching his location, I found the store to appear to be out of business with no forwarding or contact information provided.

The good news in all of this is the exceptional service provided by Jon at Oceanic. Given the LFS non responsiveness I contacted the manufacturer directly for assistance. I can state with confidence that I was provided with the best customer satisfaction by Jon/Oceanic that we have received from a business in some time. When all of this is resolved I plan on sending a note to management at Oceanic praising the efforts of their front line employees. They are doing a great job. I plan on sharing this story concerning my local experience as well as the customer centric service provided to me.

Back to LFS. So it would appear that a replacement tank will be provided to me. I had to send some basic warrantee information as well as pictures of the tank in question. No problems, again great service from Oceanic. Here is where the plot thickens. The standard practice is to deal with the store where the original purchase was made. This is difficult if the store is shut down and the owner/operator fails to respond to emails and phone calls. I was advised that the LFS/wholesaler will get credit from Oceanic. I need to return the old tank to LFS who will in turn supply to distributer. (I remember thinking to myself that this tank would never get out of the basement when we were bringing it in. Shaking head)

Just wanted to share my two cents as well as my overall experience in this situation. This thread is not meant to guide anyone from one vendor to another but rather to illustrate the importance of decision as related to major purchases.


I will update this thread with the outcome of tank replacement as well as to provide insight whether someone did the “right thing.”

IMO

[NEWSALT]

Eagle Reefs was supposed to be moving back to Rt. 22 in Greenbrok. It was supposed to happen sometime this month. It's in the same strip mall where Reef Inc was, just down at the opposite end. I heard from Ed that there was a Sherrif's sale at Eagle Reefs in Hillsbourgh on 1/31.
This weekend I drove past the strip mall when the store is supposed to be moving to. I saw a white van there that resembled the one Bob has. Perhaps the move is in progress. It's 10 min. from my house, so I'll keep you posted.

[Phyl]

Did you find them at the new location? I thought they were in the process of moving. You may also try asking one of our club sponsors to accept the trade in for you. Good luck getting it resolved. I'm glad to hear that at least Oceanic is taking care of you. Keep us posted.

[bconn]

TY

[DaveK]

I'm sorry to hear about your problem.

I think you'll get your tank problem fixed one way or another.

It's always rough when you buy something from a LFS, and they soon go under. At least you got the tank. They could have gone under after taking your deposit, but before delivery.

If they went under, they likely have a lot of other people after them for money, and they are not likely to ever return any phone calls or answer email. You could try contacting the landlord of the store, and maybe they have contact information, but even if they do, it's more than likely that you'll just be another creditor.

Maybe you can get Oceanic to agree to return and exchange the tank by going through another LFS, or wholesaler. They must know who is selling to who.

[harryk]

Man that really sucks. I felt like you at first about Eagle Reef, then i got burned by Bob and i never went back even though it's 10 minutes from my house. Good luck with getting the new tank

Harry

[Carlo]

bconn, check with them and see if this can be handled via another LFS. If so and you aren't to far from Hamilton (near Trenton) I can probably be of assistance to you in getting this fixed/replaced.

Carlo

[magic]

Eagle Reefs was supposed to be moving back to Rt. 22 in Greenbrok. It was supposed to happen sometime this month. It's in the same strip mall where Reef Inc was, just down at the opposite end. I heard from Ed that there was a Sherrif's sale at Eagle Reefs in Hillsbourgh on 1/31.
This weekend I drove past the strip mall when the store is supposed to be moving to. I saw a white van there that resembled the one Bob has. Perhaps the move is in progress. It's 10 min. from my house, so I'll keep you posted.

Stopped at the new/old location on rt22 today. The store doesn't look as if anything has been done to the interior. It's a long way from being ready. Mike(newsalt)don't bother making the trip.

Bob

[bconn]

SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY

LAW DIVISION

SOMERSET COUNTY

DOCKET NO. SOM-L-0840-06



SHERIFF'S SALE

NO. 8407

Between



KINGSBRIDGE ASSOCIATES, LLC



PLAINTIFF

vs.



EAGLE REEF SYSTEMS, INC. and ROBERT L. WIATROSKI, SR.



DEFENDANTS





Notice is hereby given that on





WEDNESDAY THE 30th OF JANUARY, 2008





a public sale will be held at ten o'clock in the forenoon of said day, that is to say at 10:00 A.M. prevailing time at Eagle Reef Systems, 284 Route 206 South, Triangle Center in Hillsborough, New Jersey of the following personal property:

1 Royal Register; 1 Dell Computer; 1 Black Leather Chair; 4 One Hundred Twenty Five Gallon Fish Tanks; 11 Forty Gallon Fish Tanks; 14 Seventy Five Gallon Fish Tanks; 8 Fifteen Gallon Fish Tanks; 1 One Hundred and Fifty Gallon Fish Tank. Items will be sold as individual units. This is an Alias Writ of Execution.

The property is located at: 284 Route 206 South, Triangle Center in Hillsborough, New Jersey.









Amount of Judgment to be satisfied $47,216.96 plus interest, cost, printers fees, Sheriffs fees and commission.







The successful bidder must have cash, certified check, cashier's check or treasurer's check for the full amount of the Bid at the time of the Sale.







ITEMS WILL BE SOLD INDIVIDUALLY



OPEN BIDDING ONLY - - - - - NO SEALED BIDS









FRANK J. PROVENZANO, SR.

SHERIFF



DATED: October 30, 2007

Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus, PA

P.O. Box 1018

Somerville, New Jersey 08876-1018

[MikeNapoli]

bconn, does that mean they went out of business and they're not moving?

[JasonR]

Where is all the rock,Lighting and MTC Stuff on that list?
Tanks are cheap

I will look at the old store in Greenbrook today and see if there is any action there

Jason

[bconn]

Not sure, good question. I stopped by the "old" store in Greenbrook yesterday. NOTHING there. Looks like it did when the store was shut down 1.5+ years ago. There does not appear to be any activity related to setup of new location.

Based on the the link from Somerset Sherrif it appears that corp may be out of business.

http://www.somcosheriff.org/sales_images/8407.mht

One could speculate based on the listed Plaintiff (KINGSBRIDGE ASSOCIATES, LLC) there is a small amount they are owed. Based on their website I believe they are a property management company. Perhaps they represent the location where the store was.

[JasonR]

Kingsbridge Associates
That is Probally Grosso
It was his building that Bob was renting the store from

[radiata]

I will look at the old store in Greenbrook today and see if there is any action there



Too bad. Drove by there yesterday and there was no sign of life at the old spot.
But, Bob does seem like the kind of guy that has the ability to land on his feet...