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Many of you that have been following The Digital Reef know that I have spent thousands of dollars in the hobby mail-ordering fish, corals and hard goods. One of the most difficult things to find is a local pet store that can at least from time to time offer quality items at reasonable prices. Well, I just happened to be one of the fortunate ones and found a place not too far from the Cleveland, OH area that has just about anything I need and at prices that are so low, they are hard to believe. The Salty Critter is owned by Dan Leaky whom I met about 5 years ago when he was working in a reef aquarium shop. He seemed very knowledgeable and friendly and I remember having a conversation with him about how the prices in the store he was working in were outrageous. Well, I guess Dan heard that comment from more people than just myself because a couple of years ago Dan opened up The Salty Critter to address the concerns that many people have in the hobby; high prices, low quality animals and poor service.

I was giving a presentation for the Cleveland Saltwater Enthusiasts Association (C-Sea) and Dan, who was the president at the time said that he had opened up a store and I immediately told him that I would be by the next day. I took the 45 minute drive from Cleveland to Vermilion and can honestly say that it was well worth the trip. Since that first trip, I have been back to The Salty Critter over a dozen times and spent a few thousand dollars and it was all worth it. The Salty Critter is my #1 place for saltwater fish because they live and are very healthy. In store prices are exactly the same as Internet prices, which has been a problem in my area. There are quite a few shops that have websites and advertise one price on the Internet and inflate the price when you visit the store, which is very annoying to me. Not at The Salty Critter. It is a one-price, no-hassle, friendly place.

I thought that I was getting some kind of special treatment from Dan when I visited but each and every time I visit, I listen to the advise he gives customers and their responses when he tells them the Honest Truth about fish and coral compatibility and most customers say that they were going to buy the item until Dan told them it was incompatible with their fish or coral. That’s actually what I like about The Salty Critter. They are not trying to just get you in the store and sell you something just because. They are very serious about the marine hobby and making sure the animals and products you purchase from them are compatible with your marine ecosystem.

If you are in the Cleveland, Ohio area or are searching the Internet for quality items for your marine aquarium, make sure you check out The Salty Critter because you will not be disappointed. The Salty Critter is my #1 source for all my reef aquarium needs. And to top it all off, The Salty Critter does tank maintenance as well and has accounts at some of the finest companies in the Cleveland area. From Saltwater fish, corals, hard goods, tanks, frozen foods to tank maintenance, The Salty Critter Has/Does it all!!!

**The Salty Critter Pics ...**

Dan, Owner of the Salty Critter!!!