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Click to go strait to STM's main site.
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Recommended Dealer |
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Click to go strait to STM's main site.
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Its with great pleasure that I quote STM as one of the UK's premier dealers in my experience. (no, ill correct that, STM are probably 'the' benchmark, that most other UK dealers are judged by.)...... Why?...... well read on....... STM started out in 1995 as just another L.F.S in the never-ending stream of dealers to crop up each and every year. Many of these fail, some survive, and a few, 'just a few', take the bull by the horns and go full hog into the risky world of becoming a specialist Marine outlet. That's not to say that STM don't do tropical fresh water and pond, they do, and do a splendid range of both stock and equipment, but hey, lets face it, that's not why your here is it. Why do I rate them as a recommended dealer ? well its quite simple really, They hold a massive stock range of both corals and fish, That's LPS, Softies, and SPS, plus all the inverts we love. On the fish side, they frequently have pairs, groups, rare species, and challenging ones, as well as your more common species. Its easy to see why they are so popular with both novices and hardcore reefers the country over as there is always something that will catch your eye. In terms of stock holding, the mind boggles at the sheer volume, so I'm not going to pin a number on it. suffice to say they have 23 invert / coral tanks ranging in size. 8 of which are around the 3x2 size, the rest being very well laid out 6x2's that are shallow enough in some cases for you to view SPS corals from above and from the side which is a major bonus as an avid SPS buyer. The marine fish system in no less impressive and comprises of another 23 tanks of varying size, always responsibly stocked, well cared for, and spotlessly clean. Add to this some expert knowledge and advice, quality accessories and equipment from top brand companies of which the following is just a taste. Aqua medic, Deltec, Tunze, Schuran, Caribsea, Arcadia, Oceans blend, Two little fishes, Salifert,Marc Weiss, The list goes on and on. And if its not listed, I wouldn't be surprised if they can get it especially for you. Put all this together, and you have an all-round package that is extremely hard to beat.
Recently introduced are the STM Nano reefs as well. They also offer a wide range of superb lighting arrangements and mini pumps etc for these little gems.. Here is a shot of the counter Display tank.
But it goes beyond that.......... STM also have a coral farm, yes 'Farm' which handles and supplies their startling array of aqua cultured corals. Why is this so important? . Well, put simply, I've found in many cases that aqua cultured colonies are allot more robust than the hacked off fragments of wild colonies we usually see imported. For me, this means a higher success rate with introduction due to the fact that the colony is already 'settled' onto a suitable platform, and is fully healed, without any tissue damage that can be an entrance for infection with the stresses and trauma of shipping and introduction into the aquarium. For me, this is a big boon as it offers confidence that the coral in question (and my money) stands a better chance of thriving once in the tank. That's not to say it 'always' works that way, but I'm glad to confirm that even in the event of a problem, these guys are always willing to help sort the situation out as quickly and as painlessly as possible to your satisfaction.. The guys are always up for a chat if at all possible, and have a nice relaxed air about the way they do business but beware, it can get busy so try not to distract them too much with questions about why clownfish are not as funny as their name suggests.... Prices are always displayed which I really like, and if they aren't, it probably means its serving a purpose in their system and isn't for sale at that time (I'll challenge anyone to get one of the leopard wrasse's out of the coral tanks from Jez. I haven't succeeded yet, so its worth the trip, just see Jez's face when you ask if they are for sale...again.) STM also do regular open days / evenings which pull in people from all over the UK, so its testament to their skills and stock, that people are willing to travel such distances for an evening. They are now also combining guest speakers into the format (myself included) as a way of giving something back to the hobby 'something Chris is very much into' and as a way of saying 'thanks' for the support they have been shown over the years. If nothing else, Its well worth a trip to one of these events just to learn a few tips from the experts such as Martin Lakin etc, and to see me make a prat of myself in front of a crowd
Here are some shots of just a few of the hundreds of livestock items to pass through their doors monthly, and a few I'm my tank, and other reefers tanks that have come from them as well. Here are a few stock Videos for your perusal.
( Please note that these video files are only example stock files. The livestock featured may or may not still be available at time of calling...but you never know.) Here are some more stock pictures.
Some photos of 'small' sections of quite a substantial shop.
What more can I say......
How
to find STM
01732-454190
sales
Recommended dealer, and source for stunning corals and fish.
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