Irresponsible fish owners

I don't really like Petco at all. Because there are very few petcos that actually carry healthy reptiles in massive supply. ESPECIALLY Leopard Geckos, which I am quite fond of (my big fatty Tina lives by my bed in her little 10g terrarium). I just don't see many healthy specimens in those stores, no matter which store I go to (We have 3 in my area...). I've been in Florida, Oklahoma, etc. That's the only pet store I'd really bash though. And I admit it, I'm bashing them.

Locally owned and operated LFS's are the best by far. There is one or two here that are in it for the money only, not the people or aquariums. But there is one store that is absolutely amazing. They've helped us with setup and purchases almost more than 3reef has (or more). They're employee sold us his old protein skimmer he had on his 120, and now we have it on a 46, and it is just kickin butt.

In my area, ignorance or lack of knowledge play a part in some bad starts with aquariums. However, total lack of common sense (which could almost be stupidity) plays another part. Some of the things I've heard people do...why...why???...how they are allowed to live in society I don't know.

 

LOL

I just ignore it. I was always lumped in with "all of the LFS's" on these forums for every ill known to mankind. Will Marine Depot answer your questions? Will any of the Internet companies open up early on a Sunday morning and teach people how to frag? And then surprise them and let them take the frags home. Will and online company say, "You don't want that in your tank?" or say, "You don't have enough experience yet for this animal?" Heck, the Internet companies that sell corals and fish don't ever see the coral or fish. They land in LAX, the transhippers pop the fish into new boxes based on orders received, and within an hour or two are back in the air. (The more responsible ones give them new water and Re-Ox them). They have a live fish guarantee. Basically, if your fish dies, it's cheaper for them to just send you a new one rather than have employees checking on your fishes health. They merely play the law of averages......if 30% die, then they can replace those cheaper than paying for electricity, filtration, employees, etc.

What about the customers actions? Why do good people leave the industry?

What about customers who pick your brains for hours on end via being in the store and asking questions for hours, calling you on the phone, and emailing you. Then they purchase their pump online to save $10. What about customers who want to buy a real sensitive species of animal and you say, where is your water so I can test it or what are your parameters, and they promise you that they are fine. Ok, well "Fine" doesn't tell me much. Why don't people on the forums talk about things like this.

Can anyone tell I'm glad to be out of the industry? LOL

 

Sounds like my HobbyTown days...customers...*twitch* There seemed to be a trend with Nitro Car customers.

 

Good point. +1

I buy nearly all equipment locally. I only go online to save a few bucks when we're talking 30+ in savings ... i.e, used off Craigslist. I've been jonesing for a 75 gallon, and I just found a 125 gallon on CL (saltwater tank, drilled, used) for $75, can get it for $60. That's a savings I can't pass up.

 

Be careful grouping all LFS and all Petco's into one category! Yes, there are LFS out there that are bad, and yes there are Petcos that are bad! As educated consumers we have to make the decision as to which place we want to go to and where we will not! There are many good LFS and places that do care about the animals. Many of the workers there have a ton of knowledge and are willing to share that knowledge with their customers. I have been refused a fish or two that I wanted when I first started cause I was not ready. Some, sadly do only want to make a buck and will sell you anything. But that is in ANY type of business.

I have been very fortunate.....I have many great LFS in my area that I can buy from, and many that I refuse to buy from! But this thread has become a little offensive in the way some are bashing everyone in the industry! Not everyone who sells fish are bad and we need to be more careful in our generalizations!

 

Last time I went into my local petco I was looking at the coral tanks and the temp read 91f
I said something to the girl in that section and she just blew me off.The second time I was there massive amounts of bobbles were flooding the saltwater tanks a blue powder tang was laying on the substrate gasping, amones were all floating around in the bobble storm, that's the last time I went there and I refuse to shop there(for fish related stuff).

Luckily I have 4 LFS and 3 of them are excellent.one is just a little to far to drive but still a good store.

 

My 2 LFS always ask "you have a setup saltwater tank that is established" before even entertaining the thought of selling saltwater fish to a customer. There was a customer that said "I have a goldfish bowl that I am going to add table salt to make the saltwater, so I'd like to get 2 Nemos please." My LFS refused to sell them the fish and said "we will not sell you animals that will die in 5 minutes because you are not properly prepared." It upsets me when I hear such ignorance too, but some people are just like that.

 

My LFS refused to sell us our pistol/goby combo because our tank was too young and the ammonia and nitrites were not zero yet (meaning not cycled).

2 weeks later, we have the pistol shrimp and goby because our ammonia and nitrite had been zero for a week. Good things come to those who wait.

 

Pictures???? I dont think I remember seeing them! Got to post pictures man!;D