How should a LFS introduce new fish (In your opinion)

So the 3 LFS I go to all bring in new fish differently.

Store 1
No QT at all -- Only if a problem is detected, then the sick fish is put into hospital tanks in the back.

Store 2
QT all new fish --for a minimum of a week then put in the DT for sale

Store 3
No QT -put fish in display tank -several connected together in 1 system. They have 2 UV sterilizers running and change the bulbs every 6 months staggered. If there is a sick fish they remove and treat in the hospital tanks.


What do you think is the best or how do you think it should be?

 

store 1.... lets be honest... lfs dont wanna sit on money.

 

I think most do #1. I don't know about two of the LFS that I go to, but I know one QTs all new fish for 2 weeks (or so they say). I like that they do that, but it doesn't guarantee I'll shop there...it really depends on the selection for me.

 

I think I mis interpreted the question. I answered thinking what do most lfs do.

But Id still keep it the same way if I was a lfs owner.

 

I have bought at all 3

store #2 and #3 do have better looking fish but store #1 has more corals.

I dont like that the first store puts fish with corals and sometimes you see ick on the fish in the same display as the corals.

 

There was an article or a response by Bob Fenner I read recently about ICK and Marine Velvet on WWM, he gave a great answer about how a few simple precautions taken by LFS's and their suppliers would stop alot of the problems with these diseases. I would have to say I think they should atleast dip/treat them before putting them into the tanks for sale.

 

My LFS has a system in the front with a UV where they add new fish. Then they will move to different tanks after time unless they are sold. The only thing I don't get is how in there big displays they will have a fish with a price but they won't catch it because they say they can't without taking the tank apart.

 

Most will do #1 for the healthy and stronger fish. while a good LFS will quarantine a less hardy fish (powder blue tang) for a while to make sure its healthy and eating before selling.. My lfs does this and refuses to send the fish off before a 2 week holding period. They will sell the fish to you , but will hold it in an appropriate sized aquarium until its ready to go home..