What to look for in a LFS

I am going to go and check out a LFS that is about 30 miles from my house it is supposed to have a good verity of Marine fish, I have never been there so I am going to ask some questions and get a feel for the place. Any Pointers that Anybody can give me on what to look for and what to ask would be appreciated ;D

 

Ask them to describe their acclimation and quarantining process for new arrivals.  Ask about what parameters they keep for water quality and temp.  Ask about their medication policy, ie. adding copper to fish only display tanks.

Always view the fish and look for tattered fins, labored breathing, white spots, etc.  Make sure you see them eat.  Watch and see how long it takes them to net a fish for a customer, anything over 60 seconds and I won't take the fish due to too much stress.

I always purchase fish that have been in the display tank of my LFS for at least one week.  The first week is chancy due to the stress of being shipped.  Also inquire about where they get there fish and how long they are bagged during transport.  What measures do they take to ensure net caught versus cyanide caught fis, are they good coservationists?

That's it for starters.

 

Thank you Craig that is some good info to be armed with and some good questions to ask. I hope that it is worth the trip, as the LFS that is near by me seems to be only interested in selling me something and acts like he is too busy to answer a lot of questions.

 

thanks craig ill do that next time im at my lfs

 

RE: checking out LFS...

Good advice Craig...

My experience with is very limited..

But something I "might do" now, is do a little "test" upon entering any new LFS...

Make query about purchasing a known "difficult to keep" or "expert only" species, and if retailer heads straight for dip net and bag without asking about your experience, tank, water quality, etc...head straight for the exit door with wallet safely in pocket. 8)

OmarD
;D

 

Sneaky omard, but a good test!

 

I LIKE IT BUT I WOULDN'T PICK THE SHOULD BE LEFT ON THE REEF, HARDEST TO KEEP THING IN THE STORE, THAT EVEN A BAD LFS MIGHT SAY SOMETHING. I WOULD PICK SOMETHING A LITTLE EASIER BUT STILL QUITE HARD

 

Ok fish store guy here. If you are going to test a store like that you alos may ruin a new relationship, if a customer walks up and asks for something specific why is it just the lfs that needs to be responsible? Now if you ask question on keeping of difficult fish and get bogus answers thats one thing but should the grocery store tell you what to eat, or a car dealership tell you what car to drive (assuming you can afford any car on the lot.) or clothing store tell you what to wear? The answer is no and the lfs does have a responsibility to insure health of the animal but how do you help someone that won't help themselves? I have stories that can have their own topic or thread. Not to mention what about the reefers that know everything and won't listen and why does the lfs have to assume you are stupid when you ask about a certian fish isn't there some kind of joint responsibilty in this? Finally I still will shop lfs before online and yes I have done both, I like human contact and like to build relationships

 

I THINK HE MEANS, AND WHAT I TOOK IT TO MEAN WAS, ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SPECIES AND IF HE TELLS YOU ITS HARDY OR IT IS A GOOD CORAL OR FISH FOR A BEGINNER THEN YOU KNOW HES JUST TRYING TO SELL YOU SOMETHING AND THERES A PROBLEM. I AGREE A CUSTOMERS SHOULD RESEARCH BEFORE MAKING A PURCHASE, THAT MAKES A GOOD CUSTOMER. SIMILARLY, A LFS SHOULD KNOW WHAT HES SELLING, AND THAT MAKES A GOOD LFS

 

Well My experience with the store went very well, I went into the store and was told if there is anything I can help you with just let me know and if you have any questions just ask. And ask I did ;Dthey were very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions I talked to the owner and the specialist they have on hand that takes care of all the marine tanks, I didn't even have to ask to talk to them they just came over and started talking to me. I talked to them for about 1 hour or more they were very helpful and not once did any one of them try to sell me anything. I think I found my new LFS ;D The only thing that did bother me was that they said they have a fast turnover in there fish when I asked if it would be possible to watch a fish for a while before purchasing it. But the owner did tell me if I was interested in a fish he will hold it for me If I wanted to let it acclimate for a while before taking it home, So that is good.

As for the test, This LFS Owner told me he always asks a new customer that are interested in buying fish or inverts,( What size tank they have, how long have they had it, how is it set up and what do you have in it? ) And I do believe him because he also has a form that he wants all his new customers to fill out with all of there tank info,that they keep for a reference.