OMG, I can't believe what I overheard!!!

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petcrazy213

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Nov 26, 2003
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Michigan
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I was in my local Petsmart the other day buying some crix and catfood and of course I can't help but pass through the fish. Anyway, this guy is talking to one of the workers (an older lady whom I never seen in the fish department before) about starting a tank. She asked about his tank ... I believe he said it was a 5 gallon with a small hang on filter and a small heater. He said he needed to get a couple goldfish fot it because his kids won some fish at a fair a couple months ago and he'd replaced them like 8 times already. I guess he'd been buying the cheap feeders and trying to get them to live for a while. Anyway, he asked her what she thought he should get and I saw them go through all the fish tanks and she told him what was what. Next thing I know (I turned into the live plants for a few moments) she's bagged up 3, yes 3, medium size FANCY GOLDFISH! They were each about 3 inches, including their tails. I wanted to tell him to stop and not buy them but I also knew it wouldn't do any good. I then heard her ask about how long the tank had been set up and the guy said something like, "oh, I got it yesterday and set everything up and it's been running with the filter now for about an hour" ... uhg! I almost died! THEN, I watched in utter amazement as he then pointed out a PLECO for the tank ... and she didn't even say it was a bad idea, just caught the fish (rather roughly I might add). She had also been talking to him about getting a small cory to "help eat the waste" in the tank but I don't think he bought that one. I just couldn't believe what I had just seen. I know most of these chain stores are only in it for the sale but this store USUALLY has very knowledgeable staff and I double check the info they give me and it's 90% correct. I heard her telling the guy, as I walked away, to "make sure to keep your receipt cause we guarentee our fish for 2 weeks and if they die you can bring them back" ... YIKES! She seemed to know exactly what was going to happen but never said a word (kind like me I guess, I probably should have said something). Those poor fish. :eek:
 
The manager most likely won't do a thing. I have a friend (who owns an LFS now that was in her family for 30 years) who worked at Petsmart for a short while. She was told not to give out information like "that fish shouldn't go in that, or those fish shouldn't go together" by the manager, and said it was store policy because if they told people that it would impact the sales adversly. So I wouldn't expect a single thing to happen if I were you.
 
I cant believe stores can treat fish this way! Over here if you teat things like cats or dogs badly you can go to court, and be banned from owning pets, and get fined and stuff. When I have bought cats and dogs befre they come out and do a house inspection first and ask a lot of questions about your life style to see if your suitable etc. Why is there no such thing in place for fish! There really should be something in place where by stores are not aloud to sell unsuitable fish and give incorect advice in such a ridiculous way! Y'know something in the trade discriptions act or something. Cause ists cruel on the fish and the innocent enough person who just dosent know better just ends up wasting money on fish that will die!
Rahhhh thats my rant!
 
I'm afraid it's just a fact that it's easier for the law to protect little furry animals. Fish are not cuddly and you can't pick them up to pet them. This makes most people regard them as little more than an attractive, but disposable, object. I think you have to keep fish to really appreciate how complicated they are.
 
UUUUUGGGGHHHH!!!!!! STUPID LFS!!!!!!!!

I NEVER ask chain LFS employees any fish question whatsoever. One time I got a 2.5G and they told me to buy 2 small fancy goldfish...

Anyhoo, Non-chain LFS people are SOOOO much more knowledgeable!! Believe me, I've tested 'em!!
 
not everyone is bad

I'd like to stae that I work at Petco on the weekends and everytime someone is going to buy ANY fish I always ask questions like how long has the tank been set up, how big is the tank, how big are the fish, what type of filter do you have, and what type of fish do they have. I've even refused to sell people fish because I know that they're just going to kill them. :eek: They get MAD :mad2 at me and complain to the manager but the manager in our store will listen toi why I didn't sell the fish and back me up on my desicion. Most people in my department look out for the well being of the fish. :D
 
sezaro21 said:
......questions like how long has the tank been set up, how big is the tank, how big are the fish, what type of filter do you have, and what type of fish do they have.........
Click to expand...


I DON'T work at any LFS's but I've asked the same thing of other customers. I've helped out with questions when the sales people are now where to be found. I even prevented a mother buying like 4 more fish for the 2.5 gallon that she had in her hand( no cycling needed right). At least she was getting her daughter's gold fish(that she won) a larger home. She thanked me for helping her. If people want help and will listen give advice but some people wont so don't take it the wrong way.
 
Usually depends on the employee servicing you, best to find a LFS with knowledgable people in 'er. I've had good and bad suggestions in the same store on many occassions =\
 
My petsmart has advised me against some stuff, like not to mix africans w/ s. americans, not to put other fish in w/ my puffer, and not to get the butterfly. They also told my I couldn't return the fish I've got there because the puffer wasn't compatable w/ them. As you can see I didn't listen, but at least they warned me. i guess it depends on who you get. mabey the fish guy had to go to lunch and the dog lady filled in for a half hour. no excuse, but a reason. I agree "those poor fish".
 
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