I get most of my fish and fish supplies from Petsmart. I don't have any freshwater LFS near me - the closest LFS is near my work and I went in there once- the fish all had visible Ick. Not going back there.
Anyway I am always wary of the big box pet stores because of the stories I have read on here. However, I was in there a couple of weeks ago and picked up some Peppered Cories - my rubberlipped pleco passed away
Not thinking about the increased bioload (and also influenced by hubby's excitement about new fish), I also asked for some neon tetra. The store employee actually told me that they recommend not to add more than 4 fish at a time to a tank because of the increased bioload, and to wait about a week for the beneficial bacteria to catch up before adding any more.
He also went on to tell me what to look out for as far as signs of disease in the Cories, and about their tank maintenance and treatment etc. I must say I was impressed, I usually just get some guy who scoops the fish and wishes me a nice day. This guy seemed to be knowledgeable and caring.
Anyway I am always wary of the big box pet stores because of the stories I have read on here. However, I was in there a couple of weeks ago and picked up some Peppered Cories - my rubberlipped pleco passed away
He also went on to tell me what to look out for as far as signs of disease in the Cories, and about their tank maintenance and treatment etc. I must say I was impressed, I usually just get some guy who scoops the fish and wishes me a nice day. This guy seemed to be knowledgeable and caring.