Lfs

[theevoys]

Wow! I went to my lfs today and I am glad I had this forum to teach me the right way. I decided to test their 'fish expert' and asked: how long do you think it will take before my tank cycles?

She said, "How long have you had it running?"

"A week and a half"

"Is your salinity stable? And your temperature."

"Yeah."

"Oh, that's more than enough, you need to just throw in some 'flusher' fish."

"Well, my ammonia levels are pretty high right now, about 4ppm since I am doing a fishless cycle."

"A fishless cycle? How is that possible? I've never heard of someone doing that before! You need to put some fish in there right away."

She then proceeded to try to sell me a pair of percs for my toxic, death trap, ammonia filled tank. She told me all I needed to do was a major water change to get 'some' of the ammonia out. When I questioned her about needing the right bacteria, etc... She replies, "Well, the fish produce the right bacteria before they allow ammonia to be produced."

Unfortunately my other option is Petco where there are always tanks full of dead/tilted fish. As much as I need an LFS here for convenience. I don't think it's worth the problems. I'll just order online.

Oh, and by the way. There is no guarantee on their saltwater fish. What a surprise!!!

 

[becky_e]

I think it's time for major lfs education. Maybe if everyone works together, we can send them all to this site, where hopefully they'll be able to learn something about taking care of SW fish.

Even a few weeks ago, before I got this crazy idea to start a SW tank, I would've known better than to needlessly expose fish to ammonia.

So, next time an lfs tells anyone to buy a cartridge filter, mix fish that will eat each other together, put too many fish in a 20 gal. tank, or sacrifice some damsels to ammonia, just tell them to come here where they can be straightened out!

Of course there are plenty of lfs that know their business , but this should save the lives of a few more fish!

 

[skippy2]

I am so glad I have a reputable lfs. He always asks what kind of fish a customer already has (if he doesn't know already) before he will sell a fish. He always asks what type of lights a person has before he sells a coral. He is in it for the love of the hobby not for just the money. His tanks at the store and his home prove it.

 

[airbrnebkr]

Good to see there are some good ones out there. I fell pray to a "throw in some Damsels" lfs. I dont think I will be going back there anytime soon. I like the idea of getting some of these folks educated but I think that a good education wouldnt sell fish...seems like $$$ is the problem. not lack of knowledge
Doug

 

[theevoys]

They could always sell overpriced bottles of pure ammonia like they do with everything else. Or open up a deli and sell cooked shrimp for 10 times the normal price.

 

[airbrnebkr]

hahahah... Be careful what you wish for..hahahah

 

[Raki]

Hey I've brought cooked shrimp the live ones are much more expensive and smaller too!!!.


anyway

I must be fortunate there are 2 great LFS both under 5 miles from my house and the people who work at them are intellegent and up on all the latest info.Neither place will sell you something simply for the sake on a buck and they make sure you know what your buying . Both places have helped me with my Newbie-ness with out making me feel stupid.