I used to work at a lfs in my area that is pretty good about only selling fish to folks that will take good care of them. They refuse to sell fish if they know that the fish is going to unhealthy conditions. While I worked there, I came to some conclusions...
Once someone tells a person that doesn't like to research any information (correct or incorrect), it seems to get stuck in their head and its hard to change their mind. It is tough to face customers day after day that argue with you because their friend told them something or they stand there and tell other customers in the store "Oh yeah, I've got an oscar in a 10 gallon and he's been happy for 3 years." Please! I used to spin around and tell them--in a tactful manner as it is a small city with local owners that hear about rude salespeople--exactly how happy their oscar with a giant hole in its head and a warped body really was. I would point out the rescues that would come in that we had for sale with warped fins and bodies and tell them the specs of the tanks that those fish came from. Some people listened, others just ignored me..."Oh that's too bad...now can I have one of these juvies for my 20 gallon?" NO!!!!!! And, luckily, my manager backed me. Not all employees of these places have that.
Stores are concerned with sales and profits because that keeps them in business. They're more likely to sell a 10 gallon set up than a 75 gallon set up to a customer that's concerned with cost. So when a customer goes to these places and wants a "cool fish" in a cheap set up, the money signs start flashing in their eyes and thoughts of the health of the animals goes out the window.
