Dozey

Today was finally warm enough to go get new fish, whoopee.

But as many of you know I like to experiment and today was no exception. Just before leaving I decided to fill a dirty mason jar with tap water. That’s right “tap water”, chlorine and all.

Before purchasing my new fish at the LFS (large chain) I asked the “manager” of the fish department to test my water to ensure that it was safe for fish. Fishlips had to walk away as she couldn’t keep a straight face, but I managed to hang on. I’m sure most of you already know what the response was that I received from the manager of the fish department of the large chain LFS advised me. Of course… My water was in perfect condition to add fish.

I’m so glad to know that if anything ever goes wrong with my aquarium I can simply fill my kitchen sink with tap water and transfer my fish.

Too all newbies… You need your own test kit!!!!!!!

lordingsy

Brilliant.

Jess

WOW, I can't believe they're so deceitful. Amazing test. Did you let them know in the end what you actually brought in?

Dozey

No I didn’t. I did want the new fish and I’ve been asked to leave the store a few times already for just these types of “experiments”. So I let it ride… THIS TIME!

Bedraggled

ROFLMBO!!! Wow..

Lucy

You're so bad.

Dozey

That's exactly what Fishlips said. Although it didn’t seem to help her hold back the tears of laughter.

hkirchen

That is hilarious! I wouldn't have the guts to do something like that, but it is great info for newbies who would trust the lfs. I myself found fishlore after I had added fish to my 24 old tank! Yikes!

Every newbie should buy the API test kit so that they can do their own testing!

Mike19

I dont understand why some LFS would do this, isnt good business about repeat business. or will sick fish/poor water cause fish death after a short period of time hence repeat businesses i dont get it.

did you test the water in the bag from the LFS?

Mike

Dozey

I haven't Mike... but thanks for the idea, brilliant idea!

I will have plenty of water from the LFS. I’ll be sure to reserve some to test. I’ll let you know in the next few hours.

And on the other note… As most tropical fish live for 4 to 20+ years I’m guessing dead fish is far better for business then healthy fish.

Jess

If you brought your fish home and are planning to test the water from the fish store your fish were in. (I've done this before) Its likely that the fish have fouled the water on the way home. The only way you can get a good test is bagging the water at the store with out any fish in it. Then test it.

Mike19

also what fish did you buy, im not sure you mentioned it or i missed it.

Dozey

Good point!!! But the fish store is only 3 minutes away from me and I’ve got the water for testing out the bag already. I guess I’ll know in a few minutes.

Dozey

OH, I purchased two more neons to add to my school of 6 and two honey gouramis. The new fish will be spending the next three weeks in jail before being added to my main tank… Wow I’m glad I don’t have a 100+ gallon tank to stock, it would take for ever!

Mike19

don't say that i might get a 180g soon haha

Dozey

Then stock it with BIG fish. This adding a few little fish at a time and quarantining for 3 weeks is just down right painful… But slowly but surely I’m getting there. Pictures coming soon… WOW! My first pictures with fish actually visible in the tank, what a concept.

Dozey

OK… So fish (2 neons) in the bag for no more then 15 minutes from the LFS…
ammonia 0.5 PPM
Nitrites 0.0 ppm
Nitrates 40 ppm
pH 7.2

Hmmm… A water change and some Prime might be in order. Maybe I’ll head back tomorrow and bring my API kit with me.

TennThunder

Dozey, I think the site needs to hire you as like an "investigative reporter" and you could go around to fish shops all over North America and test them like you did today. You could be like the "Mike Wallace of Fish Journalism" and confront them afterwards and let them know you will reported on FishLore if they don't shape up.

Jess

You would have to dress in disguise because soon the word would be out "Watch out for that Dosey character!" Or like a food critic. : )

Angela_96

The funny thing is when you will have something go wrong with the tank no matter what your test at home says 9 out of 10 times they will say there is something going on. I had to take a fish back about 6-8 months ago, my api test kit showed neg for nitrites, ammonia and 10 on nitrates and my ph was 8.0 they said my ammonia was off the chart, and my ph was too hight for african cichilds, w? african cichlids have to have a high ph!

I had tested the water 3 times before I took the fish in. W/ the same brand test kit they use.

This is the same results that i get and will take it in to them to re-test and they will say everythings fine, unless you want a refund.

Then recently my "coral" crash I took the water in it was perfect and they were willing to give me "store credit" (different store of coarse)

BlowPhish

Great story Dozey. Did you let them know it was tap water in the end? HAHAHA

aquatic mouse

WOW! Unbelievable. I'm so glad my LFS tests water in front of the customer. They have a sheet they fill out and give to you afterward. When I was setting up my 55 gallon, I had them test the water once a week. I could compare the results of each testing with the result sheets.

Dozey

Aside from that being funny as heck, I encourage all of you to head off with a jar of tap water to the LFS for your reports. It would certainly be interesting to know what the result of 6, 10 or 20 members here got from their LFS.

If you do, don’t name names. We don’t want to get FishLore in trouble. But chain store or ma & pa operation I think is ok to say.

I only have 4 choices for fish stocking. 3 chain stores and 1 locally owned store. I’ll be sure to let you know how I make out at the other 3 locations.

Dozey

My LFS actually did test the water in front of me. The manager reached under a counter and produced a test strip (new? I don’t know) with 5 test areas on it. I didn’t think to ask what brand test strips they were using.

She swirled it around in my water for half a second, shook it three times and with no chart to compare to – she looked at the test strip and told me my water was absolutely fine to add fish to.

You are very fortunate to have such a decent LFS to deal with. I will count your comments as 1 vote for YES. Is that a chain store or ma & pa store?

aquatic mouse

They are a small chain (stores in OH, IN, & KY). MODERATORS, because this is a nice comment...can I name the store or even better, show the result sheet? When I was having an issue with water changes, the manager suggested I bring in tap water to compare their water with mine (they're in the next city over).

TennThunder

I totally agree. Another thing we could ask is a simple question like the best way to cycle, and we would find if you ask 10 fish store people, most likely 10 different answers (personal experience).

TennThunder

Jess, won't be a problem because we all will help him come up with disguise ideas. Maybe one time Dozey can go with this huge 'fro, kinda like that one dude on American Idol last week. Would be classic!

cerianthus

All Right. Do NOT want to start a debate among fellow hobyist but have one question for Dozey.

Let pretend Dozey has a "tummy ache" so goes to family doctor and said Hi DOC! My leg hurts. What do you think the diagnosis will be?

Without proper explanation, one may end up with wrong advice.

Not that I give lfs great confidence, but I know there are some who might. Have you ever thought that he may have done simple pH, NH3, NO2, NO3 test and found nothing wrong although he/she should've ask few simple questions prior to testing. But when dealing w/ large Chains, i guess its just another job for most staff.

I believe, when requesting for test, should be done Only to confirm your reading for fish's sake if you're not confident enough. I have never asked lfs to test a water for me. I felt that it was my responsibility to ensure the safety/longevity of what ever i purchase.

Even thoughI do not have much confidence with lfs staff (that's why i do research and do what ever it takes to keep livestock healthy), I was somewhat sadden by what I read on this thread. Maybe it was just for fun!!! But what the point?? Waste of time and effort.!!!

I do not know what your profession is/will be, but I am a firm believer of "What goes Up MUST come down"!!!!

Cerianthus.

PS: testing result of lfs is NOT that bad compared to some I've tested for few decades. This is probably due to Centralized System rather than individual corner box filter which ran display tanks in lfs when I was young.

TennThunder

Hope I did this right, this is the pic of the Idol dude. I can easily picture Dozey going into his LFS with this 'do

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shih-tzu mom

Dozey; excellant lol bella